I am very disappointed with Collin Peterson. His campaign slogan is "Strong Leadership for Rural Minnesota" but how can he claim "strong leadership" without introducing and passing any significant bills in 16 years?
Peterson ducked nine consecutive debates, not wanting to explain poor job performance and recent liberal voting record. One would think he would appreciate every opportunity to demonstrate "strong leadership." Poor debating skills might explain why he can't seem to get anything substantive passed in 16 years.
In the last two years, Peterson made a deal with the liberal Democratic leadership to become ranking Democrat on the House Ag Committee. He used to vote like his conservative district, but now he votes the liberal Democrat party line. After 16 years running as a Democrat, he has finally has become a Democrat!
He says he doesn't support illegal amnesty, but co-sponsored HR884, a bill for amnesty, Social Security credit, and job protection for three million illegal aliens ( www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?billh109-884 ).
According to www.opensecrets.org , this election he raised $810,000 in campaign contributions. Seventy-seven percent came from special-interest groups (PACs), and 46 percent from outside Minnesota. He sold out our district to special interests to become a Washington insider. Peterson hasn't changed Washington in 16 years. Now we see Washington has changed him.
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Michael Barrett is a pharmacist, with strong ethics, who would never sell us out for a leadership position. His desire is to be a true citizen legislator, not a professional politician.
Barrett received 100 percent of his individual contributions from Minnesota, and only $6,000 from PACs (Norm Coleman and pharmacists), compared to Peterson's $622,000. Barrett's loyalty is to his district, not to special-interest groups or Washington insiders.
Michael Barrett attended every debate, demonstrating very capable leadership. He is intelligent, honest, and understands our district. In my opinion he would represent us well. We need positive change and a fresh voice in Washington. Peterson has become another professional politician who has grown into his chair.
Please join me in voting for Michael Barrett on Nov. 7.
Bob Quasius
Marshall
