REpukes go after Kerry

[The Sushi Bandit]

http://www.gop.com/RNCResearch/Read.aspx?ID=3926

SEN. JOHN KERRY’S
HYPOCRISY VOL. 1, ISSUE 10
Labor To Endorse Kerry, Turns
Blind Eye To Kerry Record
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KERRY SAYS: “I am honored to count these distinguished labor leaders a part of my Iowa team and have them by my side as we fight to take back the White House for America’s working families. … As I run for president, I promise to fight on the side of American workers.” (Sen. John Kerry As Quoted In “71 Iowa Labor Leaders Pledge Support for John Kerry,” John Kerry For President, Press Release, 8/21/03)

KERRY DOES: “‘Kerry hasn’t been responsive to us,’ said Rich Gambino, business manager for Boston’s Local 103 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. ‘That’s his personality. He’s borderline arrogant.’” (Andrew Miga, “Unions Fear Kerry May Ditch Them On ‘Paycheck Protection,’” Boston Herald, 10/14/99)

NAFTA: LABOR LEADERS OPPOSED, KERRY SUPPORTED
Kerry Voted For North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). (H.R. 3450, CQ Vote #395: Adopted 61-38: R 34-10; D 27-28, 11/20/93, Kerry Voted Yea)

ü Kerry Recognized NAFTA Is Our Future. “‘NAFTA recognizes the reality of today’s economy - globalization and technology,’ Kerry said. ‘Our future is not in competing at the low-level wage job; it is in creating high-wage, new technology jobs based on our skills and our productivity.’” (John Aloysius Farrell, “Senate’s OK Finalizes NAFTA Pact,” The Boston Globe, 11/21/93)

ü In His Own Words, “NAFTA Is Not The Problem.” “‘NAFTA is not the problem,’ Kerry said at a news conference in his Boston office. ‘Job loss is taking place without NAFTA. The hard reality is that as a nation we can’t put our heads in the sand like ostriches.’” (Adrian Walker, “Kerry Announces He Will Back Pact,” The Boston Globe, 11/14/93)

CHINA PNTR: LABOR LEADERS OPPOSED, KERRY SUPPORTED

Kerry Voted In Favor Of Permanent Normal Trade Relations With China (China PNTR). (HR 4444, CQ Vote # 251: Passed 83-15: R 46-8; D 37-7, 9/19/00, Kerry Voted Yea)

ü Labor Unions Called Kerry’s Office To Complain And Ran Negative Ads In Massachusetts Over China PNTR Vote. “or the New Democratic Coalition, a relatively new group of 15 Senate Democrats who supported permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with China, moving beyond the anger of strong labor constituencies in their districts was no small feat. For Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), the political fallout involved labor unions clogging his office phone lines with complaints and the AFL-CIO bombarding parts of his state with negative TV ads.” (Betsy Rothstein, “PNTR Vote Painful To Friends And Foes,” The Hill, 9/20/00)

FAST TRACK: LABOR LEADERS OPPOSED, KERRY SUPPORTED

Kerry Voted Many Times In Favor Fast Track/Trade Promotion Authority. As a Senator, Kerry has voted at least ten times in favor of expanding fast track/trade promotion authority for the President. (S. Res. 78, CQ Vote # 86: Rejected 36-59: R 5-36; D 31-23, 5/24/91, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 1876, CQ Vote #192: Passed 76-16: R 37-4; D 39-12, 6/30/93, Kerry Voted Yea; S. 1269, CQ Vote #292: Motion Agreed To 69-31: R 43-12; D 26-19, 11/4/97, Kerry Voted Yea; S.1269, CQ Vote #294: Motion Agreed To 68-31: R 42-12; D 26-19, 11/5/97, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 3009, CQ Vote #122: Motion Agreed To 68-29: R 43-5; D 24-24; I 1-0, 5/22/02, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 3009, CQ Vote #130: Passed 66-30: R 41-5; D 24-25; I 1-0, 5/23/02, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 3009, CQ Vote #198: Motion Agreed To 66-33: R 40-8; D 25-25; I 1-0, 7/30/02, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 3009, CQ Vote #203: Motion Agreed To 64-32: R 43-5; D 21-27, 8/1/02, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 3009, CQ Vote #206: Motion Agreed To 67-31: R 44-4; D 22-27; I 1-0, 8/1/02, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 3009, CQ Vote #207: Adopted 64-34: R 43-5; D 20-29; I 1-0, 8/1/02, Kerry Voted Yea)

MA AFL-CIO President Called Kerry Hypocrite. “Upset with Kerry’s support for President Clinton’s ‘fast track’ trade proposal, Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Joseph C. Faherty called the senator a hypocrite this week. ‘We are bitterly disappointed in Sen. Kerry’s decision ...,’ Faherty said in a prepared statement. ‘Clearly, Sen. Kerry has chosen to cast his vote on behalf of the CEOs and corporate executives of this country instead of the working men and women.’” (Tim Connolly, “Union Unhappy Kerry Supports Fast Track Plan,” Telegram & Gazette , 11/8/97)

GAS TAX INCREASES: LABOR LEADERS
OPPOSED, KERRY SUPPORTED

Dukakis/Kerry Administration Supported Higher Gas Taxes, Which Cost $50 Million. (Andrew Blake, “Mass. Legislature OK’s Bill Putting Floor Under Gas Tax,” The Boston Globe, 3/30/83; Editorial, “Democrats Act As If They Lost Touch With Little Guy,” The Standard Times, 7/6/83)

In 1990, Kerry Voted To Increase Gas Tax By 6 Cents Per Gallon. (S. 3209, CQ Vote #280: Rejected 45-55: R 8-37; D 37-18, 10/18/90)

1993 Clinton/Kerry Tax Plan Included 4.3 Cents-Per-Gallon Increase In Gas Tax And 2.5 Cents-Per-Gallon Extension Of Existing Gas Tax. (H.R. 2264, CQ Vote #190: Passed 50-49: R 0-43; D 49-6, With Vice President Al Gore Casting A “Yea” Vote, 6/25/93, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 2264, CQ Vote #247: Adopted 51-50: R 0-44; D 50-6, With Vice President Al Gore Casting A “Yea” Vote, 8/6/93, Kerry Voted Yea)

In 1993, Kerry Voted To Kill Amendment That Would Have Eliminated Gas Tax Increase From Budget Resolution. (S. 1134, CQ Vote #167: Motion Agreed To 50-48: R 0-43; D 50-5, 6/24/93, Kerry Voted Yea)

In 1994, Kerry Backed Half-Dollar Increase In Gas Tax. (Jill Zuckman, “Deficit-Watch Group Gives High Marks To 7 N.E. Lawmakers,” The Boston Globe, 3/1/94)

In 1996, Kerry Said He Was “Very Proud” He Raised Gasoline Taxes. (Michael Kranish, “GOP Sees Momentum For Gas Tax Cut,” The Boston Globe, 5/4/96)

In 2000, Kerry Voted Again To Keep 1993 Gas Tax Increase. (H. R. 8, CQ Vote #183: Motion Rejected 40-59: R 40-15; D 0-44, 7/13/00)

CAFE STANDARDS: LABOR LEADERS
OPPOSED, KERRY SUPPORTED
Kerry Voted Against Amendment Exempting Pickup Trucks From New Fuel Efficiency Standards. Kerry voted against an amendment that prohibited the increase of the average fuel economy standard for pickup trucks. (S. 517, CQ Vote #48: Passed 56-44: R 40-9; D 16-34; I 0-1, 3/13/02)

Kerry Proposed Legislation To Increase Fuel Efficiency Standards For Automobiles. Kerry sponsored failed legislation that would have required automakers to boost Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2013. (S.1926, Introduced 2/8/2002; Peter Cohn And John Godfrey, “Another Committee Loses Voice On Energy Overhaul,” Congressional Quarterly Daily Monitor, 2/12/02)

In 2002, Kerry Twice Voted For Increased CAFE Standards. (S. 517, CQ Vote #47, Adopted 62-38: R 43-6; D 19-31; I 0-1, 3/13/02, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 517, CQ Vote #90: Motion Agreed To 57-42: R 39-9; D 18-32; I 0-1, 4/25/02, Kerry Voted Nay)

In 1999, Kerry Voted For Increased CAFE Standards. (H.R. 2084, CQ Vote #275: Rejected 40-55: R 6-45; D 34-9; I 0-1, 9/15/99, Kerry Voted Yea)

Kerry Praised CAFE Standard As Step Toward Energy Independence. “Today, because of CAFE standards, we save 3 million barrels of oil every day - three times the peak production of ANWR. Each year, consumers keep more than $20 billion in their pockets instead of paying for fuel, and greenhouse gas emissions are significantly lower. CAFE is a genuine and concrete step toward energy independence.” (Sen. John Kerry, Remarks At The Center For National Policy, Washington, DC, 1/22/02)

Kerry’s CAFE Proposal Would Hurt American Automakers And Workers. “

assage of the Kerry proposal would reduce annual profits at General Motors by $3.824 billion, at Ford $3.423 billion, and at Chrysler $1.959 billion. Total losses to U.S. automakers would amount to $9.206 billion. In contrast, foreign manufacturers would see an increase in profits of $4.434 billion. If these standard levels were to be enacted, consumer surplus would decline $17.603 billion. Employment in automobile industries, including both manufacturers and parts suppliers, would decline by approximately 104,000 jobs.” (Andrew Kleit, “Modeling Increases In CAFE Standards Proposed By Senator Kerry,” Competitive Enterprise Institute, 2/10/02)

ANWR PROPOSAL: LABOR LEADERS
SUPPORTED, KERRY OPPOSED
Kerry Voted Against ANWR Exploration Six Times. (S. 1220, CQ Vote #242: Motion Rejected 50-44: R 32-9; D 18-35, 11/1/91; S. Con. Res. 13, CQ Vote #190: Motion Agreed To 56-44: R 48-6; D 8-38, 5/24/95; S. 1357, CQ Vote #525: Motion Agreed To 51-48: R 45-8; D 6-40, 10/27/95; S. Con. Res. 101, CQ Vote #58: Motion Agreed To 51-49: R 47-8; D 4-41, 4/6/00; S. 517, CQ Vote #70: Motion Rejected 36-64: R 30-19; D 6-44; I 0-1, 4/18/02; S. 517, CQ Vote #71: Motion Rejected 46-54: R 41-8; D 5-45; I 0-1, 4/18/02)

Kerry Vowed, “We Can No Longer Tolerate A Dependence On Foreign Oil” But Criticized Bush Administration For Proposing The Drilling Of ANWR. “The Bush Administration thinks we can drill our way out of our energy problems. And their solution is to drill in one of our precious national treasures - the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.” (Senator John Kerry, Remarks At John F. Kennedy Library Forum, 2/9/03)

ü Teamsters’ President Hoffa Called On Kerry Not To Filibuster ANWR Proposal, But Kerry Said He Would. TEAMSTERS’ PRESIDENT JAMES P. HOFFA: “Unfortunately, the Democrats have missed an opportunity here to come forth with a good plan, which provides jobs for this country. And all they really have is cardigan sweaters and dark rooms, and that’s not an answer to the problems we face. We need more oil in this country. This is a concrete way to do it with the ANWR. And we also--I want to call on the senator not to filibuster. Let the process work. Let these people vote, and if the votes are there, let’s go ahead with this project. I don’t see that filibuster is the answer.” … NBC’s TIM RUSSERT: “Will you still filibuster?” SEN. KERRY: “I will filibuster.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 9/2/01)

ü Teamsters Ran Ads Against Kerry In Florida. “Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., has become a target of Teamsters ads because he has vowed to mount a filibuster, an extended procedural delay, to try to kill Arctic oil drilling. Kerry is a potential 2004 presidential candidate. The Teamsters are running ads against Kerry in Florida, a state with the one of the biggest Democratic fund-raising bases and a crucial Southern presidential primary. The union also is set to run anti-Kerry radio ads in Iowa, which holds an early presidential caucus.” (James Kuhnhenn, “Unions, Environmentalists Clash,” Monterey County Herald, 2/27/02)

ü Kerry’s Response To Teamsters’ Ads: “A Few Ads Aren’t Going To Scare Me …” “Kerry scoffed at the ad, noting that he had voted last year to ban drilling in Florida. Despite the pressure from the Teamsters, he is standing firm in his opposition to drilling in the Arctic. ‘A few ads aren’t going to scare me, though they might disappoint me,’ Kerry said.” (Rebecca Adams, “Energy Issues Separate Senate Democrats From Many Of Their Traditional Supporters,” Congressional Quarterly Weekly, 3/1/02)

ü Hoffa Called Vote Blocking ANWR Drilling “Betrayal Of Working Americans.” “The Senate … blocked oil and gas drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge … Environmentalists applauded the filibuster leaders, Lieberman and Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), as they emerged from the chamber. Both senators are potential contenders for their party’s 2004 presidential nomination. But Teamsters President James P. Hoffa called the Senate vote ‘a betrayal of working Americans.’” (Richard Simon, “Senate Blocks Oil Drilling In Arctic Reserve,” Los Angeles Times, 4/19/02)

MISSILE DEFENSE: LABOR LEADERS
SUPPORTED, KERRY OPPOSED
Kerry Voted Against Deploying Missile Defense Five Times. (S. 1507, CQ Vote #168: Rejected 39-60: R 4-39; D 35-21, 7/31/91, Kerry Voted Yea; S. 1507, CQ Vote #172: Motion Agreed To 64-34: R 39-4; D 25-30, 8/1/91, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 1873, CQ Vote #131: Motion Rejected 59-41: R 55-0; D 4-41; I 0-0, 5/13/98, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 1873, CQ Vote #262: Motion Rejected 59-41: R 55-0; D 4-41, 9/9/98, Kerry Voted Nay; S 1635, CQ Vote #157: Rejected 53-46: R 52-0; D 1-46, 6/4/96, Kerry Voted Nay)

Kerry Voted To Restrict Deployment Of Missile Defense System. (S. 2549, CQ Vote #178: Motion Agreed To 52-48: R 52-3; D 0-45, 7/13/00, Kerry Voted Nay)

