A Bluestem Prairie

Walz signs Ross letter opposing assault weapon ban

We're not the only Democrats around who favor gun rights. Oregon-based Blue Steel Democrats reports 65 Congressional Democrats tell Holder "No" on the Assault Weapons Ban:

Led by Arkansas Congressman, Mike Ross, sixty-five pro-gun Democrats--including Oregon's inestimable Pete DeFazio--signed an open letter to Attorney General Eric Holder opposing any effort to renew the so-called Assault Weapons Ban. 65 Congressmen represents a significant portion of Democratic house majority; enough to show clearly the assault weapons ban (AWB) is dead in the current Congress.

Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, respectively the Democratic leaders of the House and Senate, have already gone on record publicly opposing any new AWB. It is my sincere hope that the perennial anti-gun legislators will recognize the futility of bringing forward any new legislation to ban any currently legal class of firearm, thus avoiding political theater that could only damage Democrats despite the hard work by so many Democratic Congressmen.

Politico posted a pdf of the letter here.

Gun rights: committee hearing on state-level bill cancelled

Tomorrow's hearing on H.F. 953 by the Minnesota House  Crime Victims/Criminal Records Division Committee has been canceled.. The proposed bill, which would regulate firearm sales in a number of ways related to gun show, is sponsored by Representative Paymar. Prior to the cancellation of the meeting, Paymar reportedly asked to have the bill removed from the committee's agenda.

As a gun rights supporter, we oppose the bill (more about it here at a rightie blog) and had written to our state representative expressing our opposition to the measure.

It's our understanding that the likelihood of the hearing being rescheduled is very low; a source says that the bill is probably dead for the session. We hope so, but will be keeping an eye on things. We only regret that arguments from both sides won't be getting a public hearing in the committee, since sunlight is the best way to deal with controversial legislation.

We encourage readers to write their  state legislators about this bill--and any other that they are concerned about. Democracy only suffers when citizens see it as a consumer item or spectator sport.

Friday digest: small towns talk economic stimulus edition

Many of the district's papers are reporting about area leaders' hopes that Obama's proposed economic stimulus package might take some of the sting out of state budget shortfall.  In Lawmaker warns businesses that state might target taxes, the Post Bulletin's Heather Carlson writes:

The Senate Tax Committee chairman issued an ominous warning to Rochester-area business leaders today: Lawmakers and the governor might look to property taxes to solve the state's massive budget deficit. . . .

. . .Bakk joined six other legislators in speaking to members of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce as part of the group's annual legislative preview. Other speakers included Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem, R-Rochester, Assistant House Minority Leader Andy Welti, DFL-Plainview, Assistant House Minority Leader Randy Demmer, R-Hayfield, Rep. Kim Norton, DFL-Rochester, Sen. Ann Lynch, DFL-Rochester and House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall.

. . . John Eckerman, the chamber's vice president for government affairs, told lawmakers it is critical that businesses get the tools they need to weather these tough times, including economic development tools, affordable health care and transportation upgrades.

But getting that wish list filled will likely prove challenging. Both Republicans and Democrats doubt there will be a bonding bill because of concerns about the state's debt. The hope is that Minnesota will benefit from a federal stimulus package being pushed by President-elect Barack Obama.

Demmer said he was told by U.S. Rep. Tim Walz that Minnesota is in line to receive $870 million in federal stimulus money.. . .

Read the entire article at the PB. The Caledonia Argus notes in Federal program may help fund highway department complex. 

. . .Houston County Finance Director Casey Bradley laid a potentially fantastic Christmas present on the laps of the county commissioners at the end of the Dec. 16 board meeting. Bradley informed the board he learned of a federal program that could fund up to 100 percent of the construction costs of the new county highway complex.

“It’s not a sure thing,” Bradley cautioned. “But it certainly is something I felt we needed to apply for. Even if we would receive partial funding, it would be a real plus for Houston County taxpayers.” . . .

The full article will appear in the paper's December 24 issue. The Fairmont Sentinel calls it a "bailout" in Area officials air concerns:

. . .Rosen offered the local officials some good news. She heard from Congressman Tim Walz that of the $700 billion federal bailout, $85 billion is slotted for transportation. Rosen said Minnesota is currently slated for $878 million of that, and $488 million would go toward highways and bridges, with other funds toward buses, clean water and other areas. She said those details just emerged and further specifics need to be worked out. . . .

