At 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 19, Democrats will get together at locations throughout Iowa to officially kick off campaign 2004.
Iowa's caucus has taken on inflated importance, as a bad showing can kill a candidacy. A win doesn't guarantee the party nomination, though, as the Republican caucuses in 1980 and 1988 and Democratic caucuses in 1988 and 1992 showed.
The caucus is different from a primary in several ways. First of all, the actual "vote" section of the meeting is preceded by roughly an hour of discussion about the candidates. After that, caucus attendees separate themselves into groups based on their preferred candidate. For example, Howard Dean supporters all stand together.
Another key difference is that voters' second choices play a significant role in the process. Backers of candidates who did not receive 15 percent support are asked to choose another candidate.
One must be a registered Democratic voter to participate in the caucuses, but participants are allowed to register at the caucus.
Of course, with nine major Democratic presidential candidates, it can be a bit difficult to figure out who's who and what they stand for. (Those of you who live in Illinois have the same challenge but a bit longer to make up your minds; the state's primary is March 16.)
The River Cities' Reader survey of caucus and primary resources includes the following:
• Each candidate's campaign Web site is listed. Visit them to see the candidates and campaigns in their own words.
• The background/public service section details a candidate's profession, military service, and elected offices.
• The National Political Awareness Test provides a link to each candidate's responses to the Project Vote Smart questionnaire, in which politicians mark what positions they support in 25 different areas. The survey is extensive and nuanced, but not all candidates fill it out; in the 2004 field, George W. Bush, Howard Dean, Richard Gephardt, and John Kerry refused to respond.
• Campaign-finance information is drawn from (http://www.opensecrets.org), which compiled data from Federal Election Commission reports released on November 3.
• Major endorsements are drawn from the Project Vote Smart Web site. What's offered here is a small selection of endorsements by major national organizations and prominent individuals. Visit Project Vote Smart (http://www.vote-smart.org) for the complete lists.
• Major stances are drawn from the candidates' respective Web sites and represent issues and policy areas that their campaigns have chosen to highlight. Web links are provided.
• Positions on the Iraq war resolution and USA PATRIOT Act are drawn from various news sources or surveys.
Other resources
• The Des Moines Register offers a head-to-head "grid" on the candidates' positions on 14 different issues, from spending in Iraq to health care to tax cuts: (http://desmoinesregister.com/extras/politics/caucus2004/issuesmain.html).
• The online magazine Slate offers its Campaign 2004 Field Guide, which includes short features on each candidate under the headings "profile," "buzzwords," "agenda," "worldview," "best moment," "flip-flops," and "gaffes": (http://slate.msn.com/id/2085967/).
• Project Vote Smart has a wealth of information on presidential candidates starting at (http://www.vote-smart.org/election_president.php).
• The Democratic National Committee offers transcripts of six presidential-candidate debates: (http://www.democrats.org/whitehouse/debates/).
• For information on caucus locations in Scott County, visit (http://www.scottcountyiowa.com/auditor/).
Carol Moseley Braun
Web site: http://www.moseley-braun.org
Background/public service: attorney; Illinois House of Representative (1978-1988); Cook County recorder of deeds (1989-1992); U.S. senator, Illinois (1993-1999); U.S. ambassador to New Zealand (1999-2002).
National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=S0252103
Top contributors by industry:
Lawyers/law firms, $24,250
Securities and investment, $18,250
Retired, $15,173
Real estate, $14,750
Miscellaneous business, $14,011
Top contributors:
MWH Americas, $9,000
Ariel Capital Management, $5,250
Sheet Metal Workers Union, $5,000
Woodlawn Organization, $4,500
Eastlake Management, $4,000
Major endorsements: National Organization for Women's Political Action Committee; National Women's Political Caucus; Gloria Steinem.
Major stances: supports a single-payer health-care system (http://www.moseley-braun.org/pdf/q_health_care.pdf); did not support the war in Iraq (http://www.moseley-braun.org/pdf/q_iraq.pdf).
Iraq war resolution: no.
USA PATRIOT Act: opposes elements of USA PATRIOT Act as unconstitutional.
Wesley Clark
Web site: http://www.clark04.com
Background/public service: served in the U.S. Army (1966-2000); awarded Purple Heart and Silver Star for service in Vietnam; commanded NATO's Operation Allied Force in Kosovo; retired as four-star general and Supreme Allied Commander, Europe.
