Dodd talks higher education and health care

Stressing his foreign policy experience and his dedication to making a better country for his children and grandchildren, presidential hopeful Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., asked for the support of a group of Carson City and Douglas County Democrats at Fuji Park on Friday.

While he touched on his plans to improve health care, higher education and deal with the war in Iraq, Dodd said that the most important thing people overlook is the need to bring the country together.

"I've never asked a single person who has come to work for me what religion they are, what their sexual orientation is or what party they belong to," Dodd said. "I want talented, bright people who are right for the job."

Dodd said that by choosing a Democratic candidate who can reach across party lines, the country can begin to rebuild from the current administration.

"You can't change the country in two years or four years. It's not about winning the Oval Office short term. It's about building support and setting a new direction," Dodd said.

He also took questions on higher education and health care, which he said are important because of their far-reaching effects.

"In the absence of getting education right, everything else we are trying to do is at risk. Without a strong education, we are at greater risk in other areas," he said. "The ideas and freedoms in the Bill of Rights will not be endorsed during a time of war by an ignorant population."

He also stressed the need to repair a health care system that "by any perspective is broken."

Dodd said, "We need to fix something as basic as providing the opportunity for health care. Every person ought to have as good a heath care plan as your senator or congressman."

Dodd appeared at a picnic organized by the Carson City and Douglas County Democratic Central committees.

Cindy Trigg, rural county coordinator for the Nevada State Democratic Party, said people are tired of being labeled, and a strong candidate can unite both parties.

"People want to come back together and look at the candidate they are selecting instead of the party," Trigg said. "We are all very similar, we all want a good job, we want to take care of our families and have a great education."

Jo Sprinkle, who's son is serving in Iraq, said she is glad to see the attention from the candidates.

"If you can get awareness out on the candidates and their issues, then we can make an informed decision," Sprinkle said. "We need a candidate that there is no doubt they are electable and can lead."

Ruth Strand agreed.

"When it's one-on-one with the candidates, it's more personable and you get more information about your issues," Stand said.

Steve Platt, Carson City Democratic Central Committee chairman, said Nevada will increasingly play host to those seeking the Oval Office.

"We are busy now and will get busier when the Senate goes on their summer holiday and the candidates have more time to campaign," Platt said.

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.