Who's representing us in Congress? Currently, those of us who live in the 2nd District are 'represented' by Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin. Baldwin, a progressive Democrat, may be the embodiment of the Isthmus crew with her plans for nationalized health care and tax increases. However, she does not stand for the families, businesses and people living in the district who have a modicum of common sense. Fortunately, Dave Magnum has decided to run again in the 2nd District to provide an alternative to Baldwin. Magnum ran against Baldwin in 2004 and was, in a word, 'trounced.'
But the times are a-changin'. In 2006, without the aid of John Kerry and liberal organizations like MoveOn.org and America Coming Together, Baldwin will have to run on her anti-business and anti-defense record.
Magnum is a business owner who has had to make a payroll and knows what businesses in the 2nd District need, unlike Baldwin, who's been on the taxpayer's dole since 1992 when she represented the 78th Assembly District at the state Capitol. Magnum understands how excessive government entanglement can impede the entrepreneurial spirit. He will cast his votes in Congress to spur economic growth, not hinder it. In addition, he will hold the line on taxes and reduce government spending.
Magnum will vote to defend this nation and support our men and women in the armed services. He knows we need to complete the mission in Iraq and has stated, 'I totally disagree with people like Tammy Baldwin and (Senator) Russ Feingold who would set a date specific for when we would be out of Iraq ... Freedom is tough work ... we have to honor this commitment. We're not going to leave the Iraqi people in the lurch.'
In 2004, Magnum did not announce his candidacy early enough to get his name and message out. However he announced his plan to run this November to get a grassroots army behind him and let the 2nd District know about Baldwin's record. Baldwin votes against our troops. She raises millions of dollars from liberal special interest groups and out-of-state contributors. She notoriously panders to college students, yet she does not come through on her promises. Baldwin's pledge to help college students through tuition grants is nothing but hollow rhetoric. Magnum's pro-business positions will help college students obtain jobs after we receive our degrees. Personally, I'd rather have a job for the next few decades than the promise of an extra thousand dollars in grants for college in the short-term.
In addition, Magnum is a father with two young sons. While his opponent has attempted to make policy decisions regarding issues of education, business and health care, Magnum will have first-hand experiences to reflect on when he casts his votes. He can look to his sons' educations, his experience operating a business where he provided health care and jobs to employees and dealing with the death of his wife to breast cancer.
Finally, Magnum is a self-described 'independent-minded Republican.' He will represent this district responsibly and admirably. Important issues facing our nation'national security, health care, education and fiscal responsibility'require reasonable and experienced individuals willing to listen and represent their constituents.
