Editorial Board endorsements keep rolling in from all across the country backing top tier Democratic candidates over Republicans and rejecting the Tea Party Republican Congress.
Take a look for yourself.
*New* Critz for Congress: The incumbent is right for Western Pennsylvania [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
“Mr. Rothfus has built a campaign on hopes and promises in which the details don't add up. Mark Critz is a real-world congressman who wants to help his district and solve the nation's problems. For that he has earned the Post-Gazette endorsement.” [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 10/23/12]
*New* For Congress From New York and Connecticut [New York Times]
“The Democrat, Mark Murphy, is a much-needed fresh face to represent this beleaguered district. A former media and real estate executive, Mr. Murphy most recently worked for the New York City public advocate, Bill de Blasio. He says his priority would be to work to preserve health care reform, Medicare and social services”
“Despite her Tea Party support, Dr. Hayworth, a retired ophthalmologist, tries to cast herself as a moderate, particularly on women's issues. Yet she has favored limiting contraception coverage for employees and voted to defund Planned Parenthood. Mr. Maloney promises to support health care reform, help the middle class and oppose tax cuts for the rich. We recommend Mr. Maloney.”
“All that voters really need to know is that their conservative Republican congresswoman, Ann Marie Buerkle, was named one of the "Flat Earth Five" by the League of Conservation Voters. She won this title for denying the existence of global warming. Dan Maffei, the Democratic congressman unseated by Ms. Buerkle and the Tea Party in 2010, is back for a rematch. His reasonable views include a far better record on the environment. We endorse Mr. Maffei.”
“Representative Louise Slaughter, a 13-term Democrat, is in a tight race with Republican Maggie Brooks, the Monroe County executive. Ms. Slaughter has worked to bring development to her Rust Belt district and is a strong supporter of health care reform. Her opponent wants to undo that law. We recommend Ms. Slaughter.”
“Representative Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, is in a close race with Chris Collins, a Republican former Erie County executive. He wants to overturn health care reform and has criticized Ms. Hochul for supporting more spending on schools and other services in her area. She describes herself as a moderate and voted against the Ryan budget. She is by far the better candidate.” [New York Times, 10/22/12]
*New* It's Adler in the 3rd District [Burlington County Times]
“Given the perpetual gridlock in Washington, we believe Adler will be willing to vote independently, and we believe, given the opportunity, she will be willing to stand up and risk taking an unpopular stance on those issues that are important to residents of the 3rd District.” [Burlington County Times, 10/21/12]
*New* Texas Districts 14 and 36 [Beaumont Enterprise]
“U.S. Rep., District 14 - Nick Lampson, D. Lampson has a solid track record as a moderate who works hard for Southeast Texas. U.S. Rep., District 36, Max Martin, D. He's a former airline pilot with an impressive record as an entrepreneur. He's also not Steve Stockman.” [Beaumont Enterprise, 10/21/12]
*New* Braley’s passion for working to help individual constituents in his district is obvious [Des Moines Register]
“Braley’s passion for working to help individual constituents in his district is obvious when he talks about Iowans he has helped, such as making homes adaptable for disabled veterans like the double amputees who fought in Afghanistan. […] Rather than getting mired down in the gridlock plaguing Congress, Braley focuses on finding areas of agreement to get something done.” [ Des Moines Register, 10/20/12]
*New* Vilsack talks about bringing a new perspective to Washington [ Des Moines Register]
“Vilsack talks about bringing a new perspective to Washington and a willingness to hear all sides and work toward bipartisan solutions. That emphasis on bipartisan solutions is sorely needed. King seems to amuse himself by being as partisan and vitriolic as he can be. […] Vilsack assures voters that she can be “a problem solver, not a partisan fighter.” That is the right approach.” [Des Moines Register, 10/20/12]
*New* Gill offers details [The State Journal Register]
“Gill’s life’s work has been as an emergency room doctor. He has seen people from all walks of life at their most vulnerable, a valuable quality for someone who will help make this nation’s laws. Gill offers details on how he would save Medicare and Social Security.” [The State Journal Register, 10/21/12]
