A new direction
IN AN ELECTION that presents Americans with an exceptionally stark choice, the Globe has endorsed the presidential candidacy of Senator John Kerry for two overall reasons.
In the years we have known him, Kerry has maintained a worldview informed by an ability to analyze complex problems and seek collaborative solutions. Domestically, on issues from health care to education to the economy, his vision is one of optimism for all Americans. Kerry has demonstrated courage and leadership in pushing for the postwar reconciliation with Vietnam, in strengthening the Clean Air Act and advancing other environmental goals, and in advocating federal budgets that fund important work without burdening the next generation with heavy debts.
President Bush, on the other hand, has badly mishandled the war on terror, both against Al Qaeda and in Iraq, and his domestic policies are usually headed in the wrong direction, when they are headed anywhere at all. The conditions of middle- and lower-income Americans have declined steadily under Bush, who voices no concern. Rather than defend his policies, Bush has spent the closing days of the campaign attempting to limit the number of new voters and tarring Kerry as a high-risk choice. "Don't take a chance,'' Bush's ads say.
But it is Bush who presents a far greater risk - a risk of four more years of needless and unproductive confrontation at home and abroad. Especially during a time of terrorist threats, it is Kerry whose election would give the nation, and the world, reason for a collective sigh of relief.
Other Contests
The Globe has also endorsed James P. McGovern for reelection to Congress from the Third District, which runs from Worcester to Fall River, citing McGovern's leadership on complex domestic issues and his championing of human rights abroad.
For the state Senate, The Globe has endorsed Marian Walsh of West Roxbury, Therese Murray of Plymouth, Richard R. Tisei of Wakefield, and Pamela P. Resor of Acton.
For the state House of Representatives, The Globe has endorsed Kay Khan of Newton, Martha Marty Walz of Back Bay, Thomas M. Stanley of Waltham, Anne Paulsen of Belmont, Alice Hanlon Peisch of Wellesley, Barbara A. L'Italien of Andover, and Kathleen M. Teahan of Whitman.
Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin and other election officials around the country are predicting a high turnout. With an exceptionally competitive presidential election, an unusually high number of legislative contests in Massachusetts, and the fresh memory of the ultra-close 2000 election, there is every reason to vote.
Massachusetts polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. We look forward to a heavy turnout so no one regrets not voting tomorrow.
