What does 'moderate' mean?

There is great reliance in allowing party labels to dictate voting tendencies, rather than taking the time to examine the person and where they stand. There is no better way to know where a person stands than by looking at their voting record.

Mark Kirk is running for Illinois U.S. Senate as a "moderate" Republican. I merely ask that you look at the following voting record of Congressman Kirk, then you decide if this label is accurate: Pro-Choice. Voted "No" on restricting interstate travel of minors to obtain abortions. Voted "No" to making it a crime to harm a fetus during commission of a crime. Voted to expand research using embryonic stem cells. Voted "Yes" on $198 billion stimulus spending. Voted "No" on defining marriage as between a Man and a Woman. Voted "No" on a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Voted "No" on allowing school prayer during the War on Terror (2001). Voted "Yes" on keeping a moratorium on off shore drilling. Voted "Yes" on prohibiting drilling in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge. Supports President Obama's cap-and-trade plan for carbon emissions. Supported Cash for Clunkers. Voted "Yes" for Congressional pay increase (June 2009). Received a "D" grade by the NRA for his support of gun control legislation.

Whether you agree or disagree with these positions, I ask that before you vote based merely on party affiliation learn about the person and their positions. You may be surprised to know that the labeling does not necessarily match the product.

John Ciribassi

Carol Stream