Lisa Gillard Hanson, Lawrence
Twelve years ago some of us here in the 12th Congressional District wrote to local papers supporting Rush Holt in his campaign for Congress. He had much to recommend him as a scientist, educator, environmentalist and administrator.
In the six terms he has served since then, Mr. Holt has demonstrated his abilities and his moral values. As a scientist, he has brought his special knowledge to the House Intelligence Committee, supporting increased security measures to protect our public transportation system, and opposing unregulated wire-tapping. He has been persistent in his efforts to make voting machines trustworthy by requiring paper records of votes cast, and he has championed public support for scientific research and facilities.
As an educator, he has served on the House Education Committee, working to protect student tuition assistance, to increase access to higher education, and to encourage the teaching of mathematics and sciences in our schools, and he has supported the new GI bill for veterans.
On environmental issues, Mr. Holt was an early opponent of offshore drilling. He has been an outspoken advocate for alternative energy sources, for the protection of our national parks, and for clean air and water.
On economic issues, he voted to extend unemployment benefits, to lower taxes for most American workers, and to end the tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. He has been active in urging legislation to protect Social Security and Medicare benefits, and to increase the minimum wage.
Mr. Holt’s record as our representative these last 12 years is exceptional: he is a dedicated, honorable, and an extraordinarily effective leader. Surely few constituencies in our country can boast of being served so selflessly and so well. The coming years in Congress are going to be difficult ones with many crucial issues to confront in the economy, in environment, and international relations. We need Mr. Holt’s experience and leadership now more than ever. We urge voters in the 12th District, whatever their past affiliations, to cast their votes for Rush Holt Nov. 2.
Samuel Hynes, Mary Bundy, Thomas George, Lydia Katzenbach, Nicholas Katzenbach Gail Ullman, Jill Guthrie, John Guthrie, Lynne Fagles, Jane MacLennan, Bob MacLennan, Mary Wisnovsky, Joe Wisnovsky, Susan Hockaday, Mary Cross, Pam Mount, Gary Mount, Edmund Keeley, Mary Keeley, Connie Ban, Elaine Pagels

