October 28, 2004

Nothing to Brag About

The Chicago Tribune's Frank James has a story today on what Sen. Kerry has been avoiding throughout the campaign: his Senate record. In the story, we find Kerry didn't get much legislation passed. Bush says five pieces, Kerry says 56, and FactCheck.org counts 11. There's quantity, but then there's quality. Here's how James describes some of Kerry's legislation:

Kerry's 11 pieces of passed legislation included a bill signed into law in April 1994 to better protect marine mammals, especially from commercial fishermen, and another, a bill amending the Small Business Act to allow the federal government to fund non-profit groups running projects that helped women business owners.

At the Democratic National Convention, Kerry told viewers to "[J]udge me by my record." His legislative record has little addressing the critical issues facing the U.S. There's nothing about the military, entitlement reform is non-existent, and there's zero about addressing the need for smaller government.

Where Sen. Kerry was most successful was his investigations of corruption, international drug smuggling, and Vietnam POWs/MIAs. However, do we really want a President who is constantly investigating instead of acting? I have a terrible suspicion that if a terrorist attack would occur during a Kerry Presidency that too much time would be wasted making sure enough evidence was gathered to "convince" France and other AINOs (Allies In Name Only) that military attack was justified. That's why I and others have hammered so hard on Kerry's mention of a "global test." That term fit well with Kerry's history of over-the-top internationalism.

Another aspect of Kerry that's been AWOL in the campaign is his strong environmentalist streak. An editor for the Boston Globe speculates Kerry could be the most friendly President toward the environment since Teddy Roosevelt. Do we have an AlGore in Brahmin's clothing?

"Kerry's Senate Record"