The ever-sharp McPherson Hall of Minnesota Central writes in Club For Growth TV Ad for Doctor in the First District that that ad hasn't been aired--nor have many others. He contrasts the First's political ad environment with that in 2006:
. . . unlike last election where there were a number of independent groups (such as Chamber of Commerce) running television ads in the First District supporting Gil Gutknecht, that this year they are absent ? . . .
Our favorite retired accountant worries that Walz supporters will gain a false sense of security:
. . .The evaluation of the District’s newspaper editorial boards is that Moderate Everyman Tim is deserving of a second term and that the unabashedly conservative, political novice Dr. Davis is the one that is out of sync with the district.
So is the election is over, right … hardly.
Unlike other states, Minnesota does not have an early election period … as the media continues to report that Obama will win Minnesota’s electoral college votes and voters see long lines at the polling booths, there is the temptation to turn back when the lines begin to expand. Apathy is Walz’s main challenger … and the lack of independent expenditures lulls the voter into a state of [complacency].
That could be so--but we have to believe that the importance of the up-ballot choices will stoke voters' drive to go to the polls--and the Democratic GOTV efforts across the board are in overdrive.
Photo: Our little friend Felix isn't old enough to vote, but once he learned about the complacency of the frontrunner's supporters in the 1948 election, he's been putting in triple shifts at the local DFL phonebank.
[update] The Repede Family blogs about Pancakes with Al and Tim in Rochester this morning. Lots of pictures [end update]
Fifty-two years ago today, our father stopped by the maternity ward of Mankato's Immanuel Hospital to see our mom and us, then went back out to canvas the streets of the Key City for Dwight Eisenhower's re-election campaign.
Since then, attitudes about fathers' roles in birthing have changed. We don't know any man who wasn't at the side of the mother of his child--with the exception of a couple of guys in the Army and National Guard, who weren't happy at being away but understood their duty.
But the crunch time of GOTV has remained a constant companion on our birthday in even-numbered years. We urge everyone to get out and volunteer--whether by phone banking, doorknocking, stufing packets, or making food for the hordes of volunteers who are giving their time in this important election.
There will be work to do on Election Day as well; one task is driving voters to the poll. If you're civic minded but not into political parties, consider volunteering for this GOTV work. Non-profits in Minnesota can hook you up with non-partisan GOTV volunteer opportunities.
We wouldn't want anyone to have to give that greedy cat a burger in order to exercise his or her right to vote.
The MinnPost's Joe Kimball reports Al Franken has a very 'full plate' today. The menu: breakfast pancakes in Rochester and lunch chili in Owatonna with Congressman Walz. There'll be a rally at MSU-Mankato at 3 p.m. The MSU Reporter provides details in Frenzied final days: Franken and Walz wil stop at MSU today during tour:
Minnesota's Democratic nominee for U.S Senate, Al Franken, will be on campus today along with fellow Democrat Tim Walz, a candidate for the House of Representatives.
The event will take place at 3 p.m. in the Minnesota State Centennial Student Union Ballroom.
Yesterday's rally at Winona State with Al Franken has garnered some attention. WKBT in LaCrosse reports Al Franken Campaigns in Winona. The Winona Daily News reports Al Franken campaigns at WSU.
The Owatonna People's Press reports in Press conference held for Walz on Owatonna:
John Rassieur of Owatonna, Carl Witty of Kasson and Laura Askelin of Rochester participate in a press conference Wednesday in Owatonna to support Congressman Tim Walz, and to criticize a national sales tax supported by Walz’s Republican opponent Dr. Brian Davis. Walz was not in Owatonna Wednesday to participate in the press conference, but will be appearing with Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken at 11:45 a.m. today at the Owatonna Elks Club.
Our readers may remember that Congressman Walz returned $100,000 of the money allocated to his office for 2007 to the U.S. treasury. That contrasts sharply with a story at the Minnesota Independent. Andy Birkey reveals that Bachmann’s self-promotion unusual among Congress members[emphasis ended]:
Rep. Michele Bachmann is now notorious for her appearances on cable TV news programs, having sparked significant controversy with her recent “anti-America” statements on MSNBC. But as Politico reports, Bachmann, a Republican, has done 23 major television appearances since the beginning of September — far more than any member of Minnesota’s congressional delegation. How does a freshman Congress member from the minority party find herself in the limelight so often?
Easy. You and I pay for it.
Bachmann has built an impressive communications staff in Washington, D.C. She has a press secretary for national media, a press secretary for local media and a “new media director” who harnesses “the networking and outreach power of the internet.”
According to congressional salary data, none of Minnesota’s Congress members has more than one press secretary. Minnesota’s most influential members, Democratic Reps. James Oberstar and Collin Peterson, who chair the House Transportation and Agriculture committees, respectively, each have only one press secretary.
Bachmann’s fellow freshman colleagues, Democratic Reps. Keith Ellison and Tim Walz, each have just one communications lead, and Walz has combined the communications director and district director positions into one entity.