National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=MZZ72757
Top contributors by industry:
Lawyers/law firms, $270,574
Retired, $267,162
Education, $119,898
TV/movies/music, $100,000
Miscellaneous business, $98,100
Top contributors:
Sullivan & Cromwell, $9,500
Cravath, Swaine & Moore, $8,500
Viacom, $8,450
Georgetown Co, $8,000
Skadden, Arps et al, $7,950
Major endorsements: Madonna (entertainer).
Major stances: has released a plan (http://clark04.com/downloads/pdf/Clark04_Turnaround.pdf) that promises to increase family income by $3,000; prevent 100,000 premature deaths from environmental causes by 2020; enroll 1 million additional students in higher education; lift 2 million children out of poverty; and provide health insurance to 30 million people who presently don't have it.
Iraq war resolution: most recently said he would not have voted for the resolution.
USA PATRIOT Act: supports re-considering USA PATRIOT Act and opposes expansion of its powers.
Howard Dean
Web site: http://www.deanforamerica.com
Background/public service: physician; Vermont House of Representatives (1983-1986); Vermont lieutenant governor (1986-1991); Vermont governor (1991-2002).
Refused to respond to National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=CNIP0634
Top contributors by industry:
Retired, $1,567,317
Lawyers/law firms, $931,981
Education, $718,705
Health professionals, $488,494
TV/movies/music, $469,593
Top contributors:
AOL Time Warner, $61,975
University of California, $54,874
Microsoft Corp., $25,100
IBM Corp., $22,750
Harvard University, $22,400
Major endorsements: American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees; International Union of Painters & Allied Trades; Service Employees International Union; David Crosby (entertainer); former U.S. Vice President Al Gore; U.S. Senator Tom Harkin; Graham Nash (entertainer); Rob Reiner (entertainer); Martin Sheen (entertainer); former U.S. Senator Paul Simon.
Major stances: has released an economic plan entitled "Reclaiming the American Dream" (http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/cg/index.html?type=page&pagename=policy_policy_economy_reclaimingtheamericandream) that promises high-paying jobs, responsible stewardship of federal finances; relief to American families; and fairness.
Iraq war resolution: no.
USA PATRIOT Act: supports repealing portions of USA PATRIOT Act he regards as unconstitutional and opposes expansion of the law.
John Edwards
Web site: http://www.johnedwards2004.com
Background/public service: attorney; U.S. senator, North Carolina (1999-present)
National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=CNC68243
Top contributors by industry:
Lawyers/law firms, $7,429,290
Retired, $438,715
Securities and investment, $324,350
Miscellaneous business, $241,155
Business services, $231,500
Top contributors:
Baron & Budd, $77,250
Goldman Sachs, $76,000
Girardi & Keese, $63,475
Beasley, Allen et al, $62,850
Simmons Firm, $49,000
Major endorsements: Larry David (entertainer); Ashton Kutcher (entertainer); Jerry Zucker (entertainer).
Major stances: has released a plan (http://www.johnedwards2004.com/economy.asp) that promises to create jobs; help families build wealth; ensure corporate responsibility; strengthen the rights of working Americans; and overhauling the tax code.
Iraq war resolution: yes.
USA PATRIOT Act: voted for USA PATRIOT Act but has been critical of its implementation.
Richard Gephardt
Web site: http://www.dickgephardt2004.com
Background/public service: attorney; St. Louis alderman (1971-1976); U.S. Representative, Missouri (1977-present); U.S. House Democratic leader (1989-2002).
Refused to respond to National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=H2180103
Top contributors by industry:
Lawyers/law firms, $1,844,021
Real estate, $457,650
Securities and investment, $411,950
Retired, $368,737
TV/movies/music, $298,400
Top contributors:
Teamsters Union, $130,200
Bryan Cave LLP, $70,812
Operating Engineers Union, $46,954
Anheuser-Busch, $44,250
Torchmark Corp., $37,000
Major endorsements: Alliance for Economic Justice; Amalgamated Transit Union; International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Laborers' International Union; Transport Workers Union of America; United Food & Commercial Workers International Union; United Steelworkers of America; Michael Douglas (entertainer); U.S. Representative Lane Evans.
Major stances: Site (http://www.dickgephardt2004.com/plugin/template/gephardt/13/*) outlines plans for universal health coverage; renewable energy; a teacher corps; universal pensions; and an international minimum wage.
Iraq war resolution: yes.
USA PATRIOT Act: voted for USA PATRIOT Act but has been critical of its administration and opposes its expansion.
