Little Rock - Following weekend appearances with Michael Moore and Senator George McGovern, Wes Clark today released policy endorsements from prominent Democrats with a history of advocating and implementing Democratic ideals.

A Higher Standard of Leadership: Wes Clark's Vision for Our Future, Endorsed by America's Leading Democrats documents the progressive policies Wes Clark is proposing to change the direction of this country:

"For as long as I've been in Congress, I've fought against the idea that the way to create jobs is to give large tax cuts to the rich. Democrats believe that you create jobs and opportunity by making the tax code fairer and investing in people. Democrats understand that a booming stock market and large corporate profits aren't good enough so long as working people can't find jobs. Wes Clark's Job Creation Plan--which calls for investments in homeland security, state fiscal, and tax credits targeted to job creation relief--is the right way to create opportunity for all. That's why I am working with Wes Clark to put Americans back to work," said Congressman Charles Rangel.

"I support Wes Clark because he unequivocally supports women's full reproductive rights, including access to legal abortion without intervention. His clear position underlies his vision of public policy that acknowledges women's pivotal role in the stability and security of our families, economy and nation. For Wes Clark, equal pay and economic opportunity, tax fairness, and family leave are all initiatives designed to ensure that a democracy's institutions reflect how we value women. And when the path is cleared so women may make their best contribution at work and at home, they will become a powerful engine for economic development.

"Wes Clark knows that when women are safe; when women earn fair, family-supporting wages with expectations of a secure retirement; then families will be healthier, communities stronger and this nation will prosper. That's the vision I have for my granddaughters; that's why we must ensure that Wes Clark becomes the next president of the United States," said Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton.

Wes Clark's vision is based on progressive values and core Democratic principles. From improving our economy and environment to tackling the problems of rural and aging America, Wes Clark will produce results built on sound policies:

• Families First Tax Reform will eliminate taxes on families of four making up to $50,000 and cut taxes for all families making up to $100,000, including single-parent households. In all, 31 million taxpayers will benefit; the typical family's tax cut will be $1,500.

• The typical family's income will increase by $3,000 over four years as a result of Wes Clark's plan to restart job creation and restore fiscal discipline to Washington.

• Wes Clark's Clean Air Plan will crack down on polluters and prevent 100,000 premature deaths from environmental causes by 2020.

• Wes Clark's Universal College Grant will provide $6,000 per year for the first two years of college - enabling 1 million additional students to enroll in higher education by 2008.

• Wes Clark's comprehensive plan - including tax reform and raising the minimum wage to $7 per hour by 2007 - will help lift 2 million children out of poverty, bringing the child poverty rate down to the lowest on record.

• Wes Clark's plan guarantees universal health care coverage for all children and affordable access for all Americans. His plan will cover more than 30 million people who are currently uninsured.

With the release of the document, those signing the paper said: "We believe that our country is calling out for new ideas and a higher standard of leadership. We need to elect a president who can put principle ahead of politics, stand up to the special interests, and motivate people to work together on urgent issues like jobs, health care, and education. That is why we, the undersigned, endorse Wes Clark."

› View Testimonials
› Download "Higher Standard of Leadership" PDF

ENDORSED BY

Max Baucus U.S.
Senator, Democrat, Montana

Marion Berry
U.S. House of Representatives, Democrat, Arkansas

Mary Frances Berry
Chair, U.S. Civil Rights Commission

Michael B. Coleman
Mayor, Columbus, Ohio, Democrat

Rahm Emanuel
U.S. House of Representatives, Democrat, Illinois

Charlie Gonzales
U.S. House of Representatives, Democrat, Texas

Jim Hodges
Governor of South Carolina, Democrat, 1999-2002

Barbara Lawton
Lieutenant Governor, Democrat, Wisconsin

Gaylord Nelson
U.S. Senator, Democrat, Wisconsin 1963-1980

David Paterson
New York State Senate Minority Leader, Democrat

Mark Pryor
U.S. Senate, Democrat, Arkansas

Charles Rangel
U.S. House of Representatives, Democrat, New York

Edward L. Romero
U.S. Ambassador to Spain, 1998-2000

Jim Roth
County Commissioner, Democrat, Oklahoma County

James P. Rubin
Asst. Sec. of State for Public Affairs, 1997-2000

Laura Tyson
National Economic Advisor, White House, 1997-99

Sherron Watkins
Enron Whistleblower

Andrew Young
U.S. House of Representatives, 1973-77;
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, 1977-79;
Mayor of Atlanta, 1981-1988