Brian 2008

Widespread Panic: A personal health care story

2009-10-07T21:39:00.001-04:00

Widespread Panic: A personal health care story

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The Cap and Tax Fiction

2009-06-25T14:14:00.003-04:00

Democrats off-loading economics to pass climate change bill.

From the Wall Street Journal editorial page, June 26, 2009

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has put cap-and-trade legislation on a forced march through the House, and the bill may get a full vote as early as Friday. It looks as if the Democrats will have to destroy the discipline of economics to get it done.

Despite House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman's many payoffs to Members, rural and Blue Dog Democrats remain wary of voting for a bill that will impose crushing costs on their home-district businesses and consumers. The leadership's solution to this problem is to simply claim the bill defies the laws of economics.

Their gambit got a boost this week, when the Congressional Budget Office did an analysis of what has come to be known as the Waxman-Markey bill. According to the CBO, the climate legislation would cost the average household only $175 a year by 2020. Edward Markey, Mr. Waxman's co-author, instantly set to crowing that the cost of upending the entire energy economy would be no more than a postage stamp a day for the average household. Amazing. A closer look at the CBO analysis finds that it contains so many caveats as to render it useless.

For starters, the CBO estimate is a one-year snapshot of taxes that will extend to infinity. Under a cap-and-trade system, government sets a cap on the total amount of carbon that can be emitted nationally; companies then buy or sell permits to emit CO2. The cap gets cranked down over time to reduce total carbon emissions.

To get support for his bill, Mr. Waxman was forced to water down the cap in early years to please rural Democrats, and then severely ratchet it up in later years to please liberal Democrats. The CBO's analysis looks solely at the year 2020, before most of the tough restrictions kick in. As the cap is tightened and companies are stripped of initial opportunities to "offset" their emissions, the price of permits will skyrocket beyond the CBO estimate of $28 per ton of carbon. The corporate costs of buying these expensive permits will be passed to consumers.

The biggest doozy in the CBO analysis was its extraordinary decision to look only at the day-to-day costs of operating a trading program, rather than the wider consequences energy restriction would have on the economy. The CBO acknowledges this in a footnote: "The resource cost does not indicate the potential decrease in gross domestic product (GDP) that could result from the cap."

The hit to GDP is the real threat in this bill. The whole point of cap and trade is to hike the price of electricity and gas so that Americans will use less. These higher prices will show up not just in electricity bills or at the gas station but in every manufactured good, from food to cars. Consumers will cut back on spending, which in turn will cut back on production, which results in fewer jobs created or higher unemployment. Some companies will instead move their operations overseas, with the same result.

When the Heritage Foundation did its analysis of Waxman-Markey, it broadly compared the economy with and without the carbon tax. Under this more comprehensive scenario, it found Waxman-Markey would cost the economy $161 billion in 2020, which is $1,870 for a family of four. As the bill's restrictions kick in, that number rises to $6,800 for a family of four by 2035.
Note also that the CBO analysis is an average for the country as a whole. It doesn't take into account the fact that certain regions and populations will be more severely hit than others -- manufacturing states more than service states; coal producing states more than states that rely on hydro or natural gas. Low-income Americans, who devote more of their disposable income to energy, have more to lose than high-income families.

Even as Democrats have promised that this cap-and-trade legislation won't pinch wallets, behind the scenes they've acknowledged the energy price tsunami that is coming. During the brief few days in which the bill was debated in the House Energy Committee, Republicans offered three amendments: one to suspend the program if gas hit $5 a gallon; one to suspend the program if electricity prices rose 10% over 2009; and one to suspend the program if unemployment rates hit 15%. Democrats defeated all of them.

The reality is that cost estimates for climate legislation are as unreliable as the models predicting climate change. What comes out of the computer is a function of what politicians type in. A better indicator might be what other countries are already experiencing. Britain's Taxpayer Alliance estimates the average family there is paying nearly $1,300 a year in green taxes for carbon-cutting programs in effect only a few years.

Americans should know that those Members who vote for this climate bill are voting for what is likely to be the biggest tax in American history. Even Democrats can't repeal that reality.

