The Daily Campus

Issue date: 11/3/08 Section: Election Special

In the race for Connecticut's 2nd Congressional District there are two highly qualified candidates. The incumbent, Joe Courtney, has a record of serving the area's constituents and has had two years of experience. The challenger, Sean Sullivan, served as base commander to the Groton naval base and was instrumental in the effort to keep the base from closing. Both understand the importance of higher education and both are committed to finding solutions to the current economic crisis.

However, through his leadership on the House Education and Armed Forces committees, Joe Courtney has distinguished himself, and it is with this in mind that we endorse him. Courtney understands the difficult financial burden that college poses today and has been a great supporter of increased pell grants. In addition, Courtney supported the College Cost Reduction Act, which make higher education more affordable for students. Along this same line, the congressman has also pledged to support Sen. Barack Obama's plan to give tax credits to middle class families who are helping their children pay for college.

In addition to being committed to higher education, Courtney is also committed to building up Connecticut through the creation of more affordable housing and the lowering of debt for critical professions, specifically nurses and teachers who are greatly needed in this state.

Beyond this, Courtney has also shown himself to be what in these times may seem like an oxymoron - an honorable politician. When elected in 2006, Courtney promised not to take the Congressional health care plan, to which he was entitled, until every American had health insurance. To date, Courtney has continued to opt out of the health care program, instead purchasing his own health insurance, much to the chagrin others, including his wife.

In all, Courtney has had an impressive start to his congressional career - a career that we believe ought to last into 2010, and beyond.

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