Blumenthal & McMahon – The Issues – Part VIII– Miscellaneous

This is the eighth in a series of postings on the policy proposal of the two major Senatorial candidates, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and former WWE Executive Linda McMahon.

The eighth topic is Miscellaneous Issues. Each candidate had some issue statements that are not complemented by the other candidate. This posting will present those issues from each candidate. Since “Senator” McMahon was first last time, “Senator” Blumenthal leads off this eighth part of the series. In both presentations, I have cut out some of the background and only left in the action statements. That makes for a much shorter presentation.

“Senator” Richard Blumenthal

Protecting Children & Families
In the Senate, I will continue to stand up for children and families and take on the special interests in key fights:

Keeping Kids Safe Online
As your Senator, I will work for new rules that keep pace with technology and protect our children online. The laws regulating internet pornographers and predators are badly outdated.
Standing Up to Big Tobacco
As your Senator, I will fight to ensure that the tobacco companies are not able to undermine the authority the FDA needs to protect our children.
Keeping Unsafe Toys Off the Shelves
In the Senate, I will keep working to protect our kids from toxic chemicals in toys… As your United States Senator, I will work to expand and tighten toxic chemical standards to better protect us all, and especially our kids.
Ending Domestic Violence
I will take my fight all the way to the U.S. Senate, standing up to the special interests threatening our kids and our families.

Seniors
As Connecticut’s U.S. Senator, I will fight to honor the hard work and service of our senior citizens, and the obligations we’ve made to them.
Protecting Seniors from Fraud.
Ensuring Access to Medicare Benefits
Fighting Deceptive Advertising
As your U.S. Senator, these would be my priorities:
Protecting Medicare and Social Security… I support aggressive measures to reduce waste, fraud and abuse in all federal spending. But I will not and do not support any effort to balance the budget on the backs of our seniors.
Reforming Nursing Homes. .. our nursing home regulations are inadequate, inconsistent, and ineffective. I’ve testified before Congress advocating stringent national efforts to reduce corruption and abuse, and to improve the quality of care provided in nursing homes. As a U.S. Senator, I will work to enact those proposed reforms.
Negotiating Prescription Drug Prices. If we’re serious about cutting health care costs, we’ve got to get serious about negotiating down drug prices.
Prohibiting Drug Company Exploitation of Dual Eligibles.
Ending the Medicare Part D “Donut Hole”.
Building a National “Silver Alert” System… In the U.S. Senate, I will push for legislation establishing a standardized national alert system to ensure we can always respond rapidly to a loved one’s disappearance.


“Senator” Linda McMahon

Fiscal Discipline - “Deficit spending must end.”
As Senator, I would support a balanced budget Amendment to the Constitution because in the alternative, endless budget deficits and unthinkable debt will cause long-term damage to the economy.
Deficit spending must end. You can’t spend your way out of debt. Fiscal discipline — true fiscal discipline — means not only cutting taxes but also reducing spending.

Bailouts -“The ‘Culture of Bailouts’ must end.”
It is time we immediately shut down TARP and use all unspent or paid-back portions of the program to pay down the debt. I oppose the use of TARP funds for public programs, subsidies and bailouts.
The President has proposed a new tax on banks to recoup roughly $120 billion in TARP funds, even though the majority of TARP funds that went to banks have already been paid back. Most of the funds that were not recouped were used to bail out AIG, GM, Chrysler, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — none of whom should have been bailed out to begin with. I oppose this proposal because it raises taxes during a recession and it will make it more expensive for people and businesses to borrow money as banks pass those added costs onto consumers.

Card Check
I’m opposed to Card Check legislation because I believe the private ballot must be protected and I’m opposed to giving government bureaucrats control of the workplace. Workers should continue to have the protection of a secret ballot. It prevents unions from intimidating workers, and it ensures a fair outcome for both workers and employers.

Death Penalty
I support current state law on the death penalty, which allows for capital punishment.

Illegal Immigration
I support legal immigration and I believe much of this country’s strength and prosperity has come as a result of the immense contributions immigrants have made. We have historically welcomed the best workers and the best minds from every country, and I believe we should continue to do so provided it is done legally. We are a nation built on the rule of law, and immigration laws — like all laws — must be enforced. While I believe immigration reform is needed, I believe reform starts with securing the border. Border enforcement should be followed by interior enforcement and a revamp of the visa process. I’m opposed to amnesty.

Second Amendment
America has a long history of gun ownership, and I fully support 2nd Amendment rights.


Comments
It is interesting to see which topics each candidate chose that was not the same as the other. “Senator” Blumenthal focused on children and seniors while “Senator” McMahon focused on conservative hot button issues such as fiscal discipline, Union “Card Check”, the death penalty, illegal immigration, and second amendment rights. These topics show a very different emphasis by the candidates. Which one do you want in the Senate?

Blumenthal & McMahon – The Issues – Part VII– Women

This is the seventh in a series of postings on the policy proposal of the two major Senatorial candidates, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and former WWE Executive Linda McMahon.

The seventh topic is Women’s Issues. Since “Senator” Blumenthal was first last time, “Senator” McMahon leads off this seventh part of the series. In both presentations, I have cut out some of the background and only left in the action statements. That makes for a much shorter presentation.

“Senator” Linda McMahon
Abortion
I am pro-choice; however, I oppose partial-birth abortion and federal funding of abortions unless the life of the mother is at stake. I’m in favor of parental notification/parental consent legislation.

“Senator” Richard Blumenthal
Whether it is women’s health, equality in the workplace, or protecting a woman’s right to choose, as a U.S. Senator, I will be a fierce advocate for women.
Supporting Choice and Reproductive Rights.
I will fight to protect a woman’s right to choose and ensure that abortion remains safe, legal and rare.
Improving Women’s Health Care.
I believe that public officials can help advance women’s health care and ensure that the particular medical issues that affect women receive the attention they require… I support increasing funding to research the cancers that affect women and efforts to increase research and awareness of women’s heart health.
Ensuring Equality in the Workplace.
Although the treatment of women in the workplace has improved significantly, I believe there are still far too many cases of discrimination, sexual harassment, and pay inequity… As a U.S. Senator, I will work to permanently close the wage gap, expand career opportunities for women, and prevent sexual harassment.
Standing Up Against Domestic Violence.
In the Senate, I will be a tireless advocate for expanding and fully funding The Violence Against Women Act to ensure that law enforcement has the tools it needs to keep families safe.

Comments
While “Senator” McMahon mentions only a woman’s right to choose, “Senator” Blumenthal has a more expanded treatment of women’s issues from health care to the work place, to domestic violence. Which candidate best reflects the reader’s stand on this important topic?

Himes, Courtney, Slip Sliding Away

Dennis House’s “The Hartforite" is reporting that Jim Himes and Joe Courtney, two representatives in districts less liberal than Speaker of the U.S. House Nancy Pelosi, are inching away from Bethlehem:

“During a taping of Face the State, when I asked both Congressmen Jim Himes and Joe Courtney if they would endorse Pelosi for another term as their leader, they balked.

Neither were conspicuously present during President Barack Obama's visit to Connecticut in mid-September.

“The two are running for re-election in districts where Mr. Obama’s approval rating has fallen and unemployment is high. With an electorate becoming increasingly frustrated with Washington, Himes and Courtney are both stressing to voters that they are ‘independent voices.‘”

The word “independent,” a curtsey in the direction of the Tea Party Patriots and Independents who have expressed their dissatisfaction with the two major parties, is one we shall be hearing often on a campaign trail that, some believe, will lead to a valley of tears in November.

Blumenthal & McMahon – The Issues – Part VI– Veterans

This is the sixth in a series of postings on the policy proposal of the two major Senatorial candidates, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and former WWE Executive Linda McMahon.