We find this choice of words by the reporter to be fascinating, since the Sentinel's readers might readily conclude that Congressman Walz was talking about, oh, maybe the Wall Street bailout that shelled out roughly that amount--and which he voted against twice in the waning weeks of the 110th Congress. Who would know that it's an as yet to be approved economic stimulus package that the  111th Congress will debate at the beginning of its first session?

In Budget deficit dominated discussion, the New Ulm Journal reported yesterday:

The projected budget deficit took center stage Tuesday morning as Brown County officials sat down to discuss the upcoming legislative session with the two state legislators that represent the county.

As in years past, the county board scheduled one hour for each legislator. County department heads brought - and voiced - their own concerns to State Sen. Dennis Frederickson of New Ulm and Representative-elect Paul Torkelson of St. James.

Frederickson was the first to meet with the board, one minute after the meeting began. He started the conversation by saying, "I don't like to be compared with Scrooge. I would rather be compared with Cratchet." . . .

. . .The Representative-elect [Paul Torgelson] had a similar outlook to his Senatorial counterpart. He said the budget is "the big topic at the capitol." Local Government Aid is one topic being discussed, but Torkelson said he hasn't been privy to any discussions about the budget.

County Board Chairman Andrew Lochner asked the freshman representative if he had a feel for his committee assignments. Torkelson said he applied for the Clean Water Council and requested to join the finance committees for environmental and natural resources, agriculture, transportation and telecommunications committee, though he thinks the possibility he will be allowed to join those committees are slim.

He mentioned talk of federal money for infrastructure projects as mentioned by President-elect Barack Obama, saying he is meeting with Congressman Tim Walz today to talk about the possible infrastructure investment and what it could mean for this state. . . .

The Rushford Tri-County News also discusses a potential use of money from Obama's stimulus package in Could Obama economic stimulus plan help R-P district schools? Supt. Ehler meets with Congressman Walz:

. . .[The] R-P [school leadership] still made important personal contact Monday with another political figure, namely Congressman Tim Walz, DFL-Mankato. Walz, the District One incumbent in the U.S. House of Representatives, happened to be in his Rochester office and took time to meet and greet three local persons.

Supt. Chuck Ehler, Dan Munson from the board, and Community Education Director Beth Theede made the journey. All went away feeling good about what they were told.

The reason for the visit?

Ehler came across a weekend Associated Press story about President-Elect Barack Obama's plan to rejuvenate the nation's roads, buildings, and schools. Obama, who assumes the presidency from outgoing George W. Bush on Jan. 20, 2009, is hoping Congress will pass a $64.3 billion economic aid plan and create millions of jobs.

It's no secret that the Rushford-Peterson District needs a new school, and obtaining a chunk of federal money as part of the national stimulus package might solve a lot of problems.

Ehler presented a letter to the congressman outlining thoughts on the subject of the district's quest for a new pre-school, elementary, and high school building in Rushford and remodeled middle school in Peterson.

Fortunately, Walz is already familiar with R-P's circumstances in wake of the August 2007 flood. He visited shortly after the disaster. . . .

Read the rest at the Tri-County News, which also contains more news about the costs and character building involved in restoring the town since it was submerging by record-breaking flooding in August 2007.

In the rush to reach for a quick study of Congressman Walz, some writers forget that the educator is a well-educated guy. Not so with one of the First's unversities. St. Mary's in Winona offers its congratulation to Alums elected senator, representative. Mike Johanns, Nebraska's new Senator, former governor and USDA secretary, graduated from St. Mary's in 1971. Closer to home:

. . .Congratulations also go to Tim Walz, who was re-elected as U.S. Representative from Minnesota’s 1st District. Walz, a Democrat from Mankato, is a candidate in our doctoral program in leadership.

Additionally, four alumni retained their seats in the Minnesota House, each of whom have received a Master of Arts from SMU. The group of four will be entering their second terms, including David Bly M’04 (DFL-Northfield), Carolyn Laine M’03 (DFL-Columbia Heights), Robin Brown M’99 (DFL-Austin), and Will Morgan M’99 (DFL-Burnsville). . . .

In Rahm Emanuel's Strategy For Progressives, Chris Bowers at Open Left repeats the story of Rahm Emanuel's reaction to a critical LTE one of Walz supporters sent to a small town paper. The post does note that  Walz is "one of the few Bush Dogs to drop off the list." 

We've noticed that this anecdote, which first appeared in The Hill several weeks ago, seems to have a life of its own, though only one email correspondent has asked about the LTE itself.  We're not certain but pretty sure this epistle from Fillmore County's Neil Haugerud is the document in question, from November 2007. We blogged about it at the time. 

