In 2010, the New Ulm Journal endorsed Randy Demmer over Tim Walz, but this year, the Brown County daily has given the nod to Congressman Walz.
In Klobuchar, Walz deserve re-election, the editors write:
When it comes to Minnesota's U.S. Senate and First District races, the choices are stark. Two hard-working, effective DFL incumbents - Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Tim Walz - opposed by two candidates, one who is having a hard time getting his name to register with voters, the other who is having a hard time getting voters to overlook the name recognition he built up in past losses.
We would have liked to see the Republican Party look harder for candidates who could present a challenge. . . .
Walz is opposed by Alan Quist, whose record as a state legislator in the 1980s was peppered with statements and legislation that sprung from his ultra conservative Christianity. He ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1994, when he lost in the primary to Arne Carlson, and 1998, when he withdrew in favor of Norm Coleman. He ran for the Republican nomination to Congress two years ago, losing to Randy Demmer. He speaks the conservative agenda on spending and taxes, but we question his ability to be effective if elected.
Walz has brought great energy to Congress during his tenure. He has made himself the "go-to guy" on veterans issues. His work on the STOCK act helped plug a loophole and ban members of Congress from profiting on insider trading information. We may not agree with his approach to the economy, but we don't believe he is waiting around for marching orders from President Obama and Nancy Pelosi, either. . .
The paper encourages its readers to returrn both DFLers to Washington. Read the entire endorsement editorial at the Journal. Bluestem will post about other newspaper endorsements in the race as they are published.
Photo: Congressman Tim Walz.
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