If there’s one thing Minnesotans don’t need from their politicians, it’s more finger-pointing and political slogans. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what state Sen. Dick Day gave the readers of the Albert Lea Tribune on Aug. 24.

I ran for Congress in 2006 because I was fed up with the partisan bickering. In Washington, from the farm bill to the G.I. Bill, I have worked with members of both parties to forge common-sense solutions to the problems facing the people of my district. I spend my time back home traveling hundreds of miles across southern Minnesota and talking to folks about their hopes and concerns. 

From the economy to energy, I have sponsored good legislation to help middle-class families. My middle-class tax cut will help 61 million Americans. And, I’ve worked with colleagues from both parties on a bipartisan energy bill that increases offshore drilling and uses new royalty payments to finance research and development in clean fuels and speed up our transition to energy independence.

These bills are common-sense solutions to the problems facing ordinary Americans. In fact, Sen. Day himself has said he doesn’t oppose my middle-class tax cut and he’s glad I’m working on the bipartisan energy bill. And groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have endorsed my energy bill, saying it will, “have a meaningful impact on energy prices.”

This campaign season, I encourage you to ignore the political finger-pointing and ask: Which candidates are forging common-sense solutions that work for us? I think you’ll find that on a host of important issues, I’m working for you.

 
Tim Walz

U.S. representative

First Congressional District

Mankato