Tim Walz gets things done. He cares about constituents. He tours the 1st District getting feedback. He gives straight answers.

If you don’t agree, perhaps you just haven’t sat down with him and talked.

His opponent, Randy Demmer, is a good man, too, but we see no good reason or cause to remove Walz from his seat.

We endorse Walz for the 1st District congressional seat.

Watching this race’s TV commercials, voters already know there are some outside interests trying to influence this race with false claims. (Thank you, U.S. Supreme Court.) Our suggestion is, in this or any race, don’t base your votes on TV commercials, especially ones that don’t have the candidate approving the message.

Why are these outside influences coming after Walz so strongly? He is a rising star in Congress. He is someone who has the respect of his peers, someone the 1st District would be wise to keep in Washington to bring greater clout to this district. Demmer can’t top that.

Before the health care vote, Walz participated in forums across the district, worked closely with the Mayo Clinic and did his research on how America needed more preventative measures, such as Albert Lea’s Blue Zones project. He read the entire bill before voting on it and knows it inside and out. He works hard. Still, he admits President Obama and the Democrats could do a better job of helping Americans understand what’s in it.

Walz is right about America’s energy policy and the need to spur research for homegrown renewable energy. He even favors more research on nuclear power. Homegrown power is a defense issue, something China is investing heavily in.

He notes the good side of No Child Left Behind but sees why it needs to end. He is open to alternative teacher licensing and outside-the-box ideas for education. He has a solid relationship with the southern Minnesota business community and is pro-fair trade.

Walz is an asset. Demmer presents no argument to remove Walz from Congress.

Vote for Walz on Nov. 2.