John Kerry
Web site: http://www.johnkerry.com
Background/public service: attorney; served in U.S. Navy (1966-1970); awarded Silver Star, Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts for service in Vietnam; Massachusetts lieutenant governor (1983-1985); U.S. Senator, Massachusetts (1985-present).
Refused to respond to National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=S0421103
Top contributors by industry:
Lawyers/law firms, $3,079,449
Securities and investment, $1,031,275
Retired, $753,870
Real estate, $702,535
Business services, $437,900
Top contributors:
Skadden, Arps et al, $97,650
Citigroup Inc., $70,200
Piper Rudnick, $68,250
Mintz, Levin et al, $63,300
Goldman Sachs, $62,500
Major endorsements: International Association of Fire Fighters; Utility Workers Union of America; Kenny "Babyface" Edmunds (entertainer); Dennis Hopper (entertainer); Quincy Jones (entertainer); U.S. Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy; Aaron Sorkin (entertainer).
Major stances: has drafted a plan for his first 100 days in office (http://www.johnkerry.com/issues/100days/#plan) that includes a National Education Trust Fund and health care for all children; promises to cut the deficit in half within four years.
Iraq war resolution: yes.
USA PATRIOT Act: voted for USA PATRIOT Act and supported sunset clause for its provisions.
Dennis Kucinich
Web site: http://www.kucinich.us
Background/public service: Cleveland council member (1969-1973, 1983); Cleveland clerk of courts (1975); Cleveland mayor (1977-1979); Ohio state senator (1995-1996); U.S. Representative, Ohio (1997-present).
National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=BC032003
Top contributors by industry:
Retired, $173,812
Miscellaneous business, $71,688
Education, $69,809
Health professionals, $49,816
TV/movies/music, $36,275
Top contributors:
Borders & Borders, $6,000
United Steelworkers of America, $6,000
University of Illinois, $5,100
Sheet Metal Workers Union, $5,000
Schulman Schulman, $4,000
Major endorsements: American Vegetarians; Citizens for Legitimate Government; National Coalition of Organized Women; Ed Asner (entertainer); Barenaked Ladies (entertainers); Ani DiFranco (entertainer); Danny Glover (entertainer); Willie Nelson (entertainer); Pete Seeger (entertainer); Studs Terkel (author); Alice Walker (author).
Major stances: has outlined 10 key positions (http://www.kucinich.us/issues/10key.php), including a single-payer health-care system; full Social Security benefits at age 65; withdrawal from NAFTA and WTO; and repeal of the USA PATRIOT Act.
Iraq war resolution: no.
USA PATRIOT Act: voted against.
Joe Lieberman
Web site: http://www.joe2004.com/index.jsp
Background/public service: attorney; Connecticut state senator (1971-1980); Connecticut attorney general (1982-1988); U.S. Senator, Connecticut (1988-present).
National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=S0141103
Top contributors by industry:
Lawyers/law firms, $1,480,361
Real estate, $904,772
Securities and investment, $661,450
Retired, $589,125
Health professionals, $361,950
Top contributors:
Irell & Manella, $71,950
Lehman Brothers, $43,250
Hartford Financial Services, $42,800
Citigroup Inc., $40,750
Purdue Pharma, $32,000
Major endorsements: U.S. Senator Tom Carper; U.S. Senator Chris Dodd; Monty Hall (entertainer).
Major stances: has published "Leading with Integrity" (http://www.leadingwithintegrity.com/images/freshstart_full.pdf), which addresses the issue of the economy, security, and integrity. Key elements include creating 10 million new jobs; balancing the budget within eight years; affordable health insurance; reduce the poverty rate; and reform the immigration system.
Iraq war resolution: yes.
USA PATRIOT Act: voted for USA PATRIOT Act and supported sunset clause for its provisions.
Al Sharpton
Web site: http://www.sharpton2004.org
Background/public service: ordained minister; activist; founder/director, National Youth Movement (1971-1988); founder/director, National Action Network (1991-present).
National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=MZZ96753
Top contributors by industry:
TV/movies/music, $26,500
Health professionals, $16,750
Retired, $12,800
Securities and Investment, $12,000
Food processing and sales, $11,000
Top contributors:
Radio One, $13,200
Hawkins Food, $8,000
Chairman, Editor & Publisher, $6,000
Dental One, $6,000
Berdon LLP, $5,000
Major endorsements: Black Enterprise magazine.
