GLOBALIST CANDIDATES ELECTED

In the November mid-term elections the American public made it clear that they want their elected officials to work on global solutions to global problems. Across the nation voters cast their ballots to elect globally-minded leaders to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Citizens for Global Solutions, through its nonpartisan political action committee, backed candidates who believe in our vision. Of the 176 individuals endorsed by Global Solutions PAC, 159 (90.3 percent) were
elected. This includes 21 challengers who will take office in January.

Global Solutions PAC identified and supported candidates based on incumbent voting records and challenger candidate questionnaires. Challengers highlighted their commitment to address climate change, promote energy solutions and confront global health issues. All of them supported working through international organizations, spoke out for justice in the Congo and Darfur and opposed the development of new
nuclear weapons.

The success of our PAC was complemented by the defeat of some of Congress’ worst detractors of international cooperation, the United Nations and sensible health, energy and climate policies. Knocked out of the Senate was Jim Talent of Missouri, who received one of the lowest grades on our Congressional Report Card.

Replacing him is Claire McCaskill. “Finding alternatives and solutions to fossil fuel extraction, nuclear proliferation and international health threats is vitally important to me and my constituents,” she said after her victory. “We need clean energy alternatives, credible treaties to curb nuclear weapons development, and increased funding and collaboration to fight AIDS, avian flu and tuberculosis. Citizens for Global Solutions’ support for my campaign at the national level and throughout Missouri, for which I am thankful, reflects the groundswell of public support for effective alternatives and solutions.”

In the House, Representative Richard Pombo (CA-11) lost to one of our earliest endorsed candidates, Jerry McNerney. Pombo, who received an F in 2005 and a D on our Report Card this past year, has consistently voted against U.N. funding, supported new nuclear weapons and opposed the International Criminal Court (ICC). A wind energy entrepreneur, McNerney will be a refreshing change and a strong leader on climate issues and alternative energy solutions.

Two globally-minded Members of Congress who gave up their House seats will find their spots taken by a new generation of global leaders. Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-AZ 08), who took principled, bipartisan stances on Darfur and the ICC, retired. In the race to fill Kolbe’s seat, Global Solutions PAC was proud to back Gabrielle Giffords (D), who will bring
a strong agenda for international cooperation on nonproliferation, global health and human rights to Washington.

Meanwhile, Ben Cardin (D-MD 03) gave up his seat in the House and was elected to the U.S. Senate. Filling Cardin’s seat is John Sarbanes. “One of my objectives, as I take office, is to help restore faith in U.S. foreign policy,” Sarbanes said after his victory. “With the help of organizations like Citizens for Global Solutions, which enthusiastically backed my campaign, I will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, halt genocide, improve development opportunities for the world's poor, and engage international institutions in climate negotiations. I believe that if our nation’s leaders commit themselves to the principles of fairness and opportunity, the U.S. will quickly regain credibility as a leader in solving global problems. In partnership with organizations like Citizens for Global Solutions, I have no doubt we will be successful.”

Many Congressional incumbents who already believe in global solutions won reelection, including: Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA 08), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ 07), Jim McGovern (D-MA 03), Jim Walsh (R-NY 25), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR 03), Allyson Schwartz (D-PA 13), Don Payne (D-NJ 10), Frank Wolf (R-VA 10) and Senators Richard Lugar (R-IN) and Daniel Akaka (D-HI). Sadly, two internationalists lost their seats in November. Congressman Jim Leach (R-IA 02), a longtime supporter of a strong and effective United Nations lost; as did Senator Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), who boldly stood up and stopped the nomination of John Bolton to be the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.

Global Solutions PAC raised more than $94,000 for candidates, a 10 percent increase over 2004. “This kind of election support goes a long way especially since we’re one of the only PACs that funds candidates who support a cooperative U.S. foreign policy,” said Don Kraus, Executive Vice President of Citizens for Global Solutions.

“None of our electoral success could have happened without the vast energies provided by members of Citizens for Global Solutions,” said Drew J. Asson, Deputy Director of Government Relations at Citizens for Global Solutions. “We extend special thanks to our Partners and the members of our political action committee, who devoted countless hours getting information to candidates and helping across the nation.”

With the newly elected members and returning globally-minded incumbents, the 110th Congress is shaping up to have a fine chance at constructing an engaged, cooperative, bipartisan U.S. foreign policy for the 21st Century.

Visit elections/news"> http://globalsolutions.org/elections/news for more election information.

Contributing Writer: Drew Asson