"Dodd has track record, solutions"

Here it is - the long awaited, fourth letter to the editor in support of Chris Dodd for President in today's Iowa City Press-Citizen.

We're lucky to have a large slate of Democrats to choose from, all of whom have proposed serious solutions for addressing our most pressing problems, such as the Iraq War. Any of the Democrats would be better than any of the Republicans. But Sen. Chris Dodd is the only Democrat who has the track record of results and who has proposed solutions, such as:

• A corporate carbon tax to combat global warming.

• A mandatory national service plan.

• An education plan to provide free community college for every American.

• Restoration of civil liberties on many fronts.

Iowa Democrats understand that the candidate we choose needs to prevail in the general election. To people who are dismayed at the direction the Bush Administration has taken this country, electability is critical. So some say, "I think Dodd is the most qualified, experienced Democratic candidate, but I'm not sure he can win." The unique thing about the Iowa caucuses is that the rest of the country looks to us to send on candidates whom we believe to be the best candidates, and he should be among them.

He will be if all those who believe he's the most experienced, qualified and prepared candidate caucus for him. Maybe you don't think he can win, but if you don't caucus for him, at least initially, he's got one less person making sure that he does. Ultimately, we all remain free to consider the dynamics at the caucus and make a final decision that assures we will send forward only electable Democrats.

Gerhild Krapf

Iowa City

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