Major stances: has proposed three constitutional amendments (http://sharpton2004.org/index.php?menuID=Page&pid=3) dealing with education, health care, and voting.
Iraq war resolution: no.
USA PATRIOT Act: opposed.
The caucus is different from a primary in several ways. First of all, the actual "vote" section of the meeting is preceded by roughly an hour of discussion about the candidates. After that, caucus attendees separate themselves into groups based on their preferred candidate. For example, Howard Dean supporters all stand together.
Another key difference is that voters' second choices play a significant role in the process. Backers of candidates who did not receive 15 percent support are asked to choose another candidate.
One must be a registered Democratic voter to participate in the caucuses, but participants are allowed to register at the caucus.
Of course, with nine major Democratic presidential candidates, it can be a bit difficult to figure out who's who and what they stand for. (Those of you who live in Illinois have the same challenge but a bit longer to make up your minds; the state's primary is March 16.)
The River Cities' Reader survey of caucus and primary resources includes the following:
• Each candidate's campaign Web site is listed. Visit them to see the candidates and campaigns in their own words.
• The background/public service section details a candidate's profession, military service, and elected offices.
• The National Political Awareness Test provides a link to each candidate's responses to the Project Vote Smart questionnaire, in which politicians mark what positions they support in 25 different areas. The survey is extensive and nuanced, but not all candidates fill it out; in the 2004 field, George W. Bush, Howard Dean, Richard Gephardt, and John Kerry refused to respond.
• Campaign-finance information is drawn from (http://www.opensecrets.org), which compiled data from Federal Election Commission reports released on November 3.
• Major endorsements are drawn from the Project Vote Smart Web site. What's offered here is a small selection of endorsements by major national organizations and prominent individuals. Visit Project Vote Smart (http://www.vote-smart.org) for the complete lists.
• Major stances are drawn from the candidates' respective Web sites and represent issues and policy areas that their campaigns have chosen to highlight. Web links are provided.
• Positions on the Iraq war resolution and USA PATRIOT Act are drawn from various news sources or surveys.
Other resources
• The Des Moines Register offers a head-to-head "grid" on the candidates' positions on 14 different issues, from spending in Iraq to health care to tax cuts: (http://desmoinesregister.com/extras/politics/caucus2004/issuesmain.html).
• The online magazine Slate offers its Campaign 2004 Field Guide, which includes short features on each candidate under the headings "profile," "buzzwords," "agenda," "worldview," "best moment," "flip-flops," and "gaffes": (http://slate.msn.com/id/2085967/).
• Project Vote Smart has a wealth of information on presidential candidates starting at (http://www.vote-smart.org/election_president.php).
• The Democratic National Committee offers transcripts of six presidential-candidate debates: (http://www.democrats.org/whitehouse/debates/).
• For information on caucus locations in Scott County, visit (http://www.scottcountyiowa.com/auditor/).
Carol Moseley Braun
Web site: http://www.moseley-braun.org
Background/public service: attorney; Illinois House of Representative (1978-1988); Cook County recorder of deeds (1989-1992); U.S. senator, Illinois (1993-1999); U.S. ambassador to New Zealand (1999-2002).
National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=S0252103
Top contributors by industry:
Lawyers/law firms, $24,250
Securities and investment, $18,250
Retired, $15,173
Real estate, $14,750
Miscellaneous business, $14,011
Top contributors:
MWH Americas, $9,000
Ariel Capital Management, $5,250
Sheet Metal Workers Union, $5,000
Woodlawn Organization, $4,500
Eastlake Management, $4,000
Major endorsements: National Organization for Women's Political Action Committee; National Women's Political Caucus; Gloria Steinem.
Major stances: supports a single-payer health-care system (http://www.moseley-braun.org/pdf/q_health_care.pdf); did not support the war in Iraq (http://www.moseley-braun.org/pdf/q_iraq.pdf).
Iraq war resolution: no.
USA PATRIOT Act: opposes elements of USA PATRIOT Act as unconstitutional.
Wesley Clark
Web site: http://www.clark04.com
Background/public service: served in the U.S. Army (1966-2000); awarded Purple Heart and Silver Star for service in Vietnam; commanded NATO's Operation Allied Force in Kosovo; retired as four-star general and Supreme Allied Commander, Europe.
National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=MZZ72757
Top contributors by industry:
Lawyers/law firms, $270,574
Retired, $267,162
Education, $119,898
TV/movies/music, $100,000
Miscellaneous business, $98,100
Top contributors:
Sullivan & Cromwell, $9,500
Cravath, Swaine & Moore, $8,500
Viacom, $8,450
Georgetown Co, $8,000
Skadden, Arps et al, $7,950
Major endorsements: Madonna (entertainer).
