Pennsylvanians have a big decision to make in the Democratic primary on Tuesday. We face tremendous challenges here at home and around the world. It is vital that we select a candidate who is both ready to win and ready to start addressing these problems beginning on the very first day. And I have no doubt that the best person to take on John McCain in the fall and, more important, to lead our nation starting January 20, 2009, is Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Senator Clinton over the past 15 years. I’ve seen her endless enthusiasm for solving problems and her boundless work ethic up close. She is one of the smartest, most capable, and competent individuals. But what has also struck me is how caring she is — about people and about real solutions to our problems. That’s what drives her. That’s what will motivate her as our president. And I believe that she is best suited to carry out and reach the goals that matter to the people of our state.

Let’s look at some of the solutions Hillary will offer. Can there be any doubt that she is the best person in this country to make sure everyone — no exceptions — has affordable, high quality healthcare? Hillary has a plan to create jobs and bring back smart, common-sense economic policies. During the 1990s, our economy was on the right track: balanced budgets and a surplus, 22 million new jobs, a nation investing in our schools and our people. As soon as she takes office, Hillary Clinton will bring together mortgage lenders, banks, community organisations, and regulators and negotiate an immediate freeze on foreclosures. And her plan will help people stay in their homes and address the decline in home

values eating into so much of the savings and wealth of middle class Pennsylvanians.

Hillary’s energy plan will create at least five million jobs in clean renewable energy and energy efficiency. She’ll invest in infrastructure again — to partner with our state to rebuild our roads, bridges, and transit systems and create three million new jobs. She also has solutions for ending the war in Iraq and bringing our troops home. It was because of Senator Clinton that the Bush administration had to come before the Senate Armed Services Committee and brief senators on the Pentagon’s plan to withdraw our forces. She

has actively worked to lay the groundwork so she can begin ending the war within 60 days of her inauguration, as quickly and safely as possible.

The bottom line is this: Hillary is best prepared to be the commander in chief of our military and our economy starting on Day 1. The past eight years in the White House have been an unmitigated disaster, and we don’t have a moment to waste in putting America back on the right track. We need a president who will stand strong for Pennsylvania. We need a candidate who can take on John McCain in November and a leader who is ready and willing to harness the power of the presidency to solve problems for America. — The Christian Science Monitor