McAlester daily praises Clark's economic plans

TULSA - The McAlester News-Capital & Democrat announced Sunday that it will endorse Gen. Wesley Clark in Monday's edition. The News-Capital & Democratis the fourth major Oklahoma newspaper to endorse Gen. Clark.

The McAlester News-Capital & Democrat highlights Wes Clark's economic policies. "Clark has a three-part plan to help those of us in rural America compete and thrive in a changing world," the editorial reads. "The general says he will devote $100 billion over two years to enhance job creation through investment in local infrastructure and job creation tax credits. Clark says he will work to cut taxes on working families. In fact, under the Clark tax plan families making up to $50,000 a year will pay no income tax. That's a solid tax plan which will help real people, not just the privileged few."

"The Clark plan calls for a simplified process for applying for federal grants. That could be a big benefit to rural Oklahomans who now use expensive quasi-governmental organizations to apply for grants," the editorial continues. "Under the Clark plan, communities could do away with 'middle men' who eat up funds better used for real improvements in our communities."

The editorial also emphasizes Wes Clark's rural education policy. "Clark understands that our local schools are vital to the health of our communities and he says he will protect them from consolidation. He promises help from the federal government to ensure schools have the funds they need to stay open."

The newspaper notes Gen. Clark's support for the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant. "Right now, workers at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant are under attack. Moves are under way to privatize government jobs at the plant. That's a bad idea and during his visit to McAlester on Saturday Wesley Clark, a former four-star Army general and decorated combat veteran, promised, that if he is elected president, the government jobs at McAAP will be safe."

"Gen. Clark deserves area Democrats' votes," the editorial concludes. "He's earned them. He has been tested under fire. He has worked to bring people together and succeeded. He has a plan to put America's economy back on solid ground."

"The McAlester News-Capital & Democrat knows that Gen. Clark will be a friend to the people of McAlester," said Oklahoma State Director Jessica Vanden Berg. "Gen. Clark's economic policies will indeed help real people, not the privileged few. And he is sure to protect Oklahoma's military communities and our troops abroad. Like the rest of America, the people of McAlester are ready to elect a leader, not just another politician. And Wes Clark will bring a higher standard of leadership to America."