Comments on: Tim Walz’ First TV Ad: “Record”

By: MN Human Rights Advocate

MN Human Rights Advocate — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:07:47 +0000

What would Wellstone do? Wouldn’t he support Minnesota workers by emphasizing policies that will put them to work, like renewable wind energy, not offshore oil drilling.

The other big problem with this ad is that Rep. Walz is in front of a shell station. Shell has a notroiusly bad human rights record. See Amnesty International’s research: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/AFR44/022/2005.

By: lojasmo

lojasmo — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:50:27 +0000

Interesting how the fact that farms are receiving 20% less while having a 50% cost increase was just passed over.

By: DantheMan

DantheMan — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:44:23 +0000

I just don’t understand how Democrats are so opposed to providing any kind of modest tax relief to a $500,000 or $1 million small business, but when that business is a farm they are throwing money as those businessmen left and right in the forms of direct subsidies.

There is a way to support farms from disasters. Have govt-sponsored crop insurance. Everything else basically amounts to a corporate handout that Dems are usually very against.

But I agree, Walz would get lots of constituent flack for not supporting the current ag subsidy system.

By: lojasmo

lojasmo — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:38:35 +0000

DtM

Fair enough. Thanks for the reply. I would respectfully say that as a former Command Sergant Major, and teacher of American history, Walz knows a bit more about the situation in Iraq than you do. I would also point out that Walz’s constituency is made up, in large, of agricultural communities, and that he’s simply advocating for his constituency.

I would also point out that direct government payments to farms is down 20% from the yearly average of 2002-2006, while costs have increased by nearly 50% since 2002.

Rick. I agree completely (even though Walz is not a blue dog, and is therefore a “poor fit” for the first CD) {/snark]

By: DantheMan

DantheMan — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:45:20 +0000

lojasmo -

A couple of Walz’ votes come to mind that I disagreed with.

His vote for and subsequent vote to override the veto of the Ag Bill. Instead of reforming the way Governmnet supports farmers, who are in an era right now where they can make very nice money, he voted to prolong a very expensive Government program. Why should farmers be receiving six-figures per year from our tax dollars while they are also selling their produce for record prices?

His vote for the Iraq withdrawal timetable (90 days). We need to get out of Iraq, but via mandated congressional action is not the right way to do it.

His vote to continue / increase Affirmative Action. Don’t recall the details but could Google it.

To name a few….

By: Rick

Rick — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:09:25 +0000

Personally, I feel GREAT about Tim Walz, best Congressman EVER from CD1!

By: lojasmo

lojasmo — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:57:02 +0000

I support nationalization of drilling for oil in the US. Oil drilled in the US should also stay in the US.

DtM: Pelosi has also called for increased US oil production.

Honest question: Which “many of his votes” do you disagre with?

By: DantheMan

DantheMan — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:33:02 +0000

Solid ad. I like Walz’ approach of focusing on an issue like energy. The fact that his first point is to increase oil production at home is a refreshing change from the Pelosi-zero tolerance policy of drilling here. Hey Nancy — listen to Walz on this one. If you don’t increase production at home, you’ll simply increase the imports from abroad.

Good first ad. Walz exudes common sense. While I disagree with many of his votes, I think think he really connects with the average voter.

By: Asking

Asking — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:49:53 +0000

I’m curious how progressives feel about Walz and other Democrats now supporting additional offshore oil drilling. Does this bother anyone as caving into the oil industry or is it ok?

By: Sean2

Sean2 — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:54:40 +0000

Ha. Walz is running from the Bush energy plan, and then goes on to promote the same energy plan both Bush and McCain have touted. The only difference is on the economic front where McCain believes we need to cut corporate taxes (which apply to all companies, including oil companies), and I suppose Walz at minimum opposes that.

Walz - 2 more years of Bush. Can we afford it?