Senator Teresa Ruiz joins Andrews campaign as co-chair

Jay Lassiter — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:24:17 GMT

Remember how exciting it was last November to vote so many women into the State House? (For those of ya'll who don't remember, female membership rose almost by half.)

So naturally it was a thrill at Andrews' HQ (where I work, mind you) to learn that Newark's own Teresa Ruiz -- our first Latina NJ Senator -- was joining our increasingly diverse coalition.

Check out why.

Tom explains money in politics

Tom Wyka — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:12:56 GMT

Why Rep. Andrews Has My Vote for US Senate

annecrets — Sun, 11 May 2008 13:13:02 GMT

Promoted from the diaries -- Juan

I have known Rep. Rob Andrews for many years as a constituent in his District. He has always been responsive, concerned, knowledgeable and reflective, even when we have not agreed on issues. Plus, he is not afraid to change his mind, a crucial trait in a wise politician. Case in point is how he came around to co-sponsor the most important legislation currently pending in Congress -- HR-808 to create a federal cabinet level Department of Peace and Nonviolence (DOP).

I am a social worker committed to its passage (see www.thepeacealliance.org). We started lobbying Rep. Andrews in 2003 about the DOP when we urged him not to vote for the Iraq War. He had many concerns about the DOP then, yet was always willing to listen to us. Plus, he consistently explained his objections in writing, which I later discovered (from my fellow Peace Alliance campaigners in other states and districts) was quite rare for a Congressman.

Finally in 2006 after much dialogue, Rep. Andrews became convinced of the value of the DOP, changed his mind and signed on as one of what are now 69 co-sponsors (only 4 from New Jersey). This took courage and vision because the concept of peace is still so sadly and dangerously misunderstood. Rep. Andrews comprehends how a DOP will confront root causes of violence at all levels of society for real transformation. To quote renowned broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite about the DOP, "It is not a matter of simply getting another Department of government. You're speaking of an entire philosophical revolution." It is high time Peacebuilding be taken seriously!

We are working hard to get a DOP companion bill introduced in the Senate and have been lobbying Senator Frank Lautenberg for a long time. While interested, Senator Lautenberg has not been willing to commit to it. Rep. Andrews recently went on record saying that if elected, he WOULD introduce a Senate DOP bill. This is why he has my vote. Further, I believe it serves as a powerful and concrete example of how voting for Rob Andrews is indeed voting for real change!
MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH,

Anne Creter - NJ State Co-Coordinator U.S. Department of Peace Campaign and United Nations Liaison of the Global Alliance for Departments and Ministries of Peace

Blue Jersey - Recommended Diaries

Senator Teresa Ruiz joins Andrews campaign as co-chair

Tom explains money in politics

Why Rep. Andrews Has My Vote for US Senate