Republicans' Road Back: Washington Post

2008-11-07T18:23:00.004-04:00

By John BoehnerFriday
November 7, 2008

While Republicans are disappointed by Tuesday's results, we respect the American people's decision and pledge to work with President-elect Barack Obama when it is in the best interest of our nation. Some Democrats and pundits may want to read Tuesday's results as a repudiation of conservatism -- a sign that Republicans should give Democrats on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue a free ride. I don't see it that way, and neither should Republicans across the country.

The next four years are critical to the future of our families, our economy and our country, and we have a responsibility to rebuild our party by fighting for the principles of freedom, opportunity, security and individual liberty -- the principles upon which the GOP was founded. Recommitting ourselves to these principles means two things: vigorously fighting a far-left agenda that is out of step with the wishes of the vast majority of Americans and, more important, promoting superior Republican alternatives that prove that we offer a better vision for our country's future.

America is still a center-right country. This election was neither a referendum in favor of the left's approach to key issues nor a mandate for big government. Obama campaigned by masking liberal policies with moderate rhetoric to make his agenda more palatable to voters. Soon he will seek to advance these policies through a Congress that was purchased by liberal special interests such as unions, trial lawyers and radical environmentalists, and he'll have a fight on his hands when he does so.

In record numbers, Americans voted on Tuesday for a skillful presidential nominee promising change, but "change" should not be confused with a license to raise taxes, drive up wasteful government spending, weaken our security, or give more power to Washington, Big Labor bosses and the trial bar. Americans did not vote for higher taxes to fund a redistribution of wealth; drastic cuts in funding for our troops; the end of secret ballots for workers participating in union elections; more costly obstacles to American energy production; or the imposition of government-run health care on employers and working families.

Republicans have a responsibility to offer a better way. We must reaffirm Americans' faith in our party by reminding them why ours traditionally has been a party of reform rooted in freedom and security. This will not happen overnight. We must make the case one issue at a time, offering solutions to our country's biggest challenges to earn back the American people's trust and rebuild our majority.

Our most immediate challenge is creating new jobs and getting our economy moving in the right direction again. While Republicans have put forward a plan for economic growth and job creation, congressional Democrats are proposing hundreds of billions of dollars in new government spending masquerading as "economic stimulus." To rebuild 401(k) plans and keep jobs here at home, we'll offer tax relief for families and small businesses. And to lower fuel costs and create as many as a million new jobs, we'll offer a comprehensive plan for more American energy.

We'll also offer health-care reforms that empower patients and doctors, promote a strong military that keeps us on offense to protect the American people, and demand fiscal and ethical reforms to fix a broken Washington tarnished by scandals on both sides of the aisle. We have a responsibility to the American people to make sure our ideals are heard, and we expect these to be vigorous debates.

I wasn't born a Republican. I grew up outside Cincinnati as one of 12 children. Our dad ran a bar. I became a Republican because I believe that if you work hard and believe in yourself, there is nothing you can't achieve. That's the American dream. And I look forward to leading Republicans in fighting for it. If we return to our roots, to our belief in freedom, opportunity, security and individual liberty, our party will come back stronger than ever.

In Congress, Republicans will work across party lines to find solutions to the immense challenges that confront our nation. But we'll also stand firmly against policies that violate our principles -- the same principles held by the vast majority of American families. We Republicans must renew our nation's trust in us by offering better alternatives rooted in the reforms that define our party and by fighting for the American dream.

The writer, a congressman from Ohio's 8th District, is the House Republican leader.

Davis brings health care expertise to race: Mankato Free Press

2008-11-01T20:38:00.002-04:00

By Mark FischenichThe Free Press
October 30, 2008 08:49 pm

Dr. Brian Davis has a professional resume that just doesn’t quit.

There’s the degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Illinois and the work in nuclear power plant design and radioactive waste management. There are the master’s and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

There’s the medical degree from the University of Illinois and the oncology practice at the Mayo Clinic.

Davis jokes that when his parents encouraged him to get a college education, he went a bit overboard. But the Illinois native also notes the work he did to earn money for college, including jobs as a furniture mover and janitor.

While Davis believes his background would be useful as the nation faces important energy and health-care decisions, he hasn’t made his biography a central part of his campaign. There is one skill he’s developed as a specialist in cancer treatment he believes would be helpful on a broader level if he’s elected.

