Former US Senator Dean Barkley (IP) Endorses Hal Kimball
Two years ago, the Senate race between Al Franken and Norm Coleman was a boon for political consultants, spinmasters and negative ad peddlers, but both candidates, with their heavy reliance on the politics of personal destruction, provided a grave disservice to the people of Minnesota. That’s not a path we can afford to go down again. Our state faced great challenges in 2008. Now, the stakes are even higher and all candidates owe those they seek to represent an honest conversation and real, workable solutions for Minnesotans.
In the Howard Lake parade
Across our district, I’ve met countless people concerned about finding jobs, paying for health care, keeping their small businesses up and running and providing their children with every opportunity to succeed. These are bedrock principles across Minnesota and we once led the way in each of these areas. Today, sadly, we’re struggling on every front—and we’re losing the race for the future.
Unfortunately, at a time when we need the very best from our candidates and elected leaders, many of the people I’ve talked to in Wright, Meeker and McLeod counties have lost faith in the ability of government to do anything. Liberal, conservative, or something in between, Minnesotans have grown frustrated with the same old promises, the same old tactics and the same old results at the Capitol. That’s why I’m making the following pledge to voters in our district.
- I will tell the truth.
- I will not promise things I know I can’t deliver.
- I will not take my marching orders—in this campaign and after taking office—from interest groups of any variety. I will do what’s right without regard to politics.
- I will acknowledge that government is not the enemy of the people, but there’s also not a government answer for every challenge we face.
- I will never forget that our ideas must be paid for. Tax cuts and/or program expansions need to be offset with spending cuts and/or revenue enhancements.
- I will always remember that my opponent is a good person who wants the best for Minnesota. Our debate must remain focused on who has the best ideas for achieving our shared goal.
