MN-01 –vs— MN-02 : Walz and Kline Should Debate Civic Duty

From a Tim Walz press release :
“I’ve always believed that democracy functions best when people can make informed decisions about the candidates on the ballot,” said incumbent Congressman Tim Walz (MN-01 Democrat). “I think debates are critical to elections because they allow people to directly compare two candidates on the issues. I’m proud of the values I stand for and I believe my vision for the future of southern Minnesota stands in stark contrast to Dr. Davis’ view. I’m eager to ensure southern Minnesotans see the differences between us and I challenge Dr. Davis to join me at three debates.”

Talk about Country First, Walz is rejecting the power of incumbency and seeking an open discussion on the issues critical to our nation’s future. Somehow this smacks of Walz’s background that “civics" is not something taught in a classroom, but needs to be practiced in a democratic society.

From a Steve Sarvi press release :
EAGAN, Minn. – As of this afternoon, Rep. John Kline (R-Lakeville) still had not responded to the Goodhue County United Veterans Organization invitation to participate in a forum on veterans’ issues scheduled for next Monday, Sept. 29.
The Sarvi campaign confirmed Kline’s undetermined status in a phone call with the Goodhue County Veterans Service Office this afternoon. The invitation to the forum is dated July 23, meaning Kline’s office has had almost nine weeks to make a decision about his participation.
Sarvi will be participating regardless of Kline’s presence or absence. The forum is to be held at the Stary-Yerka VFW Post #5727, located at 25 1st Street East in downtown Zumbrota, Minn.
In response to the news about Kline’s undetermined status, Steve Sarvi had the following to say:
“We’re creating new veterans every day in Iraq and Afghanistan. I challenge John Kline – who, like me, is a veteran himself – to defend his record and talk about how he plans to care for our veterans – if not at this event, then by working with my campaign to schedule a debate on veterans’ issues. We want to give the men and women who have fought for our country, and their families, a chance to decide who’s going to serve them.”

The Second District deserves the same openness that Walz is offering the First District.

Kline’s performance needs to be thoroughly debated and he is doing a disservice by not participating in a debate concerning Veterans issues.
In February, while suicides among veterans were approaching all-time highs, John Kline participated in a hearing held by the Military Personnel Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee during which Rep. Kline suggested PTSD is a distraction.
While Kline has “questioned” problems, Walz has led the charge for addressing veterans’ issues.
These problems are not going away. Just today, it was reported that the government plans to substantially increase disability benefits for veterans with mild traumatic brain injuries, acknowledging for the first time that veterans suffering from this less severe version of the Iraq war's signature wound will struggle to make a living.

The Second District deserves the same commitment to Veterans that Walz is offering the First District.
Steve Sarvi will do that.

First Proof ! Educated Voters Pick Sarvi, Reject Kline

My previous commentary addressed the importance of educating voters on Congressman John Kline (R-MN-02) stance on the issues. Now the first voice is heard as The Independence Party issued an official endorsement.
“The Independence Party occasionally endorses a candidate from a different party when we do not have a candidate from our own party,” said Marian Brown, Second District chair. “To be cross-endorsed, the candidate must agree with at least 75 percent of our key issues and meet several other qualifications. We look forward to having Steve Sarvi represent us in Congress.” The party’s core values include preserving the democratic process, justice, social inclusiveness, fiscal responsibility and protecting the environment.

This is significant.

The Independence Party offers voters offer an alternative to the two main parties and has proven to the deciding factor in a number of elections. Electing Jesse Ventura as Governor was not the result of some Hollywood screen play. It certainly did not happen because the rank-and-file Independence Party membership, but instead because independent voters were given a third choice. Current Governor Tim Pawlenty never got a majority of the votes in his two elections, as Tim Penny and Peter Hutchinson provided independent voters someone to vote for that wasn’t a flawed DFL nominee or Pawlenty. In the 2006 election, voters knew Tim Pawlenty’s record and his margin of victory was less than 22,000 while Hutchinson garnered over 141,000 votes. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN-06) barely received a majority of votes (50.05%) as no doubt John Paul Binkowski had an impact in her 2006 election. This year, my current MN Senate projection is that Norm Coleman will garner 49% of the vote with The Independence Party’s Dean Barkley getting 6%.

Neither the MN-GOP nor DFL have enough party members to decide this election … it will be the Independent Voters that sway the election.

