Walz in the news roundup
July 17th, 2007 8:24 pm by Jason B.Our favorite Congressman in the first has been in the news a lot the past few days. Here’s a roundup post with some of the more notable news.
Recent News:
Tim Walz joins 28 others as a member of the Democrats’ Frontline program, a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee committed to providing re-election support.
“Tim Walz raises almost half a million dollars in cash-on-hand” as reported on MNCR. The exact number as reported by the Post-Bulletin is $483,413 in cash reserves. Four republicans that are challenging him did not even come close to this funding amount. Also from the Post-Bulletin:
State Senator, Dick Day - $98,000 in total receipts, $70,000 in cash reserves ($23,000 personal loan)
State Representative, Randy Demmer - $113,625 (Personal loan of $95,000 plus contributions totaling $18,625)
Mayo Clinic Doctor, Brian Davis - No report to FEC
Mark Meyer of Crystal Lake - No report to FEC, but has said he “would report net contributions of $1,650 and $4,542 in reserves.”
There were send-off ceremonies for national guard troops being sent to Kosovo in Austin, Rochester, St. Paul, and Mankato. Tim Walz and Tim Pawlenty were both present. From the Post-Bulletin:
“You represent us as the best America has to offer,” said Walz. “We are the leaders when it comes to freedom. We are behind you, we are behind your families and we are behind your mission.”
As I posted about Congressman Peterson’s acquisition of funds for BSU’s nursing program, Walz announces grants for airports in southern Minnesota. From the WDN:
“These grants will greatly expand travel options for people of Luverne and Rushford and ensure that they continue to have access to safe and economical air travel,” Walz said. “It is important to continually improve all forms of shipping and transportation in southern Minnesota to ensure we remain competitive in an increasingly global marketplace.”
Controversy among No Child Left Behind. Freshmen Democrats may “ally” with President Bush to reauthorize the NCLB education law. From CQPolitics:
“There’s a movement and a commitment to make this better, not scrap it. This is one that all the freshmen feel very strongly about,” Walz said.
Our IDHA! contributing blogger, Ian G. was hired last month as an intern for Congressman Walz. His Facebook status boasts that he received an “A” on his last exam… I believe unrelated to his work with Walz.
Recent Press Releases:
“WALZ ELECTED FRESHMAN CLASS PRESIDENT”
(Washington, D.C.) - This morning, Congressman Tim Walz (MN-01) was elected by acclamation to serve as president of the freshman class in Congress. Prior to today, Walz served as vice president for the freshman class. With the blessing of their classmates, Walz and Hodes had agreed at the beginning of the year to split the class presidency responsibilities, with Hodes assuming the responsibilities for the first six months and Walz taking over for the second half of the year.
“Our freshman class is diverse in so many respects-by geography, gender, religion, and economics-but what we have in common is a unity of purpose and commitment to changing the direction of the country,” said Walz. “Our constituents sent us to Washington to fight for a new course in Iraq and a new way of conducting business in the Congress. It will be an honor to help lead these efforts.”
The freshman class includes 54 representatives elected in 2006: 41 Democrats and 13 Republicans.
“The American public expects a great deal from this new majority and this class of majority-makers, and I am eager to ensure that we keep our promise to the people who sent us here,” said Walz.
“I’d like to extend my gratitude to Congressman Hodes for organizing the freshman class back in January and for doing such a wonderful job getting this caucus off on the right foot. I am honored to succeed him and look forward to continuing this work,” concluded Walz.
“WALZ STATEMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF VA SECRETARY JIM NICHOLSON”
(Washington, D.C.) - Today, Congressman Tim Walz, a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee issued the following statement regarding the resignation of VA Secretary Jim Nicholson.
“Secretary Nicholson’s resignation is an opportunity for Congress, the President, and the country to assess the work that the VA has done in recent years and chart a new course for the agency that focuses solely on the needs of the men and women who have served our country in uniform. The VA is not the place to pursue a partisan political agenda-my only benchmark for judging Secretary Nicholson and his successor is their ability to deliver the highest possible level of care and service to veterans. It is no less than our vets deserve.”
I can’t help but link the same YouTube video Bluestem put up today (you don’t always post faster though!) of Walz speaking to Nicholson at the VA hearing:
Previous related news: Bluestem (1) (2), Blue Man in a Red District (1).
Support Tim Walz, DONATE to his ‘08 re-election campaign!
Campaign website and direct donation link.
That’s it for now. Anyone going to this weekend’s presentation?
July 17th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Oh, yeah, you beat us once or twice…..or was that once? And yeah, we’ll be at the Austin summit. Anyone who wants to see the full schedule, come on over to the prairie.
July 17th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
Ha, that’s right… I forgot that one was this weekend as well. I was talking about Eric Black thoug! And I’m glad I’m thought of as a “nice guy” and not the “pesky” one