From the Iowa Independent

[gateley]

Rep. Smith is the gentleman who switched from Bill Richardson's camp to support Joe Biden

Fletcher Smith: A Human Face Behind the Banter Battles

by: Lynda Waddington
Tuesday (10/16) at 12:40 PM

snip

Rep. Fletcher Smith Jr. represents Greenville County in the South Carolina Legislature. He has served in the state legislature since 1997 and is an attorney, husband and father to two children. He is also a former co-chair of the Bill Richardson for President campaign in South Carolina and now one of seven Democratic legislators in the state who have pledged to support Biden for president.

I was supporting Gov. Bill Richardson and it became clear to me as the campaign started to progress that his policy on Iraq -- or lack of policy -- was not the policy I could support," Smith said Friday night after the Black Hawk County Presidential Forum in Waterloo. "I thought troops couldn't be brought out of Iraq in a six-month period of time and I don't think it is appropriate to leave our equipment there. I don't think it is appropriate to leave those people unprotected in the Green Zone. We are also placing our military in harm's way when we evacuate in a Vietnam-style way."

As his discontent grew, Smith began researching other candidates' plans for Iraq.

"Sen. Biden just fortuitously had a plan that was supported by both Democrats and Republicans in the United States Senate that federalized Iraq and separated the parties," he said. "The plan has a weak central government that can dampen down the civil war, protect our vital interests in the area and keep our commitment to the Iraqis. So, I changed."

snip

While Smith switched candidates based on his primary issue of the Iraq war, he says that he believes Biden is the best person to lead the nation on domestic issues.

"Joe Biden was for civil rights when being for civil rights wasn't cool in this country," he said. "I wouldn't be a black state representative if he hadn't voted for the extension of the Voting Rights Act to make sure that we had diversity in our society. Also, I like his policy in regard to health care because he's going to bring universal health care to our nation's citizens -- especially those who are most vulnerable like our young people and our senior citizens. This is a man who understands, who grew up humbly. He understands what it means to be humble in society and that you must lift people up and not tear people down. That's why he ought to be president of the United States."

snip

more...http://www.iowaindependent.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1289

[Think82]

1. Kick!

[ncabot22]

2. Thanks for posting!

A very interesting article. I liked this part:

"He understands what it means to be humble in society and that you must lift people up and not tear people down."

Too bad others do not feel this way. And by others, I'm not specifically talking about other candidates...others in general.

[PatSeg]

3. This is an impressive endorsement

It doesn't come across as political at all. Rep. Smith seems to be a man of conviction and conscience.

[jillan]

4. He really makes a good case for Biden about civil rights, healthcare

and of course, Iraq.

[Froward69]

5. Rec. Kick up!

[murbley40]

6. Once again, Thanks Gately.

:patriot:

[IA_Seth]

7. K & R

And check out Iowa Independent.. it's a great source for news/views on Iowa Politics.

[Debi]

8. Kick

Also check out www.essentialestrogen.com for more great Iowa stories! :hi:

[murbley40]

9. kicking for Joe

[murbley40]

10. kick

[Think82]

11. kick

[murbley40]

12. kick