Remarks of Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate Sheldon Whitehouse
September 14, 2006
Remarks of Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate Sheldon Whitehouse
Rhode Island AFL-CIO Convention, September 14, 2006
As Prepared for Delivery
Thank you, Marcia. I would like to thank you, Frank, and George for all of your efforts on behalf of Rhode Island's working families, and I would like to thank all of you for having me here tonight.
For more than a year, I've traveled all over our beautiful state. I've talked with people at over 30 community dinners, in senior centers, and in our neighborhoods. And I've heard stories that I'll never forget. I've met mothers who've had to buy body armor for their sons being shipped over to Iraq, and moms who have lost sons there. I've had elderly ladies hold my hand and beg me to assure them they won't lose their medicine. I've heard from people who can't afford a tank of gas, or health insurance, or a college education for their children, or to provide for a secure retirement. Good, hard-working people can barely get by and Washington isn't listening. Our country is headed in the wrong direction.
This is clear: Rhode Islanders are ready for a change in Washington, D.C.!
Over the last few months, we have seen far too many negative attacks, and not enough discussion about what we need to do to get our country back on the right track. I want you to know: I am going to work my heart out to win this election, and I will work my heart out in Washington to bring real solutions to the problems Washington has for too long ignored. A rapid and responsible redeployment of our troops out of Iraq. Health care reform that covers every American family. Public education families can trust again, and higher education families can afford. A bold new energy policy that protects our environment and frees us from dependence on foreign oil. And for seniors, a solid Social Security system we can count on, and a prescription drug benefit that helps them, not the drug companies.
It's time that we change the priorities of the Senate from serving the biggest corporations and wealthiest Americans to supporting the working family. It's time to stop playing political games and pass a no-strings attached increase to the minimum wage. It's time to reject trade deals like NAFTA and CAFTA that fail to protect American jobs. And it's time to pass legislation to protect the fundamental right of every American worker to organize.
This year, the eyes of the nation are on us. We, in Rhode Island, have the chance to fight for real change and stand up to the Bush Administration. We've seen how important this race is to the Republicans in Washington. Let's show them how important it is to us here in Rhode Island.
One of the first decisions a Senator makes is whether they will vote for a U.S. Senate controlled by the Republicans or led by the Democrats. It's on that vote that George Bush's agenda rises or falls. A Republican-controlled Senate continues the Bush policies and its failures. A Democratic-led Senate changes the direction of our nation.
I can tell you this: I will never cast that vote to empower the Bush agenda. I will never cast that vote to enable their efforts to gut overtime pay, privatize Social Security, or stand by while they outsource American jobs. I will be proud to stand with Jack Reed to change Washington and fight for real solutions to the tough challenges you and your family face today.
For a new direction, I hope I can earn your support. And on November 7th, I ask each of you for your vote.
To change America, we have to change the Senate. Together, right here in Rhode Island, we can do it. Let's get to work.
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