The Honorable Byron Dorgan's Speech Before the Democratic National Convention Thursday, July 29, 2004

/EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UPON DELIVERY OF SPEECH, SCHEDULED FOR 5:23 P.M. EDT TODAY, JULY 29/

BOSTON, July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a transcript of a speech by the Honorable Byron Dorgan at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, July 29, 2004:

The late Congressman Claude Pepper used to say, "Every even numbered year our Constitution provides that the American people will grab the steering wheel and decide the direction for our country." It is unique in the world that here on election day, all of the power exists in the power of one. The simple elegant act of one voter casting one vote to affect America's destiny.

It is the power to make our country strong at home and respected abroad. It is the power to make the right decisions about protecting our national security, improving our schools, making health care affordable for all Americans, and keeping our promise to America's veterans. And this year, it is the power of the voters to demand that we "stop sending American jobs overseas."

John Kerry and John Edwards know we need to build an economy that keeps good jobs with good benefits here at home. No social program in America is more important than a good job that pays well. And this great political party has always stood for jobs and opportunity for all Americans.

And I believe the voters will say they want an energy policy that does not hold us hostage to foreign oil.

John Kerry and John Edwards know we need to create a new energy future using hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and more renewable energy. A country that put men on the moon can surely create a new energy future and break our addiction to Middle East oil.

And I also believe the voters will elect a Kerry administration willing to tackle the issues in America's Heartland.  Our country needs to stand up for the interest of family farmers and ranchers and for rural counties and small towns that are struggling.

Several decades ago, when America's cities were suffering, our country created urban renewal programs and model cities programs to save our cities. Now America needs to save the Heartland. We need tools to stem the relentless out migration of people from rural areas and to build a new future in a part of America that is such an important part of our country.

Our family farmers and ranchers don't ask for much, just fair trade and fair prices -- a fair opportunity to make a living. Doing the right thing in rural America will make America stronger. We can do all of these things, we the people with the leadership of John Kerry and John Edwards. It is our moment to grab the steering wheel of the greatest country on earth and steer toward a future of hope and opportunity for America.

Source: Democratic National Convention Committee

CONTACT:  Peggy Wilhide of the Democratic National Convention Committee,
+1-617-366-3100

Web site:  http://www.dems2004.org/