When the congresswoman endorsed Davis, he gushed:
"It's an honor to receive the support of Congresswoman Bachmann," Davis said of Bachmann. "She is a dynamic leader for Minnesota and for our conservative causes. I value her leadership and advice, her principles and energy. I look forward to serving with her in the 111th Congress."
No word on whether Davis holds fast to that opinion.
Letter writers in the WDN worry about Davis's allegiance to Michele Bachmann in More silence from Brian Davis and his ignorance of vets issues in Davis should have done better:
Over the weekend, I read something very concerning. When the Republican candidate for Congress, Brian Davis, was asked to name a specific way he would improve education or health care benefits for veterans, he couldn’t come up with even one idea.
I can’t believe that someone could run for Congress for over a year and in all that time not manage to develop a single idea about how to improve veterans’ care. I have heard how hard it is for veterans to make use of their educational benefits.
When I returned from Vietnam in 1971, I was able to enroll in law school without having to jump through all kinds of hoops to get my benefits as veterans do today. Anyone who has taken the time to talk to a veteran and get their perspective on these issues would have been able to come up with an answer to that question. But not Davis, I guess.
[Robert]Youngerman is a retired major in the United States Army Reserve.
Billed as a presentation of Davis's heath care plan, last night's meeting in Albert Lea turns out simply have been a chance for Davis to rally the GOP faithful. Check out the intense excitement rippling across the faces of the faithful.
Erin Hoban writes the Post Bulletin to say 23 percent sales tax proposed by Davis would target poor, elderly. We have more about Davis and the national sales tax here and here. In the Owatonna People's Pressm a Walz supporter writes that Walz won’t gamble away Social Security. A letter in the WDN says that Seniors are hurting; it’s time for change and readers should vote for Walz and other DFLers.
LaPrensa endorses Congressman Walz; Brian Davis didn't bother to return the four-question survey. The nod joins the long list of endorsements Walz has received.
Now get out and volunteer for GOTV. Here's Walz's latest positive ad:
The Austin Herald has published More silence from Davis, a letter from reader Jay Youmans. The Rochester resident writes:
At this date all citizens of Minnesota and most everyone in the United States are aware that Sixth District Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann went on national television to say that Barack Obama may have “anti American views” and that the media should do an investigation of Congress to see who is “pro America or anti-America.”
Tim Walz and other Democratic members of the Minnesota Congressional delegation along with Colin Powell, Tim Pawlenty, John Kline and Arnie Carlson have said that Bachmann was wrong to say what she did.
However, once again on this issue, Brian Davis has elected to remain completely silent on how he views Bachmann’s comments.
This is very reminiscent of his refusal to tell citizens what diseases he would vote to delete from state mandated insurance coverage.
Does Brian Davis agree with Bachmann? If not, why doesn’t he say so? Davis has demonstrated a reluctance to be straightforward with voters on at least two crucial issues.
Residents of the First District deserve candor from a person who wants to represent us in Congress.
Youmans doesn't mention Davis's eager acceptance of an endorsement by Michele Bachmann, but we at BSP have thought Davis's own enthusiasm for the Sixth District congresswoman might need a bit of tempering--or else Davis should re-affirm that he still thinks:
"It's an honor to receive the support of Congresswoman Bachmann," Davis said of Bachmann. "She is a dynamic leader for Minnesota and for our conservative causes. I value her leadership and advice, her principles and energy. I look forward to serving with her in the 111th Congress."
Is that Brian Davis's final answer?
Photo: Davis, Bachmann and Mitt Romney at a swank University Club fundraiser on St. Paul's Summit Avenue on September 1
The First district's dailies have overwhelming favored Congressman Walz in their endorsements and the Walz campaign is running the lion's share of ads for the congressional contest. The papers are relatively quiet about the race, especially compared to 2006, when the Walz-Gutknecht contest was suddenly red hot. Election predictions in the state's blogosphere (see examples here and here) favor a Walz victory.
But as Mr. Garcia once wisely sang, "when life looks like easy street, there is danger at your door." We remind our readers that overconfidence doesn't win elections: strong GOTV often makes the difference. Walz's campaign and supporters mustn't get too sure of their candidate's chances and slack off or get distracted.
A story in this morning's PiPress, Republicans, Democrats mobilize Minnesota's biggest get-out-the-vote campaigns:
"The standard math is that a good get-out-the-vote operation can add potentially up to 4 (percentage) points to a candidate's totals," state DFL Executive Director Andy O'Leary said. "Four points in a year like this is the difference between winning and losing everything from the state legislative candidates all the way to the top of the ticket."
Volunteer to work on GOTV phonebanks and doorknocks. Volunteers receive training and, unlike our feline friend, probably won't have snowbirds' homes on their walking lists. Or stop by your local DFL office to connect with a phone bank or doorknock. It's incredible where offices are poppingup. There's even a DFL office opening in Kasson tomorrow, the Dodge County Independent reports.
