(D) Christopher Coons

    Coons is the Democratic Party’s Endorsed Candidate

    Education:

    B.A. Amherst College (1985)

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    J.D. Yale Law School (1992)

    M.A. Yale Divinity School in Ethics (1992)

    Government/Public Service Experience

    Delegate to Democratic National Convention in Chicago (1996)

    New Castle County President (2000-2004)

    New Castle County Executive (2004-present)

    Personal:

    Legal Counsel to W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. (1992-2000)

    Married to Anne Lingenfelter, have three children

    Platform:

    New Face in Senate

    Coons has been harping on his position as a Washington “outsider,” juxtaposing that with Castle, an “insider” in the District. Coons thinks himself a new leader, with new ideas that will provide the solutions to the tough problems in Washington. Has made tough decisions as County Executive No more “Politics as Usual”

    On the Issues:

    Economy:

    Create and keep jobs in the United States, strengthen economy through long-term strategic investments, increasing aid to the unemployed. Coons also wants to increase government oversight of the financial industry and ensure that economic collapses like the one that occurred cannot happen again. But at the same time, “preserving the ingenuity and flexibility of the American financial system.”

    National Security and Foreign Policy:

    Coons supports an “engaged foreign policy based in diplomacy and strategic partnerships with other nations.” Supports ending the war in Iraq, closely aligned with Obama on national security issues.

    Education:

    Coons has similar ideas on education, in comparison with Congressman Castle. He also wants to increase access to higher education because “the institutions of higher education are the economic engines of tomorrow.”—From his website.

    Energy and the Environment:

    Coons is a proponent of diversifying energy usage in America, creating a national cap and trade program, and he has recently released a video affirming is opposition to offshore drilling in Delaware, opposing President Obama.

    Healthcare:

    Coons supports the Obama Healthcare Plan, though he has acknowledged that it is not “perfect.” And as a Senator for Delaware he would work to improve its accessibility and affordability.

    Video Links:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZkz7PxZzTQ

    Campaign Kickoff Event Pt. 1

    Campaign Site:

    http://www.chriscoons.com/

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal