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Friday February 1, 2008

On Tuesday’s primary, let Jewish voices be heard

Jews are among the most enthusiastic participants in American democracy.

With a population nearing 1.2 million, Jews compose a significant constituency in California. No, we don’t vote monolithically, nor should we. But there’s a reason why Jewish voters are courted and respected by politicians. We often make the difference in a close race.

That is political muscle we will continue to nurture.

As always, this newspaper makes no endorsements of candidates. Still, with the Feb. 5 primary approaching, we thought it useful to probe candidates’ positions on issues of interest to Jews. Our cover story this week provides the biographical information, insight and substance to help readers make up their minds.

Issues, positions, voting records, integrity: These matter most when selecting a candidate. We hope the glare of advertising and blathering pundits won’t blind voters when making their decision.

It’s safe to say the four major candidates in both parties support a safe and secure Israel. They may differ on the finer points of policy, but none seem likely to tamper with America’s bond with Israel or retreat from the fight against terrorism.

Yet, as important as Israel is to all of us, most Jews are not one-issue voters. Where candidates stand on the Middle East is crucial, but so are their positions on universal health care, sound economic policy, immigration and entitlement program spending.

Now that the campaigns have turned their attention to California, we expect candidates to earn every vote. They must assure Jewish voters they will protect the First Amendment liberties that have allowed us to thrive in this country. Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives, can all agree on that.

Here’s another thing we can all agree on: This year’s election is of supreme importance.

In the last eight years, we have seen our nation come under attack, respond with a costly war, then see that response deeply questioned. We have seen the executive branch test the limits of constitutional authority. We have seen the government fail dismally in the face of the catastrophic natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina. And we have seen the economy sputter ominously, with entire neighborhoods blighted by real estate foreclosures due to mortgage defaults.

Americans may put too much faith in the person who sits in the Oval Office. No president can change everything. Nevertheless, our president has the power to persuade and inspire, and to exert pressure on the levers of change.

Please make your vote count and your voice heard.

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