Congressman Walz and other Democratic candidates will also be rallying supporters across the district. The Winona State College Democrats will host Congressman Tim Walz and Al Franken at WSU tonight at 7:30 p.m. Click on the link for more information.
A Korean War vet explains his support for Walz in an LTE in the Albert Lea Tribune. Another supporter tells Winon Daily News readers that Walz is wonderful.
A company salutes new legislation to help vets manage pain in Boston Scientific Welcomes Passage of Federal Pain Care Legislation to Help Military Members and Veterans. Broadcasting and Cable magazine notes Walz's watchdogging of telecom issues before the FCC in White Spaces Jockeying Continues. The issue:
Proponents and opponents of using unlicensed wireless devices in unused parts of the broadcast spectrum, the so-called “white spaces,” continue to vigorously lobby the Federal Communications Commission with only a week left until the commission’s vote on the issue.
Some 28 members of Congress have sent a bipartisan letter to the FCC urging the commission to delay its scheduled Nov. 4 vote and seek public comment on the white spaces rulemaking, citing unfavorable results in an FCC report on field testing of prototype devices this summer. The lawmakers expressed concerns over the devices’ interference with both wireless microphones and cable television systems, and said that
“further clarity on the report’s policy conclusions is needed,” as the prototype devices "failed to differentiate between an occupied and unoccupied TV channel nearly 33% of the time.”
An interesting question that's not on most people's front burner, but yet another story that illustrates Walz's commitment to the details of policy making.
In Return Walz to Washington, the Worthington Globe's editorial board writes:
Two years ago, Tim Walz — a social studies teacher from Mankato seeking political office for the first time — unseated six-term incumbent Gil Gutknecht and earned a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Now, for the first time, Walz is running as an incumbent, with Republican Brian Davis of Rochester his challenger.
To say Walz and Davis are different is an understatement, but it wouldn’t be fair to characterize the matchup between the two as extreme left versus extreme right — particularly in the case of Walz. In seeking his second term, Walz has gained the endorsements of all sorts of Minnesota groups comprised of teachers, farmers, law enforcement ... and even the National Rifle Association. This is a reflection of Walz’s desire to represent his district, and work with others in a bipartisan fashion.
Davis has spoken prominently about the need for increased American drilling, and his position on health care — free markets, as opposed to some type of universal coverage system — also contrasts significantly. Davis and Walz, of course, contrast on a myriad of other issues, and even their backgrounds are different. (Walz spent a long career in the Minnesota National Guard, while Davis — now a doctor at Mayo Clinic — has multiple degrees, including a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
We endorsed Walz in 2006 as a fresh newcomer who would bring a fresh voice to Washington, and we feel he has done just that. He deserves another two-year term.
The Globe earlier endorsed Republicans for President, U.S. Senate and the Minnesota House. Walz has been endorsed by the Albert Lea Tribune, the New Ulm Journal, the Rochester Post Bulletin, the Winona Daily News and the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Brian Davis was endorsed by Fairmont Sentinel.
The Mankato Free Press is not making endorsements in any races this year; the Austin Herald is (if we understand correctly) only endorsing in local contests.
Brian Davis seems to be chasing his own tail when it comes to his statements about the national sales tax. A press release and fact sheet just in from the Walz campaign covers the basics:
The Facts on the 23% National Sales Tax Plan
Davis Calls it a “Good Idea;” 80% of Minnesotans Would Pay Higher Taxes
( Mankato , Minn. ) – With the economy in trouble and Minnesota ’s middle class families hurting, Dr. Brian Davis, the Republican Congressional candidate in Minnesota ’s First District, continues to say he thinks it’s “a good idea” to impose a new 23% federal sales tax on all goods and services.
This is despite the fact that tax experts, newspapers all across the country, and conservative Republicans like President Bush and former House Majority Leader Dick Armey agree that a new 23% sales tax would have a devastating impact on the middle class and could lead to a recession.
According to one study by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, 80% of Minnesotans would pay more in taxes each year under the federal sales tax that Dr. Davis thinks is “a good idea.” The average tax increase on middle class Minnesotans under the plan would be nearly $3,000.
Additionally, supporters of a 23% federal sales tax also call for the elimination of the Internal Revenue Code, which would wipe out important tax credits and deductions like the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and the mortgage interest tax deduction.
Equally troubling, imposing a new federal sales tax, which Dr. Davis thinks is “a good idea,” would force senior citizens to be taxed twice on their Social Security benefits. Seniors who earned their Social Security benefits by paying payroll taxes during their working years would be subject to a 23% sales tax on everything they buy with their Social Security payments. Davis has previously said he supports privatizing Social Security, a move that would put the retirement security of senior citizens at risk by gambling it on the stock market.
“It’s incredible that with our economy on the ropes, Dr. Davis thinks it’s ‘a good idea’ to put a new 23% sales tax on literally everything we buy,’ said Chris Schmitter, campaign manager for Tim Walz. “Tim Walz has a plan to cut taxes for middle-class families; Dr. Davis says it’s a ‘good idea’ to increase taxes on 80% of Minnesotans and privatize their Social Security.”