*New* Re-elect Chandler to Congress; his independence reflects 6th District [Lexington Herald Leader]
“In a government that's been poisoned by partisanship, Chandler defends the shrinking middle ground. He also brings deep knowledge of Kentucky and long experience trying to make government work for Kentuckians, beginning in 1991 when he was elected state auditor. In two subsequent terms as attorney general he started a telemarketer no-call list and prosecuted prominent members of his own party. By contrast, GOP challenger Andy Barr of Lexington offers Republican boilerplate and nowhere near Chandler's depth or experience.” [Lexington Herald Leader, 10/21/12]
*New* Yarmuth for Congress; Chandler, Adkins, too. [Courier-Journal]
“In the 6th District, Democrat incumbent Ben Chandler is facing a challenge from Republican Andy Barr, a Lexington lawyer. Mr. Chandler, a former state attorney general, narrowly beat Mr. Barr two years ago in a contest for the Bluegrass region seat. While Mr. Chandler has been timid on some politically charged issues such as health reform, we believe he best represents the interests of Kentuckians and deserves re-election. “[Courier-Journal, 10/21/12]
*New* In Kansas U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver and Teresa Hensley for Congress [Kansas City Star]
“Cass County Prosecutor Teresa Hensley, the Democratic challenger, far outclasses Republican incumbent Vicky Hartzler. Voters should evict Hartzler, who in her first term showed no interest in compromise or moderate views.” [Kansas City Star, 10/21/12]
*New* Ann Kuster would make a strongly principled and compassionate lawmaker [Sentinel Source]
“Kuster will stand in Washington as a compassionate force for sensible policies rooted in a deep understanding of the issues facing Americans today. Unlike lawmakers who have focused their agendas on which pieces of legislation they will block, Kuster understands that Congress must act to bring progress and that is best done when both sides can find common ground. An adoption attorney who also runs a consulting business for nonprofit organizations, Kuster has made health care, tax reform and education the pillars of her platform.” [Keene Sentinel, 10/21/12]
*New* Steven Horsford and Dina Titus for Congress from Nevada [Las Vegas Sun, 10/21/12]
*New* Loebsack focused on the economy, jobs and improving conditions for the middle class [Des Moines Register]
During a recent meeting with the Register, Loebsack focused on the economy, jobs and improving conditions for the middle class he personally struggled to find a place in as a young man. “We’ve got to get people back to work,” he said — not only for the sake of families, but to get them paying taxes to help reduce the federal deficit. […]Loebsack is well-informed and clearly the better choice.” [Des Moines Register, 10/20/12]
*New* Castro and Cuellar for Congress [My San Antonio]
“State Rep. Joaquin Castro, the Democratic nominee, is clearly the best choice to succeed Gonzalez. Castro is a polished public servant with a deep understanding of the issues. […]In District 28, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, merits re-election.Even in Washington's highly polarized environment, Cuellar has managed to navigate a moderate course. He is the least partisan member of the San Antonio delegation.” [San Antonio Express-News,10/19/12]
*New* Lawson knows what Tallahassee wants [Tallahasee Democrat]
“Big Bend voters have a clear choice as they consider who will represent them in the U.S. House of Representatives for the next two years. Incumbent Steve Southerland was elected in 2010 on a wave of anti-Obama, anti-Pelosi Republican fervor. His votes align with the House Republican leadership more than 90 percent of the time, and he proudly says that he has done what he went to Washington to do: attack government spending, work to repeal the so-called Obamacare, refuse to raise taxes and try, in his words, to “remove impediments to earned success.” His challenger, Democrat Al Lawson, is the polar opposite.” [Tallahasee Democrat, 10/19/12]
*New* WMI recommends Ann Kirkpatrick for Congressional District 1 [White Mountain Independent Central]
“[…] With Ann we know who she is, we know what she’s accomplished and we know what to expect from her when she gets back to Washington. She will fight for us and our rural values. She’s a mountain person ... just like you and me. […]As she did four years ago, she will work to make sure every Arizonian has access to a decent education, quality health care and the chance for a better life. She is committed to changing Washington. Once again, we recommend you vote for Ann Kirkpatrick. [White Mountain Independent Central, 10/19/12]
*New* John Ewing is World-Herald's pick for House [The Omaha World Herald]
