While we were on different sides of the presidential primary in Pennsylvania last month, one thing is for sure: We are unified today to make sure that Democrats win in November.

While the primary demonstrated that there are differences between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, those differences pale in comparison to how different we are as Democrats from what John McCain brings to the race.

In the state House, we are working to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, invest in public education and make affordable health insurance available to all Pennsylvanians. We know that Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton share our values as Pennsylvania Democrats and will help us accomplish these objectives for the 12.5 million Pennsylvanians who count on us.

We also know that President Bush and John McCain offer more of the same political rhetoric that has led to record gas prices, the war in Iraq, the under-funded and poorly constructed "No Child Left Behind" law, and a health care system designed for and by the special interests. Sen. John McCain has no real plan to deal with these challenges and instead offers little more than a third Bush term.

With only three Democratic primaries left it is important to realize just how much work we have ahead in making sure that a Democrat is elected to the White House in November. It will be a hard fought race here in Pennsylvania as we are again a key battleground state. But if we work together as Democrats, we will triumph.

I hope you will join us as we unify as a party and look toward November with great hope and optimism as we work hard to elect a Democrat to the White House.

Sincerely,

Rep. Josh Shapiro (153rd District)
Rep. Eugene DePasquale (95th District)