Perfectly Positive Primary Politics~~In Their Words and Other's

by SixofNine 46 Replies latest social current

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  imallgrowedup

  Ditto Czar, Wednesday and Amazing!
  

  growedup

  P.S. I also like the way you expressed yourself. You should look into doing writing where you can get paid for your talent!

  P.S.S. Jst2laws - There used to be some kind of a rule (law?) where you had to vote in a certain number of elections or major elections or you would need to re-register. I don't know the particulars of it at this time, whether it is a state-by-state regulation, or if this rule/law still exists. IMHO, your best bet is to check with your County Registrar's Office for complete information.
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  SixofNine

  Fifty-Five U.S. Ambassadors And Diplomats Endorse Clark

  Little Rock - Fifty-five former U.S. ambassadors and diplomats, women and men who have served in some 36 countries during the last four administrations, believe that Wesley K. Clark is the right choice to lead America at this critical time in the world.
  
  "Serving as representatives of the United States has allowed each of us to meet with world leaders and see what terrific leadership looks like," said Cynthia Schneider, Ambassador to theNetherlands and co-chair of Ambassadors for Clark. "We know that the world is more interconnected than ever before, and so the impact of good and bad leadership impacts America and the world more than ever before. Wes Clark appreciates that and ambassadors understand the interconnectedness of the world and the critical need for a new leader to repair and strengthen our global ties."
  
  "I am thrilled by the endorsement of those that have the respect of world leaders on every continent," Wesley Clark said. "They understand the importance of rebuilding America's alliances and restoring our country to a position of leadership based on cooperation and respect."
  
  Ambassadors and Diplomats for Clark grew out of the unique phenomena of the Draft Wesley Clark movement. Not only did Wes Clark receive encouragement to run from thousands of individuals from across the U.S., the letters of support came from people, both U.S. citizens and citizens of many other nations, who understand that Wes Clark is the person we need to lead America at this crucial moment in history. The full list of ambassadors and diplomats is below.
  
  Morton Abramowitz, Ambassador to Turkey and Thailand, Assistant Secretary of State
  Brady Anderson, Ambassador to Tanzania.
  Christopher Ashby, Ambassador to Uruguay.
  Jeff Bader, Ambassador to Namibia, Senior Director National Security Agency
  Robert Barry, Administrator, Agency for International Development; Head, OSCE
  J.D. Bindenagel, Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues.
  Donald Blinken, Ambassador to Hungary
  Amy Bondurant, Ambassador to OECD
  Avis Bohlen, Ambassador to Bulgaria, Assistant Secretary of State
  George Bruno, Ambassador to Belize
  Paul Cejas, Ambassador to Belgium
  Tim Chorba, Ambassador to Singapore
  Bonnie Cohen, Under Secretary of State
  Nancy Ely-Raphel, Ambassador to Slovenia
  Ralph Earle, Deputy Director of State, Chief U.S. Negotiator, SALT II Treaty
  Thomas H. Fox, Assistant Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development
  Mary Mel French, Chief of Protocol
  Edward Gabriel, Ambassador to Morocco
  Richard Gardner, Ambassador to Italy & Spain
  Robert Gelbard, Ambassador to Indonesia & Bolivia, Assistant Secretary of State
  Gordon Giffin, Ambassador to Canada
  Lincoln Gordon, Ambassador to Brazil, Assistant Secretary of State
  Anthony Harrington, Ambassador to Brazil
  John Holum, Under Secretary of State
  William J. Hughes, Ambassador to Panama
  Swanee Hunt, Ambassador to Austria
  James Joseph, Ambassador to South Africa
  Rodney Minott, Ambassador to Sweden
  John McDonald, Ambassador to the United Nations
  Stan McLelland, Ambassador to Jamaica
  Gerald McGowan, Ambassador to Portugal
  Arthur Mudge, Mission Director for Agency for International Development
  Lyndon Olson, Ambassador to Sweden
  Donald Petterson, Ambassador to the Sudan, Tanzania & Somalia
  Kathryn Proffitt, Ambassador to Malta
  Edward Romero, Ambassador to Spain & Andorra
  James Rosapepe, Ambassador to Romania
  Nancy Rubin, United Nations Commission on Human Rights
  James Rubin, Assistant Secretary of State
  David Sandalow, Assistant Secretary of State
  Howard Schaffer, Ambassador to Bangladesh, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
  Teresita Schaffer, Ambassador to Sri Lanka & Maldives
  David Scheffer, Ambassador at Large for War Crimes
  Cynthia Schneider, Ambassador to the Netherlands.
  Derek Shearer, Ambassador to Finland
  Richard Schifter, Assistant Secretary of State
  Thomas Siebert, Ambassador to Sweden
  Richard Sklar, Ambassador to the United Nations
  Peter Tarnoff, Under Secretary of State
  Peter Tufo, Ambassador to Hungary
  Arturo Valenzuela, Senior Director, National Security Council
  William Walker, Ambassador to El Salvador & Argentina, Head, Kosovo VerificationMission
  Vernon Weaver, Ambassador to the European Union
  Phoebe L. Yang, Special Coordinator for China Rule of Law, State Department
  Andrew Young, Ambassador to the United Nations
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  SixofNine

