Today in my e-mail I received a clipping of an article from Lori Sellner, DFL chairwoman of the 1st Congressional District. Ms. Sellner is demanding all the Republicans vying for the congressional endorsement to “reveal our beliefs” on torture.

This is a perfect example of why I am running to take back the people’s seat in the 1st District. Our country and our state are facing devastating unemployment levels, astronomical government spending, health care debacles, and all the leader of the DFL is concerned about is what is happening in the GOP? While people in the 1st District are suffering and looking to their government for answers, Ms. Sellner is busy playing partisan games? What a shame.

Today we need strong leaders who can put political maneuvering aside. The citizens of Minnesota are sick and tired of the behavior demonstrated by Ms. Sellner. I have been meeting and talking with hundreds of people all across southern Minnesota. Not one person has brought up “torture” as an issue they are troubled over. Minnesotans are concerned about being able to pay their bills and stay in their homes. They are worried about having affordable health care of their own choosing next year at this time. They want their taxes lowered. They want their freedom back. They want a better future for their children and grandchildren.

Obviously Ms. Sellner and Rep. Tim Walz have not been listening to the people, but I have. I know what the concerns are and I am willing to work hard as your congressman to correct them. As a lieutenant colonel in the Minnesota Army National Guard serving in Iraq, I worked shoulder to shoulder with Democrats and Republicans to help rebuild a country. We were Americans, not politicians, and we accomplished many great things.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve Minnesota as your next citizen congressman and would be honored if the voters would place their trust in me.

Jim Engstrand

candidate for U.S. Congress

1st District of Minnesota

Pine Island