“Ewing has served as an exemplary Douglas County treasurer, cleaning up a dysfunctional office with customer service problems and which saw an embezzlement under his predecessor. Ewing has led the effort to modernize the county treasurer process — leading the way with online services, including payment of property taxes and motor vehicle registration renewals. A Democrat, he has worked effectively with Nebraska's other county treasurers, many of whom are Republicans. […] We suggest that District 2 voters cast their ballot for John Ewing on Nov. 6.” [The Omaha World Herald, 10/18/12]
*New* Inquirer Editorial: Best choices for U.S. House PA-02, PA-08, PA-13 [Philadelphia Inquirer]
“The congressman also has made neuroscience funding, mortgage assistance, youth mentoring, and green energy particular priorities. Given his considerable successes and stature in Congress, Chaka Fattah deserves reelection. […] The GOP smear campaign labeling Boockvar "Radical Kathy" is unfounded and an insult to the district's many independent voters, who would be well-served by electing Kathy Boockvar. […] Allyson Y. Schwartz deserves a fifth term. As a state senator, Schwartz helped create Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program and in Congress helped write the Affordable Care Act. She vows to fight GOP efforts to repeal Obamacare.” [Philadelphia Inquirer, 10/18/12]
*New* Vote Shea-Porter for the big issues [The Conway Daily Sun]
“For voters who consider themselves either solid Republicans or Democrats, the decision in the congressional race between Rep. Frank Guinta and challenger Carol Shea-Porter is easy. Guinta is rated the 31st most conservative of Congressional Republicans. That's Tea Party territory. […] Our suggestion in this race is for voters to look above the weeds and to decide their votes on the major issues. By that standard we solidly endorse Shea-Porter.” [The Conway Daily Sun, 10/18/12]
*New* Pace for U.S. Congress [Post Independent]
“Pace promotes an agenda focused on issues that demand bipartisanship, including building rural infrastructure for broadband service and aviation, amending tax codes to make it easier for small business to create jobs, and developing targeted workforce training. […] we endorse Sal Pace for the Third Congressional District seat.” [Post Independent, 10/16/12]
*New* The Herald recommends Joe Garcia [The Miami Herald]
Mr. Rivera still faces an IRS investigation into his finances. Plus, Mr. Rivera has been embroiled in another intrigue involving a stealth candidate, Justin Lamar Sternad, a $30,000 a year hotel worker who mysteriously loaned himself almost twice his annual salary to run as a Democrat against Mr. Garcia. At least two campaign vendors have told The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald that FBI agents interviewed them about Mr. Sternad’s campaign, and that a political consultant close to Rep. Rivera, Ana Alliegro, acted as a conduit between Mr. Sternad and Rep. Rivera to steer secret money to Mr. Sternad’s campaign. All of this can make any voter’s head spin. […] The Herald recommends Joe Garcia.” [Miami Herald, 10/18/12]
*New* David Price is the clear choice in the 4th District [Charlotte News Observer]
Democratic Rep. David Price of Chapel Hill has long been a force for good government, a leader in the U.S. House and an effective ally of higher education and research. It’s a shame that redistricting forced Price and current 13th District Rep. Brad Miller of Raleigh into the same district, with Miller choosing to retire – a real loss for Congress and the public. […] David Price is the clear choice in the 4th District and gets our enthusiastic editorial endorsement.” [Charlotte News Observer, 10/17/12]
*New* Frankel knows the district well [Miami Herald]
Ms. Frankel believes the government has to invest in infrastructure and innovation and derides the House-passed Republican budget as a threat to undermine the incipient recovery. She wants to increase revenues “in a balanced way” to end tax breaks for the highest earners. She supports the Affordable Care Act because it will help preserve Medicare. […] Our recommendation is for Ms. Frankel on the basis of her longer familiarity with this district and political positions that are more compatible with its voters.” [The Miami Herald, 10/17/12]
*New* Betty Sutton gets the nod in the 16th Congressional District: Sun News endorsement [The Plain Dealer]
“Sutton faces an uphill battle. Only a little more than 20 percent of her current district is part of the new 16th — the remainder is in the area already represented by Renacci. Her best days as a lawmaker, however, appear to be ahead of her, and voters should allow her to realize them for their own best interests.” [The Plain Dealer, 10/16/12]
