S.D. Congresswoman Criticizes Walz; Conservative Bloggers Quiet on Coleman

It’s no secret that U.S. Rep. Tim Walz has some issues with the expansion of the DM&E railroad and the bloated federal loan scheduled to be handed to DM&E.  As the Minnesota Democrat delivered comments from his constituents to the committee in charge of oversight for the U.S. Department of Transportation, he  included some of his own: 

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“The public comment period on this loan may have officially closed,” Walz said, “but it is never too late for citizens to comment on the work of their government.  These comments will be read by members of the DOT Credit Council, which will soon decide whether DM&E is a good credit risk.  By ensuring the Credit Council sees these comments, we are moving in the right direction towards a more transparent and publicly accountable process.”

What you may not have noticed is whether those conservative bloggers addressed their favorite U.S. senator’s position on the DM&E loan.  You see, later in the same article: 

The Federal Railroad Administration ruled on environmental standards for the rail expansion late last week, starting a 90-day clock for ultimate approval or rejection of the DM&E bid by the Transportation Department and sparking fresh vows by Minnesota Sens. Norm Coleman (R) and Amy Klobuchar (D) to block the loan at all costs.

“The burden is on us, as the department moves forward, to try to stop something,” Coleman told reporters on a Thursday conference call. Coleman added that he has reached out to Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, but suggested that the delegation has effective tools for obstruction of the loan if the railroad does not float a mitigation deal to allay Mayo’s concerns. [emphasis added]

U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth’s criticism of her fellow Democrat, Tim Walz, over the DM&E issue is not entirely unexpected — the economic benefit for South Dakota stemming from the railroad expansion will be significant, and it’s her job to support her state’s economy.  But is it inconsistent of conservative pundits to discuss Walz’s role and position in the matter without also discussing that of Minnesota’s two senators, who also represent the interests of Walz’s constituents? Or is this another data point in a continuing trend of attempting to keep issues that might divide Sen. Coleman from his conservative base out of the news?

The question is left to you, discerning reader.

*updated:  According to reports, Walz is not entirely opposed to the expansion, but supports greater transparency in the process.