U.S. Rep. Tim Walz is doing an excellent job of serving the 1st Congressional District of Minnesota, and he should be re-elected to another two-year term. His positions reflect moderation, and he has been endorsed by both the Sierra Club and the National Rifle Association. Earlier this week, former Sen. Dave Durenburger endorsed Walz as well. As a member of the National Guard who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Walz’s experience is indispensable to Congressional oversight of military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Tim Walz also voted for the financial reform bill that holds banks accountable for the risks they take. He recognizes that sensible regulation is necessary to prevent financial meltdowns like the one that hammered our country in 2008, and it will return long-term stability to our markets.

A key difference between Tim Walz and his opponent is Walz’s co-sponsorship of the Disclose Act. This legislation is a response to the inexplicable Supreme Court ruling of Citizens’ United v. Federal Election Commission, which ruled in favor of corporate free speech (i.e. corporations’ right to make unlimited campaign contributions before elections). According to a Washington Post-ABC poll back in February, a majority of both Democrats and Republicans opposed this ruling. Tim Walz thinks that the Supreme Court made a grave error in giving corporations the same rights as individual citizens when it comes to political free speech. His opponent, however, has assiduously defended the Supreme Court decision and opposes the Disclose Act.

In plain English, his opponent believes that corporations have a constitutional right to buy elections. This cuts to the heart of what defines our democracy. If you believe in government by the people, vote heartily for Tim Walz in November. If you fancy a government bought and paid for by corporations, vote for his opponent.

Jennifer Vogt-Erickson

Albert Lea