*New* For the U.S. House: Betty Sutton in the 16th District. [The Akron Beacon Journal] Sutton likes to describe herself as a champion of the middle class. She has delivered in a telling, if hardly glamorous, way. She has been an ardent advocate of fighting rust, or corrosion, recognizing the value of the small industry emerging around the idea. She helped to facilitate federal funding for research at the University of Akron. Here is part of the new economy, bringing together public and private players, university and companies, talent and ideas, to produce new products and jobs. [The Akron Beacon Journal, 10/16/12]
*New* Orlando Sentinel Endorses Corrine Brown [Orlando Sentinel]
“Brown's opponent, Republican LeAnne Kolb, is a first-time candidate from Orange Park. She favors repealing Obamacare without replacing it and abolishing the Environmental Protection Agency. She says Brown and other progressive Democrats are essentially communists. She's not a serious alternative. We recommend Corrine Brown in U.S. House District 5.” [Orlando Sentinel, 10/16/12]
*New* The Tennessean Endorses Cooper, Stewart for Congress [The Tennessean]
“Eric Stewart of Belvidere. The two-term state senator and Franklin County insurance agent has been an able legislator with clear positions as a moderate-to-conservative Democrat who is ready to take the next step and work on positive change in Washington. […] Cooper is committed to entitlement reform, knowing that the costs of the programs cannot be sustained, and he has fought to keep Congress on the “pay-as-you-go” track that it briefly promised to follow.” [The Tennessean, 10/17/12]
*New* Free Press Endorsements [ Chattanooga Times Free Press]
“Even if Stewart votes in a way that doesn’t necessarily reflect the will of most people in his district, electing him is still preferable to voting for a hypocrite who has shamed himself, his family, his supporters, his party and the people of his district. For that reason, the Free Press endorses Eric Stewart to represent Tennessee’s 4th District in the United States Congress.” [Chattanooga Times Free Press, 10/21/12]
*New* We support Scott Peters over incumbent Brian Bilbray [La Jolla Light]
“We support Scott Peters over incumbent Brian Bilbray. Though Bilbray has served in the House for 12 years, his career lacks luster. Bilbray is chairman of the House Immigration Reform Caucus and a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. With these groups gridlocked over tempestuous issues, a consensus builder willing to “cross the aisle” with new ideas and no party agenda is needed. Scott Peters promises to be that kind of representative and we believe him.” [La Jolla Light, 10/17/12]
*New* Rahall has the knowledge, experience and disposition [West Virginia Gazette]
“Rahall knows how to work with members from other states and other parties for the good of West Virginia and the nation. He believes compromise is part of the American system of government, not a dirty word to be flung at an opponent. He has the knowledge, experience and disposition that make him a worthy representative of West Virginia.” [West Virginia Gazette, 10/15/12]
*New* Obermueller’s moderate politics a fit for 2nd District [Sun This Week]
“Obermueller deserves to be elected. He’s young, bright and determined to win the expanded center in the new 2nd. His views and political instincts are a rebuke of the obstructionism that has discredited the Republican House majority.” [Sun This Week, 10/15/12]
Send McDowell to Congress [Detroit Free Press]
“McDowell should have beaten Benishek two years ago; now that voters have seen Benishek's poor service first-hand, they ought to correct it by sending Gary McDowell to Congress.” [Detroit Free Press, 10/14/12]
Steve Pestka is the better fit for this district, by far [Detroit Free Press]
“Amash has frequently found himself voting "present" as a way to avoid compromising his principles -- a tacit admission that he's miscast as a federal lawmaker. His opponent, Democrat Steve Pestka, has a far broader philosophy and much more impressive experience than Amash had before he was elected. Pestka has been a county commissioner, a state representative and a circuit judge. He is now a successful attorney and developer in Grand Rapids. […] Steve Pestka is the better fit for this district, by far.” [Detroit Free Press, 10/14/12]
Taj has more grounding in government [Detroit Free Press]
“ […] Taj has more grounding in government, even if it's just a little on the Canton Board of Trustees. He would be a middle-of-the-road Democrat in a district that leans Republican, but could use more settled leadership in the wake of McCotter's meltdown.” [Detroit Free Press, 10/14/12]
