Like the Mankato Free Press, and the Star Tribune and St. Peter Herald (behind subscription firewall) before them, the Worthington Daily Globe endorses Tim Walz today:
Walz for U.S. House
Daily Globe, Worthington Daily Globe
Published Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Tim Walz is no run-of-the-mill educator. He’s earned the Minnesota Ethics in Education award, a Mankato Teacher of the Year honor and the 2003 Minnesota Teacher of Excellence. He also helped coach Mankato West’s high school football team to a pair of state titles.How has Walz become such a well-respected leader? Perhaps it’s from 24 years of service in the Army National Guard, from which Command Sergeant Major Walz retired in spring 2005. His original retirement date, incidentally, was September 2001, but he signed up once again in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Walz is now aiming to bring his leadership qualities to Washington, as he’s challenging six-term Rep. Gil Gutknecht for Minnesota’s 1st District seat. Though Walz may be a political novice compared to the incumbent, he’s proven to a formidable candidate. His positions on Iraq — where he’s repeatedly condemned the Bush administration — as well as on education (funding “unfunded mandates” such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act and re-evaluating No Child Left Behind) and immigration, among others, are well considered.
Gutknecht has been endorsed by the Daily Globe in the past, and we would be remiss if we didn’t recognize his years of commendable service. Some of that service has been on the House Committee on Agriculture, where he has been a member. Should Walz be elected, however, he would seek a seat on that same committee. And, should Democrats regain control of the House, fellow Minnesota Rep. Collin Peterson is poised to become that committee’s chair, ensuring Minnesota two advocates for farmers who will be heard loud and clear.
Gutknecht has said he has been “frustrated” over the war in Iraq. Walz, by contrast, seems angry and eager to chart a clearer course. Gutknecht is also finding himself hobbled by his support for the controversial Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad proposal, one which Walz said needs to be addressed openly and not behind the scenes.
Finally, at a time when so many across the country are sick of hearing from Washington insiders and their doublespeak, Walz represents a refreshing change and seems to put forth the voice of an everyman. In 1939, on screen, Mr. Smith went to Washington. In 2006, we recommend Tim Walz for the same journey.
The Worthington Daily Globe has endorsed a spilt ticket of candidates this year--Klobuchar for Senate, but Pawlenty for Governor and Johnson for AG.
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