Where’s John Kline ?
As the Electoral College appears to be settling the Presidential race, and the Republican campaign is now moving into the “reflection” phase of the post-Romney era (lead by Tim Pawlenty decision to bailout for a lobbying gig), Minnesota voters will be turning their attention to the real battle … who will “represent” “us” in Congress.
And for Minnesota’s Second District, there are two choices :
Chairman John Kline (Republican) who told “us” that “Regardless of your home address and what congressional district you live in, we are all conservatives who love liberty and freedom and shudder to think what could befall our nation if the current Administration gets another four years to work its will. The consequences at stake in November are too important to ignore.”
Conversely, Mike Obermueller (DFL) is described as “representing the wishes of the people” and offers a pragmatic approach to the real issue – the national debt — “Every day the National Debt grows larger and it seems the only thing Washington can do is pass the buck. We’ve got to get serious about it, but we need to keep the right priorities in mind. We shouldn’t just balance the budget on the backs of the middle class—we need a multi-pronged approach.”
Challenger Obermueller offers his campaign strategy to educate the voters on John Kline “We’ll be hitting him on his voting record, that’s the long and the short of it,” Obermueller said. “When people in this district learn about his votes, the surface support they have for him now is going to evaporate quickly.”
And Challenger Obermueller is taking his message to voter groups holding numerous local discussion groups on issues that matter to voters in South St. Paul, Eagan, Hastings, Cottage Grove, Northfield …
Chairman Kline has opted for a different “reach-out” … “Sign Blitz Saturdays” to “turn Minnesota’s 2nd district into a sea of red and white” and starting Monday until Election Day, “U.S. Rep. John Kline’s campaign ads will air at least 981 times on Twin Cities-area television stations.”
Chairman Kline’s campaign is being run like an arm-chair quarterback with deep ties to Washington — which he is.
Signs and commercials may sell a product … but this is an election about our future.
Where are the personal appearances ?
The debates on the issues ?
The critical questions from the media ?
Looking at Chairman Kline’s FACEBOOK page, there is no mention of events … other than the Sign Blitz (but there are complaints about Chairman Kline’s inaccessibility and voting record)
Reviewing the StarTribune website, there is no story covering events that Chairman Kline has appeared at recently.
Chairman Kline declined to participate in the FarmFest debate where other Republicans appeared to discuss agricultural issues with DFLers on the panel. Chairman Kline has refused debate requests form KSTP and other interested groups. NOTE : Mike Obermueller participated in the FarmFest debate and has accepted to participate in the other events.
But what really should concern voters is a story in The Minnesota Daily which examined college costs and student involvement in the November elections.
As Emily Mongan reports :
Higher education issues are a personal topic for Obermueller.
“I’m one of the people who had to work their way through college,” Obermueller said. “I know what it’s like to try to figure out how you’re going to pay for the next semester.”
Obermueller worked for food-service company Aramark between his undergraduate studies at Loras College and law school at the University of Iowa. Working through college influenced his views on education issues, including grants and loan programs.
“We’ve got to make sure we’re doing a better job of making those programs available for people who are trying to get through school,” Obermueller said.
Kline, who, after repeated attempts for an interview, chose to respond through email statements.
“We must institute historic spending cuts, establish statutory caps on how much the federal government can spend, and send the states a Constitutional balanced budget amendment that will force Washington to live within its means.”
What does Chairman Kline mean by : We must institute historic spending cuts ?
Chairman Kline has pro-offered cutting Pell Grants and has voted for the Ryan Budget which is committed to redefining Medicare and other programs that citizens have paid for, and plan on, for their retirement; require major cuts in domestic programs and additional spending for Defense that even the Pentagon does not want; and commits to tax cuts and retaining corporate subsidies.
Voters deserve to hear and see the candidates discuss the issues … Chairman Kline is counting on Madison Avenue (and the monies that come from being a Committee Chairman) for re-election.
Ignoring the voters and media inquiries appears to be Chairman Kline’s plan … but at least we can agree on his comment — “The consequences at stake in November are too important to ignore.”
Is that what matters to voters … who has the most signs and television commercials … or the issues that one candidate wants to ignore discussing ?
The question is : Does John Kline “represent” your interests or will Mike Obermueller ?