By the time the letter was published, Walz had taken a lot of heat for his August 2007 vote for a bad FISA bill and had voted for the RESTORE Act. In early 2008, attack ads from a Washington PAC had aired in the First urging Walz to vote for another bad spying bill that would update FISA. In June, Walz voted against the final version of that bill and was removed from Open Left's list.

It's Friday; have a fun evening and remember your winter driving skills.

Photo: Local leaders and elected officials in the First are digging talk of a federal economic stimulus package focused at rebuilding infrastructure and schools, rather than bailing somebody out. We're hoping we see more groundbreaking ceremony pictures like this one for the Waeca Highway 14 bypass.  (picture swiped from MnDot).

Are Pawlenty's LGA cuts 2008's Stamp Act?

 The editors of the Owatonna People's Press have harsh words for Governor Pawlenty's cuts to local government aid. They lay out their case in LGA loss--the Stamp Act of 2008:

. . .In some ways, the proposed reduction of LGA is reminiscent of the Stamp Act of 1765, where the Parliament of Great Britain imposed a tax on the American colonies without the colonists’ consent, presumably to reduce the national debt. In our case today, the tax has already been paid, but the promised payback may not be coming. Conveniently, Gov. Pawlenty was out of the country — sort of like King George — when the proposed financial burden on the cities was announced. . . .

As the editors say, so much for Sam's Club Republicanism. Go read the whole thing at the OPP.

Over at the Mankato Free Press,  the editorial board writes The Bill of Rights worth celebration:

The 100th anniversary or 200th anniversary of the Bill of Rights should be celebrated no more or no less than the 217th. Every year the Bill of Rights remains firmly entrenched in our democracy is reason to celebrate.

It's mornings like this that we're glad we paid attention in our civics and history classes in the St. Peter Public Schools. Unfortunately, not enough Americans have, writes editor Kris Langland at the Mountain Lake Observer/Butterfield Advocate in Flunking is nation's failure.  Read her column, then head over to take the ISI's quiz. Thanks to some gifted teachers in high school and college, we did very well--without asking Mr. Google's help.

Image: The Pennsylvania Journal sassed back to the Crown with this cartoon in 1765, while OPP editors keep up the tradition hundred of years later by evoking the Stamp Act with regard to Pawlenty's LGA cuts.  Thank the First Congress for addressing those rights that the constitutional convention could not secure and the states for ratifying them.

Small businessman Ted Boosalis: "I respect Tim Walz for sticking up for what he believes"

Just in from the Walz campaign:

Walz Says He Values Support of Local Republican Small Business Owner

( Owatonna , Minn. ) – In a visit today to Costas Chocolates, Tim Walz said he was pleased to receive the support of Theodore Boosalis, the owner of Costas Chocolates and a prominent local Republican.

“Small businesses like Costas Chocolates are the engine of our economy,” said Walz.  “Business owners like Ted are responsible for 80 percent of all new jobs created in America .  I’m fighting for Minnesota ’s middle class families and small businesses in Congress.  It means a lot to me that Ted, a Minnesotan, a small business owner, and a lifelong Republican, is supporting my reelection.”

  “I’m normally conservative to libertarian in my voting pattern,” Boosalis said.  “But I respect Tim Walz for sticking up for what he believes, like he did when he bucked his party and voted against the Wall Street bailout bill. I investigated his voting record and discovered I would’ve supported him on many other issues, including 2nd Amendment rights and small business concerns. It seems we both believe in the individual and finding accountability in government. Once I discovered we believed in individual rights in many respects, I realized I needed to support his reelection campaign. That’s why I’m endorsing Congressman Walz.”

Sweet.

Campaign launches "Sportsmen for Walz" group

Just in from the Walz campaign office:

Minnesota Sportsmen Endorse Tim Walz for Congress
Walz rolls out new radio ad featuring Chris Cox from the NRA

( Mankato , Minnesota ) – This afternoon, Tim Walz joined a group of sportsmen from around southern Minnesota at the Elks Nature Center in Rasmussen Woods to kick off Sportsmen for Walz.

Walz, who is releasing a new radio advertisement today to tout his endorsement by the National Rifle Association, is an avid hunter. Sportsmen for Walz includes hunters, anglers and others committed to habitat preservation and outdoor recreation.           