A fact sheet about the national sales tax [below].
Maybe Davis picked up his coyness about the national sales tax from his BFF Michele Bachmann. Lovely.
Update: KEYC-TV reports in Candidate Davis Proposes Flat Tax:
Republican Congressional Candidate Brian Davis is calling for a new, 23 percent national sales tax...Saying the tax would replace all other taxes and put money back into the wallets of residents who need it most. Davis' Fair Tax would end state and federal income taxes, which tax at a higher rate the more income a person makes. Something economics professor Dick Schiming disagrees with, Professor Dick Schiming says, "By taxing consumption, people will consume less. The upside is that they'll save and invest more. The downside is that everything we buy from a gallon of gas to a loaf of bread is going to have a twenty three percent sales tax on it, so everything we buy will cost more. "Today a group of concerned citizens who oppose the national sales tax met at the DFL District office to voice their concerns. James Carroll says, "Most people would not be able to afford this. Most people fall into the 15% income tax rate and adding a 23% sales tax instead doesn't make sense. "The residents say they are more concerned with tax cuts for the middle class.
Earlier this week, McPherson Hall at Minnesota Central looked at the consequences of the mortgage tax credit in MN-01 : Davis Endorsement – The End of Mortgage Tax Deduction. Did Davis talk about the national sales tax as a pokict possibility with the Fairmont Sentinel board? [end update]
The fact sheet sent by the Walz campaign:
Congressman Walz is part of a bi-partisan group of U.S. Representatives who are sticking up for rural telecommunications firms, according to Members of Congress Urge FCC to Postpone Election Day Vote on Telecom, a press release from the Coalition for Affordable Communications that's now posted at Marketwatch. The group:
is an association of rural phone and broadband providers concerned with ensuring that American consumers and businesses continue to enjoy affordable telephone and broadband service. The CAC includes CenturyTel, Consolidated Communications, Embarq, FairPoint Communications, Frontier Communications, Iowa Telecom and Windstream Communications, who collectively serve more than 17 million customers in 42 states.
Potentially higher costs to consumers and the lack of transparency in rule-making are cited as reasons for delayed the decision and opening up the process for public comment.
The Post Bulletin's Regional news digest reports on federal funding for repairing flood-damaged road in SE Minnesota:
SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA: Federal money will help repair flood-damaged roads and highways
Seven southeastern Minnesota counties will get $7.4 million to repair federal roads and highways damaged in the August 2007 flood.
They are Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted, Steele, Wabasha, Winona and Dodge, according to the office of Rep. Tim Walz, D-Mankato.
A record 15.1 inches of rain fell in 24 hours during the event, and some places recorded substantially more. In addition to flooding thousands of homes and killing seven people, the floods damaged culverts, bridges and piers in many roads.
Walz's pro-active approach to the historic flooding was cited as a reason to support Tim Walz in this morning's endorsement by the Winona Daily News:
. . .And, when southern Minnesota flooded, he rushed to do what he could to help. . . .
The MinnPost notes in Rochester Post-Bulletin picks Walz:
Overshadowed by the Bachmann-Tinklenberg and Madia-Paulsen races, the Tim Walz vs. Brian Davis match in the First Congressional District has been a fascinating fight between lunchbucket DFLer and loyally conservative Republican.
The MSU Reporter says 1st District race pits teacher against physician. A anonoposter at the Mower County Republicans BPOU's new blog believes it's a smear for the Walz campaign to call their candidate "Doctor" Brian Davis. Okay then: glad to see the GOP in Austin has such deep discernment about subversive honorifics.
In the Austin Daily Herald, Tom Weir cuts to the chase in his LTE, Walz will work for veterans:
Tim Walz has been a champion for veterans since he went to Congress, working for an increase in the mileage reimbursement rates for veterans, making sure our soldiers going to Kosovo received combat pay for their service, and supporting the new GI Bill. We need to make sure that our representative in Congress has actually taken the time to think about issues that are important to us.
In the same paper, Erin Hoban thinks Walz is right for the job. Jack Flinner's LTE, Walz opposed bailout bill, has been published by the Sioux Falls Argus-Leader, which reaches readers in Southwestern Minnesota.
For all those readers who follow the beat of a different drummer, we offer this Rita Moreno classic (brought to our attention by that troublemaker, Jussein):
The Albert Lea Tribune reports Congressional candidate to be in Albert Lea Wednesday:
"Davis, a physician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, will speak at 7 p.m. at the Fairlane Building. Organizers say he will spell out his plans to lower medical costs."
Somehow, we don't think those plans will involve covering everyone. On the other hand, since Davis is a global warming denier, we can probably stop worrying that setting the uninsured sick and children adrift on ice floes will be a part of his plan.
