MN-02 IA-05 : Education key in Kline, King races

Following up on my previous commentary that one of the reasons for Congress’ low poll numbers is the obstructionists, there is new hope that fresh ideas may be on the way next January.

CQ Politics has looked at the upcoming House races and noting that there is a shift favoring Democrats.
Specifically for Minnesotans, it has made a change in the Second District ratings. “Steve Sarvi is an Iraq War veteran and the former mayor of Watertown whose biography and experience make him a strong recruit for Democratic efforts to take over the 2nd District from three-term Rep John Kline . CQ Politics is changing its rating on the race to Republican Favored from Safe Republican, indicating it is a race to watch. The DCCC has categorized the race similarly. It lists the 2nd District race as one of its 20 “Emerging Races,” … ”

So for those of us in Minnesota’s First District look north to see an emerging race, so can we look south to Iowa’s Fifth District.
Also elected in 2002, is Republican Steve King … aka the House’s Obstructionist-in-Chief.
The conventional wisdom about King is that it's going to be nearly impossible for any Democrat to unseat him when western Iowa remains a Republican stronghold, but Rob Hubler estimates he's driven about 180,000 miles during the past 18 months asking the question who is “Who’s Steve King?”
Hubler says, most voters don't know much about King except that he's opposed to immigration and a supporter of administration policy in Iraq.
Hubler says, they don't hear about his voting record on other issues because Democrats haven't done enough to challenge him, and King - now in office three terms - benefits from name recognition.
Hubler contends that Republicans are tiring of King as well, and he wonders whether King has alienated other congressional Republicans with his frequent headline-grabbing remarks.

Ah, I see a parallel … entrenched Republicans with name recognition playing on fear issues being retained in Congress.
The key to change in Washington is to educate the voters about the records.

Do you want a Congressman who votes :
NO on tax incentives for renewable energy:
NO on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies:
NO on investing in homegrown biofuel
YES on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends
NO on paying for AMT relief by closing offshore business loopholes
YES on denying non-emergency treatment for lack of Medicare co-pay
NO on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D
NO on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility
NO on giving mental health full equity with physical health
NO on assisting workers who lose jobs due to globalization
But, agrees with privatizing Social Security

Those are the votes by John Kline and Steve King.

They may want to make this an election on WMD -- WantMoreDrilling, but voters need to know that there are many other issues that are important --- jobs, healthcare, tax fairness and of course, the national debt. A year ago, we felt pain at the pump when gas was $3 / gallon, but there was no WMD talk then … but they voted on a lot of issues. Voters must remember those issues and not just be fooled by the glitzy advertisements.

This election will not be decided by the Republicans nor the Democrats … it will be decided by the Independents.
Educating Independents will require volunteers and money. If you have either to spare, please consider Steve Sarvi and
Rob Hubler

Both Sarvi and Hubler are veterans and experienced in local politics … it’s time to change Washington with people who know our issues.

Sources :
Steve King votes
John Kline votes
Des Moines Register