Kelly supports Bush for re-election

[racheleggert]

Democratic St. Paul mayor wants U.S. to 'stay the course'

Associated Press


St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly broke Democratic Party ranks on Sunday to announce his support for President Bush's re-election.

"George Bush and I do not agree on a lot of issues," Kelly said in a statement. "But in turbulent times, what the American people need more than anything is continuity of government, even with some imperfect policies."

Kelly, who said he's remaining a Democrat, said the economy is going in the right direction. "There's no reason to believe a change of course will produce better or quicker results," he said.

And the mayor said the United States will bring the troops home from Iraq a lot sooner if "we don't try to bring in a whole new leadership team to run the show. We must stay the course."

Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who co-chairs the Bush-Cheney campaign in Minnesota, praised Kelly. "His bold decision is courageous and a welcome move toward working across party lines," Pawlenty said in a statement.

U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, the Bush-Cheney campaign's other co-chair in Minnesota, called Kelly's announcement "bipartisanship at its finest."

"Mayor Kelly recognizes that jobs are being created and that tax cuts have stimulated that job growth. He has done the same for St. Paul," said Coleman, Kelly's predecessor as mayor of Minnesota's capital city.

But the St. Paul DFL Party said Kelly "has traded the values of St. Paul for the agenda of the Republican Party's far right."

"Rather than advocating the needs of St. Paul, Mayor Kelly's decision to not support John Kerry's strategy for building our cities does the voters of St. Paul a disservice," the party said.

Kelly, who was elected mayor in 2001, is up for re-election next year.

 

[racheleggert]

Text of Mayor Randy Kelly's statement in support of President Bush

Thanks for being here; it's a wonderful day in St. Paul. It may be too nice a day to talk about politics, so I won’t keep you long.


I take a nonpartisan approach to my job as mayor of St. Paul. There is not a DFL or Republican way to keep our City safe or to clean the streets. But Saint Paul is part of a state and country and this is an important year of decision. People seem to want to know where I stand on the presidential race.


About a month ago I was driving down West 7th and came up behind a car with a bumper sticker that said, "I Hate Bush." What a pathetic printout on where we’re at in this country.


For eight years, many on the right hated Bill Clinton and desperately wanted him to fail. For the last few years, many on the left have hated George Bush and wanted him to fail.


I believe that "I Hate ________" is not the platform for any kind of future for America.


This politics of hate must stop and it must stop now. The simple reason is: the people's business is not getting done.


In our own legislature, everything ground to a halt to prevent anyone from being able to take credit for anything. The U.S. Congress is in much the same state of chaos. Somehow we've gotten into a pattern where the common good is less important than the political good.


I am just one voice, but I'm standing up to say, "Enough."


The economy has been tough, and a lot of people have been hurt. But it's going in the right direction. There's no reason to believe a change of course will produce better or quicker results.


The war in Iraq was won in blinding speed — the peace has been a much greater challenge. And, whether through unrealistic expectations, or simply mistakes made in good faith, now is not the time to say we should end our commitment to the 25 million Iraqis our American soldiers have freed and are fighting to give them a chance at self governance.


The reality is: almost 150,000 of our troops are in Iraq today. We'll get them home a lot sooner and with a better outcome if we don't try to bring in a whole new leadership team to run the show. We must stay the course.


I agree with the President that we must see this thru and not turn tail and run, and give our enemies the message that we lack resolve.


And the war on terror is a huge, ongoing struggle. If we changed presidents at this juncture, there is just no question that it would confuse our friends and encourage our enemies. In a war, you just can't afford to do that. Continuity and resolve is critical.


George Bush and I do not agree on all issues. I believe the President must focus greater energy on the deficit. I believe the President must resist those who believe gay marriage should be an issue to divide America to win an election, and instead call upon the greater instincts of American tolerance to bring us together.


But in turbulent times, what the American people need more than anything is continuity of government, even one with some imperfect policies. Where George Bush and I agree, is on the issues of the greater good for a stronger America.


The common good will be better served on the path we're on than with an abrupt change of direction, especially one paved in part with political hatred.


Earlier this week, the Pioneer Press praised me for not indulging in the politics of hatred and division. As proud as I am of their kind words, I am more determined than ever to send the message to my sons — and to the sons and daughters of other Moms and Dads in St. Paul, Minnesota and America — that we can, we should and we must stop — now — this poison partisanship that threatens to destroy the national will to come together to win the War on Terror here, at home, and across the world.


In his book, John Kennedy said both national parties seek to serve the national interest. But when an officeholder finds the interests of party differ from the national interest, the first responsibility must not be to party, but to conscience.


It is not in the national interest to feed the politics of hate. I feel it is in the national interest to keep the economic and international course we are on.