Whatever they aren't, we suspect the plans will be a reactionary reply to this dig in the Star Tribune's editorial that ended in the endorsement of Congressman Walz:
". . .His years as a physician apparently haven't inspired passion for fixing the nation's health care system or deep insights. His standard-issue proposals contrast unfavorably with the fiery expertise of his boss, Mayo CEO Dr. Denis Cortese, who campaigned nationally this year for systemic overhaul. . . ."
Image: Can you find Brian Davis's meeting in our artist's rendition of the Freeborn County Fairgrounds? We're curious why Davis is making his presentation in Albert Lea, rather than Southern Minnesota's Medical City. Like the Star Tribune, daily newspapers in both Rochester and Albert Lea endorsed Congressman Walz.
The Hotline uses its usual humor to share the Post Bulletin's endorsement of Congressman Walz' bid for re-election:
MINNESOTA 01 (D/ROCHESTER -- WALZ)
We Interrupt With This BulletinThe Rochester Post-Bulletin endorsed Rep. Tim Walz (D), writing that when Walz "says he understands the concerns of the struggling middle class, we believe him." He's "one of us -- a hard-working Minnesotan" ...
BSP added the link. So far in the dailies, the Albert Lea Tribune, the New Ulm Journal, the Rochester Post Bulletin, the Winona Daily News and the Minneapolis Star Tribune have endorsed Congressman Walz. The ultra-conservative Fairmont Sentinel endorsed Brian Davis.
Yesterday, the Mindy noted in CQ Politics Ratings: Tinklenberg, Sarvi and Walz improve:
Minnesota 1: Tim Walz , D
One year ago: Leans Democratic
Six months ago: Leans Democratic
Today: Democrat Favored
MinnPost looked at the races in Congressional Quarterly's latest ratings on Minnesota races. One item:
In the next circle of risk, where CQ puts races where the incumbent is not quite safe but not in much danger, two more Minnesotans are listed. Democrat Tim Walz of the 1st District and Republican John Kline of the 2nd are "favored" but not safe.
Want to make sure Tim Walz keeps his seat? Don't rely on endorsements, but volunteer to help with GOTV.
Photo: Congressman Walz speaks at the Michelle Obama rally in Rochester earlier this month. Photo by Laura Askelin.
The paper's editorial board endorses Congressman Walz's bid for re-election:
House of Representatives 1st District: Tim Walz
Two years ago, Tim Walz surprised many Washington insiders by knocking off incumbent Rep. Gil Gutknecht. Today, Walz has established himself as one of the up-and-coming stars of Congress because of his plainspoken and down-to-earth politics that have served the 1st District and the country well. [emphasis added]
Walz wasn’t afraid to break with his party to vote against the bailout package. He worked hard for a new farm bill. When the Winona bridge was shut down, he brought the chairman of the U.S. House Transportation Committee to Winona. And, when southern Minnesota flooded, he rushed to do what he could to help.
While Walz has more than earned another trip to Washington on our behalf, we would also be unfair by not pointing out that Walz’s opponent, Dr. Brian Davis, is certainly one of the sharpest, most insightful candidates we’ve seen in quite awhile, and we hope that he continues to campaign to use his formidable intellect on the public’s behalf.
Another good measure of Walz’s character happens rather quietly, yet it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Walz continues to send staff into the field several times a month in a mobile unit to meet with constituents — where they are, in their hometown. This isn’t just some gesture, it’s politics at the most local and most effective level.
The paper also endorsed Barack Obama and Al Franken, while urging a "No" vote on the Clean Amendment. Read the entire piece here.
So far, the Albert Lea Tribune, the New Ulm Journal, the Rochester Post Bulletin and the Minneapolis Star Tribune have endorsed Congressman Walz. The ultra-conservative Fairmont Sentinel endorsed Brian Davis.
Elsewhere, KAAL reports that the candidates are feuding in Walz and Davis on Taxes. See the Walz campaign critique of the Davis ad here. The Worthington Globe reports in Davis tax proposal subject of eventthat Worthington residents worried about Davis's support for a national sales tax will have a press conference today.
Just in from the Walz campaign office:
Rochester Area Residents’ Message to Dr. Brian Davis: New 23% National Sales Tax is Not a “Good Idea.”
( Rochester , Minn. ) – A group of Rochester area residents held a press conference today to oppose 1st District Congressional candidate Dr. Brian Davis’s call for a new, nation-wide 23% sales tax on all purchases.
“Dr. Davis said he thinks that a new 23% sales tax is ‘a good idea,’” said Laura Askelin. “Maybe he hasn’t noticed, but people are hurting right now in this economy. I can’t believe he would think that now is the time to put a new 23% tax on everything we buy.”
“Dr. Davis says that keeping George Bush’s tax cuts for millionaires is a top priority for him,” said Colleen Clark. “But he’s drawing the line at any new tax cuts for the middle class and on top of that, now he wants a new 23% sales tax. Dr. Davis is out of touch with what southern Minnesota ’s families need.”
