Bryan Kennedy for US House--Wisconsin 5th

Background:

In 2004, I was the Democratic nominee and my campaign performed better than any past Democratic challenger to Jim Sensenbrenner, thanks to a newly-redrawn Republican-leaning district that incorporates large Democratic areas of Milwaukee County. I received 130,000 votes and raised 10 times more money than any past Sensenbrenner opponent. Our coalition of 35 labor unions, women's groups, environmentalists and veterans helped me garner 73% in a contested primary.

Goals:

I had entered the 2004 race knowing that it was likely to be a "two election cycle"? race. I would build a base and name recognition in the first campaign and then come back and win the next time around.

My 2006 theme is “Security, Opportunity, Responsibility.� I believe that my viewpoints are a much better fit for our district than the extremist agenda of our current Representative. I am someone who will defend America, fight for greater opportunities for all, and pledge to be responsible in my representation.

SECURITY- I support a strong military and wise use of it in protecting America. I will demand a foreign policy that seeks greater cooperation with our allies and diplomacy first. I am not afraid to use America’s military might if it is necessary to defend our nation, but why sacrifice the lives of our brothers, sisters and children when other means might accomplish our foreign policy goals?

OPPORTUNITY- This country was founded on the ideal of creating opportunities for everyone willing to work hard and play by the rules. I believe that we should be rewarding hard work and responsibility and opening doors of opportunity for all. Unlike Mr. Sensenbrenner, I believe that work trumps inheritance. We need healthcare reform, trade reform, and to fix the projected Social Security deficit to guarantee that opportunities are created for our children and future generations.

RESPONSIBILITY- Congress is currently operating in an irresponsible manner with secret meetings, lobbyists writing legislation, unethical behavior and fiscal recklessness. Unlike Jim Sensenbrenner, I am committed to reform. I will fight for balanced budgets, transparency, strong morals and ethics, and to create competitive legislative districts.

Issues:

1. Healthcare reform
2. Balancing the federal budget
3. Election and campaign finance reform

Grassroots Support:

In my last campaign, we relied solely on grass roots activists. We did not have enough money (only raised $300k) for television, so we used hundreds of volunteers to canvas the entire district several times. I have the support of 35 labor organizations, environmentalists, women's groups and veterans. My steering commitee comes largely from Dean supporters/DfA members and we wrested control of regional party offices in party caucuses last year. My campaign plan this year is heavily focused on using a grassroots, door-to-door program, and DFA will be key to helping me layout the groundwork of my grassroots organization.

DFA Values:

I believe in balancing the federal budget and paying off the federal debt before it gets passed along to our children and grandchildren. I will vote to overturn the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest 5%, with all of that additional revenue going to debt re