Since we have a new DFL candidate for Congress in the 3rd District, I thought now would be a good time to review why each of the candidates is running for Congress
State Senator Terri Bonoff
“The issues that I’ve gotten most involved in at the state Legislature are issues where our biggest challenges and obstacles lie at the federal level,” she said. “And so I feel like I am in a position to contribute at that level. I grew up in Edina. I’ve lived in Minnetonka for 15 years. I believe that my values, my principles, my beliefs are a reflection of the people of this district.”
Former MSA President/Iraq War Veteran Ashwin Madia (a nice profile of Madia, by the way, is available here)
“I am running for three reasons: I want to end the war in Iraq, balance the federal budget and address the issue of global warming,” Madia said. “I am from the district and I love it. I think I would be a great advocate in Washington.”
State Representative/Failed Candidate for House Minority Leader Erik Paulsen
“This is absolutely another wonderful opportunity to enter public service at a different level, focusing on issues like globalization and issues that I think that I genuinely care about and I think have learned a lot about some expertise on now and try to carry that to a new level as we do try to educate our kids for a global economy,” he said. “So that’s something in the back of my mind that definitely interests me and the opportunity, and I think I would do a good job.”
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Hey Madia!
I’ve got a couple of questions about your platform.
How is a freshman congressman, from the State of MN no less, going to end the war in Iraq?
The Democrats that have been there for 30 years can’t even do it — — but you’re going to.
You’re going to balance the budget. Yeah — $10 says you’ll do it by further stealing from my paycheck — -a process of which you call raising taxes. Lots of luck.
Oh, yeah — global warming. You expect to win elected office riding the coattails of global warming??
You folks don’t get it.
This alleged candidacy is further evidence as to why MN needs to have an education litmus test to cast a vote.
Madia, Franken, Ryback & Coleman: Counting on the idiot vote.
Ah, Republicans showing their true colors: They describe someone who served in their war as someones who demonstrates why the state needs to require its citizens pass ‘an education litmus test to cast a vote’.
What a clueless response to Madia’s statement! How is a freshman congressman going to end the war? By forming a progressive, veto-proof majority in the House that will pass the legislation necessary to end the war. I don’t think Ashwin Madia is the one who needs a lesson in Civics… Madia gets points for clarity, but he’s going to have to be more than a 3 issue candidate.
Paulsen’s answer is a muddled mess, but I’m going to give him a pass on it. Lots of candidates have trouble summarizing their candidacy in a short answer like that; the “why are you running?” question is tougher than it looks.
Bonoff’s is a pro’s answer. It’s a small thing, but could be a sign that she’s going to be a tough and disciplined campaigner who won’t make silly/dumb/careless mistakes.
Madia is the only one the answered the question. The other two gave politicians answers that say nothing. Bonoff is just a better BS artist than the other two. That may make her the best candidate but probably the worst representative.
I’m still waiting to see what Jim Hovland does. I think he’s a better fit for the district than any of the other candidates.
Hey St. Paul JD!
You are so right. We need an educational litmus test for voting privileges. I suggest that it look like this:
Question 1: Does the particular state represented by a member of congress increase or decrease their ability to vote on legislation?
Your answer:
“How is a freshman congressman, from the State of MN no less, going to end the war in Iraq?”
Question 2: Do Americans factor in a candidate’s stance on issues they feel are important when deciding for whom they will vote?
Your answer:
“You expect to win elected office riding the coattails of global warming??”
Associated Press-Stanford University poll conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. Sept. 21-23, 2007. N=1,001 adults nationwide. MoE