Who am I?

In January of last year, I was the first member of Congress to call for our troops to be brought home. Not a day goes by that I don’t press this point. I have spoken on Iraq from the House floor some 150 times; I have convened forums to explore exit strategies; I have visited Iraq to meet with {constituent} soldiers and received briefings from military commanders; and I forced the first debate in Congress on the war since pre-emptive strikes were launched against Baghdad. My relentless pressure on Iraq has rallied Republicans and Democrats alike, as a majority of Americans now oppose the war and say it wasn’t worth the cost.

I have also helped lead the fight against the quasi-police state that the Bush administration has tried to impose since the tragedy of 9/11. I was one of only a handful of dissenters on the original Patriot Act and one of the first to demand an investigation of illegal NSA spying on American citizens. My consistent defense of civil liberties – my belief that we cannot promote freedom abroad by undermining freedom at home – has helped bring that position into the political mainstream, even during a time of war.

…To reform our broken, inefficient health-care system, I have been a top supporter of a single-payer plan that would extend the benefits of Medicare to every American. I also helped lead the opposition to the wasteful piece of corporate welfare masquerading as a prescription-drug benefit. My warnings about this disastrous piece of legislation have proven true, as the program has turned out to be a windfall for pharmaceutical companies and a bureaucratic mess that is failing seniors and the disabled.

…I believe the way to kick America’s imported-oil habit is through conservation and investment in clean, renewable energy sources. Domestic oil and gas extraction, with its destructive environmental impact, is not the answer.

…I’ve never been afraid to speak my mind or vote my conscience. I haven’t moderated my views to impress the Washington establishment. I haven’t cozied up to the Republican majority – I prefer to be their antagonist, not their enabler. My working relationship with my constituents is stronger than ever, and together we have done great things…