Speaking before area Democrats Sunday, Rep. Tim Walz had one message for those who had become cynical over politics: stay active.

“If you don’t come here, it doesn’t change,” Walz said. “Come to more of these meetings. Get new people in office.”

The congressman visited the Freeborn County DFL Party Convention Sunday at the Eagles Club in Albert Lea and visited the Mower County DFL Party Convention at the El Parral Ballroom in Austin.

Walz called on Democrats to stay active in canvassing and attending caucuses, highlighting economic woes as an incentive.

“There are parents out there deciding whether to buy food, gasoline or take their child to the doctor,” he said.

Situations like this will only change if people stay active in political parties, he added.

Walz said his responsibility was to advocate for everybody in his district, not just those who vote for him.