Americans are looking for strong, steady, and principled leadership. They crave politicians who stand for something, rather than rally us against someone. The American people I know — the ones I represent in St. Paul — care about leaders who stand steady in difficult times, who do not waver nor bend to the wind. They want strong, determined leadership — and, I believe George Bush provides us that leadership today at this point in our history.


I’ve been a Democrat all my life and after this announcement I’ll continue to be a Democrat. But I believe I have a higher loyalty to what's best for my country and our city than to party.


So this November, George W. Bush has my endorsement for President of the United States.


This is a hard decision for me.


To my Republican friends, my heart, my mind, values, and my convictions are rooted in and forged in the principles of the Democratic Party.


I pledge my heart and my good faith to work with you when and where we can — but, I will oppose you where I believe you to be wrong, and when you do not represent the best interests of our community.


And, to my Democratic friends, we have often agreed to disagree over the past 30 years I have been involved in politics and government. I trust that you and I will agree to disagree on this decision. All I ask, is your respect for my right to make it.


This past week I had the opportunity to personally talk with the President. We agreed to work together for the best interest of our country and St. Paul. He assured me that the challenges and opportunities that face urban centers are ones we will work on together.


Let me end by sharing with you something I believe to the core of my being.


Whatever the cost of this decision is to me, the expense of remaining quiet in this election year is of far greater consequence to me. I have done what I can, along with the love and care of my wife, to raise two sons these past two decades. I love them with more of my being than I care to share with you today. And, it is with that love, that I make this difficult decision and choice.


Because, at the end of each and every day, my responsibility as a Mayor, as an American, as a husband and as a father is to speak up when a voice must be heard.


And, now, you have heard my voice.

 

[webexplorer]

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[BigSpike]

I must admit it from my own perspective it is consider "breytal" of your own party...Mayor Kelly didnt realize how much lies this Bush made...many people dont want to hear lies...they want to hear "easy" out of leadership's tongue...and keep promising...I was very disappointed in Bush...he failed to keep his word...his obessesion on IRAQ left America in "desolate" with jobs and eonomics. Bush, himself was so shame for refuse to give lecture at NACCP...he embrassed his own political parties...he worked hardest to hid Rumsfield's cheating and lying tongue and publically call him great man....I dont buy Bush's story, no matter how hard he tried to manipluate people...or even me...unless he really realize himself this he cant CHANGE America unless he can change himself within of himself...We need a honest leadership...I knew Bush "twisted" people's arm and tell them to let do it his way without realizing their way of needs...he dont care about deaths of soldiers...he keep send more and more men to Iraq and they keep getting killed. He didnt realized how big lies he was making...more people are writing books on him and how seriously he was lying about...He promise to create millions of jobs but he FAILED...now he is repeating his promise for his next term...and he used war on Iraq as excuse for his delay of promise of creating jobs...I wont think People is willing to put up with him for other 4 years....I felt sorry for people who is manipluated by Bush's sharp and crafty tongue....Shame on Bush....

 

[BigSpike]

It's hard for me to admit this..George W. Bush is labelled as fraud President period...Im sick of his off topics story....

 

[MsGiglz]

heh?!?!?!

I wonder Kelly is getting senile.. have his head examined before he confirmed what he said..


(snickers)

 

[Brian]

Keep in mind... Mayor Randy Kelly says he is going to continue being a Democrat. He does not have to switch to Republican Party in order to support a Republican politician.

There have been other Democrats supporting President George W. Bush and other Republican politicians.

BigSpike – I suggest you do search via Google.com. Quit your BS spewing.

 

[Reba]

I must admit it from my own perspective it is consider "breytal" of your own party...

Don't you expect each person to vote his/her conscience for the best candidate? Isn't it more important to support the candidates you believe in then just "follow the party line?" If a Republican mayor said he supported Sen. Kerry for President, would you feel the same way?

he failed to keep his word...

Specifics please.

his obessesion on IRAQ left America in "desolate" with jobs and eonomics.

Not true. Economy is actually improving.

Bush, himself was so shame for refuse to give lecture at NACCP...

No, he was not ashamed. Why should he show up at a meeting where everyone just wants the opportunity to boo and bash him. They didn't want to hear what he had to say. Why waste his time?

We need a honest leadership...

You mean like Sen. Kerry? LOL! The same man who says that life begins at conception but abortion is acceptable? The same man who can't get his stories straight about his Vietnam medals? The same man who voted to support the war in Iraq, but voted against the money needed to provide our troops with adequate armor? The same man who didn't even describe his entire career in the Senate in his convention speech? The same man who, just a few months ago, slammed John Edwards as being inexperienced, and now embraces him as his running-mate?

...he dont care about deaths of soldiers...

You REALLY don't know the man's heart, do you?

He didnt realized how big lies he was making....I felt sorry for people who is manipluated by Bush's sharp and crafty tongue....

So which is it? Is he stupid and "didn't realized how big lies he was making" or is he extremely clever with a "sharp and crafty tongue."?

