By Paula Overby
We have two parties battling for control of Congress. Democrats believe we can get more from government -- free education, less expensive health care. Republicans believe we need less from government -- fewer taxes, less regulation. In fact, we get neither. In 1948 President Truman named the 80th Congress the "Do Nothing Congress" because it passed 906 bills. This year's 113th Congress passed only 286 bills. In late September, Congress delayed another government shutdown only until after the election.
Ultimately, both Angie Craig and Jason Lewis resort to traditional attack strategies. The Craig campaign attacks Jason Lewis for his verbal tirades during his talk show. The Lewis campaign attacks Angie Craig for her corporate connection to fines assessed against St. Jude Medical for price gouging.
Voters are told that they must be realistic. Simply stated, do not expect much from a Congress whose members spend more than 50 percent of their time raising money for their own elections. That leaves little hope of fulfilling campaign promises. It emphasizes the excessive influence of wealth upon our national and state politics. A recent study from Princeton University concluded that the United States is no longer a republic. "The U.S. has become a country led by a small, dominant class comprised of powerful members who exert total control over the general population -- an oligarchy." Both my opponents receive vast amounts of corporate and special interest PAC money. By contrast, I am a proud member of the middle class and all of the money I have raised comes from individual donations.
The lack of citizen influence over public policy is reflected in a gradual disappearance of candidate forums in favor of emotional appeals created during multi-million-dollar television marketing campaigns. Citizens are totally justified in expressing their concerns. My two opponents are unwilling to face the public in open forums against my candidacy where I am advocating for you, the citizen -- and where you as a citizen can ask a question. My opponents have withdrawn from 1. Farmfest, 2. the League of Women Voters forum at St. Olaf University, 3. the Dakota County Chamber of Commerce forum, 4. the Jewish women's forum and 5. even the Veterans Forum. Have they nothing to share with farmers, students, women, business people and veterans? Wouldn't voters love to hear a meaningful discussion about public policy beyond polarizing and mean-spirited personal attacks? As one league member explained, "Voters truly deserve this opportunity as they strive to make an informed choice."
A Gallup poll in January of 2016 indicates that 29 percent of adults identify as Democrats and 26 percent as Republicans. The other 45 percent have a choice on Nov. 8: Paula Overby is that choice! The most distressing complaint I have heard from people while traveling throughout the district is that it is impossible to meet with their elected representative. By contrast, I am offering transparency, accountability, access to your representative, regular office hours and open public forums where you can ask questions and get answers.
I am a trained advocate and facilitator. From my experience, I know that change will not come from Washington, D.C. Change will happen when the people demand it. I'm focused on protecting and expanding successful community initiatives; I want to expand localized health care. We can no longer tolerate maximizing profits because of unaffordable prescriptions and health care. I support creative initiatives for affordable housing and emphasize economic initiatives like employee-owned businesses and farms, as well as a livable wage for all workers. These are the things I will fight for in Washington, D.C., so that we restore balance in our economy and our government. The best solutions happen at the lowest possible level, among concerned citizens, family and community: solutions motivated by love, understanding and compassion.