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Editorial: Send Walz back to Congress
Published Monday, October 20, 2008
When going up against an incumbent congressman, especially one who only has been in the seat for two years, there had better be clear reasons to vote him out.
Tim Walz, a Democrat from Mankato, has earned much praise and respect from his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives. He deserves to be re-elected on Nov. 4.
The 1st District of Minnesota gave Republican Gil Gutknecht 12 years, and he neither established himself as a leader in his party nor as an independent. One of those two routes would have been appreciated by constituents.
But in his first term, Walz was elected president of the Democratic freshman class of representatives. He is the highest ranking enlisted man ever to serve in Congress. He is a school teacher, and his colleagues go to him for his military and education backgrounds. His peers recognize his wisdom and intelligence.
The attribute we like best about Walz is his ability to think long-term. The pioneers thought that way. Our grandparents thought that way.
For instance, on energy, many Republicans say “drill, baby, drill,” but it rings hollow when the oil companies won’t drill on federal land they already have rights to. The Democrats, with Walz vocal among them, say drill, baby, drill on the land you’ve already got first. Walz isn’t opposed to opening more land to drilling, but he is no fool. He is smart enough to know giving more rights to the oil companies doesn’t necessarily mean the oil companies will drill. Naturally, oil executives want to limit supply so gas prices will rise. Further, Walz says the drilling for oil needs to produce revenue for developing viable alternative energy sources so America can transition away from oil addiction. See, he is thinking long-term.
His opponent, Rochester physician Brian Davis, doesn’t present a long-term solution. Rather, he takes shots at Walz’s plan. In fact, Davis barely supports commuter rail between the Twin Cities and his own town, almost seeming to oppose it.
Davis deserves some credit for being an engineer and a doctor, skills that would be useful in Congress. He is soft-spoken, too. However, we feel the Republicans shafted one their own — longtime state Sen. Dick Day of Owatonna — when they nominated Davis, who seemed to have come out of nowhere. Day has exhibited years of public service. Davis performed his job duties as a doctor, but had little service outside that field.
Walz didn’t have to serve the Army National Guard, but he did, and rose to command sergeant major. He is the best candidate to represent the 1st District. Give him your vote.
Comments
Posted by NoDFL (anonymous) on October 20, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Waltz is a party hack who has not taken a stand against his party or done anything to help us. It is time for him to go.
Funny don't remember who posted their predictions but I think you hit them all on the head but for one which was Sen.
Pretty bad when the paper is so slanted that they don't even have to try.
Waltz is the last choice not the first.
Posted by Truth (anonymous) on October 20, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Everyone should go to this link and watch John S. Politically incorrect guide to Politics. Watch all the parts it goes after both sides. Please check it out
http://abcnews.go.com/2020
Posted by speakup (anonymous) on October 20, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Does "our" Tribune print any editorials endorsing any Republicans ? How about at least attempting to be balanced.
Posted by northernvoice (anonymous) on October 20, 2008 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NoDFL:
i understand you are a biased conservative lashing out against democrats without any knowledge of the facts, your screen name and comments give it away. i met and saw Walz speak this week at the Union Center. if you would have gone and spoke with him you would realize you are wrong. he has and does stand up to his own party, he voted against the bailout, and is known in the house and one of the best and brighest up-and-commers. please don't call a american hero, teacher, and a recognized patriot a hack. he has passed and created many bills to help americans, everything dies in the senate.
Posted by NoDFL (anonymous) on October 21, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That is what is great about this country we can disagree. Walz is and will always be a party hack. I have spoken to him a number of times and he dosn't have the same views and values as me. If you like him great support him but he will get my support or my vote. Just a quick question why is it ok to be openly liberal but to be a conservative is a bad thing? I am proud to be one.
Posted by hometownguy (anonymous) on October 21, 2008 at 5:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NoDFL - Why can't you give your opinion without being so disrepectful? My parents taught me that you should stand up for what you believe in, but that you should always do so in a respectful way. I think you could learn a lesson from them. For example, you call Walz a hack and you infer that Obama did cocaine. As a result I lose respect for you. You might want to consider one of the rules of debate that I learned way back in high school, attack the idea, not the person.
Posted by kevin1975 (anonymous) on October 21, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hometownguy,
I hate to burst your bubble, but Obama said in his memoirs that he did a lot of cocaine when he was younger. It's true, but unfortunate that the media has never explored the issue. Regardless of whether you would be critical of Obama or not due to his past drug abuse, it would be an important story for young people to hear.
I say kudos to the AL Tribune for their endorsement. Brian Davis is the most unaccomplished First District candidate since Tim Droogsma. Dick Day got the shaft from the GOP and they threw away their one chance at beating Walz.
Posted by hometownguy (anonymous) on October 21, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
kevin1975 - You didn't burst my bubble, but I did some quick research and found that I was wrong about Obama's drug use. Thanks for setting me straight on that. I found many articles about it, most from 2007. NoDFL - obviously you were correct on that point as well.
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