He talks of the many times he’s gone into a room where a cancer patient and family members are waiting, tries to put them at ease and then discusses the sometimes tough choices they face.

“It does put things in perspective and also puts me in a position where I need to explain difficult things,” Davis said. “And I think when you’re running for office, you are put in a position where you have to answer a lot of questions in front of a lot of people.”

New to politics

Davis’ political experience is as shallow as his educational and professional background is deep.
A resident of Minnesota for a dozen years, he first became active in Republican politics when he began thinking of running against Walz. Generally pleased with the representation he’d received from Republican Congressman Gil Gutknecht (who Walz defeated, ending a 12-year-run in the House), Davis didn’t like the direction the new Democratic majority was headed in 2007.

Despite his inexperience, Davis knocked off two veteran Republican state lawmakers in the GOP endorsement process and in the September primary election. He raised more than $1 million in campaign donations, although more than $300,000 was in the form of loans and contributions he made personally.

Described as “a brilliant guy” who is “also deeply conservative” by John Hinderaker, one of the founders of the influential conservative Web log Power Line, Davis doesn’t comment on the “brilliant” part but agrees with the description of his political philosophy.

He’s an opponent of abortion and gay marriage, is doubtful that fossil fuel consumption is the primary reason for global climate change and opposes embryonic stem cell research. He wants to make the Bush tax cuts permanent, would like to eliminate the estate tax and would be interested in studying a nationwide sales tax as a replacement for income taxes.

Davis doesn’t expect a majority of voters in the 1st District agree with him on all of those stances, but he’s confident he can win the race.“Minnesota is a great place, and a lot of people look at the candidates for who they are,” he said. “And they may not agree with them on every issue, but they feel they can trust that person to be straight with them.”

A new direction

With too few exceptions, Walz has been a loyal supporter of the Democratic leadership of the House, Davis said.“What we were told in 2006 is that we were going to see an independent voice. We haven’t seen that from Mr. Walz.”

Walz bucked his leadership on gun issues, the No Child Left Behind education plan and on the $700 billion bailout of the financial services industry — but not much else, Davis said.

“And when it comes to the votes on Iraq, he hasn’t always been there — I would argue — in terms of supporting the mission.”

Much of Davis’ campaign has centered on oil drilling. Davis supports virtually unlimited access for the oil companies to federal waters and lands, including in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He condemns Walz for initially opposing expanded offshore drilling, although Walz later joined a coalition of Democrats and Republicans who developed a compromise plan that received 179 Republican votes (about 90 percent of all Republicans) in the House earlier this fall.But the delay was a costly one, Davis said.

“That preceded our financial crisis, and the two are very much related,” he said. “I think it’s difficult to deny that that precipitated our financial crisis. And that’s where we differ.”

Davis adds that the bursting of the housing bubble and the reckless lending practices of financial institutions also played a role.

Criticisms

The Walz campaign and the Democratic Party have criticized Davis’ positions on Social Security and taxes, in both cases not telling the complete story.

Because Davis would consider partial privatization of Social Security, a Walz ad has said Davis supports “cutting guaranteed benefits.”

The basis of the accusation is that Davis would undermine the financial viability of the system because younger workers would be able to divert money to private accounts.

Davis notes the long-term solvency of the Social Security system is in doubt even if no changes are made and that Walz is offering no specifics on how he would fix the problem.Another criticism — this one from the DFL Party — suggests Davis wants to institute a 23 percent nationwide sales tax. Davis said the flier fails to mention he only supports studying the idea of a flat tax and that it would be intended as a replacement of — not in addition to — existing federal taxes.

He also disputes suggestions the Bush tax cuts favor the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans.

“That is not true,” Davis said. “And there’s a lot of rhetoric geared toward the politics of envy and class warfare.”

Davis doesn’t give a direct answer when asked if he supports the current progressive income tax, which taxes higher income at higher rates: “I don’t like that we have a 67,000-page tax code. It’s a monstrosity.”

He also said he’s opposed on principle to the numerous tax credits available to individuals and businesses, something he considers government micro-managing of the economy.

Davis also doesn’t say whether he would support the pay-as-you-go budget rules — a strategy to reduce budget deficits by requiring that any new spending increases or tax cuts be offset with spending cuts or tax increases in other parts of the budget: “That’s one strategy.”