Southern Arizona's concerns and people are paramount for Barber [Arizona Daily Star]
“In this short time, Barber, with tenacity, has shown a propensity to navigate within political extremes. We believe that will help him better address concerns in Southern Arizona, like improving the economy, bolstering jobs and practical immigration reforms […] The Star endorses Ron Barber for Congress in District 2.” [Arizona Daily Star, 10/14/12]
Derek Kilmer has a business-friendly approach [The Seattle Times]
“Kilmer does have a political record, and it is one of the better ones in Olympia. His business-friendly approach and legislative style is just what is needed in Congress.” [The Seattle Times, 10/3/12]
Castor has been a solid voice [Tampa Bay Times]
“Kathy Castor has been a solid voice for working families, seniors, students and military veterans since first being elected to Congress in 2006, and her future is bright [...]Castor has risen through the leadership ranks because of her hard work and attention to detail. She has a firm grasp of this diverse, urban district, which extends from Tampa and the south shoreline of Hillsborough County to south and central St. Petersburg. For U.S. House District 14, the Tampa Bay Times recommends Kathy Castor.” [Tampa Bay Times, 10/13/12]
Sal Pace will seek practical solutions in Congress [Durango Herald]
“[…] Tipton has shown that he is above all else a party-line Republican who does not deviate from the party’s positions. He is an ardent supporter of the Ryan budget, voted against allowing the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases and voted to remove all federal funding for Planned Parenthood. His is not an approach that reflects the breadth of his district and the experiences of those who live in it. To do better, Pace must listen carefully and act accordingly. He has the experience and outlook to do so. Vote for Sal Pace.” [Durango Herald, 10/13/12]
Shelley Adler- a formidable opponent [Philadelphia Inquirer]
“Conventional wisdom says Runyan will continue representing the traditionally conservative district that includes much of Burlington and Ocean Counties. But he has a formidable opponent. Runyan's advocacy for veterans and vote to contain student loan rates are noteworthy, but the 38-year-old Mount Laurel resident has been on the wrong side when it comes to tax and health-care issues affecting his district's increasing senior population. The Inquirer endorses Shelley Adler.” [Philadelphia Inquirer, 10/12/12]
John Garamendi for 3rd District [SF Gate]
“Garamendi's background has been reflected in the sure-footedness he has demonstrated on issues he has taken on in Congress, from his opposition to the war in Afghanistan and delta water diversions to his efforts on behalf of veterans and U.S. manufacturing…Vann is a Republican to watch in California politics. For this election, Garamendi offers a clear edge in experience on critical issues.” [SF Gate, 10/12/12]
Aurora has moved on, and Coffman has not [Aurora Sentinel]
“While both Republican Mike Coffman and Democrat Joe Miklosi offer solid options as the city’s first inclusive representative to Congress, Miklosi is the best choice for Aurora. Here’s why. While Aurora has certainly become a vastly diverse place, Miklosi is much closer aligned with how the majority of residents think about important issues Congress will undertake.” [Aurora Sentinel, 10/11/12]
Heck the clear choice for 10th Congressional District [The Olympian]
“Heck best represents the moderate-to-progressive views of Thurston County voters, advocating for a balanced approach of cuts and revenue increases to the budget and focusing on housing and job creation as the keys to economic recovery.” [The Olympian, 10/11/12]
Sinema a Good Fit for District [The Arizona Republic]
“Parker would be a reliable Republican vote. Sinema would be just as reliably Democratic. If that's all that matters, you know how to vote. But we look for more in a member of the House. And when we add up these factors, Sinema is the stronger choice.” [The Arizona Republic, 10/10/12]
No doubt about McNerney [The Record]
“Gill says, "We need more statesmen in Congress," but even before being elected he has signed the infamous Grover Norquist anti-tax pledge that essentially removes negotiation from the bargaining table. He told The Record's editorial board he would stand by that pledge even if the nation went to war. This is not to suggest Gill isn't bright. He most assuredly is. Nor is he a flamethrower. But his level of naïveté and being born privileged at times makes him seem dismissive of just how tough some Valley residents have it. McNerney has had tough times. He has been laid off from a job. For that matter, he had actual jobs before launching his public service career. […] McNerney should be sent back to Congress.” [The Record, 10/10/12]
