Doing My Part For The Left

A life long dream came true when Annette Taddeo spoke at the Democracy for America hospitality suite. Annette was attending Netroots Nation and was meeting bloggers from across the nation. Here was a candidate who started out speaking about civil liberties and what it means to actually care about your constituents rights.

You can watch the video from Netroots below.

Here are my favorite quotes from Anette’s speech:

“Being a moderate is not voting ever step of the way with President Bush on the war in Iraq.”

“Being a moderate is not voting for the Defense of Marriage Act.”

“Being a moderate is not voting against adoption for gay and lesbian couples.”

I have heard these kind of statements from candidates before but only when they were attending a GLBT Caucus or asked a direct question on these issues. Annette Taddeo speaks out for Equality for All Americans without being prompted. What better sign of leadership is there? As a 49 year old gay activist, I was almost in tears to hear Annette Taddeo speak to one of my major issues in an open forum.

This is the kind of talk we need from all Democrats and Annette would be a more than welcome addition to the Democratic Caucus in the US Congress.

Her opponent Ileana Ros-Lethtinen claims to be a moderate but how can you claim that with the following voting record?

Ros-Lehtinen voted in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act, which violates the Constitution and divisively insults LGBT Americans. (HR 3396, Roll Call 316, 7/12/1996)

Ros-Lehtinen claims to show leadership on LGBT issues. But the reality is that she runs from the tough fights – she refused to vote either way on the Gay Marriage Amendment to the Constitution one month before the 2004 elections, when it really mattered. That’s not leadership. That’s loyalty to President Bush over loyalty to her constituents. (HJ RES 106, Roll Call 484, 9/30/2004)

Ros-Lehtinen doesn’t believe that LGBT Americans should be allowed to start families. She voted for the Largent Amendment to prevent capable, committed, and loving adults in Washington, D.C. from becoming adoptive parents. (HR 2587, Roll Call 346, 7/29/1999)

Ros-Lehtinen voted for the Souder Amendment that sought to ban schools throughout the country from addressing anti-gay violence and prejudice. (HR 4942, Roll Call 473, 9/14/2000)

How does anyone call themselves a moderate with a voting record such as this?

Annette will represent all constituents in Florida and also vote to help protect rights for all people no matter what state they live in. There is a set core of values needed by an elected official. They must protect the rights and interest of all and not just a few. Annette has proven through her life that she is willing to help others and do what it takes to make things right.

You have to read Annette’s bio on her campaign page. The story of a young girl who had been born with a cleft palette asking her family to help another child with the same problem proves that from an early age Annette understood about the world as a community. She did not see distinctions of class or money but a child in need of help. This carried over into her life long work helping others less fortunate than herself. In lieu of holiday gifts to clients, Annette provides funding for cleft children through Operation Smile.

Annette and refinish69 at Netroots Nation

Annette Taddeo preparers to speak at the Democracy for America

hospitality suite.

refinish69 & Annette Taddeo

Annette has earned the following endorsements so far: