The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Editorials

October 31, 2006

Our View: Walz a breath of fresh air

When Tim Walz announced his candidacy for the 1st District U.S. House seat now held by Republican Gil Gutknecht, few insiders noticed. That was many months ago. Now, with just one week to go before the 2006 election, the Army National Guard veteran, Mankato West football coach and Teacher of the Year has a realistic chance of unseating the 12-year Congressman from Rochester.

We think 1st District voters ought to give Walz that chance.

Gutknecht has served his district ably for 12 years. But in a difficult year for Republicans, Gutknecht is now forced to defend his conservative record and support of an unpopular Iraq war. A lesser candidate than Walz would have gotten little traction nonetheless against the experienced and respected GOP legislator. But Walz’ star has risen steadily for several reasons: He is smart, articulate, plain-spoken and well-versed on the issues. He is tough, persuasive and quick on his feet. He offers voters a fresh opportunity for change, and he has outlined positions on many issues — including Iraq — that are remarkably detailed for a first-time candidate.

By now, it should have become clear to every thoughtful voter that Walz is a unique challenger who, with more seasoning, could grow into a strong and persuasive voice for southern Minnesota and for the nation in Washington.

Gutknecht’s capacity to persuade has been mixed. He is a knowledgeable supporter of renewable energy, and his views on prescription drug issues have matured. His views on the Iraq war have changed as of late, to where he now appears to have a fuller grasp on the difficulties the U.S. faces there. But unfortunately, after 12 years Gutknecht still hasn’t emerged as a particularly influential member of the Republican majority.

If you believe tax cuts to the wealthy help spur the economy, Gutknecht is your guy. He and Walz have stark differences on this and Walz wants to roll back those tax cuts to the wealthy. But his plan for tax breaks to the middle class, like deductions and credits for parents paying college tuition, uses only 3 to 4 percent of the total saved in taxes, leaving plenty of room to reduce the deficit and shore up Social Security and Medicare.

Walz has the potential to become a particularly influential congressman, and by some measures, moderate and independent.

“Effectiveness trumps ideology,” Walz has said, and he promises to help fix what he calls “malaise and unease” among voters regarding a Congress that is broken.

Walz — a 24-year Guard veteran — is not just a reactionary critic of the administration’s handling of the Iraq war. He is against immediate withdrawal, favoring the implementation of measurable milestones whereby ultimate success can be achieved and our troops can be brought home as soon as possible, and responsibly.

The newcomer’s energy makes his words sound like more than rhetoric. He is unafraid to stake out thoughtful positions on education, health-care reform and immigration. His viewpoints on the proposed expansion of the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad could serve as a basis for future discussions on the controversial topic. And if Walz is elected and Democrats take control of the House next Tuesday, as many suspect, he expects to be seated on the agriculture committee.

This breath of fresh air is worth an investment.

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