After watching the AARP forum July 6, I’m convinced more than ever that Steve Sinton, the Democratic candidate for the 6th Congressional District, can win in November. His delivery was fact-based and confident. And, he has the issues on his side, issues that he understands and is well-versed in.

Steve connected with the audience of about 120 people more so than Price, who played to the partisans in the crowd and spouted really tired platitudes. Tom Price, and many incumbent Republicans, are still trying to campaign with the lie that the war in Iraq is the war on terror. Of course, Price may be playing to the few Republican primary voters who still believe that. Price has a pretty scrappy opponent in John Konop, who was also at the AARP forum.

Tom Price said he wasn’t for the status quo. But he was forced into that position by Steve Sinton and John Konop. Tom Price, as a political climber (and damn proud of it to hear him brag), is the status quo. He’s a Bushite through and through. 

Steve said the country is going in the wrong direction and wondered who’s looking out for us in Washington. He suggested that it’s not Tom Price and it’s not the other elected, entrenched Republicans. This idea resonated throughout the room. Steve Sinton said he’ll be our lobbyist in Washington and – guess what? – one person can make a difference in that town. Applause happily ensued.

Tom Price, amazingly for a surgeon/politician, said one person can’t really make a difference – that you have to build consensus. (Reminded me of Saturday Night Live’s Debbie Downer.) This fell flat at the forum because we all know who Tom Price has been building consensus with. That other Tom – the not-gone-yet Tom Delay! Price believes in absolute Republican control in Congress. He doesn’t believe in consensus. No debate is allowed and no amendments either from the Democrats on important legislation. That’s why it’s very important that Democrats win this election.

As a final observation, I sensed that the independent voters in the room were looking for an alternative to what the Republicans have given us the past six years. They don’t want platitudes and they don’t want somebody like Price mouthing the failed Bush line. I believe the fresh voice of Steve Sinton can persuade a large majority of undecided voters (some of them Republican) that they should send him to Washington. And this is great news, not only for Democrats, but for anyone with a little common sense who votes for the person and not the party.

I also got the feeling that Steve Sinton is going to work very hard to get elected and then work just as hard to serve the District (and the country) once in office. We owe him our utmost support.

Contact Craig T. Allen

[Letter of appreciation from Steve Sinton's campaign here.]