Frank Hawthorne, a supporter of Tim Walz, said “Tim Walz has a plan to cut taxes for 61 million middle class families and save them an average of $750. Dr. Davis not only doesn’t have a plan, but he’s calling for a new 23% national sales tax.”
“With our economy in trouble and the stock market sinking, we need to help people keep more of their money,” said Dave Pugh. “ But Dr. Davis thinks that now is just the time for a new tax on groceries, prescription drugs, clothes and gas. That’s a recipe for disaster.”
Davis Would Oppose Tax Cuts for Middle-Class Families: Davis said he supports the Bush Administration’s tax cuts for millionaires. But, when asked about tax cuts for the middle-class, such as that proposed by Senator Obama, Davis said: "I'm not in favor of tax cuts, additional tax cuts right now." [KSTP – League of Women Voters Debate, 10/12/08]
Walz’s tax cut would save 61 million taxpayers an average of $750 in taxes. The Walz Middle-Class Tax Fairness Act will cut taxes for 61 million taxpayers and save an average of $750 on their taxes this year if his legislation were enacted.
Davis said a new 23% sales tax on everything is “a good idea.” At a debate in Winona, Dr. Davis said that a new 23% sales tax on everything was “a good idea.” [Winona Youth GOP Debate, 2/07/08]
Note: those wishing transcripts of the debates should contact the Walz campaign (author of the press release).
Here's a wee bit of Little Milton for those families struggling to make ends meet:
On Friday, Project Vote Smart had objected to Brian Davis's latest attack ad (is there any other kind in the Davis media portfolio?), saying in a statement:
Brian Davis, Republican candidate for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District, has attacked Timothy Walz, his Democratic/Farmer/Labor opponent, with information he knows to be false, has used Project Vote Smart’s name to give his accusations credibility.
Today, the Walz campaign takes down the ad. Just in from the campaign office:
Davis Launches Dishonest TV Attack Ad on Taxes
Davis has “no credibility on taxes” because he called a new 23% national sales tax “a good idea.”
( Southern Minnesota ) – Brian Davis has launched yet another negative and dishonest TV attack ad, this time on the issue of taxes. Davis ’s previous ads also featured false, negative attacks and were characterized by some Minnesota newspapers as “misleading.”
Walz Campaign Manager Chris Schmitter said, "Dr. Davis has no credibility on the issue of taxes. This is the guy who told a group of young people earlier this year that a new 23% national sales tax on everything we buy is ‘a good idea.’ Davis ’s call to increase taxes is a bad idea for middle class families that are struggling to pay for groceries, gas and other essentials in this difficult time.”
Schmitter also said that Davis ’s ad is lying about Walz’s record. “Brian Davis has stretched the truth in his ads before, but this one really reaches a new low. He says that a bipartisan energy bill that 178 House Republicans voted for included a huge tax increase? Give me a break—that’s an outright lie. Tim Walz has a plan to cut taxes for middle class families and that’s the truth.”
The attached Ad Watch sets the record straight and debunks the newest Davis ad.
Here's the three page Ad Watch (pages 2 & 3 below the fold):
One of the reasons the Star Tribune gave for endorsing Congressman Walz over Davis was:
But Davis has not made the case that he's a better fit. His responses on veterans' issues have not connected.
In Letter: Walz has done much for veterans, Robert C. O'Connor of Jackson writes the Worthington Globe:
I am writing to urge veterans to support the re-election of Congressman Tim Walz. I had become resigned to all talk and no action by his predecessor.
When Tim first went to Congress in 2007, I was especially glad to see him volunteer for the Veterans Committee. As a leader of the group of newly elected Congress men and women, his impact was immediate. This was one of the best places for a retired National Guard Command Sergeants Major to continue taking care of veterans.
In the two short years that he has been working in Washington for southern Minnesota, Tim Walz has helped produce significant veterans’ legislation. First was the passage of the new GI Bill that helped restore the value of GI education benefits to close to where it was after World War II, when the first GI Bill was enacted. Our returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan will be able to afford go back to school when they finish their service. Second, this Congress passed the largest-ever increase to funding for the Veterans Department. We see this locally in the increased dollars flowing to the Luverne Veterans Home.
Much of this legislation was achieved with bipartisan support. Both parties worked to accomplish significant legislation for Veterans, and Rep. Walz was one of many that reached across the aisle to get this done. I know Tim Walz, and he will work without regard to party affiliation to get things done for veterans.
It is so refreshing to see Congress take veterans’ issues seriously. Veterans need to keep this retired Command Sergeants Major working in Congress.
Supporter Eric Bartleson writes the Winona Daily News to say Walz opposed Social Security privatization and so he has his support.
The LaCrosse Tribune reports Candidates for Minnesota's 1st Congressional District spar over economy, agriculture.The article is adapted from coverage published earlier in sister Lee Media paper, the Winona Daily News.
In the netroots, McPherson Hall asks an interesting question raised by language in the Fairmont Sentinel's endorsement of Davis. The retired accountant's query in MN-01 : Davis Endorsement – The End of Mortgage Tax Deduction warrants an answer.
