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Blueprint
4 Change
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Three
Choices
The alternatives
Jim Oberstar Harry Welty Rod Grams
Short takes
Jim Oberstar told a friend of ours 32 years ago when Jim first ran for Congress that he was an "insider." He's now been an insider for 44 years. Jim views his first priority as bringing home the bacon even though our children face an 8.5 trillion dollar national debt as a result of his generosity. He's so committed to being an insider that he jumped into the pocket of one of the most destructive politicians in Congress, the disgraced Tom Delay, just to win more pork. Read more.
Harry Welty is the traditional "none of the above" candidate. In a state which elected Arne Carlson, Paul Wellstone, and Jesse Ventura, this could be a big plus. In a year in which the Congress is held in even lower esteem than the President Harry can point to two very successful terms on the State's most fractious school board. The Duluth School District currently has a surplus and an absence of dire headlines. Welty possesses remarkable analytical skills, creativity and energy which could make him a force to be reckoned with in the 110th Congress. Read more.
Rod Grams is desperate to free himself from the bad blood that he helped bring to American politics when he voted to remove a reasonably successful and popular President, Bill Clinton. Unable to prove any malfeasance Republicans hounded Bill Clinton for a sexual indiscretion until the President turned his public denials into perjury. This partisan myopia cost Grams' reelection in the still moderate state of Minnesota. Rod who hopes that his long association with the most partisan of Republicans will be forgotten or forgiven has now begun chastising them for following the example he set for them. Grams cast 97% of his votes with the Republicans. Read more.
About the picture: Harry made his first venture as a candidate for public office in 1976. His determination to look serious is evident in his first brochure. So is his self consciousness about looking self-important. He found this old leaflet in his parents photo album recently. He had embellished the picture with a little humble pie before giving it to his parents. The bubble says "quack quack quack" and the campaign pin he drew on his chest says: "Welty - he knows what he's talking about."