Major stances: has released a plan (http://clark04.com/downloads/pdf/Clark04_Turnaround.pdf) that promises to increase family income by $3,000; prevent 100,000 premature deaths from environmental causes by 2020; enroll 1 million additional students in higher education; lift 2 million children out of poverty; and provide health insurance to 30 million people who presently don't have it.
Iraq war resolution: most recently said he would not have voted for the resolution.
USA PATRIOT Act: supports re-considering USA PATRIOT Act and opposes expansion of its powers.
Howard Dean
Web site: http://www.deanforamerica.com
Background/public service: physician; Vermont House of Representatives (1983-1986); Vermont lieutenant governor (1986-1991); Vermont governor (1991-2002).
Refused to respond to National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=CNIP0634
Top contributors by industry:
Retired, $1,567,317
Lawyers/law firms, $931,981
Education, $718,705
Health professionals, $488,494
TV/movies/music, $469,593
Top contributors:
AOL Time Warner, $61,975
University of California, $54,874
Microsoft Corp., $25,100
IBM Corp., $22,750
Harvard University, $22,400
Major endorsements: American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees; International Union of Painters & Allied Trades; Service Employees International Union; David Crosby (entertainer); former U.S. Vice President Al Gore; U.S. Senator Tom Harkin; Graham Nash (entertainer); Rob Reiner (entertainer); Martin Sheen (entertainer); former U.S. Senator Paul Simon.
Major stances: has released an economic plan entitled "Reclaiming the American Dream" (http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/cg/index.html?type=page&pagename=policy_policy_economy_reclaimingtheamericandream) that promises high-paying jobs, responsible stewardship of federal finances; relief to American families; and fairness.
Iraq war resolution: no.
USA PATRIOT Act: supports repealing portions of USA PATRIOT Act he regards as unconstitutional and opposes expansion of the law.
John Edwards
Web site: http://www.johnedwards2004.com
Background/public service: attorney; U.S. senator, North Carolina (1999-present)
National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=CNC68243
Top contributors by industry:
Lawyers/law firms, $7,429,290
Retired, $438,715
Securities and investment, $324,350
Miscellaneous business, $241,155
Business services, $231,500
Top contributors:
Baron & Budd, $77,250
Goldman Sachs, $76,000
Girardi & Keese, $63,475
Beasley, Allen et al, $62,850
Simmons Firm, $49,000
Major endorsements: Larry David (entertainer); Ashton Kutcher (entertainer); Jerry Zucker (entertainer).
Major stances: has released a plan (http://www.johnedwards2004.com/economy.asp) that promises to create jobs; help families build wealth; ensure corporate responsibility; strengthen the rights of working Americans; and overhauling the tax code.
Iraq war resolution: yes.
USA PATRIOT Act: voted for USA PATRIOT Act but has been critical of its implementation.
Richard Gephardt
Web site: http://www.dickgephardt2004.com
Background/public service: attorney; St. Louis alderman (1971-1976); U.S. Representative, Missouri (1977-present); U.S. House Democratic leader (1989-2002).
Refused to respond to National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=H2180103
Top contributors by industry:
Lawyers/law firms, $1,844,021
Real estate, $457,650
Securities and investment, $411,950
Retired, $368,737
TV/movies/music, $298,400
Top contributors:
Teamsters Union, $130,200
Bryan Cave LLP, $70,812
Operating Engineers Union, $46,954
Anheuser-Busch, $44,250
Torchmark Corp., $37,000
Major endorsements: Alliance for Economic Justice; Amalgamated Transit Union; International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Laborers' International Union; Transport Workers Union of America; United Food & Commercial Workers International Union; United Steelworkers of America; Michael Douglas (entertainer); U.S. Representative Lane Evans.
Major stances: Site (http://www.dickgephardt2004.com/plugin/template/gephardt/13/*) outlines plans for universal health coverage; renewable energy; a teacher corps; universal pensions; and an international minimum wage.
Iraq war resolution: yes.
USA PATRIOT Act: voted for USA PATRIOT Act but has been critical of its administration and opposes its expansion.
John Kerry
Web site: http://www.johnkerry.com
Background/public service: attorney; served in U.S. Navy (1966-1970); awarded Silver Star, Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts for service in Vietnam; Massachusetts lieutenant governor (1983-1985); U.S. Senator, Massachusetts (1985-present).
