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.
Al Franken (D-MN) for Senate
Award-winning satirist, comedian, entertainer and author Al Franken received a major boost to his campaign when his main opponent for the Democratic nomination to the U.S. Senate, Attorney Mike Ciresi, dropped out of the Minnesota race.Ciresi was lagging far behind Franken in all measures of political support. Now Franken needs only to defeat college professor Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer to get the crucial Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party endorsement this June. Nelson-Pallmeyer lags far behind Franken in support.
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.
Jeff Merkley (D-OR) for Senate
The Oregon Senate race is becoming closer every day. Jeff Merkley is a rare Senate candidate, an expert on nuclear weapons and national security issues. He is mounting a challenge to incumbent Republican two-term Senator Gordon Smith in Oregon that is receiving national attention. Council for a Livable World has endorsed Jeff Merkley because he is an electoral winner who is also an expert on nuclear weapons and acutely aware of the dangers.
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.
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.
