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January 16, 2004/Tevet 22 5764, Vol. 56, No.17
Local community voices support for candidates
BARRY COHEN
Editor
With the Jan. 19 Iowa caucus, the Jan. 27 New Hampshire primary, and the Feb. 3 Arizona primary close at hand, momentum in the race for president is building. Jewish News asked members of the Jewish community to respond to the question, "which candidate do you support and why?"
"(Joseph Lieberman) is a centrist with moderate views on social issues. He is very well prepared in international relations, having visited more countries in the Middle East than any other candidate. He has an outstanding record on why America and Israel are partners, in fact. I believe because he is centrist and well prepared in homeland defense and international relations, he is the only candidate equipped to defeat George Bush."
Earl Katz
Semi-retired real estate broker, Scottsdale
"I think (John Kerry's) experience, particularly his foreign policy experience, in my opinion, is far beyond the other candidates. ... He has a strong background in fighting for Democratic Party causes. At the same time, he is pro-business, a moderate, and as a businessman, he makes sense to me."
Dave Goldwin
Attorney, Ahwatukee
"I'm supporting my man, Joe. I like his platforms. He's the only consistent (candidate). Lieberman sticks to his ideas. I don't like Dean or Clark. ... I think Howard Dean is the least pro-Israel, though he claims a Jewish (connection). I cannot stand George Bush. I didn't vote for him before, and I won't this time."
Julie Edgar
Nurse, Scottsdale
"I favor George Bush because I think he has generally done an excellent job as president. ... He is a supporter of Israel, and I like his financial policies. I would like to see him work with the Republican Congress. This is an opportunity with a Republican president and Congress to trim spending in the federal government. ... I agree with the moves he made in Afghanistan and Iraq."
Richard Dobrusin
Physician, Scottsdale
"I'm supporting Lieberman because he's Jewish. That's the main reason. But I would not support him if I did not think he was intelligent and responsible or if I did not agree with his politics. ... To have the first Jewish president of the United States matters to me. I would not vote for him if I did not think he was qualified. ... He has a moderate position on the separation of church and state. I am opposed to an extreme position on church and state."
Norbert Samuelson
Arizona State University professor, Tempe
"I support George Bush. ... I think his foreign policy decisions have been absolutely correct. I think the decision to go into Iraq as highly appropriate, in light of the United Nations' inability to obtain any effective inspections in Iraq. ... I think the action will make a huge difference in the Middle East. His tax cuts have been instrumental in turning the economy around. Without them, we would still be in the doldrums. ... I think George Bush has been among the top presidents in regards of his support for Israel."
David Frazer
Tax attorney, Scottsdale
"I like Dick Gephardt. He has the experience. I think he is a straight-shooter. ... He has knowledge. I like his health care plan and his support for unions."
Larry Kanter
Insurance broker, Scottsdale
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