Why Kennedy is still the right choice

Although I find some of the security measures passed in the wake of 9/11 of questionable value and others are outright infringements on individual liberty, national security is the essential issue of this election. It's a debate we should be having. In that regard, Kennedy has his priorities in the right place.

From the Kennedy campaign:

Kennedy Supports Providing U.S. Intelligence the Tools it Needs to Protect Americans

Washington, D.C.-Congressman Mark Kennedy supported passage today of the Electronic Surveillance Modernization Act, legislation to update our intelligence laws so U.S. intelligence agencies can gather the information they need to protect Americans from terrorist attacks.

"The bottom line is that if al Qaeda is calling somebody in America , it is in our national security interest to know who they are calling and why," Kennedy said. "That's why we need a strong Terrorist Surveillance Program so that our intelligence agencies can immediately investigate known security threats and stop terrorists before they strike. This bill will provide the security we need, without compromising our values. "

The Electronic Surveillance Modernization Act updates the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to cover modern technology, such as cell phones and the Internet. It also eliminates excessive FISA bureaucracy to expedite the foreign intelligence surveillance warrant process, as well as gives law enforcement the flexibility to react swiftly to known imminent threats against the United States . Finally, the act increases congressional oversight to ensure that Americans' civil liberties are protected.

"If we want to win the War on Terror, Congress must ensure that intelligence agencies have the 21st century tools they need to combat terrorists," Kennedy added. "One need not look any further than the tools the British used to foil the recent London terror plot. This legislation will help modernize our most important intelligence laws to help prevent terrorists from attacking us again."

(It's also refreshing to see a Kennedy ad that doesn't mention Klobuchar. Makes him look a lot more senatorial.)

Update: And is is a legitimate question:

For Immediate Release:
September 28, 2006

How Would Amy Klobuchar Vote?

(St. Paul, Minnesota) – As Minnesota’s Senate race heats up, voters are beginning to focus more closely on the candidates and their records to determine who will best represent their values and concerns, Mark Kennedy or Amy Klobuchar?

Mark Kennedy has a clear and open record of representing the best interests of Minnesotans. Voters in Minnesota however, are having a hard time figuring out where Kennedy’s opponent stands on the issues important to them. Ms. Klobuchar refuses to help Minnesotans make an informed decision this November, by answering the simple question of how she would vote on specific legislation and particular issues.

This week, Congress voted on a range of important issues; Mark Kennedy voted in favor of military tribunals to try suspected terrorists (September 27, 2006, House Roll Call Vote 491, HR 6166).

He voted in favor of a measure to protect the public _expression of religion, as in cases where extremely liberal groups like the ACLU look to limit the rights of veterans groups and the Boy Scouts (September 26, 2006, House Roll Call Vote 480, HR 2679).

He voted in favor of a bill that would protect the rights and best interests of parents and children by making it a federal crime to take a minor across state lines to obtain an abortion as a way of getting around parental consent and notification laws (September 26, 2006, House Roll Call Vote 479, S.403).

These votes are part of Mark Kennedy’s record of supporting common sense measures in the best interests of Minnesotans. How would Amy Klobuchar vote on these measures?

Voters can look at Kennedy’s record to see where he stands and if they have any questions, they can ask him and he will tell them. On the other hand, voters and reporters should ask the reasonable question, “How would Amy Klobuchar vote?” They would be well advised not to hold their breath waiting for an answer.