I also expect each candidate to take clear positions on the conduct of the war, including Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the Patriot Act, warrantless wiretaps, and the other actions our federal government has taken to reduce constitutional rights and freedoms.
Other key national issues for me would include: action on climate change, immigration policy, educational affordability, consumer protection, and health care affordability and acess. I’m sure there are lots more, and we are crying out for national leadership.
Locally, the issues are also interesting. Take a look at this map of the 5th District [http://www.house.gov…]. It has a bit of everything: poor, struggling urban areas, such as Lawrence; some of the wealthiest suburbs, such as Wayland and Concord; very conservative towns, such as Tyngsborough, and bastions of genteel liberalism that shall go unnamed. If the GOP could find the right candidate, it would by no means be a gimme for the Dems.
I have some ideas about the local issues I think are most important to the 5th, but for now I’ll take the 5th. What do BMG folks think are the most important District issues for every candidate to address?
Full disclosure: I’m not associated with any campaign or candidate, and I have no idea for whom I’ll be voting.
