I asked her how would she describe the differences between her and Mr. Perlmutter. She answered:
* She has a stronger and superior record of support for public education, the environment and gay and lesbian rights.
* She has a "spine" and is an independent fighter. She will stand up to Republicans. She is a more effective advocate. Ed, she said, is more of a "go-along, get-along kind of guy."
* On the war in Iraq, she said she favors starting to withdraw troops now while Ed favors withdrawing them "as soon as practicable."
Later, I interviewed Ed Perlmutter, whom I also like, and you can read it here. l asked him to describe the main differences between him and Peggy.
He gave these distinctions:
* His lifelong roots in the community
* His more extensive experience as a legislator, including being Senator Pro Tem of the Senate
* His proven leadership skills, including as co-chair of Colorado's John Kerry campaign
* He's a proven winner with broad support across the political spectrum.
I asked Ed about Peggy's assertion that she's more of a fighter who will stand up to Republicans while he's more of a "go-along" kind of guy. That got his fighting spirit up.
He said he gets along with people, he's able to explain complicated issues and most importantly, he's willing to listen to them. He said, with passion:
" I'm a centrist, an independent thinker. I have no agenda. I like people. I want to make their lives better. But when there needs to be a fight, I'm a fighter. I'm a litigator. Fighting is about power, about having the majority to put values, philosophies and policies into place. "
To be honest, we can't lose with either one. I like Ed Perlmutter a lot. But, there's something about Peggy. She has dedicated herself to the people of Colorado who most need representation in Congress. Her issues: pro-choice, keeping social security, pro- environment, providing health care for everyone. taking care of seniors and her willingness to listen and to talk from her heart, makes me trust she will do what she says. Peggy is a fighter, she won't back down on issues we care about. Ed may be a better negotiator, a better compromiser, but in Congress, I want a fighter. I want another Diana DeGette and Mark Udall. I think Peggy is more in their mold. Yet, she too, describes herself as a centrist. And the 7th is a centrist district.
I don't get to vote in their district, and the bottom line is, since they are both great candidates, which one has a better chance of beating Bush and Cheney's "favorite son" Rick O'Donnell? I'll let you make up your minds, but please, click on Peggy's video and watch it. She's a "wysiwyg" -- what you see is what you get.
