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Carl ran against Aderholt in '04, and I've really been hoping and pushing for him to run again in '06..
This is in response to another email from another site regarding Aderholt's vote for CAFTA.
From: Carl Cole
Regarding Congressman Aderholt, this is just another in a series of betrayals to the average folks of North Alabama. Their interestest are sacrificed in favor of special interests and special favors. The Congressman then trots out a political crony sock plant owner (usually Charles Cole - no relation) to recite some meaningless platitudes about how the vote actually works for the sock industry... It very well may work for the industry owners, but not the workers and their families.
Prior to this vote, Aderholt cast a vote on another trade agreement that ravaged the hosiery industry and garment industry in DeKalb and Marshall Counties. Back during the campaign, we actually got him to admit that he messed up. He actually said he was duped into signing the bill. Later, he voted to raise his own pay (breaking a campaign promise) then after seeing that the bill would pass without his vote, went back into the record post roll call and changed his vote to no. He said this was simply a mistake.
As a practical matter, the damage to the hosiery industry is already done and the story has already been written. Because of bad representation from Aderholt, China now dumps 2,000% more units of hosiery apparel on the US market than it did just five years ago. North Alabama factories can't keep up or compete. Worthless words from a trade rep aren't going to protect those North Alabama workers now any more than they did before.
I had written off another run against Congressman Aderholt - at least this term - but recently I've started rethinking that decision. I would love to hear from folks on this list as to whether or not its viable. It would still be a monumental task, but sometimes you win even when you don't get the most votes if you're able to actually engage on issues and bring them to the forefront. Regardless, don't let this issue die. This vote and his others along the same line have been devastating to Sand Mountain where I grew up.
Give 'em hell.
Carl
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