July 19, 2012
U.S. Senator Patty Murray
Chairwoman
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Washington, DC
Dear Sen. Murray:
Thank you for your hard work on behalf of the American people.
As you may know, since Democrats nominated me decisively in the race for the open U.S. Senate seat in Maine, our campaign is taking careful note of legislation being advanced by Senate Democrats to help America's dwindling middle class, including gender pay equity, support for working women, jobs first, tax fairness, investment in infrastructure and education, and campaign finance reform and disclosure.
Actually, we're doing more than taking notes. Our campaign was actively addressing these issues even before Olympia Snowe departed the race, and I have a strong legislative record of support for core Democratic values my opponents cannot match. My record shows I
* Voted against cuts to Planned Parenthood
* Voted to increase the minimum wage
* Voted to expand family leave
* Voted against curbs on abortion and reproductive rights
* Voted to strengthen unions
* Voted to empower child-care workers to collectively bargain
* Voted against regressive state income tax "reform"
* Sponsored legislation that allowed high performing, efficient public school districts to avoid consolidation
* Sponsored legislation to expand broadband to rural communities
* Supported legislation creating economic opportunities and protecting fundamental rights, especially for women and children
* Came out strongly in favor of the DISCLOSE Act, Fair Elections Now Act, DREAM Act, as well as the Employee Free Choice Act requiring employers to honor workers' decision to join a union; and the Paycheck Fairness Act, to reverse the trend of women earning 77 cents on the dollar for an equivalent position held by a man.
Our affinity on these core Democratic issues is striking, and there's ample evidence the unenrolled candidate in this race opposes much of the party's core agenda, including support to extend the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest, and flip-flopping on whether he supports contraception without co-pays for women's health care. His record also includes vetoing laws that protected union workers, funded Meals on Wheels, expanded family leave and increased the minimum wage.
With an open U.S. Senate seat at stake in Maine, we trust Democrats in Washington will act to preserve its "true blue" majority by endorsing the candidate with the greatest respect for the Democratic Party and its platform.
President Obama needs a team who will support him and help progressives move ahead confidently on creating jobs, access to health care, gender pay equity, closing tax loopholes and subsidies for corporations and the ultra-wealthy, and investing in roads, schools and bridges to restore America to the pinnacle of the global economy.
Votes -- not personalities -- will change policies to help American families. With this historic opportunity to turn Maine's red seat blue and ensure a progressive agenda this November, the DSCC must not abandon its principles and supporters. There is simply too much at stake for the people of my great state, and this great country.
We want you to know that the duly nominated Democrat in the race for U.S. Senate in Maine is a middle-class, working mother with a record of fighting for families, small businesses and social justice. We stand ready to fight and win these battles in Washington. I therefore respectfully request a meeting with you to discuss together we can redeem DSCC's motto -- "committed to keeping a Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate."
Sincerely,
State Sen. Cynthia A. Dill
Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate
Cape Elizabeth, Maine