Madore to challenge Rep. Kline

The people of the 2nd District deserve someone who will help all Minnesotans, not just the rich white ones like Kline does.

He refuses to bring money back to us in Minnesota because he says that is pork barrell spending.

Mr. Oberstar brings home lots of money to his district. He likes all Minnesotans.

Every legislator representing Minnesota should be judged on how much money they bring back to help all of us in our fine state. After all, that is why we sent them to Washington, isn’t it?

We need ANYONE other than Kline. I don’t know anything about Ms. Madore, but she has got to be a lot better than that horrible Republican Kline.

I can’t agree T-Paw. That’s not the only way to judge legislators. I’m not impressed by Kline’s refusal of earmarks since they can be used openly for public purposes, like Oberstar, but how they vote, how they respond to constituents, and what legislation they choose as priorities all matter quite a lot. Madore is a lot better off going after Kline for having no ideas and just obstructing other people’s efforts to solve problems.

“Is a Jerk” clearly has a grossly misguided concept of the role of a Congressional representative. The proper role is to represent the interests of citizens in the district in the work of the nation. To suggest that it is an appropriate function to fight for the “pork” is a perfect example of the entitlement mentality that has infected so many Americans. To hold up Mr. Pork Barrel himself, Jim Oberstar, as an example is confirmation that “Is a Jerk” missed the civics portion of his high school curriculum (if, indeed, it is still part of the curriculum).

Madore promises to “bring projects back”… like Oberstar’s bike and walking paths amid economic disaster? No thanks! Kline’s refusal to trade “pork” is best for all, whether “all” are capable of understanding simple economics or not. Gov’t and all their fancy named programs are broke, inflationary, oppressive and marginally effectvie at too dear a price. Elections have consequences.

“I will fight to bring jobs and economic security back to families here in Minnesota.” How will she do this? By towing the party line and continually voting us further into debt with wasteful spending. Nothing new here. Just empty campaign rhetoric.

I look forward to John Kline’s reelection. This will be another easy one for him. Lets get the party started!

I agree with Eric’s comment. Kline has far more serious problems than failing to ask for Federal money. We’d be much better off as a country without porkbarrel politics and christmas tree bills offering gifts for every district. Earmarks have their place and should be judged strictly on their merits. Hardly anyone is saying that Minnesota shouldn’t have had federal assistance rebuilding the I-35W bridge, especially since it’s an interstate highway. However, I wouldn’t campaign on asking for more federal money, since our nation’s debts are truly becoming unsustainable. Go after Kline on health care, veterans, foreclosures, and bank bailouts, where he’s very weak and vulnerable.

Shelley Madore is in fact the second DFLer to announce a run against Kline. Dan Powers of Burnsville announced in mid November that he would be running to defeat John Kline.

I’m somewhat surprised to see a press release published without that context. Is the Independent turning into the Star Tribune?

I didn’t say she was the first, but thanks for weighing in.