Looking forwardDavis released internal polling more than a month ago that showed he’d closed the gap with Walz — but that it was still 18 percentage points. He hasn’t released any polling results since.“It’s always hard to tell,” he said of the campaign. “But we like the way things are going.”

Davis has talked often on the campaign trail about energy issues, particularly boosting the nation’s domestic energy production. Rather than being a campaign strategy aimed at fed-up motorists, he said it’s an issue he believes is the key to everything from joblessness to the federal deficits.

The only major factor that is absent today but was present during the boom times of the 1990s is cheap oil, Davis said.

“If we could get to the point where we get energy prices down, I think you’d see inflation go down, you’d see unemployment go down, you’d see tax receipts go up.” If he can pull off a come-from-behind victory next week, Davis promises to work on that issue and more the next two years.

“Right now, we have problems with taxes, our economy, energy and health care,” Davis said.

“And we’ve got somebody who’s going to go there and offer honest solutions and try to get something done.”

Davis on the Road: New Ulm Journal

2008-11-01T20:26:00.005-04:00

By KEVIN SWEENEY
Journal Editor

NEW ULM - As the political campaign season hits its final frantic days, Republican First District Congressional candidate Brian Davis is hitting the road hard to make a last pitch for votes.

On Thursday he was on the road with Gov. Tim Pawlenty, and Friday he took a big swing through the western part of the First District, with stops in Worthington, Pipestone, Fairmont and New Ulm.

Davis is working to get the word out on his main issues, and encouraging supporters to "bring 50 friends with you when you go to the polls on Tuesday."

Davis is touting his positions on the economy, energy and health care, but he is also spending time defending himself on issues such as Social Security and tax policy.

He has been targeted by Democratic literature that claims he wants to "gamble your Social Security benefits in the stock market," and that he wants to add a 23 percent federal sales tax.
The Social Security claims are not true, said Davis, especially when it says he wants to cut people's benefits. "That's just not true," he says.

As far as privatization, he has advocated in the past for allowing younger workers to invest some of their Social Security taxes, but not requiring it for anyone, especially workers who are nearing retirement and will be receiving benefits soon.

The national sales tax claims stem from a debate back in Winona between candidates seeking the Republican endorsement. When they were asked about the Fair Tax proposal, in which the federal income tax would be replaced by a national sales tax, "I said I thought it was worth studying, especially since 70 members of Congress had supported it, but I never said I would vote for it," Davis said Friday.

"We do need tax simplification," said Davis, but there are many, many questions about the national sales tax that need to be answered before such a major change in tax policy would ever be considered.

Davis, running against Democratic Rep. Tim Walz, said he would have opposed the economic bailout package, as Walz did.

"We need to fix the lending procedures first that led to this situation before we should be giving federal funding to the lenders," he said.

Davis said he believes in the strength of the free market system and its ability to create wealth rather than government intervention.

On the issue of energy, Davis said he favors an "all of the above" policy that includes expanded offshore drilling, and utilizing renewable energy as much as possible.

He favors expanded use of U.S. oil supplies to reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil.
Asked about the record third quarter profits ($14.8 billion) that Exxon reported this week, Davis said he thinks the investment tax credits oil companies received for drilling should end. But there should be incentives to encourage oil companies to go after the large amounts of U.S. oil that exists in oil shale.

The energy issue is very important to the U.S. economy, he said. In the 1990s, when oil was $10 a barrel, the U.S. economy was humming and there were federal budget surpluses, Davis said.
"We should have used that to pay down some of the national debt," he said.

But when the price of oil skyrocketed this year, it has led to economic problems resulting in a recession.

Davis favors developing more alternative energy, but he points out that the U.S. is currently getting 85 percent of its energy from fossil fuels. He doesn't think it is likely that renewable energy and wind power will be able to replace that 85 percent anytime soon.

On health care Davis, who is a radiologic oncologist at the Mayo Clinic, said the U.S. health care system is the best in the world, but it needs improvement. "I was asked to grade it, and I give it an A-minus. We need to make it an A-plus.

"The problem is that the cost of health care coverage is increasing at twice the rate of inflation," said Davis.

Davis said it would help if the nation had a uniform set of health care mandates. Currently, each state has its own mandated health care that insurance companies must cover. