LOCAL Voices

Jim Himes will be effective; Chris Shays has no clout to serve his district

[Oct. 1, 2008] Connecticut likes moderates. Here, politicians like Chris Shays make careers claiming the best ideas of both parties. But officeholders should do more than balance ideologies. They should represent our interests. For that they need power, or the ears of those who have it.

Here, Shays fails.

If re-elected, Shays would continue in the Congressional minority - meaning our wealthy, over-achieving district will continue to have zero clout. When Republican leaders divvy their few spoils, they'll go to purists - like bridges to nowhere for Alaskan right-wingers. Shays gets us nothing for transportation, education or development.

If pork is too crass for you, ask yourself what Bush policy Shays has successfully moderated on your behalf? Where he agrees with extremists, he likely fails to represent us; where he disagrees, he fails to be effective at all.

Vote Jim Himes. A successful businessman turned proven public servant, he'll be both moderate and effective.

Nick Simeonidis
Beck Road, Redding