“ Southern Minnesota has a heritage of responsible gun ownership and outdoor recreation,” Walz said. “I’m proud to be a part of that heritage, I’m proud of my NRA endorsement and I’m proud to be supported by a broad group of southern Minnesota ’s sportsmen.”           

“Tim Walz has always been a supporter of our hunters and anglers and that’s why we’re supporting him in return,” said Al Stork, a hunter and member of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership from Stewartville. “With Tim, you always know he stands squarely behind our hunting and fishing heritage.”

Sportsman for Walz includes members who’ve pledged to knock on doors, make phone calls and campaign on behalf of Tim Walz across southern Minnesota in support of his reelection bid.

Attached is the new Sportsmen for Walz radio ad, entitled: “A Rating.”

Below is a list of some of the Sportsmen for Walz members who’ve pledged to knock on doors, make phone calls and campaign on behalf of Tim Walz across southern Minnesota in support of his reelection bid:

Paul Alan Marquardt, Eagle Lake
Scott W Roemhildt, Janesville
Joe Rice, Kellogg
Loren Karels, Lake Crystal
Robin Karels, Lake Crystal
Matthew John Wolle, Madelia
Bryan Joyce, Madelia
Casey James Michael Carmody, Mankato
John Marshall Votca, Mankato
Alan O'Malley Laursen, Owatonna
Dave Mccullough, Rochester
Craig Walz, Rochester
Richard Andert, Slayton
Clayton Johnson, Spring Grove
Wynn Kearney, Mankato
Al Stork, Stewartville
Richard Peterson, Mountain Lake
Jon Nowak, Pemberton
Craig Jaskulke, Madison Lake

Listen to A_rating.mp3

Walz is co-sponsor of Second Amendment Enforcement Act; votes for National Capital Security and Safety Act

In the Washington Post, U.S. House, D.C. Council Wrestle Over Gun Control tells a post-Heller story:

The struggle to regulate guns in the District in light of a historic U.S. Supreme Court ruling sparked competing legislative efforts yesterday as members of Congress debated taking control of the issue and the D.C. Council  implored them to leave it in local hands.

On the most significant day of legislative activity on gun control since the high court ended the District's 32-year-old handgun ban in June, the council voted unanimously to ease some contentious firearms restrictions while the U.S. House of Representative  considered a more dramatic measure that would limit the city's power to regulate guns. . . .

. . .The House was debating a bill last night that would scrap almost all locally imposed gun control rules in the District, including the new handgun registration process. It would also severely limit city officials' ability to enact any future measure that goes beyond the firearms restrictions in federal law. The measure is expected to go to a vote today. . . .

Update #2: We mistakenly thought that the bill being discussed was 6691; actually it was H.R. 6842, the National Capital Security and Safety Act. Walz's positions on both bills demonstrate his commitment to Second Amendment rights. We apologize for the error; our new title reflects the vote, as do the edits in this post.  Here's the statement from Walz's office on his vote on 6842:

Today, Congressman Walz voted to defend the Second Amendment right of every citizen to bear arms. Walz voted for the National Capital Security and Safety Act after certain provisions were adopted that will bring Washington, D.C. into compliance with the Supreme Court's decision in Heller v. District of Columbia. Earlier this year, Congressman Tim Walz also signed on to a friend-of-the-court brief in the Heller case, in which he supported the right of citizens to bear arms.  The National Capital Security and Safety Act passed the Housetoday by a vote of 266 to 152.

"Gun ownership is a basic right in America, not to be infringed upon by anyone or any government entity," said Walz, an avid hunter and member of Pheasants Forever. "This legislation will amend the Washington, D.C. gun law to reinstate the rights of Washington residents to legally purchase guns from a federally licensed dealer. It also restores their right to defend themselves in their homes."

Walz concluded, "As someone who works in Washington, D.C. when the Congress is in session, I am proud to cast my vote to defend the right guaranteed in the Second Amendment."  [end update #2]

Congressman Walz is  also a co-sponsor of H.R. 6691, the Second Amendment Enforcement Act, and of 1399, a related bill introduced before Heller.

Last week, the NRA-PVF endorsed Walz:

“During his first term in the House, Congressman Walz consistently supported the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners and sportsmen, and demonstrated a strong commitment to the Second Amendment and our country’s rich hunting heritage,” said Chris W. Cox, Chairman of NRA-PVF. “Because of his unwavering pro-gun support, Tim Walz earned an ‘A’ rating and an endorsement from NRA-PVF.”

In 2006, Walz ran as a pro-gun rights candidate.

