Why I'm supporting Mazie Hirono for U.S. Senate

by Raatz, Daily KOS  August 15, 2011

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono is running for Hawai`i's open Senate seat. Here's why I support her:

1) She's an effective legislator.

From the beginning of her tenure, she's made her mark as a strong leader for early education. While just in her first term, she became the first person to receive the Pre-K Champion award in 2008. In addition, she's consistently directed federal money to her district for good things like transit, habitat protection, and renewable energy. Even in the Boehner Congress, she's been able to keep good legislation moving.

2) She's a visionary leader.

Mazie is a founding member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus; a leading advocate of the People's Budget, "the only honest plan on the table"; and a proponent of finding creative ways to help people more easily get around in environmentally friendly ways.

3) She's a reliable progressive.

Mazie is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and has consistently ranked in the top five of the Progressive Punch ratings. She voted against the Patriot Act re-authorization; against the de-funding of Acorn, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and Planned Parenthood; and against a Republican proposal to mandate he inscription of a religious message at the Capitol Visitor Center.

4) She'd bring some much-needed diversity to the Senate.

Hawai`i is one of the most diverse places in the world. It's only fitting then that Mazie's election would help to change the look and feel of the Senate. The country is more than 50% female, yet the Senate is 83% male. We're obviously long overdue for another Year of the Woman. A non-practicing Buddhist, Mazie would be the first non-theist to serve in the Senate. A native of Japan, she'd also be the first female immigrant and just the second woman of color to be a U.S. Senator.

read … Raatz

LINK: San Francisco “Enlightened, Conscious, and Progressive” Snobs Holding Hirono Fundraiser