Burlington, VT - The Burlington Free Press has chosen Peter Welch for U.S. Congress.

"Welch's years of political experience, demand for careful federal spending, clear call for a change in strategy in Iraq, and willingness to work with all political parties earn the Democrat the Free Press Editorial Board's recommendation for the U.S. House... Welch's experience, clear message and inclusive approach to leadership make him the best voice for Vermonters in the U.S. House of Representatives." - Burlington Free Press

"Peter Welch best choice for experience, message" - Burlington Free Press - October 30, 2006

Peter Welch kicked off his campaign for the United States House of Representatives by declaring the federal deficit and $8.5 trillion federal debt the most important problem facing Congress. He is right.

Deficit spending in Washington restricts the government's ability to address the truly important challenges facing this state, including repairing crumbling roads and bridges, improving schools and paying for special education, ensuring that all Vermonters have access to affordable health care, and more.

Welch's message on the war has also been clear: The U.S. needs a new direction to end this deteriorating military situation. Again, he is right.

The Democrat also has a proven track record of working cooperatively with Republicans on key issues, even drawing praise from Gov. Jim Douglas for his assistance in securing passage of health care reform, permit changes and energy efficiency legislation while serving as president pro tempore of the state Senate. This is high praise from a man who is endorsing Welch's Republican opponent, Martha Rainville.

Welch's years of political experience, demand for careful federal spending, clear call for a change in strategy in Iraq, and willingness to work with all political parties earn the Democrat the Free Press Editorial Board's recommendation for the U.S. House.

Rainville has run a respectable first-time political campaign. She is articulate, well-versed on international issues, and has served this state admirably as former adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard at one of the most challenging times in the Guard's history. She has shown grace and integrity throughout the campaign, and both candidates in this race raised the bar for civility in campaigning.

Welch, a lawyer and state senator from Windsor County, has been a leader with a history of supporting balanced budgets during his years in the Vermont Senate, being elected president pro tempore three times by his colleagues, most recently in 2002.

He promises to take Vermont's prudent pay-as-you-go philosophy on public spending to Washington if elected. The current spend-happy Congress could use a lesson in Yankee frugality when it comes to the taxpayer's dime.

Welch also has a clear message on the war. The Iraq war is not moving forward as the Bush administration had hoped, and even some congressional Republicans who had been on board with the White House approach are now calling for a change of course. Welch wants U.S. troops out of Iraq soon, with a public timetable to allow the Iraqis to step up to the plate.

"It's not our job to referee a civil war," he told the Free Press recently.

He is open to the creation of a loose federation of semi-autonomous regions in Iraq, a proposal being discussed in Congress as part of a U.S. exit strategy. He is also willing to consider redeployment of U.S. forces regionally, on an interim basis, to help keep the peace.

The United States needs a new direction in Iraq, a viewpoint that is finally emerging from the White House. Welch's message on this point has been consistent, direct and forward-thinking.

On other fronts, Welch believes the White House should resume the role of "honest broker" in broader Middle East peace talks. He is right; diplomacy must be a renewed focus from Washington.

He supports expanding protected wilderness in the Green Mountain National Forest, a vital step in preserving the wildlife and undeveloped forest for our children's children.

Welch has a thorough plan for reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil, and is reluctant to expand drilling off the U.S. coastlines. Those are important challenges for the nation to address.

Ask Welch about the future of dairy farming in the nation, and his face lights up. He is confident that enough farm-state legislators in Congress finally understand the value of a locally produced food supply that he can garner enough votes to bolster the dairy industry. He has held agriculture events during the campaign, and spoken with candidates from other states about solutions for helping farmers. He is solid in this area, and strengthening Vermont's dairy industry will be a critical job for the state's next representative.

Welch's experience, clear message and inclusive approach to leadership make him the best voice for Vermonters in the U.S. House of Representatives.