Refused to respond to National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=S0421103
Top contributors by industry:
Lawyers/law firms, $3,079,449
Securities and investment, $1,031,275
Retired, $753,870
Real estate, $702,535
Business services, $437,900
Top contributors:
Skadden, Arps et al, $97,650
Citigroup Inc., $70,200
Piper Rudnick, $68,250
Mintz, Levin et al, $63,300
Goldman Sachs, $62,500
Major endorsements: International Association of Fire Fighters; Utility Workers Union of America; Kenny "Babyface" Edmunds (entertainer); Dennis Hopper (entertainer); Quincy Jones (entertainer); U.S. Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy; Aaron Sorkin (entertainer).
Major stances: has drafted a plan for his first 100 days in office (http://www.johnkerry.com/issues/100days/#plan) that includes a National Education Trust Fund and health care for all children; promises to cut the deficit in half within four years.
Iraq war resolution: yes.
USA PATRIOT Act: voted for USA PATRIOT Act and supported sunset clause for its provisions.
Dennis Kucinich
Web site: http://www.kucinich.us
Background/public service: Cleveland council member (1969-1973, 1983); Cleveland clerk of courts (1975); Cleveland mayor (1977-1979); Ohio state senator (1995-1996); U.S. Representative, Ohio (1997-present).
National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=BC032003
Top contributors by industry:
Retired, $173,812
Miscellaneous business, $71,688
Education, $69,809
Health professionals, $49,816
TV/movies/music, $36,275
Top contributors:
Borders & Borders, $6,000
United Steelworkers of America, $6,000
University of Illinois, $5,100
Sheet Metal Workers Union, $5,000
Schulman Schulman, $4,000
Major endorsements: American Vegetarians; Citizens for Legitimate Government; National Coalition of Organized Women; Ed Asner (entertainer); Barenaked Ladies (entertainers); Ani DiFranco (entertainer); Danny Glover (entertainer); Willie Nelson (entertainer); Pete Seeger (entertainer); Studs Terkel (author); Alice Walker (author).
Major stances: has outlined 10 key positions (http://www.kucinich.us/issues/10key.php), including a single-payer health-care system; full Social Security benefits at age 65; withdrawal from NAFTA and WTO; and repeal of the USA PATRIOT Act.
Iraq war resolution: no.
USA PATRIOT Act: voted against.
Joe Lieberman
Web site: http://www.joe2004.com/index.jsp
Background/public service: attorney; Connecticut state senator (1971-1980); Connecticut attorney general (1982-1988); U.S. Senator, Connecticut (1988-present).
National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=S0141103
Top contributors by industry:
Lawyers/law firms, $1,480,361
Real estate, $904,772
Securities and investment, $661,450
Retired, $589,125
Health professionals, $361,950
Top contributors:
Irell & Manella, $71,950
Lehman Brothers, $43,250
Hartford Financial Services, $42,800
Citigroup Inc., $40,750
Purdue Pharma, $32,000
Major endorsements: U.S. Senator Tom Carper; U.S. Senator Chris Dodd; Monty Hall (entertainer).
Major stances: has published "Leading with Integrity" (http://www.leadingwithintegrity.com/images/freshstart_full.pdf), which addresses the issue of the economy, security, and integrity. Key elements include creating 10 million new jobs; balancing the budget within eight years; affordable health insurance; reduce the poverty rate; and reform the immigration system.
Iraq war resolution: yes.
USA PATRIOT Act: voted for USA PATRIOT Act and supported sunset clause for its provisions.
Al Sharpton
Web site: http://www.sharpton2004.org
Background/public service: ordained minister; activist; founder/director, National Youth Movement (1971-1988); founder/director, National Action Network (1991-present).
National Political Awareness Test: http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=MZZ96753
Top contributors by industry:
TV/movies/music, $26,500
Health professionals, $16,750
Retired, $12,800
Securities and Investment, $12,000
Food processing and sales, $11,000
Top contributors:
Radio One, $13,200
Hawkins Food, $8,000
Chairman, Editor & Publisher, $6,000
Dental One, $6,000
Berdon LLP, $5,000
Major endorsements: Black Enterprise magazine.
Major stances: has proposed three constitutional amendments (http://sharpton2004.org/index.php?menuID=Page&pid=3) dealing with education, health care, and voting.
Iraq war resolution: no.
USA PATRIOT Act: opposed.