  "I have decided to cast my vote in the primary for Wesley Clark. That's right, a peacenik is voting for a general. What a country!
  
  I believe that Wesley Clark will end this war. He will make the rich pay their fair share of taxes. He will stand up for the rights of women, African Americans, and the working people of this country.
  
  And he will cream George W. Bush.'"
  
  Michael Moore-------------------
  
  "My Enron experience has brought home to me just how important the tone at the top is. [Clark has] integrity, he's not going to mislead the American people and he has a longterm vision. I think Wes Clark is just the person to help rebuild and restore the damage that has been done by the way we bullied our way into the war."
  
  Sherron Watkins, Enron whistle-blower, Time Person Of The Year 2002-------------------
  
  "You will determine whether rage or reason guides the United States in the struggle to come. You will choose whether we are known for revenge or compassion. You will choose whether we, too, will kill in the name of God, or whether in His name, we can find a higher civilization and a better means of settling our differences"
  
  Wes Clark
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  Seven

  John Kerry?s Long History Supporting the Environment

  Kerry Spoke at First Earth Day in Massachusetts 33 Years Ago ? Senator John Kerry, having returned from service in Vietnam, spoke at the first Earth Day in Massachusetts on April 22, 1970. "Kerry, who gave some of the first speeches of his career at Boston?s first Earth Day in 1970, said he has seen much improvement in the environment since then: less lead pollution, a cleaner Charles River and Boston Harbor, and a vanishing threat of extinction to gray whales and bald eagles." [Boston Globe, 4/23/95]

  Kerry?s Fight Against Acid Rain Goes Back More Than 20 Years ?

  As Lt. Governor of Massachusetts, Kerry co-chaired the 1983 Acid Rain Task Force and issued the "Call for Action [Against Acid Rain Report]," saying," ?Today we are releasing what we believe to be the most comprehensive analysis of the damage caused by acid rain in this country,? Kerry declared on the Statehouse steps." In his year first year in the Senate, John Kerry introduced the National Acid Rain Control Act in order to improve standards for clean air and establish a fund to finance emission reductions. Later Kerry called for Senate hearings into the global impact of Acid Rain and criticized the Reagan Administration for its weak commitment to end acid rain. [Associated Press 9/17/83 & 8/23/84; 99th Congress, S. 1983; PR Newswire 5/5/87 & 10/8/87]

  Kerry Worked to Strengthen the Clean Air Act?

  John Kerry has worked to strengthen the Clean Air Act and was an instrumental leader in fighting the first Bush Administration?s attempts to weaken it. Kerry also pushed legislation to create stronger "anti-smog" regulations and promote cleaner air. [101st Congress, S. 57, S.Amdt.1348; Boston Globe, 4/29/90]

  Kerry Leads the Charge to Fight Global Warming ?

