The values that define Minnesota — opportunity through hard work, fair play and responsibility — guide my positions on the important issues facing our state and nation. I'm committed to running a campaign of ideas and issues instead of partisan politics. The people of Minnesota deserve more than a shoutfest about what's right and what's left. Minnesotans deserve a candidate — and a U.S. Senator — who's focused on what's right and what's wrong. It's time for a change in Washington. We need new priorities and real leaders who will put the interests of the many ahead of the interests of the few. I'm a proven leader who knows how to make a difference for the public good. As your U.S. Senator, I will fight on behalf of the people I serve. In Washington, just as I've done as a prosecutor, I will stand up for what's right without fear or favor. I will devote myself to fighting for solutions that serve the best interests of our state and nation. On this page you will find my views on some of the important issues in this campaign. Please watch this space in the weeks and months ahead for additional information.
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Protecting the safety and rights of its people is the first and foremost function of any responsible democratic government. As a prosecutor, that's my mission every day as I serve the more than 1.1 million residents who live in Minnesota's largest county. Likewise, the protection of America's national security – both at home and abroad – is among the most important responsibilities of our government in Washington. |
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For generations, Social Security has been a stable and secure retirement guarantee for all Americans. It is our nation's most successful domestic program, providing an essential safety net and ensuring a decent retirement for Americans who've worked hard their whole lives. That's why I oppose the administration's plan to turn Social Security from a guarantee into a gamble, where the big financial companies on Wall Street would be the only sure winners. |
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At a time when we are spending billions on the reconstruction of Iraq, funding for health care for veterans is far below what's needed. Those are the wrong priorities for our country. We cannot abandon the brave soldiers who fought for us once they return home. We need to provide veterans the benefits they have earned. We must assure fair compensation policies for veterans, good education benefits and the health care that they and their families deserve. |
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Our country currently has to buy well over half of our oil from foreign countries. This growing dependence on foreign oil threatens both our prosperity and our national security. We can't continue down the same energy path that's got us here, but Washington seems more interested in protecting the big oil companies. Complacency is our enemy, and we need a comprehensive energy strategy to get us on a better course. |
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Minnesota has always stood for opportunity through hard work. We believe that no matter where you come from, if you work hard, you can give the uplifting gift of education to your children, you can take care of your parents and have security in your later years. To make the most of this opportunity, we must have an economy that produces good-paying jobs and delivers prosperity for all.
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Minnesotans have always believed that investing in education – from early childhood education to the University of Minnesota and our State Colleges and Universities – pays extraordinary dividends. It pays off for the individual and it pays off for the state. And our past investment has resulted in our high school students having some of the highest test scores in the nation. Minnesotans are proud of our reputation as a brainpower state, but we also know that we can't rest on our laurels. |
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I believe every Minnesotan – and every American – should have access to quality, affordable health care. Minnesota already has one of the highest coverage rates in the nation, and there is much that the rest of the nation can learn from us. But Minnesotans also face higher health care costs than ever before — health care costs have increased more than three and half times the average wage increase. |
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When I visit with farmers across the state – sugar beet farmers in Wilkin County, dairy farmers in Stearns County and corn growers in Swift County – they tell me they want a leader in Washington who will stand up and fight for them, not just make promises to get their votes in an election. I will put Minnesota's farms first in Washington. |
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Minnesota needs a thriving hunting and recreation industry, as well as a clean environment, for a strong economy. Healthy and prosperous communities depend on maintaining our proud heritage of conservation, clean water and clean air. In a state that depends on clean water for our health, our industry and our tourism, we should be able to eat the fish that we catch. |
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Ultimately, the well-being of our children depends on the well-being of our families. And the value of families for our own national well-being cannot be exaggerated. That's why I believe it's a legitimate function of our government to support strong families and make sure parents have the tools they need to protect their children and do what's best for them.
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Ethics is something that is woven into the very fabric of how our government does business. And ethics reform is an issue that goes to the heart of our American democracy—to the public trust and respect that's essential to the health of our constitutional system. |
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Minnesota continues to face threats to public safety, especially in the areas of school safety, violent crime, and drug abuse, especially the meth epidemic. At the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, I have made these issues a priority. However, Minnesota's public safety issues cannot be addressed without support from Congress and the federal government. I am committed to fighting for Minnesota's police officers and for the safety of our citizens.
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