Update: Now that we're awake, we're remembering today is Constitution Day.  Find out more about the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other amendments at the Constitution Center and the Library of Congress.

More kudos for Walz: NFU Golden Triangle Award

The Minnesota Ag Connection reports that Klobuchar, Peterson, Walz receive Farmers Union Golden Triangle Award:

Senator Amy Klobuchar, Congressman Collin Peterson, and Congressman Tim Walz receive the National Farmers Union 2008 Golden Triangle Award. The annual award is the farm organization's highest legislative honor and presented to members of Congress who have demonstrated leadership on issues relevant to America's family farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

"Minnesotans are very fortunate to have Senator Klobuchar, Chairman Peterson, and Congressman Walz in Congress fighting for rural America," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. "All three of these members are repeat recipients of this award, and I want to thank them for their hard work and dedication, and look forward to continuing to work with them on the issues that impact farmers and ranchers in Minnesota."

This year's golden triangle recipients were selected for their leadership on a variety of issues, including: support for the 2008 Farm Bill, implementing mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL), increasing the use and production of fuels from the farm, addressing food safety concerns, support for fair trade and agriculture's role in addressing climate change.

The Golden Triangle Award is based on NFU's symbol -- a triangle with "legislation" and "cooperation" forming the sides and "education" the base. The Golden Triangle Awards have been presented annually since 1988.

In another issue important to rural voters, the Post Bulletin's Matt Stolle reports in the paper's Political Notebook:

NRA endorses Walz

Democratic Congressman Tim Walz scored a political coup last week, receiving the endorsement of the National Rifle Association's Political Action Fund.

The Walz campaign was clearly pleased with the development since the organization typically gives its endorsement to Republicans, which are often thought of as the NRA's staunchest supporters. A Walz aide cited the endorsement as proof of the freshman congressman's centrist orientation and ability to work in a bipartisan fashion. The campaign also says it rebuts the Republican charge that Walz is a Pelosi Democrat who supports San Francisco values and not southern Minnesota values.

"During his first term in the House, Congressman Walz consistently supported the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners and sportsman and demonstrated a strong commit to the second amendment and our country's rich hunting heritage," said Chris W. Cox, chairman of NRA-PVF. "Because of his unwavering pro-gun support, Tim Walz earned an 'A' rating and an endorsement from NRA-PVF."

We hope Congressman Walz gets a chance to do some pheasant hunting--following the election, of course. Birds are plentiful from what we see on the back roads.

NRA-PVF Endorses Tim Walz for Re-election

A friend who supports gun rights just passed along this breaking news:

NRA-PVF Endorses Tim Walz for Re-election to U.S. House of Representatives

Tuesday, September 09, 2008 FAIRFAX, VA-The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is endorsing Congressman Tim Walz for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in the first congressional district of Minnesota.

“During his first term in the House, Congressman Walz consistently supported the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners and sportsmen, and demonstrated a strong commitment to the Second Amendment and our country’s rich hunting heritage,” said Chris W. Cox, Chairman of NRA-PVF. “Because of his unwavering pro-gun support, Tim Walz earned an ‘A’ rating and an endorsement from NRA-PVF.”

Congressman Tim Walz said, “I grew up hunting and spent 24 years in the Army National Guard. I know how important Second Amendment rights are to the people of southern Minnesota. I’m proud to stand with the NRA to protect our Second Amendment rights, and I’m truly grateful for their endorsement.”

Rep. Walz cosponsored the BATFE Reform bill that seeks to modernize and improve BATFE operations by rolling back unnecessary restrictions, correct errors and codify longstanding congressional policies in the firearms arena. He also cosponsored the D.C. Gun Ban Repeal and signed onto the historic Congressional amicus brief in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller, holding that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms.

Cox continued, “Tim Walz believes in southern Minnesota values, and will continue to be a true and consistent friend in the U.S. House of Representatives. I encourage all gun-owners and NRA members to re-elect Tim Walz to the U.S. Congress.”

Chris W. Cox serves as Executive Director and Chairman of NRA-PVF. The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund is responsible for political candidate rankings. These are based on candidate voting records, public statements and responses to NRA-PVF questionnaires.

See our post about The Second Amendment and the MN-01 election from Sunday for more information about this issue in the district.

The Second Amendment and the MN-01 election

One of the issues Brian Davis's supporters among the Republican county chairs in the district are touting in a form letter sent to district newpapers is their candidate's support for the Second Amendment. Stressing this particular item is puzzling, since all three candidates say they're pro gun rights. Two of them have public records on the issue.

