Norwich Bulletin Endorses Joe Courtney

Our View: Courtney has done the job
Norwich Bulletin: November 2, 2008

Two years ago, Democratic U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney pledged to the people of Connecticut’s 2nd Congressional District that if given the opportunity to serve in Congress, he’d get up every morning and work as hard as he could on their behalf.

There is ample evidence he has fulfilled that pledge, and he is deserving of re-election.

Courtney understands the importance of the region’s military infrastructure. From his position on the Armed Services Committee, he obtained the necessary funding to increase submarine production at Electric Boat, thus preserving critical manufacturing jobs in Eastern Connecticut. He also secured vital funding for enhancements at the U.S. submarine base in Groton.

Courtney gets it
He understands his district is home to the largest number of veterans per capita than any other congressional district in the state. Working with his colleagues on the Veterans Affairs Committee, Courtney was instrumental in securing additional and enhanced veterans’ benefits.

He understands the vital role of higher education, particularly in a district that is home to many colleges and universities. As a member of the Education and Labor Committee, Courtney was instrumental in reducing college costs, increasing opportunities and making universities more accountable. He also was a key player in the enactment of a new GI Bill for veterans returning home from our wars.

Committed to ensuring health care access and affordability is available to all, Courtney has fought for a better health care system.

Courtney narrowly won election to Congress in 2006 — an 83-vote margin — and now faces challenges from two candidates in his first re-election bid.

Voters have a choice
Republican challenger Sean Sullivan and Green Party candidate G. Scott Deshefy have provided spirited campaigns, giving voters a choice this election year.

Deshefy’s candidacy, however, is more of an effort to secure major party status for the Greens in future elections.

Sullivan’s position regarding the war in Afghanistan — remove all troops and wage the war on terror from ships offshore — and a harsh, line-in-the-sand stance on immigration are positions we believe are unreflective of the majority in Eastern Connecticut.

Sullivan has based his campaign on Courtney’s voting record, noting the freshman lawmaker has voted consistently with his Democratic leadership — 98.2 percent of the time — thus contributing to the highly charged partisanship in Washington that has stalled more legislative action than it has produced. Sullivan presents a legitimate issue worthy of voters’ consideration, especially if — as polls suggest — Democrats will increase majorities in both chambers and take control of the White House.

Courtney demonstrated his independence and leadership in rejecting the economic bailout measure — twice. We hope to see more of that independence in the next term.

Courtney fulfilled the pledge he made two years ago to the people of Eastern Connecticut. We endorse his re-election.

The issue: Three candidates are seeking election in Connecticut’s 2nd Congressional District.

Our view: Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney has served the district well and is deserving of re-election.