  Kerry?s work for the environment includes significant efforts to fight global warming. Kerry introduced the "Global Climate Change Act of 2001" to "speed national action to address global climate change." Kerry also successfully attached an amendment to the 2001 Bush budget package to "reduce greenhouse gas emissions, address global climate change concerns, protect global environment, promote domestic energy security and to provide increased funding for voluntary programs that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions." [107th Congress, S.1716, S. Amdt. 249]

  Kerry Worked to Guarantee Clean and Safe Drinking Water -

  John Kerry worked to guarantee cleaner and safer drinking water by strengthening the Safe Drinking Water Act, and fought efforts to weaken it. In 1996, the Kerry Amendment to the budget resolution ensured "protection in the quality of our water." Most recently Kerry voiced his strong opposition to President Bush?s attempt to rollback drinking water standards for arsenic. More recently, Kerry criticized President George W. Bush and his EPA report on the environment stating that Bush's policies have "gutted important provisions of the Clean Water Act." [104th Congress, S.Amdt. 3990; Associated Press, 6/23/03]

  Kerry is the Senate Leader in Protecting Marine Mammals ?

  John Kerry, a member of the Oceans and Fisheries subcommittee, authored the Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1994 that was later signed into law by President Clinton. In 1990, Kerry authored the Driftnet Act Amendments of 1990/Fishery Conservation Amendments of 1990 in an effort to preserve marine mammal population. "In what its sponsor [John Kerry] calls a major reform of the nation's fishing laws, legislation banning the use of drift nets that threaten marine mammals was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee..." [103rd Congress, S. 1636, PL103-238; 101st Congress, S. 1025; Boston Globe, 5/23/90]

  League of Conservation Voters: Kerry?s Leadership "Unsurpassed" ?

  "Kerry?s exceptional lifetime score of 96 percent on LCV?s National Environmental Scorecard and his unsurpassed leadership on clean air, safe drinking water, and open space issues make him an invaluable environmental leader in Congress." [League of Conservation Voters Kerry Senate Re-Election Endorsement Release, 8/29/02]
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  Seven

  Today, Kerry Continues His Fight for Better Environments

  Kerry Has Highest LCV Rating of Any Presidential Candidate ? John Kerry has long been noted as a leading advocate for the environment and, according to the League of Conservation Voters? annual Scorecard, John Kerry has the highest career rating of any of the Presidential candidates. Senator Kerry?s 96.5% is tops amongst the seven candidates rated by the LCV. [LCV scorecards 1979-2002]

  Kerry & McCain Work for Higher CAFE Standards ?

  Kerry teamed with John McCain to propose an historic increase in the nation?s fuel efficiency standards. The measure, strongly opposed by President Bush and the automotive industry, would substantially increase the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards while both improving the environment and lessening America?s dependency on foreign oil. "Kerry, McCain propose new fuel rules--Automakers fight increased standards--U.S. Sens. John Kerry and John McCain have reached a joint proposal to increase the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards to 36 miles per gallon by 2015 from the current fleet average of 24 m.p.g." [Detroit Free Press, 3/8/02]

  LCV Congratulates Kerry on His "Courage" to be the First Senator to Oppose the Nomination of Gail Norton as Secretary of the Interior ?

  Kerry was lauded by the League of Conservation Voters for his "courage" to be the first Senator to oppose the nomination of Gail Norton as Secretary of the Interior. "From his commitment to filibuster drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to his courage as the first Senator to oppose Gale Norton's nomination as Secretary of the Interior?John Kerry has proven his clear commitment to protecting America?s environment through bipartisan action, not mere rhetoric."[League of Conservation Voters Release, 8/29/02; 2001, Senate Roll Call Vote # 6]

  Kerry Was a Leader in Senate Filibuster to Stop Drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge ?

  Kerry along with other environmental leaders in the Senate led the fight against Republican attempts to open the Artic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. "This is a national treasure," said Sen. John Kerry, one of the Democrats who successfully blocked attempts to lift the drilling ban last year." [AP, 3/19/93]

  Kerry Earns "Friend of the National Parks Award" ?