Congressman Walz, for instance, received an "A" on his 2006 NRA-ILA questionnaire; he did not receive the group's endorsement that year, since the group supports incumbents with good track records, which Gil Gutknecht enjoyed.

What is Walz's record now? Not much of a roll call record has been created on Second Amendment issues since Walz took office, but the National Rifle Association of America Political Victory Fund has been confident enough about Walz's positions to contribute three $1000 checks during the cycle, in January 2007, in June 2007, and in May 2007. It also suggested that members support him in its July Election Preview 2008.

Perhaps some of that financial backing comes from Congressman Walz's decision to sign on to a friend-of-the-court brief supporting the position that the right to bear arms is an individual right in District of Columbia v. Heller; the Strib reported about the brief in Controversial gun law is now a target. In late June, the  Supremes [Struck] Down D.C. Handgun Ban,

Walz is also a hunter and member of Pheasants Forever.

Likewise, Senator Day has always been endorsed by the NRA in his state-level races,  if we are to trust a Politics in Minnesota Weekly Report from last year.

Voters will have to take Davis's word for his support for gun rights, as there isn't any public track record.

Friday morning digest: white gopher edition

The Spring Valley Herald reports Brother catches albino gopher 28 years after brother trapped one.  The discovery recalls the words of Rilke: "You must change your life."

As for the gopher, it is recovering from its sprained foot and will be spending its days in the Minnesota Zoo.

The MSU Reporter looks at student activism in Election dreams:MSU's Democratic student organizations gear up for election season. The Walz bit:

Walz, a former Mankato West High School educator, represents 1st Congressional District and is running for re-election.

Walz has said working to ensure Minnesota Universities and colleges remain some of the best in the country and that all those who would like to attend college should be able to do so affordably is important.

College Democrats has been working with community political groups to aid them in their goals and support of these Democratic campaigns.

Colin Laughlin, MSU alumnus and deputy finance director of Walz' campaign said Walz is looking forward to working with the MSU College Democrats. Laughlin said the campaign would like to "engage the entire MSU student body and work to elect great Democratic candidates like Congressman Walz and Senator Obama".

Helping the College Democrats get first time voters to the polls for this election is also a main priority for Walz he said.

The Populista Report looks at a New ad from Team Sarvi "Wrong". Go over and give Steve Sarvi's campaign a little coin to make sure more people show it.

In the district, Ron Amundson isn't happy about Civil Rights for Sale and the RNC. KTTC-TV reporter and blogger Chris Hrapsky reflects on the policing of First Amendment rights as well.

Far more common than an albino gopher, Brian Davis's spam appears in the New Ulm Journal today. The letter wars continue in the pages of the Winona Daily News, where The Draz says he's spent hours with Brian Davis, and Day's brother, former mayor of Rochester, claims even a longer association with Senator Day. We have no reason to question either claim.

Almost Independence Day

It's almost Independence Day.  To get our readers in the mood, here's Ray Charles singing "America The Beautiful."

Saturday afternoon news and netroots digest: linkage edition

he letters section in the Owatonna People's Press has been getting pretty feisty since the paper adopted a new format. Recent letters include Tim Walz does well, despite his debt and Congressman is a breath of fresh air.

A widely-email urban legend that a Republican commentator posted in comments back in May when the Rochester Post Bulletin used a different comment software package is recycled in comments at the paper's Political Party blog. This time, it's two falsehoods for the price of one; a wild misreading of a Tax Foundation document is thrown in for good measure. Good times!

Yesterday we looked at a hilarious example of a MarketWatch article misused to defend the honor of the Honorable Mrs. Bachmann. Our friend the talented Mr. Quimby caught another example as well.

At the Mankato Free Press, reporter Mark Fischenich takes a gimlet-eyed look at both party's position on the pain at the pump in Political gas is at a premium.

Another federal grant announcement; this one in the Winona Daily News: Catholic schools awarded $500000 grant for phy-ed programs.

Our friend McPherson Hall has a number of interesting post up at Minnesota Central.  First, Walz Rated Top Impact Congressman – Could Sarvi Be Next ? Those who want to help make it so can contribute via the Red2Blue MN Act Blue page.  Earlier, MC posts about earmarks in Politics Trumps Governance UPDATE : Republicans Delay (?) Earmark Proposal and the "Article 1" campaign in In an Obama Administration Will Republicans Defend Article 1 ?.

A reader writes the Winona Daily news to lament his anger that Congress is selling our rights with the pro-FISA vote. It was reported that a number of representatives who changed from being against telecom immunity to approving it received large campaign contributions from telecoms.

Congressman Walz voted against the bill.  The Mankato Free Press reported that Brian Davis, the endorsed Republican candidate in a primary battle with Dick Day, would have voted for it.

Individuals can reward Walz's standing strong against telecom immunity by contributing by June 30 or volunteering to help with the campaign.

MFP: Congress fails to defend Constitution by going along with FISA bill

The Mankato Free Press editorial board opines today that Domestic spying needs restriction. The editorial is headed by this statement:

Congress is failing in its sworn duty of defending the Constitution by going along with the administration's domestic surveillance program.

The lead:

It seems surprising that 80 United States senators, sworn to uphold the Constitution, voted Wednesday to mow down the last attempt to get them to think seriously how their actions might damage the long-help principles of American democracy and justice.

The editorial draws strongly on Senator Dodd's impassioned speech against cloture. You can access video of the speech via C&L's Senator Chris Dodd, Constitutional Champion.

As the MFP notes in the article Walz sees good, bad news for civil liberties, Tim Walz voted against the FISA bill in the House last week. GOP contender Brian Davis tells the newspaper he would have for the bill,  siding with the DC special interests that ran a scare tactics ad that FactCheck.org said used Fear and False Claims  to attack Walz on his resolve. 

No word on where GOP primary challenger Senator Day stands on the issue.

Congressman Walz drew much justified fire when he voted for the PAA last August. He listened. Since then, he has repeatedly voted to protect civil liberties--with the RESTORE Act last fall, turning back the Senate bill this spring in the face of an expensive ad campaign urging him to stand down on the RESTORE Act, and now voting against the bad bill that was passed in the House and that will most likely pass in the Senate.

Reward Walz for heeding the good sense of his constituents by contributing to his campaign by June 30 or volunteering.

And now, a cover from the Boss, with a shout-out to Richard. Keep your hand on the plow.

Mankato Free Press: Walz on civil liberties

Today's Mankato Free Press reports Walz sees good, bad news for civil liberties. Here's the meat of Walz's position:

This week brought opposite outcomes for basic American civil liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, according to Congressman Tim Walz. The 2nd Amendment was the winner and the 4th was the loser.

 

The good news on Thursday, in Walz’s view, was the Supreme Court decision upholding a lower court ruling that the unusually restrictive gun laws in the District of Columbia were unconstitutional. The 5-4 decision was heralded by gun-rights advocates as an historic confirmation that the 2nd Amendment is about individuals — not just militias.

“Gun ownership is a basic right in America, not to be infringed upon by anyone or any government entity,” Walz said in a written statement. “... It is a victory that gun-owners, hunters, sportsmen and everyday Americans waited too long for.”

But Walz was disturbed by the willingness of Congress to allow warrantees government eavesdropping conducted by the Bush administration in the years following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Critics have said White House officials, with the help of telecommunications companies, violated the 4th Amendment — which requires court approval for intrusive government searches into people’s private affairs.

“We could have stood for a better bill that would have done a better job of balancing liberty and security,” Walz said Thursday.

And the endorsed GOP candidate? He would have voted for the spying bill:

Brian Davis, the Republican Party’s endorsed candidate against Walz, said he would have voted for the bill.

“If we opened them up to lawsuits, we’d all be paying for it,” Davis said of the telephone companies’ customers. “... If there was some violation of civil liberties, I have no problem with finding out what happened.”

No word on how Davis proposes to do that, though he seems to be as willing to surrender ordinary citizens' ability to seek redress through the civil courts as he is willing to surrender on the 4th amendment.

Congressman Walz supports gun rights.  Both contenders for the GOP primary nomination do as well, although Senator Day is the only one with a legislative track record on the issue.

Walz praises SCOTUS Heller decision

As we expected,  Walz concurs with Bluestem about the Heller decision. His office just issued this statement:

Today, in a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court struck down a Washington D.C. ban on handgun ownership.  Earlier this year, Congressman Tim Walz signed on to a friend-of-the-court brief in which he supported the right of citizens to bear arms.

Congressman Tim Walz issued the following statement today:
"Gun ownership is a basic right in America, not to be infringed upon by any one or any government entity.  As someone who works in Washington D.C. when the Congress is in session, I believe it is my right and that of Americans in Washington D.C. and around the country to own firearms.

