In his weekly email this week he addressed Fiscal Cliff negotiations.  This excerpt (with emphasis added) pretty much covers all the reason I like him so much:

Today, we are facing the so-called Fiscal Cliff. I want to support a compromise.  I certainly intend to give President Obama the room he needs to negotiate that compromise, and the benefit of any doubt.  As always, however, my primary consideration will be what I believe is in the best interests of my constituents.  I will have to balance my concern for the nation with my responsibilities to my constituents here in Massachusetts.  I also have to balance my philosophical commitments with my practical judgment of what can be realistically achieved.

Although I hope most of you are familiar with my basic beliefs, it seems appropriate to outline a few related to this issue:

• I believe in paying your bills.  If you want something, you should pay for it.  This applies to birthday gifts, home improvement projects, and government programs.
• I believe in progressive taxation.  I am not opposed to material success or wealth.  However, I do believe that those of us who have been more fortunate should contribute a little more for the betterment of the greater society.
• I believe in compromise.  Of course, there is a fine line between compromise and capitulation – and that is a matter of judgment.
• I believe that the people of Massachusetts are fair-minded and public spirited, and willing to help their fellow citizens.  However, I also believe that we expect those we compromise with to give a little in return.

As I consider the various pieces of any broader compromise, I want to share with you some of my concerns.  Some relate to basic philosophical beliefs and others relate to the possibility of an unfair and disproportionate impact on Massachusetts.

I know I won’t get the luxury of voting on a bill that meets all my goals or against one that is void of all my principles – either way that would be an easy vote.  I accept the reality that any compromise will contain some provisions I like and some I don’t.  My decision will rest on the balance between the two extremes.  As this debate continues, here are my thoughts on some of what is being discussed:

• I believe the problems we face are serious and must be addressed reasonably soon.  We should find a way to pay our bills and not burden our grandchildren because we could not make difficult decisions.
• I don’t see any reason to include Social Security in these discussions.  Social Security does have some long term funding problems, but they are not as severe as others and there is no need to address them as part of this current debate.
• I believe we can address most of our Medicare and Medicaid concerns without cutting benefits to current or future beneficiaries…
• I fear the specific cuts might slow scientific research that is important both to the regional economy and the future of America.
• When I receive more detailed analysis on any proposed changes to Medicare and Medicaid, I will share it with you.
• I believe tax policy should take into account regional differences whenever possible.  It costs more to live in Massachusetts than it does in Nebraska.  Housing, education, and health care all cost more.  In Massachusetts, someone making $50,000 can still struggle to make ends meet.  That same income in Nebraska provides a much more comfortable life due to the lower cost of living.  In Massachusetts, it is hard to find a decent starter home for $150,000.  In Nebraska, that money would go much further…
• I believe that charities provide great benefits to our society.  They fill the gaps left by government; they brighten people’s lives and they lift our spirits.  Churches, museums, food pantries, colleges, environmental groups, and fraternal organizations are valuable assets to our society.

As I write this, Congress does not have legislation before it to address the Fiscal Cliff.  I don’t know when it may be available, what it will include, or how much time there will be to review it before we have to vote.  That is why I wanted to share my thoughts now – I want you to be familiar with my thinking on all of this.  I would also like your feedback…