The sixth topic is Veteran’s Affairs. Since “Senator” McMahon was first last time, “Senator” Blumenthal leads off this sixth part of the series. In both presentations, I have cut out some of the background and only left in the action statements.

“Senator” Richard Blumenthal
I have called for a comprehensive “No Veteran Left Behind” program to ensure that the depth of our country’s commitment to our veterans reflects the depth of their sacrifices on our behalf. My ideas include:

Modernize the Veterans Administration.
Improve the Claims Processing System and End the Backlog.
Accelerate Appeals.
Transition to Electronic Medical Records.
Streamline Military-to-VA Transition

Secure Job Opportunities for our Veterans. We must do everything we can to help returning veterans secure jobs and transition to civilian work.
New Incentives to Hire Veterans.
Support for Veteran Entrepreneurship.

Improve Veteran Health Care and Mental Health Services.
Improve Mental Health Services. Congress must provide the VA and the Department of Defense (DOD) with adequate funding and authority to recruit and retain critically needed behavioral health specialists. And we must make sure that both active military personnel and veterans have adequate access to mental health services.
Reduce the Stigma of Mental Health Services.

Provide Training and Higher Education.
Provide GI Bill Benefits for Vocational Programs.
Speed up Payments.

Support for Women Veterans.
Improving Women’s Health. The VA should increase funding for the hiring of female medical practitioners, especially those who specialize in women’s healthcare.
Reducing Sexual Assault. The VA should identify, track and report to Congress the outcomes of claims involving sexual assault and sexual harassment, including data on denial rates, length of processing time, and the types of related disabilities reported.

End Veteran Homelessness. I support expanding the HUD-VA Supportive Housing voucher program, extending its availability to reach all homeless veterans, and providing Section 8 vouchers to veterans in need of permanent housing.


“Senator” Linda McMahon
-“…We owe them our respect and support in return for their service.”
As Senator, I will work to ensure that the promises our government made to veterans, including health care, disability compensation, pensions and GI Bill benefits, are fulfilled.

Comments
“Senator” Blumenthal is more specific in how he would support veterans. “Senator” McMahon’s one statement does not provide much detail on how she will support veteran’s issues.

Blumenthal & McMahon – The Issues – Part V– Energy & Environment

This is the fifth in a series of postings on the policy proposal of the two major Senatorial candidates, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and former WWE Executive Linda McMahon.

The fifth topic is Energy and Environment. Since “Senator” Blumenthal was first last time, “Senator” McMahon leads off this fifth part of the series. In both presentations, I have cut out some of the background and only left in the action statements.

“Senator” Linda McMahon
“I oppose cap-and-trade because it will increase energy costs and Connecticut already pays the highest electricity rates in the continental U.S.”
I support efforts to develop and expand alternatives and renewable forms of energy including solar, wind, hydro, nuclear and natural gas. I believe dependence on foreign oil supplies is unsustainable in the long-term, and I believe it creates national security risks. I support environmentally responsible domestic oil exploration offshore, but I believe states should decide whether to allow drilling in their waters.
I oppose cap-and-trade legislation because it will increase energy costs and Connecticut already pays the highest electricity rates in the continental U.S.

“Senator” Richard Blumenthal
BUILDING GREEN MANUFACTURING
Promoting Investments in Clean Energy Technology I support increasing our investment in clean-energy technologies, which will help create as many as 2.5 million new jobs, boost the economy, and improve the environment
Investing in Domestic Clean Energy Manufacturing and Environmental Sustainability. I strongly support proposals like the Investments for Manufacturing Progress and Clean Technology ("IMPACT") Act. The act would help small and medium sized local manufacturers by providing loans to improve their facilities and expand clean energy product production.
Establish Clean Energy Business Zones. Establishing Clean Energy Business Zones (CBiZ) will help our businesses and manufacturers transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Businesses in newly established Clean Energy Business Zones would receive up to $1.2 billion per year in tax credits, grants and loan guarantees for companies in the clean energy sector or for companies that move to greater energy efficiency.
IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Creating Incentives for Residential Efficiency Retrofitting. I support the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act (or "Cash for Caulkers") program which will combine financial incentives and uniform federal energy efficiency standards to dramatically extend efforts to improve residential energy efficiency.
Establishing Cash for Commercial Clunkers. Old, inefficient “heavy-load vehicles” are major gas guzzlers and polluters. I believe we should establish a program that would pay up to $65,000 per vehicle to get old diesel trucks off the road and replace them with natural gas and alternative fuel vehicles while spurring job-creating demand for vehicles and fueling stations.
Curbing Pollution. As your U.S. Senator, I will listen to ideas from anyone, regardless of party, on how to bring the financial costs, environmental destruction and adverse health consequences caused by polluters under control.

