Dexter and the issues he is talking about have gained respect and reactions from the Maine newspapers. See what they have to say:
BANGOR DAILY NEWS
When Dexter Kamilewicz talks about the issues of the day - health care, federal debt, taxes, Social Security - his affable personality and intellectual, philosophical takes are what you would expect to witness during an after-dinner conversation over coffee in a suburban living room.
But when Kamilewicz talks about the Iraq war, his eyes narrow, his jaw clenches, flashes of passion illuminate his face and anger resounds in his voice.
If elected, he will call for the impeachment of the president and his administration for crimes against humanity.
Independent Dexter Kamilewicz of Orr’s Island is said to be the anti-war candidate in this race but that underestimates him. He is anti-war, but he is also pro-passion: a man who is clearly frustrated by the mincing steps of both major parties and determined to stake out bold positions on the war, on health care, education, the environment, the budget.
MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM
It isn’t very often that the editorial board has to choose among three highly competent, articulate and passionate candidates for elective office, but that’s our task in the race for Maine’s 1st Congressional District.
Democrat Tom Allen, Republican Darlene Curley and independent Dexter Kamilewicz each present marked strengths and few discernible weaknesses.
Kamilewicz, a businessman, entered the race because of his revulsion at the cost and casualties of the Iraq war. He supports single-payer health care, an equitable taxation structure, and an environmentally friendly energy policy.
THE TIMES RECORD (BRUNSWICK)
Dexter Kamilewicz is against the war in Iraq, and he’s been vocal about that opposition since even before he decided to run as an independent for Maine’s 1st District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“If you can pay half of a trillion (dollars) a year for war, there’s money available,” said Kamilewicz, 61. “It is past time to leave Iraq to the Iraqis and to reinvest in America and Americans.”
“I lay at their feet (The Bush Administration and the Congress) not only the deaths of our soldiers, but the deaths of Iraqis,” said Kamilewicz, who says his relationship with his son allows him a perspective on the war that many politicians don’t have.
“We must start by converting war industries into peace industries,” wrote Kamilewicz in a statement, “and by working toward a future with real jobs; by cutting taxes for the middle class and the poor and redistributing taxes more equitably; by making affordable health care available to all Americans; by making education better and more affordable and by holding politicians accountable for not acting in the interests of ordinary citizens.”
Independent Dexter Kamilewicz calls for immediate withdrawal. Emotionally, we agree with him; but practically, it would be irresponsible because U.S. actions have created the mess Iraq is in.
Kamilewicz has been harsh in his criticism of Allen, even going so far as to ask, “What is the difference between Bush and Allen?” because Allen “says one thing and does another.” Such rhetoric deafens people to what might be of value in his message and it impugns Allen’s character. It certainly wouldn’t be helpful in Congress.
We agree with Kamilewicz on several issues. This country would be well served by moving away from dependence on a war economy. Bath Iron Works would be more secure if alternatives were found to supplement Navy shipbuilding. But the reality in the near future is ensuring a two-shipyard strategy and fighting for sufficient funding, something Allen’s been doing right along. We’d like to see U.S. military funding cut, too; but Kamilewicz’s goal of 50 percent in five years would create chaos and hurt countless people in the process.
We urge Rep. Allen to take into his next term at least one item Kamilewicz supports: a Department of Peace. In the prelude to the war in Iraq, President Bush refused to meet with representatives of national peace organizations. A Department of Peace would ensure a cabinet-level counterweight to the penchant for war.
KENNEBEC JOURNAL
Kamilewicz argues that Allen is not strong enough in his opposition to the war because he has voted for several defense budgets. ‘If we are ever to stop this occupation of Iraq, Congress must have the courage to stop the funding,’ he says. ‘It’s that simple.’
He’s wrong. The issue is far from simple.
Kamilewicz entered this campaign as an independent to provide a voice and a choice for people opposed to the war in Iraq. In doing so, he added focus to the discussion and performed an important and worthwhile service. We salute his intellect and his dedication.