By the Independence Party endorsing another party's candidate instead of offering their own, they are telling voters that they have reviewed Kline’s Congressional voting record and Sarvi’s stance on the issues and see that the Second District would be better served with Sarvi.
That recognition is good news and something that the DCCC should take notice.
Minnesota has seen how effectively Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN-01) can work in bi-partisan basis while Kline has shown that he is in the minority of Republicans.
Minnesota needs strong leadership, not someone that stands alone in dissent.

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

MN-02 : Will John Kline respond to fuel prices and the DOD budget

Reflecting on this Independence Day has to make one think of the sacrifices that our military is making today and yesterday, but also an increased concern about tomorrow.

Independence Day may mark the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but it also a reminder of the efforts made by the Continental Army. The similarities to today’s military are appropriate … that Army was also a volunteer army … enlistment terms were extended to three years or "the length of the war".
Oh, yeah, it was also under-funded and under-equipped.

But today, that cannot be possible … could it ? ? ?

After all, President Bush signed the latest War Supplemental bill on June 30th stating
“We owe these brave Americans our gratitude. We owe them our unflinching support. And the best way to demonstrate that support is to give them the resources they need to do their jobs and to prevail. The bill I sign today does exactly that. It provides necessary funds to support our troops as they conduct military operations in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and in other theaters in the war on terror.”

So how long before the budget gets blown ?

How about July 1st !

From the Defense Energy Support Center, we learn that military units in Iraq and elsewhere will see another hike in fuel costs -- the second midyear increase because of soaring oil prices –- as the cost for refined fuel used by troops will jump from $127.68 a barrel to $170.94 — an astounding 34 percent jump in just six months and more than double what the Pentagon was paying three years ago.

And the Pentagon’s response … a $400,000 a month increase in fuel costs won't affect ongoing military operations, it will require a "reprioritization of daily support activities."
Wow !
Shades of Don Rumsfeld and his re-assuring response to a soldier who questioned the shortages of equipment : "As you know, you go to war with the Army you have. They're not the Army you might want or wish to have at a later time."

Let’s face it, our military has been shortchanged since the beginning – from personal protection like body armor shortages to MRAP (the mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle), DOD has done a poor job. There were stories of not enough tourniquets, as the Baltimore Sun reported in 2005, quoting one infantry surgeon, "There is no good reason why wounded soldiers are continuing to die on the battlefield from extremity bleeding." Parents had to send batteries … and even tampons (to be used to treat wounds.)
Plain and simple, the government has failed to ensure rapid acquisition capabilities … which could be caused by unnecessary layers of bureaucracy.

Add to that failings, consider that the House Armed Services Committee was appraised last September that $6 billion worth of military contracts are under criminal review and $9 billion unaccounted for. John Kline (MN-02), who sits on that Committee, reacted ”So I am doubly appalled, triply, quadruply appalled at this day at the horrific conduct of commissioned officers, at a clear breakdown in leadership. ”

Other programs are also being questioned due to higher costs and delayed times … such as the Army’s Future Combat System (FCS) which the CBO estimates will grow 60% over budget and may be unaffordable in the long term given the many other pressing needs facing the United States Army.

So, what will the military do to combat this budget shortage ? How will it balance the short term needs and the long term priorities ?

My immediate concern is that the soldiers in the field will suffer.
The current Congress needs to take action. John Kline is Minnesota’s sole representative on the House Armed Services Committee and thus far, he has allowed President Bush to fund the war through deficit spending. The rise in gas prices may have been unexpected, but it is inexcusable that Kline has allowed Bush to submit budgets without fully funding the ongoing Iraq and Afghanistan operations.

DOD has problems, but Congress needs to step up. Kline has been in Congress long enough to see the problems and to have taken action. He has failed --- too many opportunities have been missed. Oversight has been lacking. He has failed to push for a streamlined procurement system.

Kline’s attitude is demonstrated by his comment - “Well that's just the situation we find ourselves in" - is not responsible.
Kline attitude is reminiscent of Rumsfeld’s … it’s time for someone that may be closer to current active duty - and military - needs.
Voters need to hear from Steve Sarvi and reprioritize who represents the Second District !

Walz Rated Top Impact Congressman – Could Sarvi Be Next ?

Those of us in the First District have seen how Congressman Tim Walz operates --- over a dozen formal listening sessions to discuss the Farm Bill, many more sessions addressing veterans issues, seniors issues, health care, and the economy and too many to mention “Hy-Vee” grocery store “constituents meetings” throughout the First District. No doubt that has left an impact on how voters will rate the Congressman’s performance in November’s elections, but the impact that is truly being felt is Walz’s impact on the national agenda.