Does Brian Davis agree with the paper's editors about ending the mortgage tax deduction for homeowners? The paper cites the tax break as a cause of the recent financial meltdown.
The National Journal's Hotline cites the New Ulm Journal's endorsement of Congressman Walz in If You Work Hard, You'll Go Places...Like DC. Funny how people in Southern Minnesota like it when their representative works for them.
Some of our friends in the labor movement are working pretty hard in organizing GOTV phone banks and other efforts to contact union members. Here's a little dance music to get everybody in motion this Monday morning, in a shout out to Laura especially, but also to Dale and that troublemaker Jussein:
Photo: House Veterans Affairs Committee chair Bob Filner, Wayne Stillman, Congressman Tim Walz & Chris Schmitter by "Nurse" at the Soldiers Field Veteran Memorial in Rochester.
The Rochester Post Bulletin's editorial board has endorsed Congressman Tim Walz's bid for a second term. The long piece reviews the bios of each candidate, their mostly sharply contrasting positions on issues, then concludes:
The Post-Bulletin endorses Tim Walz for a second term in the First District, because after less than 22 months in office, we're impressed by his level of involvement in significant, meaningful legislation. His fingerprints are all over the new Farm Bill, and he was the driving force behind an increase in the mileage reimbursement rate for veterans who must travel to receive medical care. He's also been a staunch advocate for wind energy and other renewable fuels that already are bringing jobs to the First District.
And ultimately, when Walz says he understands and appreciates the concerns of the struggling middle class, we believe him. He's one of us -- a hard-working Minnesotan who's served his country, taught young people and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty, both literally and figuratively.
So far among the district's dailies, only the ultra-conservative Fairmont Sentinel has endorsed Davis. Walz has been endorsed by the Post Bulletin, the Albert Lea Tribune and the right-leaning New Ulm Journal. The Post Bulletin did not endorse candidates in 2006.
We also like this paragraph:
Walz isn't a career politician; rather, his is a "Mr. Smith goes to Washington" tale. A 24-year veteran of the Army National Guard, Walz wears his "everyman" credentials on his sleeve and has the endorsements to prove it. Police officers, firefighters, teachers and Teamsters have thrown their support his way, as have veterans groups, farm organizations and even the National Rifle Association -- a group that normally leans the other way.
Last week, we discovered that Brian Davis hadn't responded to the survey for the AARP's voter guide. Today, we learn that he didn't get his answers in on time for The Land's 2008 Election Guide either:
Candidates vying to represent Minnesotans in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives were given the opportunity to complete an agricultural survey from The Land.
Candidates were asked to respond to a series of questions, on topics such as ethanol subsidies, illegal immigration, agricultural trade policy, environmental quality issues and how Minnesota can keep young people in farming.
Ultimately, it came down to one final question for all the candidates: “Why should a rural Minnesota voter cast their ballot for you?”
Surveys were mailed in late September to Republican, DFL and Independence Party candidates for U.S. Senate and Minnesota’s eight congressional districts. Due to constraints of space, some responses were edited for length.
Presented here are responses from U.S. Senate candidates Norm Coleman and Al Franken (PDF download), 1st District candidates Tim Walz and Greg Mikkelson (PDF download) . . .
Open the pdf file for the First, and you'll see a note saying:
Republican challenger Brian Davis did not respond in time to be included in The Land’s election guide.
Seniors and ag issues are pretty important in Minnesota's First and both seniors and farmers may notice these lapses. Davis also couldn't think of any way to improve educational and medical benefits for vets.
Whatever does the Davis campaign spend its time doing? Whatever it is, preparing issue briefs, answering surveys and briefing the candidate for debates don't seem to be priority items.
See Where does Brian Davis stand on AARP's issues? for information about that earlier missed deadline.
The Associated Press, via the Strib, reports that Democrats headed toward big - maybe even huge - gains in House, Senate on Nov. 4. Desperate circumstances create desperate Republican tactics, which Mark Sommerhauser chronicles at the end of an article in the Winona Daily News.
A political climate that favors Democrats is mentioned repeatedly in Snapshot: Will Davis take a page out of Walz's book? in the Post Bulletin. Nuggets in the Matt Stolle piece:
The biggest challenge for Davis has been gaining traction in a political environment that has not favored Republicans. Unlike Walz, whose candidacy two years ago was boosted by an unpopular war and an unpopular president, Davis has been facing mostly head winds.
"It's an environment that helps Democrats right now," said Steven Schier, a political science professor at Carleton College. "People are blaming Republicans more than Democrats for what they see in the troubled state of the nation. That's just a problem for Davis."
Schier said the dynamics of the race could change as a result of some unforeseen event or comment as they did in Minnesota's 6th Congressional District, when GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann described Barack Obama's views as "un-American." But nothing like that has happened so far.
