U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen began his drive for a third term this week, pledging to support the worldwide fight against terrorism while insisting Congress create jobs, expand health care and improve public schools.
"I will focus on jobs and on maintaining a strong stand for defense, a strong stand against terrorism, a strong stand for privacy and for fiscal responsibility," Larsen, a Democrat, told 150 supporters Thursday at the Monte Cristo Hotel in Everett.
Speaking for nearly 25 minutes, Larsen told of his work securing money for ferry security and highway improvements, pursuing a new health clinic for veterans and extending federal unemployment benefits.
He said more federal funds are needed for schools to attain the reforms envisioned in the No Child Left Behind Act. And he vowed that when Congress debates closing military bases next year, he’ll battle to keep Everett Naval Station off the hit list.
Larsen spoke the longest on international security and the war in Iraq.
"We need to go against terrorists wherever they are, whoever they are," he said.
"We must engage the world with the same tough-minded internationalism of FDR, Truman and JFK to develop allies who support our military, who support our law enforcement and who work with us to address the roots of terrorism," Larsen said, referring to former presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy.
He said leaving Iraq now would have grave consequences for Iraqis, the Middle East and this country. But he said more countries must share the military and economic burden of helping that nation establish its own government.
He spoke most passionately about the troops, calling it "critical" that those in the military receive "unending support" for doing the best job they can under the most difficult circumstances.
This week, Larsen planned fund-raisers in each of the five counties that make up the 2nd District — Snohomish, Island, Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties — before returning to Washington, D.C.
The events will net about $25,000 and pad a campaign bankroll of nearly $750,000. Larsen, who spent $1.7 million to win in 2002, said he expects to spend a similar amount this time around.
The leading Republican opponent, Island County Auditor Suzanne Sinclair, trails in fund-raising. As of March 31, she reportedly had raised $15,000.
On Thursday, she seemed little concerned that she isn’t planning any major campaign events until June.
Sinclair, who has served as auditor since 1997, said she expects fund-raising to pick up as voters learn more about her and Larsen.
"I think you’ll find that there are differences in our approach and that I better represent the 2nd District," she said.
She backs President Bush’s call for making the 2002 tax cuts permanent, a step Larsen opposes. She supports tort reform that limits noneconomic damages. And she would fight legislative attempts to move toward nationalized health care.
Reporter Jerry Cornfield: 360- 352-8623 or jcornfield@heraldnet.com.
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