Walz's no vote on bailout bill prompts support from Owatonna restaurant owner

In Business & Politics: Owatonna businesses draw politicians in the race, the Owatonna People's Press reports that a local restaurant owner traditionally given to supporting Republican candidates is supporting Congressman Walz.  Nugget grafs:

Traditionally, his restaurant has hosted numerous Republican candidates seeking office, even going back to the years a Republican senator helped bring Boosalis’ father here.

“For me, I’m a little more independent and liberty-driven,” Boosalis said, who will not be voting for Coleman because of the senator’s vote on the $700 billion bailout package. . . .

. . .But in the First District race for Congress, Democratic Congressman Tim Walz has only stopped in Owatonna once to campaign about veteran’s issues at a VFW hall. He also made an appearance at the Fourth of July parade in Blooming Prairie. . . .

. . .Walz’s campaign manager Chris Schmitter said they’re working on bringing Walz back to Owatonna and the visit could come as early as next week. Boosalis said he is working on getting Walz to come to his restaurant during the final push towards Election Day. He’s backing Walz because of his recent vote against the $700 billion bailout package. . .

Congressman Walz has made a number of stops in Owatonna as he performs his official duties. However, these are not campaign activities and so rightly don't belong in the article, given its focus.

In his official duties this year, Congressman Walz visited with local Owatonna leaders in September at Stephen Lawrence's garage, the OPP reported in Walz talks energy during Owatonna visit:

Lawrence, along with others from Lawrence Transportation Services, the Minnesota Trucking Association and the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, addressed concerns to U.S. Rep. Tim Walz in Owatonna Wednesday at a garage owned by Lawrence.

The OPP reported that Walz met with area educator at the local high school in August in Walz touts changes for NCLB.  In April, the paper reported on one of Walz's health care summits in Health care reform brings Rep. Tim Walz to Owatonna. The paper also carried news of several staff visits to the Steele County city.