Science In The Senate?

A GREAT letter appeared in today's Philadelphia Inquirer.

Now that Jon Corzine been elected governor of New Jersey, which Democrat will be appointed to the U.S. Senate seat he is vacating?

An "insider" pick such as acting Gov. Richard Codey or U.S. Rep. Robert Menendez would feed into negative perceptions about New Jersey's political culture.

U.S. Rep. Rush Holt is a brilliant scientist, effective public speaker, and stalwart progressive. He is a leader on issues such as verified voting. He has spoken out against the Iraq War and President Bush's disastrous tax policy. He could become the first rocket scientist in the Senate. He is a reality-based statesman who would earn the respect of both Democrats and moderate Republicans.

Corzine gets to decide, but New Jerseyans should contact his office (732-729-9820; info@votecorzine.org) and ask that the decision be made carefully and with an open mind.

Pete Hill

Princeton
petehill@princeton.edu

I don't have anything to add, but only to second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth Pete's nomination. The only down side is that Rush's district would lose the best representative they've probably ever had, but the House's loss would definitely be the Senate's gain, especially with Frank Lautenberg's announcement in 2003 when he returned to the Senate that he wouldn't run again.