PROTECTING THE SOUND.
• In the U.S. Senate, I will push to hold big energy companies accountable for the potential consequences of their activities, and ensure that further energy development occurs in a responsible manner. I have also joined with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, local officials and environmental advocates to ask Congress to do more to protect Long Island Sound.
• As your U.S. Senator, I will remain a fighter standing up to any special interest or effort that would put the Sound at risk. Clear action is needed, especially to confront the cause and consequences of the Gulf oil spill this past spring.
• As Senator, I will continue to fight to make Connecticut a leader in clean energy technologies and the jobs they provide, while ensuring our environment and shores remain safe for Connecticut families.
• As your U.S. Senator, I will work to promote the green economy of the 21st century while simultaneously protecting and preserving Connecticut’s environment for generations to come.

Comments
“Senator” McMahon has a narrow energy and environment policy. She is against ‘Cap and Trade” and in favor of off shore drilling if the state agrees. She also supports “alternative energy” projects. “Senator” Blumenthal has a well developed energy and environmental program that attempts to balance environmental concerns with sustainable energy. Which program suits your stand on energy and the environment?

Blumenthal & McMahon – The Issues – Part IV– Foreign Policy and National Security

This is the fourth in a series of postings on the policy proposal of the two major Senatorial candidates, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and former WWE Executive Linda McMahon.

The fourth topic is Foreign Policy and National Security. Since “Senator” McMahon was first last time, “Senator” Blumenthal leads off this fourth part of the series. In both presentations, I have cut out some of the background and only left in the action statements.

“Senator” Richard Blumenthal
Pursuing Terrorist Networks Abroad. It is vital that we maintain a strong offensive posture in the struggle against extremism. We must use both military and non-military methods to target and attack the terrorists where they are; never allowing them to establish safe havens in which to plot, plan and train. This includes targeting Al Qaeda’s organizations in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen as well as its affiliates like Al-Shabaab in Somalia.
Improving Homeland Security. Congress and the Administration must do more to meet the threats of today’s information age by improving information sharing, and by bringing together the best technology and the most effective management strategies to get people working across agencies to collect and understand information better. And we must strengthen cyber security, with the government and the private sector working together to find the most effective solutions.
Convicting Terrorists. We must ensure that our judicial system has the tools it needs to prosecute those who try to attack the United States. Both civilian courts and military tribunals have long been a part of our judicial system. Properly constituted, military tribunals are an appropriate venue in which to try accused terrorists under certain circumstances.
Building Alliances Abroad. The rise of future extremist movements can ultimately be curbed only by equipping and training our allies in the fight against Al Qaeda.
Ending our Commitment in Iraq. I support the Administration’s plan to withdraw all U.S. combat troops from Iraq by the end of August 2010… While American troops remain, the United States must use its influence to encourage Iraq’s leaders to settle disputes peacefully and within the legal framework they have established under the Iraqi Constitution.
Pursuing Clear, Limited Goals in Afghanistan. Our commitment in Afghanistan must not be open ended. Our troops are scheduled to begin coming home in July 2011 and I would insist on adhering to this exit strategy.
Containing Iran. As a United States Senator, I would support the current structure of sanctions on Iran, and work to increase the pressure on the Iranian regime until it relinquishes its aspirations for nuclear weapons. Some of the actions I would support include gaining international support for an arms embargo, targeted travel bans, the freezing of assets, and sanctions designed to impede the flow of refined petroleum products into Iran.
Supporting Israel. As a U.S. Senator, I will work to advance all the facets of the unique and historic partnership between Israel and the United States.


