Who should I vote for in the 2008 Florida 25th District House of Representatives Race?
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Blue America strongly endorses Joe Garcia mainly because of his progressive stand on almost every issue. 1. Iraq - Garcia believes in finding a "responsible end" to the Iraq war. An end that is not only good for Iraq and its people but for the United States and our troops. 2. Environment - Garcia will make certain the environment and natural resources are a top priority such as protecting the Everglades and reducing greenhouse gases. 3. Trade - Garcia wants to promote free trade for the United States by assuring that "the conditions of competition be equal." The attached article provides further information on Garcia's platform. Side: Joe Garcia
According to Garcia, America's make-over in ethics reform has to begin with complete transparency at the federal level. Too long have politicians been able to hide behind a velvet curtain where selfish adjustments are made to the Constitution that cost Americans millions is dollars and security. Garcia believes that it is the right of American citizens to be allowed to view all the dealings on the Hill between politicians, PACs and special interest groups, and that no data be allowed to go "missing" far away from public scrutiny. This includes making PAC tax breaks public knowledge so that citizens can know who is paying less in taxes because of political favoritism and who puts more taxpayer dollars towards pork barrel projects. Side: Joe Garcia
Company profits from oil speculation and a desperate addiction to a rapidly decreasing commodity is not good for South Floridians or America in Garcia's book. Instead of staving off petroleum thirst via increased drilling off of the coast, Garcia proposes that Americans kick the habit at the pump by making the choice to seek out ways to utilize renewable energy. Garcia proposes that Washington begin distributing petroleum in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve slowly but steadily, and introduce a gas relief tax credit of $1,000 emergency energy rebates to American families to help with immediate gas problems. Then, through the industrialization of green energy and using hybrid technology vehicles, Garcia says that the country will be able to make a steady turn around from being desperately without energy to a world leader in the green revolution. Side: Joe Garcia
As progressive Americans look forward to a change in educational policy from NCLB to any new system based on individual potential, Garcia steps up to accept the challenge to implement new tactics from K-12 to teachers and curriculum rigor. He cites the following problems with the current educational system: -Budget cuts -Rewarding testing rather than teaching -Students falling behind in Florida -Low teacher retention and pay -Soaring costs for college As an answer to these problems, Garcia suggests that Washington begin by building from the ground up, starting in childcare school where vocabulary usage, math and the basics in education can first be introduced. From there, Garcia calls for higher teacher pay in K-12, and more teacher education to create complex curricula that rewards teaching, not testing. He also insists that college students be eligible for the Tuition Tax Credit to help students and parents prepare financially for the next step in higher education, and a federal credit given to small business to give students career opportunities to consider before graduation. Side: Joe Garcia
Diaz-Balart's smear campaign targeting Garcia released an ad last month which made supposed links between Garcia and Enron's disgraced founder, Ken Lay. Diaz-Balart blatantly said that Garcia went to Lay to gain favors and win himself the position of a federal energy regulator. However, Garcia has responded to his opponents insinuations, with a simple "do your homework" response. Garcia said that he did indeed answer some calls from Lay and a dozen other energy providers and traders who were interested in his policies and stance on energy policy. Garcia said that at no point was he attempting to gain favors from Lay. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Garcia: "The last thing on earth you want being a regulator is owing this guy [Lay] anything." Side: Joe Garcia
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Mario Diaz-Balart staunchly supports U.S. troops staying in Iraq without any foreseeable timetable to exit Iraq. According to ontheissues.org, Diaz-Balart's stand is as follows" YES on declaring Iraq part of War on Terror with no exit date. NO on redeploying US troops out of Iraq starting in 90 days. YES on investigating Bush impeachment for lying about Iraq. Side: Iraq
Unlike his brother, Mario wasn't born in Cuba and opposes illegal immigration (see here and here) which is more in keeping with the Republican platform. One factor that could endanger his seat is if Garcia emphasizes family ties to Fidel Castro. But it may be easier for the brothers to distance themselves from these if they emphasize just as strongly their support for the Cuban embargo. Side:
 Mario Diaz-Balart (R) The recent expulsion of American envoys and diplomats from Venezuela and Bolivia has incurred an uproarious response from American politicians with latin and South American roots. Diaz-Balart openly criticized the extremist and leftist actions of Chavez and Morales as thoroughly undiplomatic and outrageous, and insists that their actions are blatant rejections of freedom. Diaz-Balart: “It comes as no surprise that the extreme leftist leaders of Bolivia and Venezuela have taken such irresponsible actions. By expelling the U.S. ambassadors from their countries, those leaders have sent a strong signal that they are working against democracy and that their interests lay not with the people of their countries, but with the terrorists with whom they associate. Chavez and his associates will do anything to shove diplomacy and democracy aside. These actions further reflect their corruption and disdain for freedom.” However, the Bush administration has questioned the potency of Venezuela's drug police over the past ten years and the insinuations of incompetency left Chavez angered. What with the US losing potential partners in petroleum trade, were these remarks ill-timed and is an apology in order from President Bush?
Supporting Evidence:
Diaz-Balart calls Chavez extremist and says the expulsion was unwarranted
(mariodiazbalart.house.gov)
Side: Mario Diaz-Balart
Congressman Diaz-Balart has voted against the original and final versions of the Wall Street bailout bill. That's not a reason to be entirely satisfied with him in office, but as in many races, the only alternative, voting for the Democrat, will almost certainly be worse. Republicans have hopefully learned their lesson as a party from this massive spending. Side:
Mario Diaz-Balart (R) |