"I've always been a firm believer in upholding the rights guaranteed by our Constitution.  Last week, I voted against a FISA bill that glossed over the fact that Americans' constitutional rights may have been violated by warrantless wiretapping.  Today, I'm pleased to see that the Supreme Court upheld the rights guaranteed in the 2nd Amendment by striking down Washington D.C.'s gun ban.

"This is the Court's first direct examination of the 2nd Amendment since 1939 and it is a victory that gun-owners, hunters, sportsmen and every day Americans waited far too long for."

We're busy arranging a celebratory bbq with the friends with whom we practice our shooting. Good times

Supreme Court strike down DC handgun ban; Walz had supported individual rights position

In Breaking News: Supremes Strike Down D.C. Handgun Ban, The Wall Street Journal's Law Blog reports:

In District of Columbia v. Heller, the hotly-anticipated case over the D.C. gun ban, a 5-4 majority affirmed the D.C. Circuit’s ruling that the District of Columbia’s ban on handguns violated the Second Amendment. The majority opinion was written by Justice Scalia. Justices Breyer and Stevens wrote dissents. (Here’s

Quoting the syllabus: “The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditional lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.” The ruling in Heller — stemming from a suit brought by several D.C. citizens who contended that the ban on firearms inside one’s home violated the Constitution — marks the first time in 70 years that the Court has weighed in on the meaning of the Second Amendment.

Congressman Walz had signed on to a friend-of-the-court brief supporting Heller's position that the right to bear arms is an individual right; the Strib reported about the brief in Controversial gun law is now a target.

The Court today agreed with the position in the amicus brief.

A pheasant hunter and gun owner, Walz ran on a pro-gun rights position in 2006 and hasn't budged on this principle. For ourselves, we were inclined to take a practical individual rights position drawn from growing up in rural areas where guns are common for hunting and self defense.  This upbringing made us  look kindly on the writings of Sanford Levinson and others; the New York Times reported that we were not alone last year in A Liberal Case for Gun Rights Sways Judiciary.

Our more conservative friends were often surprised at first to find us arguing for gun rights. However, they were always quick to understand it when we explained how we view gun rights as one element in the larger category of civil liberties.

Perhaps one of the funnier stories Congressman Walz tells is of his Chinese friends visiting him in America and being impressed most by two things. One is the American roads. The other is the ability of an ordinary American citizen to go to a store and buy a firearm. This has led them to ask Walz if they can accompany him to a sporting goods store to watch him purchase a gun.

It's not that they want guns for themselves, he explains, it's just that they're so amazed by this freedom that they want to see it take place for themselves. Walz says that he hasn't accommodated the request since he has all the firearms he needs, but his visitors' perspective on his civil liberties has sharpened his appreciation for them.

Photo: 1940s duck hunters at Middle Lake, Nicollet County.

The Hill: NRCC circulates FISA opponent names to telecom PACs

As we mentioned earlier today, the Politico reports that Dems who flipped on FISA immunity see more telecom cash.  Walz voted against telecom immunity last week and The Hill posted his statement in one of its blogs.

Now it looks like the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has tried to use the votes of telecom immunity opponents to raise cash against them. In   FISA overhaul spat moves from Capitol to campaign, The Hill's Walter Alarkon writes:

A new poll suggests that the FISA debate hasn’t resonated with voters in the way Republicans would like it to. According to the Rasmussen survey, 32 percent of likely voters think the government worries too much about protecting individual rights, while the same proportion believes that the government is too worried about national security.

Republicans may also have a difficult time paying for attacks focusing on FISA, with the NRCC raising far less money than its Democratic counterpart and with polls showing other issues — the economy, energy costs and the Iraq war — more on voters’ minds.

Republicans may have to rely on outside advocacy groups to push the issue; the NRCC has even circulated the names of Democratic opponents of the White House-backed FISA deal among telecom companies and their political action committees (PACs). One advocacy group advised by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) and Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, ran ads earlier this year criticizing House Democratic freshmen for not supporting a bill that included immunity. The ads ran in the districts of Reps. Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.), Michael Arcuri (N.Y.), Nancy Boyda (Kan.), Tim Walz (Minn.), Chris Murphy (Conn.) and several others, according to Factcheck.org.

Don't like special interests setting the agenda? With the June 30  FEC deadline for Q2 looming, now's a good time to contribute to and volunteer for Congressman Walz's re-election.

And if you have more coin, please help elect more good Democrats to join Walz in Washington by giving to Red to Blue.