Voters Have A Clear Choice In House District 6

The voters in Texas' U.S. House District 6 race face a choice between two candidates that disagree on almost all the issues. The Republican in the race, Joe Barton, was considered a shoo-in a few months ago, but his stand on a couple of health issues and the fact that he faces a credible opponent this time, has changed the dynamic of the race. It wouldn't take much of the touted "Democratic wave" to cost Barton his seat.

Recently, Barton has received a lot of criticism for blocking bills in Congress that would provide money for research into the causes of autism and breast cancer. Both of these bills have overwhelming support in Congress, but Barton won't let them out of committee so they can be voted on. Barton, who has for years been a protecter of many of the industries that pollute our air and water, is afraid that his rich polluting buddies might be found to be at least partially responsible for the two medical conditions. He is willing to deny sick people a cure so he can protect his polluting political donors.

His opponent, David Harris, has come out in support of both of the health bills. For Harris, the health of the people must come before the windfall profits of the polluters. And there are additional differences between the candidates.

David Harris supports raising the minimum wage for workers in our country. The current minimum wage is $5.15 an hour, a wage that is impossible for anyone to live on. Barton voted against raising the minimum wage, even though he had no problem in raising his own government salary.

David Harris would adequately fund and protect our social security system. Barton was a part of Bush's effort to destroy social security. This is not a dead issue. Bush has said he wants to revive the issue after the November elections.

David Harris, a veteran of the Iraq war, opposes Bush's no-win policy in Iraq that is daily costing the lives of our soldiers and has no end in sight. Barton supports Bush's endless war.

The voters of District 6 have a clear choice. They can vote for Barton and the failed policies of the Republican administration, or they can vote for David Harris and a new direction for our country.