I’ve written a lot about the 2018 election, but it’s mostly been local races. I’m hesitant to write about the federal races just because so much ink has already been spilled. I’m not sure I have a lot to add. But I guess I’ll wade in and say why I’m voting for Angie Craig.
Minnesota’s Second Congressional District
In 2016 I was not very fired up about Angie Craig. I agreed with her on the issues, but I didn’t see a lot in her campaign that excited me. I’m not sure how much of that was simply me not paying attention.
After the 2016 election, I was paying attention. And I saw more to like in Craig’s campaign. I think she’s been more present and vocal, and I have a better sense of who she is. Heck, I’ve met her and she’s talked to my kids and I.
It’s entirely possible I just wasn’t paying attention in 2016 and she’s not campaigning any differently, but it feels different. Certainly the entire atmosphere feels different than 2016.
I’m a lot more excited about Craig. I understand where she’s coming from and what she stands for.
In 2016, I didn’t like her opponent, Jason Lewis, and I don’t like him now that he’s been my representative in Congress for two years. Back in 2016 he seemed like a mini-Trump who said horrible things and vowed to do horrible things. Two years later, he’s delivered on both. If anything, we now know more about the horrible things he’s said. (What’s horrible? Anti-LGBTQ, anti-women, anti-black. So yes, horrible.)
Back in 2016 I thought he’d be defeated just like Trump. Boy was I wrong.
So I’m absolutely voting for Angie Craig.
A Few Issues
I feel like a lot of these federal races are pretty obvious Democrat/Republican divides. If you believe in certain things, you’re going to come down for one candidate or the other. I just don’t know if there are that many issues that truly stick out.
So instead of detailing every issue, how about we just talk about the few I’m passionate about and/or have actually called Lewis’ office about?
Gun Safety:
- Lewis has done absolutely nothing on this issue. I complained when he rolled back an Obama rule that tried to keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill. Lewis claimed not to have an issue with the rule, but with how it was an abuse of executive power. Fine, pass it in a way that’s not executive overreach. Nope, no action. I later asked for more action on gun safety, and Lewis said we need to enforce the laws we have. Fine, do something about it. Nope, no action.
- Craig: “We have failed our young people by not taking common sense measures to prevent gun violence. No more.” (Source)
Deficit:
- One of Lewis’ biggest issues was the ballooning deficit. This is an argument I actually agree with, but nobody actually delivers on it. Proof: Lewis has been a huge proponent of the tax cuts, which have only made the deficit bigger. When I called Lewis to complain about the lack of aid to Puerto Rico, he cited the excessive cost and our deficit. So really that’s just an issue he trots out when it’s convenient.
Human Rights:
- Jason Lewis has made horrible comments about the LGBTQ community, women, and minorities. Simply put, I don’t want to be represented by someone in Congress who has ever said those kinds of things. It’s indefensible, yet Lewis stands by them.
- Craig:
- “In Congress, I will fight like hell to make sure that women have the respect and opportunities they deserve so all of our families can thrive.” (Source)
- “Happy Pride! Today we celebrate how far we’ve come. Just a few years ago most states didn’t recognize my marriage. Now, everywhere in this country and in more places than ever around the world, people are free to marry the person they love. So this weekend we march in a parade, dance in the street and celebrate the progress. And tomorrow, we’ll wake up and get back to work because so much is left to be done.” (Source)
- “On this, the 50th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I encourage everyone to join me in taking a moment to consider, not only how far we’ve come, but how much further we still have to go to truly realize his dream. Dr. King was not only a tireless advocate for racial equality, but also committed to economic justice and advancing peace around the world. We can all honor his memory by continuing his work.” (Source)
There’s a plethora of other issues out there that I won’t even get into (Healthcare? Russian meddling? The environment? Voter suppression?).
I also like that Lewis is trying to claim he’s an independent voice when he’s voted with Trump 91% of the time. That ad is making the rounds, but let’s just be clear about the reality.
Outside the District
Maybe the best reason not to vote for Jason Lewis: He didn’t even vote for himself in 2016, and he won’t in 2018. Why not? He can’t. He doesn’t live in the district.
It’s perfectly legal (he only has to live in Minnesota), but it’s silly. Not that I want to side with Trump, but he made fun of this with Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff in a 2017 special election in Georgia.
Vote November 6
That’s my take. Do your own research and be sure to vote November 6.
If you need more help, there was a candidate forum you can watch.