Norwich Bulletin Third Newspaper to Endorse Joe Courtney

OUR VIEW: Courtney has earned your vote

In the 2nd Congressional District race, we endorse the re-election of Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney.

In the deeply divided and highly partisan environment of the last two years, Courtney has remained true to his beliefs, taking principled stands on many controversial issues, such as health care reform.

Health-care reform has long been a priority for him, as far back as his days in the Connecticut General Assembly, where he led the effort to create the state’s ConnPACE program for the elderly. His support of the national health-care reform measure shouldn’t have surprised anyone.

We haven’t always agreed with him, particularly his opposition of TARP and his support of the auto industry bailout and recent jobs bill that favored teacher unions. We did agree on the stimulus package.

His votes never surprised us. Courtney is an open book, you know exactly what you’re getting — an independent, sincere and dedicated public servant working hard everyday on behalf of the people of Eastern Connecticut. You may disagree with his politics, but you can’t argue his commitment.

Neither Republican Janet Peckinpaugh nor Green Party candidate G. Scott Deshefy have shown they are more deserving, or would better represent the district.

They talk, he does
While others talk about creating jobs, Courtney already has. He secured the funding for increased submarine production at Electric Boat, and the 700 new engineering jobs there. He’s led trade missions overseas with local business leaders to increase exports of goods made here.

He’s championed agriculture legislation to help local farmers, sponsored legislation enhancing educational opportunities for our young, and worked tirelessly to improve services for veterans.

When weighing accomplishments against issues where we disagreed, the scale clearly leans in favor of his re-election.