BLOG: Top 10 Reasons to Vote 'Tuschy' on November 6th

As I have knocked on door after door in the district, I’ve had countless conversations with concerned voters. I, too, am apprehensive about the future.

I’m tired of our overgrown government, and politicians who tell voters one thing and then vote the other way. Or worse yet, determine their vote based on orders from party leaders, lobbyists and special interest big donors.

When I examined my representative’s voting record and found that he truly didn’t represent me, I felt compelled to do something about it. 

Running for office has been quite the challenge, especially because I’m running against someone who has practically built a brand name in Inver Grove Heights.

I have tried to run a campaign that deals with real issues, not empty promises or fancy wording. I have tried to expose my opponent’s voting record—votes which have real consequences.

My DFL opponent tells his supporters that I am running a negative smear campaign, spreading lies and attacking him. I do not have ill-wishes for my opponent in the slightest. I simply want to talk about the important issues, not fluff. He claims to be the most bipartisan legislator, but he votes with the liberal minority leader 90 percent of the time!

This is my last chance to reach out to any of the undecided voters who have read my blog on the Patch. In the spirit of my opponents famous “Top 10” lists, I would like to share a few more reasons to vote for me on Nov. 6. They won’t include doing polls to select which fried chicken fast food chain restaurant we should have in Inver Grove Heights, but I will do my best …

1) Reduce Government Spending

I understand that the “revenue” Minnesota spends on the budget is tax money - YOUR tax money. Minnesota does not have a “revenue” problem, it has a spending problem. I will work to reduce spending, so we can reduce taxes and you can keep more of your money.

2) Attract and Retain Jobs

I will vote to improve our state’s business climate. Unlike my opponent who voted against HF1 in 2011, I will support legislation which will allow business to flourish and get heavy government regulation off the backs of job creators.

3) Desire to Serve

I have no political career ladder to climb. This is my first attempt to run for office and I am doing so because I think I can be a strong voice against big government. I am not looking to be your next governor or congressman. I just want to do my part to help fix a very broken State Legislature.

4)  Principled and Independent

I don’t belong to special interests. If you look at the donations my opponent receives, you will see he gets massive donations from two big groups - the liquor industry and trial lawyers. Is it any wonder he has introduced more than 200 pieces of legislation over the past 3 years or fought so hard to protect the liquor industry’s government-granted Sunday blue laws, which benefit them? I won’t represent special interests; I will represent YOUR interests.

5)  Smaller, Less Intrusive Government

I understand the intended role of government. Government exists, in a free society, to protect the life, liberty and the property of its citizens. It does not exist to protect us from ourselves. The vote on fireworks the last session is a simple example. Your current representative doesn’t feel you are responsible enough to handle them. He thinks you will be too “schnockered” (his words, not mine) to celebrate Independence Day on your own property with a roman candle or some bottle rockets. I do not believe in a nanny state government, but my opponent does.

6)  Stop Tax Payer Funded Abortions

I believe that all life is sacred. I oppose abortion, but recognize that it is legal. Unlike my opponent, I refuse to allow your tax dollars to kill unborn children. I am supported by Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, the leader in Minnesota pro-life groups, while my opponent is endorsed by NARAL, Pro-Choice Minnesota.

7)  Rein in State Debt

I will work to put an end to Omnibus Bonding Bills. Bonding has more than doubled our state debt in the past 10 years. Many of these projects are nothing more than pork-barrel spending on wasteful projects.

8)  Return Local Control to School Districts

Everyone wants education to improve in this state. We are failing way too many of our children. Of course, first we have to stop playing games with the State budget by borrowing money from the schools. But even more importantly, I will work to allow School Districts much more flexibility, so that they can innovate and improve quickly and nimbly. All of our children deserve to reach their full potential; let’s get government out of the way of the “how”, allowing districts and teachers do that job, while maintaining the Minnesota Department of Education’s role as oversight, support, and coordination.

9) Treat the State Budget Like Your Household’s

I will support zero-based budgeting. We cannot continue to increase spending in Minnesota. Every tax dollar must be spent wisely. Every program must be evaluated for its effectiveness, redundancy and viability. 

10)  Legislators Work For You

I will remember that I work for you. I will always be respectful of you as my boss.  I will keep my legislative updates focused on real issues facing all of us.  I will not spend my time pandering to you or telling you what a great job I am doing.  I will let my voting record do the talking.

I humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday to represent the people of House District 52B. Your vote will help to decide the future of Minnesota. You can vote for more big-government spending, or you can cast a vote for limited government—the freedom to prosper as an individual, without the government legislating your every move.

Join me in shaking things up in St. Paul. Together, we can make history. When we live free, we live better. Cast your vote for freedom on Tuesday, Nov. 6.