Stockbridge Lawyer Launches Run Against Olver
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| Robert Feuer |
The progressive Democrat, and outspoken advocate of impeaching President Bush, officially launched his campaign this week to run against fellow Democrat U.S. Rep. John W. Olver for the representative of the state's 1st District.
"Throughout the district, I see people in need, as throughout our country the days have grown dark. Consider this an opportunity to work together to remove the obstacles that have hampered our freedoms, stifled our liberty and blocked our path to our pursuit of happiness," said Feuer during a speech he delivered outside City Hall on Monday morning. Other than iBerkshires, there was no else in attendance.
Traveling through Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden, Middlesex and Worcester counties on Monday and Tuesday as part of a campaign announcement tour, Feuer outlined the issues that will define his congressional bid, including the protection and defense of the Constitution, stopping the war in Iraq and returning federal funds back to cities and towns. Feuer cited his experience as a public defender, two-time town Democratic Committee chairman and Clean Elections leader as reasons to embrace a message that rests on "integrity, not politics."
"I am here today to offer you the opportunity to support a campaign that will raise our voices together. Only together can we push aside the obstacles that blockade our life-sustaining and progressive agenda of diplomacy before war, clean and fair elections, a cleaner, safer and more secure environment, the development of a sustainable economy and our return to a free and just society," Feuer said.
Chief among Feuer's concerns is Olver's unwillingness to press for the impeachment of Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.
"I have supported, appreciated and admired the past years of progressive intent displayed by Congressman Olver. He deserves our every respect for all of his prior terms as our sole representative to the House. However, this 110th Congress' failure to stand up to [Bush] has only acted to demonstrate that good intentions mixed with bad political decisions have, at best, been a disappointing failure," said Feuer.
Feuer said Olver, the 1st District's representative since 1991, has ignored the will of the people by refusing to take action on impeachment.
"By not calling on Mr. Cheney and Mr. Bush to account for their actions, Congressman Olver and the U.S. Congress have allowed this administration to pursue a policy of trampling on our Bill of Rights, tearing down our environmental protections, continuing an illegal war in Afghanistan, Iraq and continues to threaten to open a new against Iran," he said.
Twenty towns in Western Massachusetts voted in favor of impeachment at town meetings last year, including Great Barrington, Stockbridge and Lanesborough in Berkshire County.
Feuer called for residents throughout the county to join him "for our district's true voice, for the good of our country" and asked that others participate in his grassroots, volunteer-led effort.
Anyone interested in supporting the Feuer campaign can help out by writing letters to the editor, distributing campaign literature, canvassing or making phone calls and helping to put up yard signs.
For more information, contact:
John Lippmann, Campaign Coordinator
Bob Feuer for Congress
10 Elm St.,
Stockbridge, MA 01262
413-298-3329
johnlippmann@bobfeuer.us
