Political rival labels
Mink soft on terrorism

Rep. Bob McDermott has sharp
words for her voting record

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By Bruce Dunford
Associated Press

Republican state Rep. Bob McDermott charged yesterday that U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink is "soft on terrorism."

McDermott, who is seeking Mink's 2nd District seat in next year's election, pointed to what he said are five anti-terrorism measures which Mink has voted against.

Mink (D, Rural Oahu, Neighbor Islands), did not return calls to her Washington and Honolulu offices, seeking response to McDermott's charges.

Mink's worst act was voting against a measure that condemned the killing of 26 Israeli civilians by Palestinian suicide bombers earlier this month, said McDermott, (R, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Aiea).

"She voted against expressing solidarity with Israel in the fight against terrorism. This is absolute lunacy," he said.

He noted that Mink and U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, (D, Honolulu), were among only 11 who voted "no."

Mink also voted against establishing a counter-terrorism fund, enhancing domestic security against terrorism, the terrorism insurance act and the border security act, said McDermott, a former Marine and Gulf War veteran.

McDermott didn't mention that Mink, on Nov. 28, voted in favor of a bill containing $20 billion in anti-terrorism spending.

Noting President Bush's anti-terrorism declaration to Congress in September that nations must decide "Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists," McDermott said he can't understand Mink's actions.