Kerry Voted Against Billions Of Dollars In Funding For Missile Defense. (S. 1507, CQ Vote #171: Motion Agreed To 60-38: R 40-3; D 20-35, 8/1/91, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 1507, CQ Vote #173: Rejected 46-52: R 5-38; D 41-14, 8/1/91, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 2521, CQ Vote #207: Motion Agreed To 50-49: R 38-5; D 12-44, 9/25/91, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 2403, CQ Vote #85: Adopted 61-38: R 7-36; D 54-2, 5/6/92, Kerry Voted Yea; S. 3114, CQ Vote #182: Motion Rejected 43-49: R 34-5; D 9-44, 8/7/92, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 3114, CQ Vote #214: Rejected 48-50: R 5-38; D 43-12, 9/17/92, Kerry Voted Yea; S. 3114, CQ Vote #215: Adopted 52-46: R 39-4; D 13-42, 9/17/92, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 1298, CQ Vote #251: Adopted 50-48: R 6-36; D 44-12, 9/9/93, Kerry Voted Yea; S. Con. Res. 63, CQ Vote #64: Rejected 40-59: R 2-42; D 38-17, 3/22/94, Kerry Voted Yea; S. 1026, CQ Vote #354: Motion Agreed To 51-48: R 47-6; D 4-42, 8/3/95, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 1087, CQ Vote #384: Motion Rejected 45-54: R 5-49; D 40-5, 8/10/95, Kerry Voted Yea; S. 1745, CQ Vote #160: Rejected 44-53: R 4-49; D 40-4, 6/19/96, Kerry Voted Yea)

KERRY: OUT OF TOUCH WITH WORKING AMERICANS
In 1990, One MA Union Leader Said Kerry Had “Demeaning” Attitude And Treated Workers “Like Schoolchildren Coming In For Recess.” “Domenic Bozzotto, head of the Hotel and Restaurant Workers Local 26, said that Kerry exhibited a ‘demeaning’ attitude in dealing with the union on housing trust legislation pending in Congress, which would enable unions to bargain for housing assistance from employers. As a result, the leadership is opening up endorsements to Republican candidates for statewide office this fall. Bozzotto, describing a visit by union leaders to Kerry’s office last fall, said, ‘He treated us like schoolchildren coming in for recess.’” (Steve Marantz, “Workers: Kerry Demeaned Us,” The Boston Globe, 3/1/90)

In 1994, President Of MA AFL-CIO Said Members Were “Quite Perturbed” With Some Of Kerry’s Actions. “‘We’ve got a lot of questions for Senator Kerry,’ said Joe Faherty, president of the 400,000-member Massachusetts AFL-CIO … ‘Some of us are disappointed about what we’ve heard from him lately,’ Faherty said. ‘And some of our other members are quite perturbed.’” (Bob Hohler, “Kerry Defining Voice, Vision While Looking Ahead To 1996,” The Boston Globe, 12/11/94)

In Late 1990s, Kerry Called For Ending Teacher Tenure, Attacking “Stultifying Collective Bargaining Agreements.” “Kerry’s supporters at the teachers’ union were aghast when, during the course of proposing a program of education reform, he called for ending teacher tenure. In a speech, Kerry attacked the school bureaucracy and ‘stultifying collective bargaining agreements’ with teachers’ unions.” (David Corn, “Defining John Kerry,” The Nation, 7/16/01)

ü Teachers’ Union Official Questioned Kerry’s Convictions And Said He “Leans More Elitist Than Populist.” “‘This is how he paid us back,’ says a teachers’ union official. ‘He leans more elitist than populist, and he tries to be ever-enigmatic. He defies people to clarify him as a traditional liberal. Makes you wonder where his convictions are.’” (David Corn, “Defining John Kerry,” The Nation, 7/16/01)

In 1999, Another MA Union Leader Said Kerry Displayed “Detachment From The Everyday Worker.” “In a sign of the high stakes of the overhaul plan, a Massachusetts union leader reacted angrily yesterday to reports from Washington lobbyists that Kerry had suggested to Democratic colleagues that softening their pro-labor stance could help overcome Republican opposition to the measure. ‘I suggest to the senator that he negotiate on somebody else’s back, not on ours,’ said Rich Gambino, business manager of Local 103 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. ‘He has once again shown his detachment from the everyday worker.’ Kerry denied suggesting in a closed-door meeting with Senate Democrats that they consider restricting labor’s ability to help fund federal elections. He noted that he has voted regularly against measures that would curb political contributions from unions. ‘I’m telling you point-blank, that is not accurate,’ Kerry said of the assertions about his remarks to Senate Democrats. Kerry said he spoke only abstractly about labor issues.” (Bob Hohler, “Game Plan To Ban Election ‘Soft Money’ Blocked By Ky. Senator,” The Boston Globe, 10/14/99)