Other advantages for Walz include:
. . .From the beginning, Republican leaders have sought to portray Walz as out of sync with the district's values -- a supporter of San Francisco values and not southern Minnesota values -- citing his record of voting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on many issues.
But Walz has been able to deflect such charges by citing endorsements from organizations ranging from the National Rifle Association to veterans groups to receiving the "Friend of the Farm" award from the Farm Bureau. . . .
And there's the grassroots and fundraising advantage:
Walz has been no slouch on the campaign trail. When he accepted the party's endorsement earlier this year, he promised to wage the largest grassroots campaign in the district's history. Chris Schmitter, his campaign spokesman, estimates that the campaign has knocked over 100,000 doors and made more than 160,000 phone calls.
His record over the past two years includes his opposition to the proposed Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern railroad expansion. Months after his election, the federal government rejected DM&E's bid for a $2.3 billion loan after a decade of simmering controversy.
Walz also helped secure the largest increase in funding in the Veteran Administration's history. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, he played a role in shaping the Farm Bill.
And with three times the war chest, Walz has had a megaphone to promote his message, while roundly criticizing Davis for supporting a partial privatization of Social Security, a move he says would cut payments to seniors.
Read the whole article. PB Washington bureau reporter Ed Felker writes in Walz, Kline outspend opponents in home stretch:
Rep. Tim Walz, a Democrat from Mankato, outspent Republican challenger Brian Davis by a better than 3-1 ratio in the first two weeks of October, according to new campaign financial disclosures.
Walz, running for his second term, spent $346,005 from Oct. 1 through Oct. 15. Davis, a Mayo Clinic physician from Rochester, spent $104,988. Walz entered the stretch run with $730,464 in the bank, while Davis had $265,570.
Walz spent $222,501 on advertising, $27,592 on telemarketing and $30,600 on polling, his disclosure showed. Davis spent $73,995 on advertising and $4,355 on polling.
We noted earlier in CD1 pre-election reports: struggling and shining that Davis's cash balance doesn't tell the whole story, since his report included over $9,000 in unpaid bills to vendors and $124,000 in loans from the candidate that need to be repaid.
In the Fillmore County Journal, Tom Driscoll bases Davis challenges Walz on the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce debate, but not before providing a fascinating snapshot of Minnesota values culled from a 2008 survey by the Pew Forum on Religion and Politics.
In Walz opposed Social Security privatization, Eric Bartleson tells the readers of the Winona Daily News:
My father died at the young age of 59, leaving my 57-year-old mother with the prospect of providing for herself and her college-age son on a part-time college bookstore clerk’s salary.
Because of Social Security Survivor benefits, my brother was able to finish college and my mother was able to make ends meet after losing her primary source of support. I don’t know what would have happened if Social Security hadn’t been there to provide support for our family.
Dr. Brian Davis, and the Minnesota Republican party want to allow individuals to invest Social Security funds in the stock market, which could be quite risky as we have seen from watching the market these past few weeks. I won’t be voting for Davis this November for a number of reasons, one of which is his plan to privatize Social Security, which I believe is bad news for families, for retirees trying to make ends meet and for those on Social Security disability.
Instead, I’ll vote to return Tim Walz to Congress, who will continue to oppose privatizing Social Security.
The Martin County DFL chair asks readers to Exercise right to vote in a thoughtful letter. The Mankato Free Press editorial board praises the jumps in voter registration in Southern Minnesota while giving a thumbs down to lawn sign meddlers. The New Ulm Journal condems vandalism of the homes of the state's U.S. Senators and four representatives.
In YMCA receives loan guarantee, the Worthington Globe reports:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has guaranteed a $3 million loan through First State Bank Southwest for the new YMCA and City of Worthington Aquatics Center, which is scheduled for a groundbreaking ceremony at 2 p.m. Nov. 2. The money will go to the YMCA through the city.
The new building, which will be on the Minnesota West Community and Technical College campus, will cost approximately $9.5 million and should be finished in 2009.
During a program Friday at the Y, one word was brought up numerous times by various speakers — collaborate. . . .
. . .But the collaboration between the entities made the funding possible, with the addition of Rural Development. It wasn’t easy, but the efforts of several people paid off, Raymo said.
“Collaboration is truly what it takes to build a project like this,” stated Matt Wohlman of Rep. Tim Walz’s office. “Minnesota has the unique ability to collaborate and be partners in order to get things done.” . . .
Michele Bachmann's new warm fuzzy ad? In her heart, she knows she's right. Much of the rest of the world has doubts.
It's the sixth anniversary of the plane crash that claimed the lives of Paul and Sheila Wellstone, their daughter Marcia, everybody's friend Mary McEvoy, two campaign workers and the pilots. We urge everyone from all parties to continue the spirit of the Wellstones, and spend some time volunteering today for the candidate or candidates you support, whether DFL, Republican, Independent, or any of the other third parties.
Photo: Regardless of how much mud gets slung, volunteers for Congressman Walz's campaign simply scrape off their shoes and continue doorknocking.
