Nader runs to set records, make history

Ralph Nader is a lawyer, author and independent presidential candidate. Nader is currently in the midst of his third major presidential campaign, but many people still don't know a lot about him or his running mate, Matt Gonzalez. Marc Abizeid, a spokesperson for Nader said during a phone interview, that he hopes people of Illinois see through the promises being made by one of their own. “People are misled by Obama,” he said of Democratic candidate Barack Obama of Chicago. “He is supported by gun lobbyists just like McCain and his plan to leave Iraq doesn't set a timetable.” John McCain is the Republican candidate for president. Abizeid went on to say that Obama's plan includes keeping mercenary forces on the ground after military personnel are removed. “He states there will be no permanent bases in Iraq,” Abizeid said. “Technically, there are no permanent bases anywhere - permanent being the key word.” He hopes people will realize there are more than two people running for the office of president and said his candidate, Nader, represents views of progressiveness. Nader isn't just running for president, he's setting world records on the way,” Abizeid said. According to press releases, Nader set out Saturday morning to set a Guinness World Record for the most speeches in 24 hours. He had to meet the Guinness threshold of a minimum of 15 spontaneous speeches on different topics at least 10 minutes in length and with at least 10 people in attendance at different venues. Abizeid is hoping that won't be the only record he is breaking during this campaign. “If we can get our message to the many people giving blind support and taking voting for granted, we can make a difference,” he said. He said most of the unions throughout the country support Obama and endorse him, but when you talk to them about issues like healthcare, they oppose what his views represent. Nader's key issues include adopting a single-payer national health insurance, cutting the military budget, adopting a carbon pollution tax, repealing the Taft - Hartley anti-union law, and adopting a national initiative. In addition to those issues, Nader would like to say no to nuclear power, which could effect many of the nuclear power plants in the Grundy County area. He hopes to replace nuclear power with solar power. Here is where Ralph Nader stands on several key issues: