Close to Home: A progressive case for Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton is a friend of mine - a political friend, not a chat on the phone, go to the movies, visit from out-of-town friend. A political friend.

When she was the first lady, she invited me and a small group of Democratic congresswomen to the White House residence during the Monica Lewinsky heartbreak for an intimate discussion on going forward.

While she was secretary of state, I shared the stage with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the secretary in the Capitol's Statuary Hall to celebrate Women's History Month because I chaired the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women when Women's History Day, Week, Month was conceived by the commission and its staff.

From her first race for president to her successful effort to win the 2016 nomination, I have supported her. Even though Bernie Sanders is a friend - a go out to dinner, Congressional Progressive Caucus friend - I have been a Clinton supporter.

Yes, of course, she is making history as the first woman presidential nominee for a major political party, but Sanders would have too as an independent democratic socialist. In fact, he did a huge favor for Democrats and our nation by proving you can run without political action committee money.

He also showed that you can move the Democratic Party from the center to the left, where the Democratic base actually lives, by changing the convention platform as well as some of his opponent's positions.

And he proved that young people, the most talented and tolerant in the world, become involved in politics if they believe in the cause. In fact, that is one important reason why I support Clinton. She listens, and she hears and she acts. She has moved in the direction of Sanders and his supporters and improved the Democratic message and our possibility for success.

Clinton isn't a perfect person, but who is? She isn't as progressive as I am, but few people are. She is smart, down-to-earth and ready to lead.

She will pick Supreme Court justices who will get money out of politics. She will protect and save our climate while creating, not losing jobs. She will stand up to the National Rifle Association so citizens will be safe from guns, and public safety officers won't be facing weapons intended for war. She will rebuild the middle class by bringing jobs back to America and ensuring that individuals who work full-time do not live in poverty.

President Barack Obama has said many times that Hillary Clinton will be the most qualified president in history when she walks into the Oval Office on Jan. 20. The bottom line is that in these complicated times we need a proven leader who, with our help, will keep our nation safe, prosperous and positive. Hillary Clinton is the real deal. If you have ever heard her laugh, you know I'm right.

Lynn Woolsey served in the House of Representatives from 1993-2013. She lives in Petaluma.