Hernandez has Heart, Passion [The Record]
“Former astronaut Jose Hernandez was rejected by the space agency 11 times before being accepted into the ranks of NASA's most exclusive club. It's that kind of determination and energy he promises to bring to Congress if elected from the newly drawn 10th District that includes much of Stanislaus County and southern San Joaquin County.” [The Record, 10/10/12]
Enyart's military experience is perhaps his best asset [The Chicago Tribune]
“Our endorsement goes to Democrat Bill Enyart of Belleville, a lawyer who just retired after 30 years in the Illinois National Guard, the last five as commander for the state. Enyart's military experience is perhaps his best asset, since the base, with its 13,000 employees, is the district's biggest economic engine.” [The Chicago Tribune, 10/10/12]
Capps' priorities dovetail with those of coastal Ventura County [Ventura County Star]
“Overall, Rep. Capps' priorities dovetail with those of coastal Ventura County, such as her pro-environment stance and preventing new oil and gas drilling off the coast. In her committee work on Capitol Hill, she has kept a focus on health care and Medicare reform; making it easier for military veterans who were medics to become civilian emergency medical technicians; addressing the need for more nurses; and other important issues… Voters can express their approval of her thoughtful, measured, bipartisan approach by re-electing Rep. Capps.” [Ventura County Star, 10/10/12]
Duckworth over Walsh in 8th Congressional District
“With problems so great, we need a Congress that works together on solutions, and Walsh in his first term showed no inclination to do so (although he has indicated he would be more collaborative if he wins a second term). Our endorsement instead goes to former Veterans Affairs leader Tammy Duckworth, a war veteran from Hoffman Estates, who has campaigned as a constructive, bipartisan problem solver and would eschew extreme rhetoric in favor of thoughtfully working together. We think she would be the kind of moderate Blue Dog Democrat who reflects the new 8th District, which takes in portions of western Cook, northern DuPage and eastern Kane counties.” [Daily Herald, 10/8/12]
Julia Brownley sees better education as the key to building the economy and job opportunities [Los Angeles Daily News]
“Brownley spoke to the editorial board and showed she would be prepared to do something that is important for any freshman House member: Emphasize one area of expertise. For Brownley, that area is education policy. The former school board member and Assembly Education Committee chairwoman sees better education as the key to building the economy and job opportunities. The Strickland campaign did not accept the editorial board's requests for an endorsement interview, which may indicate they know this will be a tough race in a district that is overwhelmingly Democratic. We recommend a vote for Brownley and urge her to live up to her own assertion that the district needs common sense, not hyperpartisan, representation.” [Los Angeles Daily News, 10/7/12]
Elect Suzan DelBene [Herald Record]
“DelBene promotes a jobs agenda that emphasizes manufacturing, aerospace and high tech, simultaneously elevating the role of higher education as an economic driver. She also advocates investing more in basic research -- a policy that over the long term will benefit the Northwest's biotech and information-technology sectors. […]The Herald Editorial Board recommends Suzan DelBene for Congress.” [Herald Record, 10/7/12]
Dr. Ami Bera is best for the 7th District [The Sacramento Bee]
“Compared with Lungren, Bera also exudes more compassion for the plight of the middle class. He says he'd work to end tax policies and subsidies that have widened the gap between the ultra-rich and everyone else. We also think Bera would be a better "listener" than Lungren.” [The Sacramento Bee, 9/30/12]
Garamendi Offers a Depth of Experience [The Sacramento Bee]
“Garamendi offers a depth of experience in and an understanding of domestic and international issues that is rare among relatively new members of Congress. He deserves another two-year term.” [The Sacramento Bee, 9/25/12]
Matheson in the 4th, A moderate Democrat in Congress [The Salt Lake Tribune]
“If, as many Utahans say, Washington is broken because too few politicians will steer a middle course between the extremes of the two parties, then Jim Matheson should be just the candidate that voters are looking for. That, in fact, is one reason why he has earned this newspaper’s endorsement.” [The Salt Lake Tribune, 9/15/12]