Barbara Boxer's letter to me about Joe.

[IChing]

Dear IChing

Thank you for writing to me about the hotly contested Connecticut primary for Senate.

I am traveling to many states throughout the summer and fall to help Democrats take back the Senate and House. I started yesterday morning at a campaign stop for Senator Menendez and then made appearances for Joe Lieberman in Connecticut before he left for a Bill Clinton rally.

So why did I go to Connecticut? When Joe asked me to tell his constituents about our work together on the environment and choice, I told him I would.

I realize this decision has deeply disappointed you. I completely understand your position and only hope that you will come to understand mine.

For 14 years, Joe Lieberman and I have shared an alliance on a range of progressive issues, especially two that are central to my public service -- the environment and choice.

We have worked side by side on the Senate's Environment and Public Works Committee. When Bill Clinton was President, the stakes weren't nearly as high. But within hours of President Bush taking office, the environment was under attack.

Believe me, it has not been easy to fight the Bush Administration and the Republicans on this committee who try to undermine the environment, and its supporters, at every turn.

I know that's not news to you. But what you might not know about is the critical role that Joe has played in this battle.

The fact is, on every single fight I have waged on that committee -- from arsenic in the water, to air pollution, to pesticide testing on infants and children, to global warming, to Superfund and much more -- Joe has been a stalwart partner and leader.

Joe was the first author of legislation to permanently protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He was one of the first Senators to try to tackle the global warming challenge. The Republicans laughed at his efforts and refused to admit that we were right on this issue. But Joe was undeterred.

And it's the same with women's rights, especially choice. Each and every time a woman's right to choose has come to the Senate floor -- including late term emergency abortions -- I've had a reliable partner in Joe.

He is one of a small handful of Senators who has joined with me both times I have introduced the Freedom of Choice Act, the most strongly pro-choice piece of legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Because of his long record on choice and other important progressive issues, Joe has won the endorsement of organizations such as Planned Parenthood, NARAL, AFL-CIO, the League of Conservation Voters, and the Human Rights Campaign.

Of course, as you rightly point out, Joe and I don't agree on everything. And nothing has deeply disappointed me more than our complete disagreement on the Iraq War.

The fact is, I disagree with many of my usual allies on the war since my bill to redeploy troops out of Iraq by the end of THIS year is the toughest redeployment bill out there. As far as I'm concerned, I will stand alone to end this war.

Joe and I have virtually no common ground on Iraq except for one thing -- we have teamed up to provide comprehensive mental health care for our troops. Our amendment will ensure that our soldiers will not be sent into combat if they have mental health problems, including post traumatic stress, and that they will be able to get mental health help within 72 hours if they need it.

Again, this may sound easy, but the truth is, we had to work very hard to get our mental health amendment to pass the Senate, which it did.

I do not minimize the differences I have on the war with Joe -- or any of my colleagues -- but as I said, I also have a 14-year alliance on other progressive issues that are important to us, to California, and our country.

I understand that you disagree vehemently with my decision, as is your right. But, on August 8, the Democrats of Connecticut will make their voices heard on Joe's candidacy, and I will have deep respect for their decision.

Until then, I only hope that you will weigh our differences about this primary campaign against everything that ties us together, and please know that I will continue to work as hard as I can to earn your trust and support.

Best,



Barbara Boxer

[peacebird]

1. Boxer, babe - I hope the Dems of Conn vote Lamont

and then I hope some Dem comes to take YOUR place next.

[Rose Siding]

2. "I will stand alone to end this war."

She doesn't have to. We're here and we want to send someone to Congress who'll stand with her, too.

I admire Barbara so much, and she has every right to stump for her friend, but can she really think that Ned wouldn't also support her on things like mental health care for troops? The real difference would be less support the war that's tearing them up.

[IChing]

4. My letter to her was strong but I still support her on 98%

I am proud she is my senator and she responds to my e-mails regularly.

The old Joe vs the new Joe...friends change as does the world and opinions.



If Joe was such a loyal Democrat why did he keep his seat as Senator during the 2000 election when running as VP(Edwards didn't)
Since Gore really did win then his seat, if things were honest, would have been appointed by an Republican Governor vs finding a democratic Candidate that might of won.

Oh, well, she is still my senator and I will still support and work for her.

[Biernuts]

3. OK, she convinced me. I'll vote for Joe. Thanks for the post.

Oops, he's not running here, never mind.

[win_in_06]

5. She'a a good Senator for Cali, but this would hurt her as a VP/P candidate

Not that she's running.