  John Kerry scored a perfect 100% on the 107th Congress scorecard from the National Parks Conservation Association and earned a "Friend of National Parks" award. [National Parks Conservation Association website]

  Kerry is Holding the Bush Administration Responsible for Their Environmental Misdeeds -

  John Kerry is holding the Bush Administration responsible for their poor environmental record and during a recent committee hearing in the Senate said, "the administration was not doing enough to reduce emissions and fight global warming. He criticized the administration for claiming the science on the cause of global warming was unclear and using that as an excuse for not tackling the problem." [Reuters, 7/12/02]
  
  Kerry & LCV Worked Together to Protect the Environment in Global Trade Agreements ? Kerry and the LCV worked together to strengthen our nation?s commitment to the global environment by advising members and other Congressional offices of the importance of Kerry?s amendment to the Trade Promotion Authority bill. "LCV urges you to support an amendment to the Baucus (D-MT) trade promotion authority bill (H.R. 3009) sponsored by Senator Kerry (D-MA) that will help ensure that trade agreements do not lead to continued assaults on environmental and public health protections? The Kerry amendment would require that investment provisions in future trade agreements be in accordance with the United States Constitution. In doing so, it would ensure that corporations do not receive rights that enable them to undermine our environmental laws, and those of other countries. [LCV Letters to the Senate, 5/15/02]
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  Seven

  continued: On the Record for a Better Environment

  Los Angeles Times: Kerry Has a "Strong Record" on Environmental Causes ? [Los Angeles Times, June 15, 2003]

  "Kerry Introduces New Acid Rain Bill"

  [Boston Globe, 1/26/89]

  "Kerry Critiques Bush Environmental Agenda as Falling Short"

  [Boston Globe, 2/10/03]

  John Kerry is "an active environmentalist" and a "significant force in Congress on a number of environmental issues"

  [Boston Globe, 4/11/89 & 4/29/90]

  "Kerry Call for Stronger U.S. Commitment to Fight Acid Rain"

  [PR Newswire 10/8/87]

  "He's no Johnny-come-lately on environment"

  ? "[Kerry] was a player who worked to strengthen the recent compromise on the Clean Air Act?Kerry attempted to push for stronger antismog standards in the Clean Air Act?Some of Kerry's environmental initiatives are controversial and may become issues as he campaigns for reelection. But his opponents will not be able to say that he just discovered the environment." [Boston Globe 4/29/90]

  "[T]hreats of a filibuster to block ANWR drilling legislation, led by Senator John Kerry (D-MA) appear to be holding firm."

  [Green Nature website]

  "Nowhere is presidential leadership more lacking than in the debate over global warming."

  ? John Kerry [Time Magazine, 8/18/02]

  "When it comes to protecting our environment, Sen. John Kerry leads where others falter," said Deb Callahan, national president of the League of Conservation Voters."

  [Boston Globe, 7/20/96]

  "Sen. John Kerry, a Democrat seeking the presidential nomination, characterized the EPA [Report on the Environment] as bleak, the result of President George W. Bush's policies that have "relaxed the laws governing polluting power plants" and "gutted important provisions of the Clean Water Act."

  [Associated Press, 6/23/03]

  "Clean water, clean air, and safe places to live and work are basic necessities that will dictate the quality of life for today and future generations"

  ?Senator John Kerry [Business Wire, 4/22/95]

  "Democratic Senator John Kerry promised to try and block the [ANWR] bill when it arrives in the Senate. ?I will filibuster any effort to drill in the refuge. It will never pass the Senate.? "

  [Irish Times, August 4, 2001]
  
