Trade comes under attack on the presidential campaign trail and beyond. Here's just a few of the protectionist comments made recently by the running mates and other influential Members of Congress:

At the Democratic presidential debate, Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), called for a moratorium on trade from China "for eternity." - Sen. Chris Dodd, D-CT (Las Vegas, 11/15/2007)

"The negative effects of globalization are rippling through the economy." - former Sen. John Edwards, D-NC (Cedar Rapids, 11/21/2007)

"Toyota and the other Japanese automakers receive a $4,000 to $14,000 subsidy on every vehicle they export to the U.S. Japan's currency manipulation is fueling the market share gains of Toyota, Honda and Nissan in the U.S. and putting downward pressure on UAW wages and benefits" - Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-MI (Wall Street Journal, 10/02/2007)

Dealer Action Needed

As protectionist rhetoric mounts, do what you can to encourage your Members of Congress to support free trade TODAY..

Tips for Contacting Your Members of Congress

Contact the Office:  You can reach your Congressman’s and/or Senators’ offices by calling 202-224-3121.  If you cannot make contact with the Member of Congress, talk with the staff member who handles trade issues.

Be Prepared:  Be equipped with thoughtful arguments, good data, and persuasive stories.  Think in advance how international free trade will affect you and your business.

Use Numbers If You Have Them:  Tell the legislator or staffer that their votes affect not only you but also the people you represent.  Give specific numbers by saying things like, “I have 50 service team employees,” or “I represent 100 people in my dealership.”

Get Your People to Make Contact:  Hearing the same thing from multiple constituents reinforces the importance of international free trade to Members of Congress. Invite your general managers, sales managers, finance staff and technicians to make calls.

Host a Dealer Visit:  The best way to speak with your elected officials about free trade is in person.  How exciting it is when your Congressman or Senator comes to your dealership and visits with you and your employees.  Go to www.aiada.org/dealervisits to sign up today!

Sign up for the Legislative Action Network (L.A.N.):  The best way for you to stay current with legislation and debate on free trade and other issues on Capitol Hill is to read about them in our e-newsletters.  Being a member of the L.A.N. also means dealers can make an impact by calling, writing and emailing Congress!

Click here for a fact sheet on the benefits of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement

Click here to download AIADA's Auto Industry Guide to the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement

Click here to discover the importance of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement in your state

Click here to Take Action on this issue through our Legislation Action Network