Consider Michael Franken for U.S. Senate

Michael Franken is a Democrat from Lebanon, Iowa. He is vying to be the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, and if victorious in the June primary, would run against Sen. Chuck Grassley in November. Franken spent over 30 years in the U.S. Navy, and rose to the rank of vice admiral. I strongly support his candidacy, both because he is the best qualified candidate to be the next U.S. senator from Iowa and because he is by far the best bet to defeat Grassley.

It may seem paradoxical for a peace advocate like myself to be supporting a retired three-star admiral. My support is personal — I am not speaking for any organization to which I belong. Franken is not a war-hawk. In 2002 he advocated against war in Iraq, and in 2004 urged that the U.S. withdraw troops from Afghanistan. He supports a “no first use” policy in regard to nuclear weapons. He recognizes the need for a redefinition of what constitutes national security, and is uniquely qualified to lead that effort.

He is strong on his defense of the Constitution, and on domestic issues, but that is material for another article. Please give him a close look.

Ed Flaherty

Iowa City