  Kerry?s Introduction of his Marine Mammals Protection Act of 1993/1994: "The original MMPA has far exceeded expectations in its protection of dolphins, whales, seals, and sea lions among other marine mammal stocks. Prior to 1972 when the original MMPA was enacted, hundreds of thousands of marine mammals were killed each year, intentionally from hunting and accidentally due to their interactions with commercial fishermen. I believe this reauthorization will strengthen our efforts and further reduce the mortality and serious injury to our marine mammal stocks. I hope my colleagues in both Houses will pass this important initiative." [Kerry, Congressional Record 3/24/94]
  Kerry Addresses the Senate on Clean Air, Global Warming and Fuel Efficiency in 1990: "?there is no single step that we can take that will do more to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Forty-six percent of the oil consumption of this country is foreign-dependent. Nothing can do more for the security of this country, to reduce the principal global warming gas, which is CO2, which we in the United States provide the majority of in the world." [Kerry, Congressional Record 3/8/90]

  Kerry?s Marking of the 20th Anniversary of Earth Day: "20 years ago, 20 million of us took to the streets to tell anyone who would listen that we were outraged at what was happening to our environment. As a veteran having just returned from the Vietnam war, I was sensitive to how modern technology was effecting our lives. From the other side of the globe I had witnessed how man and his technology could turn Asian farm land into wasteland. There I saw soldiers exposed to toxic chemicals like agent orange. And when I traveled back home what I found was millions of Americans being exposed to filth in our air--carcinogenic wastes in our waters--and radioactive toxins in our earth. When I came home, I joined thousands of veterans in asking our Government to stop the mistake of the war in Vietnam. And I joined millions of Americans asking their Government to put an end to the environmental disaster resulting from a decade of industrialization without recognition of the environmental consequences?On Earth Day, 1970, together all around the country we stood up to say we had had enough. We declared then that we were going to take back our air--take back our water--and take back our land--from those who were polluting them. Nature walks, lectures, parades and cleanup efforts were carried out nationwide. The U.S. Congress stood in recess so that Members could devote the day to discussing environmental issues with their constituents at home. The wave of environmental support from the first Earth Day is credited with raising people's consciousness about the environment. That celebration resulted in the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and brought us new laws such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act." [Kerry, Congressional Record 4/20/90]

  Kerry Takes to Senate Floor to Criticize Bush?s Failed Global Warming Policies:

  "Indeed, since the earliest days of the administration, the President has made a series of policy decisions that will profoundly impact our ability to protect the global environment, all the while purporting to be simply studying the issue. So it is really clear that while the President says they are going to study it, that he has asked for his Cabinet review, and while the President says there are certain unknowns that impact the choices we will make, the President is not neutral in the choices he is making which will have a long-term impact on the choices with which we are left with respect to this issue. Specifically, while the administration claims to be studying the issue, the President has repeatedly questioned the underlying science of climate change and attempted to reignite the debate over whether the threat is real. This was done despite the fact of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a scientific panel founded at the behest of his own father; despite earlier assessments by the National Academy of Sciences; and despite some top government and university researchers in this Nation; and despite personal statements of concern from researchers around the country." [Kerry, Congressional Record 6/12/01]
  
  Kerry Works to Save Antarctic Ecosystem from Mineral Mining, Exploitation: "Antarctica plays an important and unique role in our global ecosystem and it must be protected. I rise today to submit a concurrent resolution urging U.S. representatives at the upcoming meeting of the Antarctic Treaty negotiators to carry out the intentions of legislation introduced last year by myself and the Honorable Silvio Conte, which calls for an indefinite halt to all mineral mining in Antarctica? Antarctica is precious for many reasons. Chief among them, however, is its near pristine wilderness which serves as a perfect laboratory for studying global warming trends. Many scientists believe that development is likely to cause ice caps to melt, which would not only cause sea levels to rise, but would also reduce the ocean's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide--one of the main greenhouse gases. Altering this ability of our ocean to absorb CO2, is clearly counterproductive to the findings in the report issued yesterday by the National Academy of Science on global warming trends. If the Antarctic environment gets sullied, we will lose a perfect testing ground for measuring global change and other critical scientific issues." [Kerry, Congressional Record 4/11/91]

  Kerry?s Introduction of Recycling Act of 1992:

  "Today I am introducing the National Recycling Markets Act of 1992 which I view as a crucial component of a national comprehensive solid waste plan. Recycling as a component of a comprehensive waste management plan holds the answer to many of our concerns. Recycling is an historic response to a new and ever-mounting environmental problem. We are borrowing--recycling, if you will--a practice that was commonplace during World War II. Recycling not only will minimize pollution. It will reduce the number and contentiousness of issues surrounding the siting of incinerators, while at the same time it will save energy and create an entirely new industry in the United States." [Kerry, Congressional Record 3/17/92]
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  Seven

  cont.: Kerry Environmental Legislation

  100th - Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1988

  101st - Motor Vehicle Fuel Conservation Act of 1989/National Acid Rain Control Act of 1989

  "Coastweeks '89".Designates the period of September 16 through October 9, 1989, as Coastweeks '89, recognizing the importance of coastal zones. Designates September 16, 1989, as National Estuaries Day and September 23, 1989, as National Beach Cleanup Day.

  A bill to amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972

  Coastal Zone Improvement Act of 1989

  A bill to carry out long-term research on the effects of oil spills on the marine and estuarine habitats and resources of Prince William Sound

  Antarctic Protection Act of 1990

  Driftnet Act Amendments of 1990/Fishery Conservation Amendments of 1990

  Motor Vehicle Air Conditioner Ozone Depletion Act

  Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild and Scenic River Study Act

  Marine and Coastal Monitoring Act of 1990/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1990/Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act

  102nd -

  A concurrent resolution calling for the United States to support a new agreement among the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties which would provide comprehensive environmental protection of Antarctica and would prohibit indefinitely commercial mineral development and related activities in Antarctica.

  A concurrent resolution calling for a United States policy of strengthening and maintaining indefinitely the current International Whaling Commission moratorium on the commercial killings of whales, and otherwise expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to conserving and protecting the world's whale, dolphin, and porpoise populations.

  A concurrent resolution to express the sense of the Congress concerning the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.

  A resolution to designate May 21, 1991, as "National Land Trust Appreciation Day", and to recognize the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Trustees of Reservations.

  A resolution to encourage the European Commission to vote to ban driftnets for all European Community fishing fleets on July 8, and for other purposes.

  National Flood Insurance, Mitigation, and Erosion Management Act of 1991

  A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide for improvement of the quality of

  Boston Harbor and adjacent waters.

  National Recycling Markets Act of 1992

  National Marine Sanctuaries Program Amendments Act of 1992/Hawaiian Islands National Marine

  Sanctuary Act

  New England Groundfish Restoration Act

  International Dolphin Conservation Act of 1992

  Antarctic Environmental Protection Protocol Act of 1992

  103rd - Boston Harbor Wastewater Treatment Act of 1993

  National Environmental Trade Development Act of 1993 Atlantic Tunas Convention Authorization Act of 1993

  Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1993/1994

  Sustainable Fisheries Act/Fisheries Stock Recovery Financing Act/Atlantic Tunas Convention Authorization Act of 1994

  104th -

  A bill to establish the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

  Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996

  Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

  105th - Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

  106th -

  Coastal Stewardship Act: Coral Reef Protection Act of 1999&2000/National Marine Sanctuaries Amendments Act of 1999/Coastal Zone Management Amendments of 1999

  Taunton River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 1999

  Shark Conservation Act of 2000

  107th -

  A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the policy of the United States at the 17th Regular Meeting of the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas in Murcia, Spain.

  A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the policy of the United States at the 54th Annual Meeting of the International Whaling Commission.

  A resolution expressing the Sense of the Senate regarding the policy of the United States at the World Summit on Sustainable Development and related matters.

  North Atlantic Right Whale Recovery Act of 2001

  Metacomet-Monadnock-Mattabesett Trail Study Act of 2001

  Global Climate Change Act of 2001

  After decisive victories yesterday, John Kerry has now won contests nationwide. From the Midwest to the North to the Southwest, he is the only candidate running a national campaign.