South Washington County Senate race
September 9th, 2010 7:08 pm CT
By David Dick, Washington County Independent Examiner
Normally when a politician wins a legislative seat by a 2:1 margin, the opposing party only puts up token resistance the next time out. This does not appear to be the case in Minnesota Senate district 57 (south Washington County).
Even at first blush the contest looks interesting pitting professional politician, Sen. Katie Sieben (D), against the ultimate hockey mom, Karin Housley [R]. Their resumes couldn’t be more different. Sieben holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration, has worked as a U.S. Senate Aide before being elected to the Minnesota House and is now finishing her first term as state Senator. Housley, on the other hand, has a BA in Communications, has worked as a TV producer, formed an investment club, wrote a book, has her own radio show (AM 1220 KLBB), and operates a successful Real Estate business. Both women give of their time to local charities.
In her time in the legislature, Sieben has shown herself to be pretty much in line with state-wide DFL priorities. She has repeatedly voted to raise your gas taxes. Sieben is in favor of embryonic stem cell research and opposed to restrictions on abortion. She is in favor of in-state tuition for illegal immigrants at the University of Minnesota and State Colleges. Her voting record has garnered a near perfect score from the AFL-CIO.
Housley, on the other hand, doesn’t have a legislative record to examine. Instead we must rely on her website for guidance. There we find proposals to cut taxes in order to get the state’s economy rolling again. “New or expanding businesses pay taxes. … Businesses create jobs, not the government.”
Sieben can point to tax cuts as well but only to targeted industries. “Senator Sieben supported the jobs stimulus bill passed this year. …Significant provisions of the bill include: an angel investment tax credit to encourage investment in emerging high-tech, bioscience, and green industries …” Housley would reduce all business taxes.
This fall there is a clear choice in South Washington County for State Senate. If you think that the legislature has been doing a good job and that State government can solve the economic mess we are in, then vote for Katie Sieben. If you like the idea of expanding the size and reach of state government, Sieben is your logical choice.
If you think that making it easier for private businesses to operate in Minnesota will get us back on our feet, then vote for Karin Housley. If you think the legislature has failed to do its job, if you think state government needs to shrink, then vote for Housley.
Either woman is well qualified to represent your interests at the capitol. So think about what your own personal priorities are and vote accordingly.
