Welcome. Thank you for taking a few moments to learn about our campaign: one that suggest that the Democratic Party should distinguish itself by competence, candor and compassion. The Democratic Primary will be on Tuesday, 9 September 2008. Please vote. This year it counts!.

This campaign seeks to accomplish three things:
1. put issues related to national security, war and peac, foreign
    and defense policy where they ought to be - front and center.
2. discuss pressing and complex domestic issues.
3. lead campaign finance reform - starting in the 21st
    Congressional District.

1. National Security. We are a nation at war, but we often behave as if we are a nation with an Army at war. As long as we have fighting men and women deployed in combat, national security ought to be Issue One to the American people and the voters of this district. The war in Iraq, nuclear proliferation, and international terrorism are all complex issues that will not be solved by slogans. In order to provide necessary oversight and policy inputs, there needs to be in the Congress people who have experience in the armed forces, in the intelligence community, and in diplomacy. I have over twenty-two years of such experience. Over the past two years, few people in upstate New York have spoken as forcefully as I on these issues. Please see my OpEds [link] on the war in Iraq, intelligence reform, and other foreign and defense policy issues. more +

2. Domestic Challenges. The country is facing serious problems which our government appears incapable of solving; health care, Social Security, energy. I sense that the people of this district are fed up with the institutional procrastination and the bitter partisan atmosphere that has come to characterize the Congress. The people want leadership, straight talk, and viable options – or better - solutions. I think if presented a clear choice, voters will say “No” to the status quo, and choose creative leaders who will address problems head on, leaders who realize that compromise is part of democracy, and leaders who are intent on effectively governing the country. more +

3. Lead Campaign Finance Reform. This campaign seeks to fundamentally change the nature of the political campaigning in this country. We ask voters of the 21st Congressional District to be a part of this history in the making. Money still matter too much in politics, both in terms of political campaigns and access to the Congress. Recent lobbying scandals, to include those which involved Jack Abramoff, ought to be a wake up call to America, and to us here in the Capital District. Our government is less today a government of, by, and for the People. The Congress has become the near permanent home of a political class, increasingly, if not exclusively, responsive to special and corporate interest, and not to the broad interests of the nation and its citizens. We seek to change this. We will not accept campaign contributions from any political action committees (PACs), we will limit campaign contributions to $1,100.00, and we will ask voters to get involved—to take an active part in choosing their leaders who will govern their country. more +

Please see my bio and my policy position summaries for more information on my experience and my views on national security, domestic issues, and election reform. You may also wish to see my governing philosophy. I hope you will periodically visit our website for updates on the campaign and on the issues we are addressing, and for invitations to events and meetings.

-Tom Raleigh