Assemblywoman Linda Stender is running for Congress against Mike Ferguson in NJ's 7th district.
In every public servant's career, there are certain issues and ideas that ring more true than others - areas of public policy and discourse that capture their imagination and stoke their passion. For me, stem cell research, and the potential of cures it may bring to millions of individuals suffering from degenerative diseases like diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, is one of those issues.
Yet, as far as we've come in such a short time, there are still great hurdles to overcome, as we saw yesterday with President Bush's veto.
Opposition to this groundbreaking research is now limited to only the most close-minded and reactionary individuals. Unfortunately for the people of New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, we have one of those people sitting the Oval Office and another representing us in Congress.
The fact that the President has vowed to veto legislation that if enacted will save millions of lives and develop cures for innumerable diseases is staggering. Not once in almost six years in office has the President used his power to veto legislation. Not once.
The President has had several choice opportunities to pull out his big red stamp and reject bills that were clearly bad for a majority of Americans - the Patriot Act, the Bankruptcy bill or numerous tax cuts that benefited the uber-rich while hurting the middle class - yet it now seems that he's reserved this "honor" for a bill that can only benefit the nation as a whole.
Supporting the President's opposition to embryonic stem cell research every step of the way is my opponent, Mike Ferguson. This is just one of the many issues that Mike chooses to support the President rather than representing the wishes and best interests of his constituents.
For my district, stem cell research is about finding cures and saving lives, but it's also about creating jobs and growing the economy. We are a national hub of the life science industry and home to some of the leading researchers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical technology. We have numerous companies that are itching to get into embryonic stem cell research, ready to turn science theory into medical reality.
Yet Mike Ferguson chooses to side with President Bush and the far right wing of the Republican Party rather than the people who elected him to Congress.
I'm tired of being represented in Washington by someone who looks out for the best interests of people like Tom DeLay, Jack Abramhoff and George W. Bush. I think that the people of the 7th District, whether they're a Democrat, Republican or Independent, finally deserve a Representative in Washington who reflects the values and will vote for them, rather than against them.
That's why I'm running for Congress. That's why I've won the support of Emily's List, Democracy for America, the Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood, the NJ AFL-CIO, among other groups. That is why Netroots supported me and has directly helped to raise over $20,000 online through ActBlue and through the website.
From individual contributions, I was able to raise more than my opponent last quarter. And that's why, with your help, I'm going to win.
Please join us at lindastenderforcongress.com. With your support we will turn New Jersey's 7th District and Congress blue again.