Dear California Democrats, Like most of you, I oppose this immoral, bankrupting Iraq War. I opposed it in 2002, describing it as our next Vietnam. In October of 2007, I was the first candidate to call out the horrendous Senate legislation that now steps us closer to war with Iran. The military-industrial complex and big money lobbyists control our government. I am their most outspoken critic. I am also critical of our Democratic leadership in Congress who have not stood up to George Bush. I proved back in 1971 that successful confrontation from the Senate floor is possible. I took on the Nixon Administration and the Vietnam War with a one-man filibuster that successfully ended the military draft and saved thousands of lives. Under my Administration, we would stop wasting a trillion dollars on war. We would spend our money to develop renewable energy, to get off of oil in 5 years and off of carbon in 10. With solar, wind, liquid hydrogen and others, (not ethanol and not nuclear!) we will be a world leader in green technology. This is good for business, jobs, the health of ourselves, our children and our planet. My plan for America includes universal healthcare, quality education, a progressive Fair Tax, same-sex marriage, reproductive rights, legalizing marijuana/regulating hard drugs, Net neutrality and, most importantly, a plan to empower you – the citizens of this great country – to vote directly on the issues. Find out more at NationalInitiative.us. Gratefully, Senator Mike Gravel

I grew up in a small town. My mother worked at the post office and my father at a textile mill. They didn’t have much money, but they had family. They taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. I’ll never forget where I come from, and I’ll always be a voice for regular families like mine. I was the first in my family to go to college, and I believe every American should have the same opportunities I’ve had: strong schools, affordable health care, and a good job to support your family. I run for president because my parents passed a better world onto me. I believe the moral test of our generation is whether we will do the same for our children. To pass this test, we need fundamental change. We need to fix the broken system in Washington. We need a president who will take on the special interests, and fight for universal health care. For an economy that works for middle-class families. For aggressive action to halt global warming. For ending the war in Iraq, and restoring America’s moral leadership around the world. For comprehensive immigration reform, for workers’ right to organize – and for One America for all of us. I run because after seven years of George Bush, we need a leader who will be straight with the American people. And I run because I believe that it’s time for Democrats to have a little backbone and lead the way to a better America.

In order to produce real change for American families, it’s going to take a Democrat who knows how to produce results.  We must choose a nominee that can bring people together to win the election this November and bring people together the following January. After so many years of bitter divisiveness and on-the-job training, Californians understand that our country needs leadership that will bring people together and is ready to lead from day one.  Like me, you see an economy that isn’t working for all Americans and a war in Iraq that has left us less safe.  We are all asking not only who wants to change the direction of the country, but who can get the job done. I have spent my career producing results.  From writing and passing the Family and Medical Leave Act, to helping end conflict in Central America, to securing needed resources for our fire fighters, I have spent 26 years turning Democratic principles into national policy. That is the kind of leadership we need today.  It is why on every major issue – from ending our involvement in the Iraqi civil war and restoring our security…to reversing the effects of global warming…to ensuring all Americans have access to affordable quality health care – I am offering the boldest solutions to our most pressing challenges. Leadership that can get results is what I’ve been offering for 26 years.  I am asking for your vote to return that type of leadership to the White House.

For six long years, America’s middle class and hardworking families have been invisible to the Bush administration. I want to build an America where no person is invisible. I will provide quality, affordable health care for every American and I will fight to protect a woman's right to choose. All of my policies--from stem cell research to climate change--will be guided by sound science. I will make America the global leader in combating global warming and significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil. To fire up the engines of American innovation, I will redirect billions of dollars of big oil tax subsidies into investments in clean, renewable energy alternatives – wind, solar, hydrogen, ethanol, and other bio-fuels. I will grow our economy and help working families get ahead. It’s time to stop mortgaging our children's future and return this country to the fiscally responsible policies that brought us record growth in the 1990's. And it's time we had an economy in which working people see their real incomes go up – not just the financial markets. We must fix our schools so they can provide hope and opportunity for the next generation. I will end the war in Iraq and begin restoring America's standing in the world. Thank you for your consideration and for taking the time to study the issues.

