by Scott Ott
(2004-02-18) -- Just days after Democrat presidential frontrunner John Forbes Kerry mocked President George W. Bush for his recent appearance at the Daytona 500, a frantic behind-the-scenes drama threatens to scuttle the Kerry candidacy.
Reporters have unearthed a Senate resolution, co-sponsored by Sen. Kerry, which praises motorsports organizations like NASCAR because they "contribute millions of dollars into local economies" and "make a significant contribution to the national economy."
Yet earlier this week, Mr. Kerry criticized Mr. Bush for his Daytona 500 "photo-opportunity" saying, "We don't need a president who just says, 'Gentlemen start your engines'. We need a president who says, 'America, let's start our economy and put people back to work'."
Howard Dean, who withdrew from the presidential race earlier today, will reportedly reconsider if "Kerry implodes over the NASCAR resolution."
The text of S.RES.253 follows...
108th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 253
To recognize the evolution and importance of motorsports.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
October 29, 2003
Mr. CAMPBELL (for himself, Mr. KYL, Mr. NELSON of Florida, Mr. BAYH, Mr. BIDEN, Mr. CARPER, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. EDWARDS, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mrs. LINCOLN, Mr. PRYOR, Mr. SCHUMER, Ms. STABENOW, Mrs. DOLE, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. SANTORUM, Mr. HAGEL, Mr. BUNNING, Mr. REID, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. DOMENICI, Mr. ENSIGN, Mr. SUNUNU, Mr. NICKLES, Mr. CRAIG, Mr. WARNER, Mr. ALLARD, Mr. CHAMBLISS, Mr. LUGAR, Mrs. CLINTON, and Mr. MILLER) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
[Although his Senate website claims Sen. Kerry co-sponsored S.RES.253, and the government's legislative database includes his name in the list of co-sponsors, it appears that he did not sign on until November 21, 2003, the day after the resolution passed the senate. A staffer for Senator Ben Campbell, the resolution's sponsor, could not explain the date discrepancy.]
November 20, 2003
Considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
To recognize the evolution and importance of motorsports.
Whereas on March 26, 1903, an automotive race was held on a beach in Volusia County, Florida, inaugurating 100 years of motorsports;
Whereas 100 years later, motorsports are the fastest growing sports in the country;
Whereas races occur at hundreds of motorsport facilities in all 50 States;
Whereas racing fans can enjoy a wide variety of motorsports sanctioned by organizations that include Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART), Grand American Road Racing (Grand Am), Indy Racing League (IRL), International Motorsports Association (IMSA), National Association for Stock Car Automobile Racing (NASCAR), National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), and United States Auto Club (USAC);
Whereas the research and development of vehicles used in motorsports have directly contributed to improvements in safety and technology for the automobiles and motor vehicles used by hundreds of millions of Americans;
Whereas 13,000,000 fans will attend NASCAR races alone in 2003;
Whereas fans of all ages spend days at motorsport facilities participating in a variety of interactive theme and amusement activities surrounding races;
Whereas motorsport facilities that provide these theme and amusement activities contribute millions of dollars into local economies;
Whereas motorsports make a significant contribution to the national economy; and
Whereas tens of millions of people in the United States enjoy the excitement and speed of motorsports every week: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the evolution of motorsports and honors those who have helped create and build this great American pastime.
Calendar No. 395
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