Factual criticism of the President is fine; just don't throw out unsupported accusations (or lies).

Back to the topic: Mayor Kelly, and every American, has the right to vote for whomever they want, regardless of party. He gave his reasons. You can accept them or deny them, that is YOUR choice.

 

[BigSpike]

Reba..my cousins is in war at Iraq...he wrote me countless of letter telling me how nonsense it is...he cried for home and he told me he is willing to scariface for the US...but he was emotionally by children of Iraq without home..there are many killings....I raised in strong military background...I knew how it is sense and nonsense...this is why I dont like Bush...I used to support him but not anymore....I dont favor Kerry...Ok? I simply said need honest and true leadership like Ronald Regean...he is one of best and honorable president...u said enomoic is improving no...there are evidence this 3.9 million jobs was lost the worse record since President Hoover...I think Bush is shamed about NACCP...where's his professional role, no matter what. He cannot neglect...I do respect your favor for Bush...I dont go against people who favor for Bush...I just give out my opinion and perspective...if you like Bush then follow your heart simply. For me no...I am not voting for him at all....I am strong demoratic person but I do favor republic too in some way. Ron Regean the son of President was strongly disappointed in Bush...I strong supported him...it is not because I am telling people to vote for Kerry...the point we need is a leadership who keep their words....

Bush lies about tax cuts, create million jobs, and I do read several current affair books quoted from CNN and other are stating Bush isnt keep their words...let me share link with you...u can disagree if you wish...its your heart...smile check out at www.bushlies.net More people are living on street and screaming for jobs...what happen and do Bush cares...he is busy focusing on others....Matt Rominey the governor of Mass wanted Sen. Kerry resign from senator position becuz he is involved too much in campigan...So what...Kerry is just doing his job as candiates and Matt kiss Bush's butt...I saw with my OWN eyes this Matt Rominey ran to cuddle Laura Bush and gave her warm welcome when she read children story to them....Matt diss Kerry....come on it is political games...(wink)

 

[BigSpike]

Reba..keep in mind...media always wanted to destroy political leaders to make them look bad....notfonakerry.com is one of them....but for bushlies.net...I researched carefully there's evidence...Republic digged into Michael Moore's dirty business to dis Bush so they went on posting about how fraud Michael Moore is...think about it...People look for easy...they want easy truth not hard truth...hard truth is rare....Im telling you....easy truth leads to white lies....

 

[BigSpike]

Keep in mind... Mayor Randy Kelly says he is going to continue being a Democrat. He does not have to switch to Republican Party in order to support a Republican politician.

There have been other Democrats supporting President George W. Bush and other Republican politicians.

BigSpike – I suggest you do search via Google.com. Quit your BS spewing.

Oh well I dont care....its your opinion...I knew some politican are democrats support republic but it dont change my opinion and perspective toward Bush...once I settle it then I stick by it....I am not BS spewing ...we need honest and truth leadership...the best to rules earth is Theoracy is the simply answer....

 

[Reba]

Theoracy is the simply answer....

Hmmm...that's interesting. Which God/god/religion do you suggest for the theocracy?

 

[Reba]

Reba..my cousins is in war at Iraq...but he was emotionally by children of Iraq without home...

You can thank Saddam and his followers for that situation.

I simply said need honest and true leadership like Ronald Regean...he is one of best and honorable president...

Yes, he was a wonderful man and president.

u said enomoic is improving no...

The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) grew by more than 5 percent over the last three quarters, the fastest rate of growth in nearly two decades.

there are evidence this 3.9 million jobs was lost the worse record since President Hoover...

Since last August, over 1.4 million new jobs have been created.
The unemployment rate has fallen from 6.3 to 5.6 percent, below the average of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.

I do read several current affair books quoted from CNN...

And I read books quoted from Fox News and Newsmax, so I guess we kind of cancel each other out on that one.

...check out at www.bushlies.net

Yes, I have read that one before. I can suggest:
www.swiftvets.com
www.moorelies.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4121890/ (with thanks to Clark04President for this link)

More people are living on street and screaming for jobs...

Please show me proof that more people are living on the street, and that those same people are screaming for jobs. How is President Bush is responsible for that happening, if it is?

...he is busy focusing on others....

Do you mean the President is focusing on the war on terror? Yeah, I hope so.

Matt Rominey the governor of Mass wanted Sen. Kerry resign from senator position becuz he is involved too much in campigan...So what...Kerry is just doing his job as candiates...

Sen. Kerry's job is to represent the people of Massachusetts in the Senate. That is what they elected him to do. It is not his "job" to be a candidate while he is serving as Senator.

I saw with my OWN eyes this Matt Rominey ran to cuddle Laura Bush and gave her warm welcome when she read children story to them....

So? What did Mitt Romney do wrong? If a Democrat governor gives a warm welcome and hug to Teresa Kerry would that be a shock?