This is the most important Presidential election of our life times: the next President will have a chance to change the direction of the world. I am seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination for President because I have worked with fellow Democrats and across the aisle to accomplish the goals of the American people. From the Crime Bill that put 100,000 more cops on the street to the Violence Against Women Act, from leading the way to end the war in Bosnia to the Biden plan to end the war in Iraq, I’ve tackled the most important issues of the day. My first order of business will be to end this war in Iraq. The war has hurt our standing internationally, and the billions spent in Iraq have prevented us from resolving critical issues here at home. My plan would allow our troops to come home without leaving chaos behind. At home, my number one domestic priority will be education. We must fund high quality preschool programs like Head Start and ensure every child has two years of preschool. And we must fund two years of college. Last year, 400,000 kids who qualified for college were unable to attend because they could not afford it. College cannot be a luxury. You will have the opportunity to vote and stand up for what you believe in. You know where I stand. I stand with you.

This is a defining moment. Our nation is at war. Our planet is in peril. Our American Dream is slipping away. Because of these challenges, Americans are listening to what we say in this election. This is our chance to forge a new majority of Democrats, Independents and Republicans committed to our common purpose as Americans. America has been at its best when we’ve led not by polls, but by principle; not by calculation, but by conviction; when we’ve had leaders who summoned the entire nation to a common purpose. That’s why I’m running for President.  I’m running to tell special interests that their days of setting the agenda are over. I will close corporate loopholes and give a tax cut to middle-class Americans. I will take on the insurance industry, forge bi-partisan solutions, and pass universal health care. I will end our addiction to oil, and make world-class education affordable from birth through college.  I’m running because I’m tired of Democrats talking, acting, and voting like George Bush Republicans on national security. I will end the war in Iraq, reject torture, finish the fight against al Qaeda, and reinvigorate American diplomacy.  Let’s stop settling. I have spent my life bringing people together, solving tough problems and making a difference in peoples’ lives. I don’t want to refight the battles of the 1990s, or pit Blue America against Red America – I want to lead the United States of America.  At this moment, let’s reach for what we know is possible.

I have a bold vision for America, and the experience to change how we do things in this country. I will end the war with a rapid and complete withdrawal of our troops, and then I will use diplomacy to help the Iraqis begin the healing process. I have delivered for America as a diplomat and I can restore America’s global leadership. My education plan is more extensive than any candidate’s. Organizations like the Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters have called my energy initiative the most daring. I have also outlined how I would pay for each of my plans at www.RichardsonForPresident.com. America needs experience. I am a progressive Governor in a red state with a record of getting things done. Since I took office in 2003, over 80,000 more New Mexicans are working – and we have the lowest unemployment rate in our state’s history. I’ve made New Mexico the clean energy state by adopting stricter environmental standards and requiring utilities to produce energy from renewable sources. We’ve extended access to health coverage to all children under the age of 12. We raised teacher salaries and standards, and invested in schools. We’ve done all this while cutting taxes for every New Mexican and balancing the budget. Every American deserves a fair shot – not just the privileged few. It will take bold leadership to change America, and I have the experience to bring people together to get things done.

We have seen partisan politics divide us, bringing fear and anxiety into our daily lives. We have seen our Constitution undermined. We have been pushed into an illegal and immoral war. Our wealth is being squandered, our soldiers dying needlessly, our jobs are being lost. Neighbor is being pitted against neighbor. America’s reputation as a nation of peace and justice is being destroyed. The Washington establishment – with help from both major parties – continues to do the bidding of industry and corporations, while failing to care for the domestic needs of human beings. Working together we can move this country in a whole new direction: investing in universal education, jobs, renewable energies, a level economy, and health care for all, where doctors and patients – not insurance companies – make the decisions. We can have a foreign policy based upon diplomacy and dialogue; on Strength Through Peace. We can stand for basic civil liberties such as marriage equality and habeas corpus. Your vote can make a difference. You can reject politics as usual and show the Washington establishment you want a leader with true vision, a president not afraid to speak the truth. I offer a vision built upon principles of peace, not profit, leadership with no strings attached. This election is not about reclaiming the White House for the Democratic Party. It’s about reclaiming America for all who live here. I ask for your vote. I will be proud to have your vote, and to have you stand with me. Thank you.