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Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney Endorses John Kerry for President Chair of House Democratic Task Force on Homeland Security Joins with NYC Firefighters to Endorse Kerry
October 27, 2003
New York, NY - Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-Manhattan & Queens) today endorsed the presidential candidacy of Senator John F. Kerry (D-Massachusetts) at a Manhattan news conference outside the firehouse of Engine Company 44, a firefighting unit that had previously been slated for closure. She was joined by Senator Kerry and union officials representing New York City firefighters who are supporting his candidacy.
Rep Maloney said, “John Kerry has the character and the experience that are the true hallmarks of leadership. Throughout his career, whether serving in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam, putting criminals behind bars as a prosecutor, or representing his constituents as an elected official, he has demonstrated the courage and commitment that will make him an outstanding president.” John Kerry said, “I’m honored and humbled that Carolyn is joining our campaign to stand up to powerful interests, reclaim our democracy, and do what’s right for Americans everywhere who have been abandoned by George W Bush. Carolyn lives the values of our campaign. Time and again she’s shown the courage to stand up for people, whether it’s meant battling the Bush Administration to save Manhattans V.A. Hospital and keep faith with veterans, or standing up to the right wing ideological agenda and blocking their right-wing judicial nominees. Carolyn is a national leader in the fight to make America more secure at home and abroad and I am grateful that she is joining our exceptional campaign in New York.”
Maloney continued, “The two most critical issues facing us today are fixing our economy and strengthening homeland security. On both fronts, John Kerry understands what needs to be done and has issued realistic, credible proposals on how to do it. John Kerry is the only candidate to introduce a detailed and fiscally disciplined plan to cut the deficit and address pressing national priorities without adding to the tax burden faced by middle class families.
“And, as Chair of the House Democratic Task Force on Homeland Security, I know how badly the Bush administration is short-changing New York and other high-risk areas on funding to protect us from future terrorist attacks. It’s an outrage that New York should be receiving approximately $5 per capita in homeland security funding, while Wyoming is getting $35 per resident. It’s one of the major reasons that New York is being forced to consider unpalatable options, like closing Engine Company 44 behind us, at the very time when we need our fire protection more than ever.
“John Kerry has issued a number of thoughtful proposals, like a First Defender Initiative, a Port Security Plan, a Homeland Health Initiative, and the creation of a Community Defense Service, that will address the gaping holes that remain in our homeland security. And his presidency won’t short-change those who are most at risk from future terrorist attacks.
“As president, John Kerry will also protect veterans of our nation’s armed services. They are under assault today from those in Washington who seek to cut their benefits, ration their access to medical treatment, and even deny them access to health benefits altogether. Here in New York, the Bush administration has been threatening to close the Manhattan V.A. Hospital, which has over 200,000 visits from veterans every year. As the only candidate in the race who has served in combat, John Kerry deeply values the contributions of the men and women in our armed forces. President Kerry will honor our commitment to them once their service is completed.
“Finally, I am confident that John Kerry is the strongest Democratic candidate against George Bush. That is one of the reasons I am endorsing his candidacy today,” concluded Representative Maloney. John Kerry has also been endorsed by New York Representatives Louise Slaughter and Greg Meeks.
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