Why I am Supporting Donna Edwards

In my Congressional District (Maryland's 4th District) two liberal Democrats are competing for the nomination for Congress. I am supporting Donna Edwards against Al Wynn.

Art Brodsky has a good recent piece on Edwards in TPM Cafe. Edwards has endorsements from the National Organization of Women, the Sierra Club, the League of Conservation Voters, and the Progressive Democrats of America (PDA), not to mention Danny Glover and Gloria Steinem.

Al Wynn, while voting with the Democrats on the large majority of bills, but has had a few notable defections. He voted with the Republicans to offer tax breaks and incentives oil and gas companies last year, to ammend the Constitution to ban flag burning, and on the Terry Schiavo case. On all of these I agree with the Democratic majority. While he now opposes the war in Iraq, his vote supported it initially. He also voted in favor of Dick Cheney's failed energy policy. His supporters acted badly at a recent campaign event.

What really got my vote, however, is the issue of net neutrality. Donna Edwards says:

I support legislation that guarantees "Internet Freedom" – known as network neutrality. This is being referred to as the “First Amendment” of the Internet and ensures equal access for all to access the Internet. However, this freedom is now in jeopardy.

There should be no corporate or governmental gatekeepers for the online medium. Consumers should be able to readily visit the website of their choice. Websites, such as those from local businesses, should not have to pay a tax to large cable or phone companies in order to ensure they receive reasonable service. There shouldn't be toll lanes for online communications that would impose additional charges for different levels of access. Such open access is the foundation of the Internet's success and its usefulness as a tool for public information.

Al Wynn's website seems to be silent on his position on the issue. But Al Brodsky tells us:

Congressman Al Wynn (DINO-MD) has a prime congressional seat on the subcommittee that oversees policy for telecommunications and the Internet. It's a shame he's using it to sell out his constituents in favor of the big telecom companies.

And that is the issue that tips the balance!