(Manchester Union Leader) Kerry visit wins Support in Warner

By JOE COX
Sunday News Correspondent
WARNER — As droves of leaf peepers flocked to the state to view the changing hues, Sen. John Kerry colored himself as the steadfast Democrat among those seeking the nomination.

“I am the only candidate running for this job of President who brings 35 years of demonstrated experience and willingness to stand up and fight for the values of the Democratic Party — not a two-week commitment; 35 years of having stood up and fought,” Kerry said, squinting in the bright sunshine outside Main Street Bookends.

About 200 people listened as the Massachusetts senator presented his nutshell stump speech and answered questions.

Kerry promised to scour the tax code if he were elected President. “We are going to take out any loophole or any tax incentive for anybody who takes their company overseas at the expense of American jobs.” Kerry cited Tyco as an example.

“Just by moving its address to Bermuda, (Tyco) can take $400 million off the tax code in the United States and stick every single one of you with the bill,” Kerry said. “That’s unpatriotic, and we deserve a President who stands up and shuts those loopholes.”

Kerry said he wanted to put the unemployed back to work by making smarter choices about the nation’s resources, investments and budgeting choices. He told the crowd he was a fiscal conservative.

“We’re seeing the same economy we saw under Ronald Reagan. Great big increase in defense spending, great big tax cut, downturn in the economy,” Kerry said.


Kerry said he would put the country on the course set by Thomas Jefferson. “We’re going to re-commit to science in America,” he said, to create “an age of discovery” that would include energy independence.

Some people questioned Kerry’s commitment to the development of hybrid automobiles. Kerry said he’d buy one if it were a domestic model. Others challenged Kerry on his support in the fight to stop the spread of AIDS worldwide.

“He really seems to know where he stands on the issues,” said Robert Block of Concord. Block spoke with Kerry and decided he would vote for him. Block said he was undecided before he heard Kerry’s talk.

Chelsea Minkler, a Dartmouth College student, was impressed with Kerry’s broad experience. Another college student, Becca Brigham, was excited about Kerry’s grasp of global issues. Brigham said she would be voting in a Presidential election for the first time next year.

“This part of the state doesn’t get a chance to see a lot of candidates come through,” said Derek Lick of Sutton. “You see them in Concord and Manchester, but he’s taking an interest in the Kearsarge region,” Lick said of Kerry.

http://www.theunionleader.com/Articles_show.html?article=27530&archive=1

Hope to see more like this.

...rehashing the tax loopholes corporations use to stick the bill on the middle class taxpayers under BUSH INC.'s policies resonates with many people i talk to. his economic plan ties in energy independence and the environment, creating a climate of progress in science and technology, and giving the middle class a foothold so they have the chance to catch up... i like his ability to make connections between education, positive environmental initiatives, jobs and the economy. he also displays progressive thinking in his foreign policy platform, as with china for example. stark contrast to BUSH INC.'s focus on lining the pockets of big business cronies while ignoring and robbing the interests of most americans and flipping off the international community.