“Senator” Linda McMahon
“Our troops have to know that we are committed to their success.”
I believe that we should have a strong national defense second to none.
We must fight the terrorists abroad rather than at home.
We cannot ignore the risks inherent in allowing Afghanistan to become a haven for terrorists. It’s my hope that we can bring our troops home safely as soon as possible, but we should bring them home in victory, not defeat.
I’m opposed to trying terrorists in civilian court and I disagree with Attorney General Holder’s decision to try 9/11 terrorist mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed in a civilian court rather than in a military tribunal. A military tribunal trial will better protect sensitive national security information.

Comments
“Senator” Blumenthal appears to cover more ground in his foreign policy and national security issues than “Senator” McMahon. There is agreement in bringing troops home but McMahon leaves the start of that process undefined while Blumenthal supports the current administration strategy.

Blumenthal & McMahon – The Issues – Part III – Education

This is the third in a series of postings on the policy proposal of the two major Senatorial candidates, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and former WWE Executive Linda McMahon.

The third topic is Education. Since “Senator” Blumenthal was first last time, “Senator” McMahonl leads off this third part of the series.

“Senator” Linda McMahon
“I support competition and choice through charter schools.”
I believe that every child should have an opportunity for the best education we can provide. We have to continue to provide education that will close the achievement gap for lower income students.
I am a strong supporter of the secondary school reform, which is underway in Connecticut. We must require high standards and accountability for teachers and school administrators, and I support the current review of the teacher evaluation process that the State Board is undertaking.
I believe in local control.
I am an advocate for choice through charter schools.

“Senator” Richard Blumenthal
It is vital that all students have the opportunity to attend a great school, and as your U.S. Senator, I will work to ensure they can. Across the nation, states and the federal government are working in good faith to find a way to achieve this long-sought goal. As your U.S. Senator, I will join this fight, working to reform education, improve student achievement, and train, recruit, and reward the best and brightest teachers.
Reforming No Child Left Behind. We need to reform the No Child Left Behind (“NCLB”) Act so that we close student achievement gaps and improve student performance… I will fight for a law that recognizes that standardized tests should be only one tool in a comprehensive set of tools for measuring student progress.
Full Funding for Federal Education Programs. We must ensure that the federal government adheres to its promise to fully fund elementary and secondary education. In the Senate, I will fight for federal education laws that will finally give our teachers the resources they need – the resources they’ve been promised for so many years – to do right by their students.
Restoring the Teaching Profession. We need to restore the profession of teaching to the level of social significance that it deserves.
Improving Early Education. The foundation for a student’s success is established during a child’s early years, and we need to place significant emphasis on the involvement of parents in a student’s education. We must also improve access to early education programs such as Head Start and Jump Start.
Promoting Innovation in Elementary and Secondary Education. We need to promote innovation in education that allows students to receive the education that best meets their needs.
Ending Disparities in Performance and Access to College. At the primary and secondary school level, we need to close achievement gaps and improve dropout rates. I agree with national advocates who believe we must make high school graduation a national priority. I also support vocational training programs which provide non-college bound students with the skills to enter and compete in the workplace, but I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to go to college. We must ensure that all low-income and middle-class students who share this aspiration have the opportunity to attend a public university or community college without being saddled with debt. This is why I support a permanent college tax credit for middle-class families who would otherwise struggle with the high costs of today’s tuition.

Comments
“Senator” McMahon is short and to the point – local control, charter schools, and school choice. “Senator” Blumenthal is again more nuanced. He covers primary, secondary, and college education. He writes of support for teachers, parents, and students. His issue paper covers the waterfront. Which candidate reflects your views and deserves your support?