Politics & Government
Letter: 'Himes Deserves the Opportunity To Represent Us Again'
Greenwich's Democratic Selectman Drew Marzullo makes the case to support U.S. Rep. Jim Himes' reelection.
To the editor,
Congressman Jim Himes has been a steadfast, independent advocate for the people of Southwest Connecticut, someone who always puts the needs of his constituents above partisan politics. That is why I am compelled to respond to a recent letter to the editor placing Jim's great record into question.
As a moderate and independent Democrat, Himes has been recognized for his leadership on fiscal responsibility. The nonpartisan Campaign to Fix the Debt recently named Himes a "Fiscal Hero" for his voting record and bipartisan efforts to confront our nation's debt challenges. Himes was also praised by USA Today for being among the “Brave 38” members of Congress to vote for the Simpson-Bowles budget proposal.
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On health care, Himes has never said the Affordable Care Act is perfect. He supports the law and has worked to improve it because the old system was a disaster for our quality of health care and our nation's fiscal health. While Republicans in Congress have repeatedly sought to repeal the law without offering any viable alternatives, Himes has pushed to rein in cost growth in the health care system, which is a key driver of America’s deficits and debt. He is also a co-sponsor of legislation to undo the Supreme Court's disastrous ruling in the Hobby Lobby case that jeopardizes women’s equal access to contraception.
Himes has also demonstrated his thoughtfulness and independence on matters of national security. At a recent town hall in Westport, Himes reiterated his strong concerns with President Obama’s decision to send U.S. military advisers to Iraq, making it clear that he does not want to put American lives and money at risk for another war in the Middle East. The session provided yet another example of Himes' understanding of complex issues and his emphasis on listening to his constituents.
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Himes has worked relentlessly with Republicans and Democrats alike to ensure that his constituents do not bear the burdens of a polarized Congress. With all that he has done for our district, our state, and our country, Jim Himes deserves his seat in congress, and the opportunity to represent us again.
Drew Marzullo
Democratic Greenwich Selectman
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