2008 Senate Endorsements
Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) for Senate
The primary for this New Jersey Senate seat is June 3! We need to act quickly, hence this urgent message in support of Senator Lautenberg, a long-term ally of the Council for a Livable World and a committed supporter of arms control. Senator Lautenberg has been a consistent and active ally of the Council during his many years in the Senate. He has had a record of 100% on Council issue positions over six times since 1984, as low as 75% only three times in 24 years.
Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) for Senate
The New Hampshire Senate contest between former Democratic Governor Jeanne Shaheen and incumbent Republican Senator John Sununu is looking more promising than ever for the challenger. The political pros are upgrading Shaheen's chances. The authoritative political publication "The Hotline" compares Sununu's poor prospects to the situation of ex-Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, who went down to overwhelming defeat in 2006. Washington Post political blogger Chris Cillizza described Sununu as the most vulnerable incumbent in the nation.
Al Franken (D-MN) for Senate
Al Franken captured the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor endorsement at the party’s June convention, winning by acclamation on the first ballot. His campaign to oust incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman has captured the imagination of Minnesota voters, and many party professionals, who a year ago questioned whether a comedian could be taken seriously, have been converted by Franken’s impressive race.
Tom Udall (D-NM) for Senate
New Mexico has an open Senate seat for the first time in 25 years, a rare opportunity to win another seat in the closed contested U.S. Senate. Running to replace retiring Sen. Pete Domenici is Democratic U.S. Representative Tom Udall, currently serving his fifth term in the House of Representatives. Udall's record is excellent on arms control as well as on issues of war and peace. He scored a 100% on Council for a Livable World PeacePAC's last three voting scorecards.
Jeff Merkley (D-OR) for Senate
Council endorsed Jeff Merkley is a rare Senate candidate, an expert on nuclear weapons, who worked on verification for theater nuclear arms agreements, assisting the U.S. delegation to NATO and coordinating a committee on technology transfer to other countries. He is running against Gordon Smith, a resourceful and well-funded incumbent who has tried to cultivate a moderate image.
Tim Johnson (D-SD) for Senate
Tim Johnson, one of the most gentle, soft-spoken and respected Senators has recovered from a serious health crisis. After suffering a life-threatening brain hemorrhage, he underwent emergency surgery and has recently returned to the Senate after a nine-month convalescence. Although his speech remains slow and he uses a motorized wheel chair, his mind is sharp and his opinions are as progressive as ever. He is anticipating his re-election campaign with eagerness and courage.
Mark Udall (D-CO) for Senate
In Colorado's race to replace retiring Senator Wayne Allard, a clear-cut progressive is challenging one of the state's most conservative politicians. Representative Mark Udall has repeatedly taken principled but unpopular stands in this Republican state that has started trending Democratic. Rep. Udall - A member of a well-known and highly respected Western family - is currently serving his fifth term in Congress. Mark Udall's prospects in this race are excellent, helped because the seat is open after Allard announced his retirement earlier this year.
Tom Allen (D-ME) for Senate
Maine voters have a clear choice in one of the most significant races of the 2008 elections. When the Senate and House voted on bringing American troops home from Iraq, the difference between incumbent Senator Susan Collins and challenger U.S. Representative Tom Allen came into sharp focus. Tom Allen of Maine is a bold and courageous progressive who opposed the Iraq war from the start. Collins, who voted for the war in 2002, tries to have it both ways in order to attract independents and Democrats without alienating Republicans.