How Walz has voted on various issues is in stark contrast to the First District’s former Representative Gil Gutknecht. Gutknecht was a “RoveRobot” voting however the Party managers instructed. Walz, on the other hand, has not been afraid to bolt from his Party Leaders … most recently on the FISA vote and Iraq Supplemental.
It’s that contrast that earned Walz the top ranking.
It’s not about Party loyalty … it’s about your conviction to the issues.
Party bosses may compromise for expediency sake, but if you are committed to a progressive, responsible government, you bolt the party.
While some voters based their votes based on Party endorsement, I am an independent who votes on my issues --- a fair tax policy, a fiscally responsible budget that does not burden the next generation, a foreign policy that embraces dialogue not sanctions, a health care system that benefits people not investors in the medical industry, etc.
Essentially, a progressive responsible government.

Recently, a study was done that looked at the impact of the change caused by the 2006 elections. Walz’s progressive, responsible votes were contrasted with Gutknecht’s faux-fiscal conservative, Bush-backing votes and the difference was the largest in all the comparisons from the 109th to the 110th Congress. That doesn’t mean that the First District is the most liberal in the America; instead, it illustrates how “conservative” Gutknecht voted versus moderate Walz.

It’s that change that can cause real impact in the direction of the government. The underlying premise in Boots On commentary to throw Norm Coleman under the bus, is that Coleman is not in sync with the Conservative ideology and that Al Franken would have no more of an impact than Coleman. Much the same as when Keith Ellison replaced Martin Sabo, the votes would have been the same.

That’s where Steve Sarvi comes in.

Walz’s efforts for a more responsible government are impacted by the hardcore Conservatives like John Kline. Based on the same analysis tools cited above, Minnesota’s Second District is rated as the tenth most impactable. The fact that it rated 10th is insignificant, since the question has to be factored in whether the underdog can actually beat the incumbent. For example, the highest ranked impact election involves Orange County Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) seeking his eleventh term. And based on primary voting and previous elections, it seems to be a Solid Republican District. Now, Kline on the other hand is seeing a district that is moving away from embracing the Conservative agenda and toward a progressive approach to government.

The best way to help Tim Walz move the country in a more responsible progressive way is to help Steve Sarvi unseat John Kline. Walz has demonstrated leadership and resolve on many issues, but he needs more like-minded responsible progressive to join him in representing Minnesota and the nation.

Boone Pickens has an Energy Plan that Minnesotans Need

While the switchero blame game of high gas prices has renewed the debate of expanded oil expiration, one oil man is taking action.

John Kline (R-MN-02) is at the forefront writing “Congress should consider opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to environmentally safe production, and increase offshore drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Clearly, drilling for oil in Alaska or in the Gulf of Mexico is not a short-term solution, but if we continue down this course of inaction, will we still be discussing plans for rising energy costs when gas reaches, say, $8 per gallon?”

Now, I know a good switchero when I see one. The opening for ANWR has been promoted for years, but with leading Republicans like John McCain and Norm Coleman opposing it, the legislation has died in the Senate. That leaves an opening for candidates like Dr. Brian Davis in Minnesota’s First District to evoke fear – “knowing that our economy is partly dependent on countries like Venezuela, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia is troublesome.”
There are legitimate questions on appropriateness of subsidies and even why the oil companies have not utilized all the lease lands that they have access. (Read Bluestem Prairie for an excellent overview.)
Yet, this being an election year, fear and whining takes the lead over action.

So what does legendary oil man, T. Boone Pickens have to say ? "You find an oilfield, it peaks and starts declining, and you've got to find another one to replace it, " said Pickens, who once operated one of the largest independent oil and gas production companies. "It can drive you crazy. With wind, there's no decline curve. "

What’s Pickens plan ?
The Pampa Wind Project.
He isn’t just talking but spending his money. Pickens has placed an order with General Electric to purchase 667 wind turbines capable of generating 1,000 megawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 300,000 average U.S. homes. That’s just Phase I. When all four phases are complete, Pampa Wind Project will generate more than 4,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for 1.3 million homes. One study forecasts the project would generate an estimated 1,500 jobs during the construction phase, and 720 during a typical year of the operation phase.
Pickens envisions that large scale renewable energy projects like his Pampa Wind Project will permit the United States to become less dependent on foreign oil. Large scale renewable energy projects such as this are difficult to execute because they rely upon the Federal Production Tax Credit, which provides incentives for development of renewable energy. However, large scale renewable energy projects require commitments years in advance, while Congress has only extended the Production Tax Credit one or two years at a time.

While Congressman Kline wants ANWR opened, he has VOTED AGAINST legislation that would provide tax incentives for the production of renewable energy and energy conservation.

Why doesn’t Kline promote jobs for Minnesotans ? Further, The Hill reports that Kline wants to amend the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Worker Training Program to minimize union involvement in the training of workers in green “skill sets” like how to install solar panels, maintain wind turbines, or retrofit buildings with energy-efficient lighting.

Voters in Minnesota’s Second District need to consider Steve Sarvi’s objectives. Sarvi wants to make Minnesota a hub of green manufacturing and technology and thus an exporter of green hardware. We need to make jobs in rural Minnesota. Sarvi efforts are For Minnesota, while Kline’s seem to be for Alaska.

Read more about the Pinkens’ Pampa Wind Project here.

To beat John Kline in MN-02, DFL needs to use GOP strategy

Plato once said, “The penalty that people pay for not being interested in politics is to be governed by people worse than themselves.”

The Greeks gave us the word – apatheia – or as it is known in English - APATHY.
By derivation, that would be “a” for “not” and “pathos” for suffering.
By definition: Indifference to ones interests; lacking in passion or excitement.

So, the question must be asked: Whose fault is this? It is yours and mine – the people of this state and nation. People are tired of this condition of government and like thousands of Americans in every place, they want change. Now is the time … NOW is the time. It is your job and, believe me, it will be a hard job. We have good Democrats – men and women – all over this state who will service you in the halls of government. But mere, wishing for that will not make it so. You must work at precinct levels like you have never worked before. There are door bells to be pushed and people to be talked to. The Republicans have not stayed in power through the excellence of their candidates, but through the excellence of their organization. Quit being ashamed of being a Democrat. Quit hiding behind the cloak of fear. This is your job and my job -- the victory will be yours and yours alone and with this victory will go the assurances of honor in politics and the start of a return all over this country to the American way of life. NOW IS THE TIME.

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After reading the above passage, are you inspired ?

Those words have been modified (essentially replacing Republican with Democrat) from Barry Goldwater who used this approach in November 1950 to start the Republican takeover of Arizona’s politics.

1950 or 2008, the message is the same, voters are tired of the existing situation but motivating them … turning Apathy into Engagement is the key.

By all accounts, Steve Sarvi is way behind in the always important money race. The national Democratic Party has a lot of Republican seats that they would like to challenge --- labeling some as “Red to Blue” seats. MN-02 is not one of them.

That is a shame if you believe that John Kline is not representing the District on your issues. Kline is rated in the top 20 of Conservatives and many times votes in the minority of the Republican Party.
How can anyone represent such a diverse District and yet not even vote with a majority of Republicans ... such as on HR 3221 Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 which 95 Republicans and 227 Democrats supported;
HR 4137 Extend the Higher Education Act of 1965 which 135 Republicans and 219 Democrats supported;
HR 1429 Improving Head Start Act which 142 Republicans and 223 Democrats supported;
HR 2272 21st Century Competitiveness Act which 143 Republicans and 224 Democrats supported;
HR 802 Maritime Pollution Prevention Act which 143 Republicans and 216 Democrats supported;
and there are pleny more.

He even votes against Sense of the House Resolutions such as HR Res. 112 Supporting the Goals and Ideas of a National Child Care Worthy Wage Day which 122 Republicans and 223 Democrats supported.

Besides these votes, much has been written about his votes on SCHIP, GI Educational Funding, Energy, etc.

Plain, and simple, John Kline is an ideologist.
Ideologists do not advance legislation (or society), just their own vision – and voting against any change that does not advance their ideology even if it serves the general public.

Kline is so far out of favor that his influence rating by Congress.Org is #396 down from #253 in 2006.

The appeal of familiarity has kept the incumbent Kline in office, but now a Goodwin Simon Victoria Research poll (taken 5/19-22 of likely voters) in Minnesota's 2nd District suggests that Sarvi has a chance.
From the polling report : “It has become very clear in this election cycle that many Congressional seats formerly considered "Republican" seats are now in play; very little is safe for the GOP at present. Our recent poll results indicate that Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District has officially reached the tipping point, as the generic ballot between any "Democrat" and a "Republican" for Congress starts out as tied, 40% to 40%, for the first time in this district's history. Add to this Sarvi's compelling personal narrative and moderate inclinations, and Democrats have a real chance to take this district in November.”
According to the poll, once voters are read a single positive statement about Sarvi, they back his candidacy 49 percent to 37 percent over Kline.

Although money (click to contribute) is always important, getting the Steve Sarvi story out is essential … and that is what will convert the apathetic voter to the engaged voter.

Heck, if it worked for Goldwater in Arizona, why can’t it work in MN-02?