Oregon Superdelegate challenges Clinton and Obama to tear down McCain, not each other

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DEFAZIO CHALLENGES CLINTON AND OBAMA TO FOCUS ON MCCAIN

Dear Senator Clinton and Senator Obama:

I write today as a concerned member of the Democratic Party and an uncommitted super

delegate.

I appreciated the manner in which you both conducted your campaigns during the early

primary process. It was a manner that respected the other and tried to highlight policy

differences without resorting to destructive smear campaigns.

In the lead up to the March 4th primaries, the tone of both campaigns shifted and the

civility that I had appreciated disappeared. The long term goal of beating the Republican

nominee took a back seat to the short term goal of proving one's viability by tearing down

the other Democratic candidate. We lost sight of the general election, we lost sight of the

true opponent and if we continue to be shortsighted, I fear we will lose in November.

The heated rhetoric between both campaigns has continued to intensify as we head into

the Pennsylvania primary. While you trade barbs, McCain is uniting the Republican Party

around his thinly disguised right wing agenda. In the next six weeks, McCain can sit

back, amass his war chest, concentrate his base and delight as you deconstruct each other.

I propose that you not allow him that luxury. You both claim to be better suited than the

other to take on the so-called Straight-Talk Express, so prove it. Run the next six weeks

of your campaign against McCain, not against the other Democrat. Go after McCain for

his policy positions, not the other Democrat for theirs. Allow the Democratic voters to

believe in a campaign that can provide a new direction for this country and stop McCain

from continuing the failed policies of the Bush Administration. In the end, it is the

candidate who can take the fight to McCain and win that deserves my support and, most

importantly, the support of the Democratic Party.

Both of your campaigns have been built on the fundamental idea that if elected, you will

bring about change. Let's change the way we are doing business in this primary election.

In the last few months, you have been running for the Democratic nomination. In the

next six weeks, I urge you start running for President.

Sincerely,

PETER A. DEFAZIO

Member of Congress

http://www.politico.com/static/PPM43_08031...on-obamapr.html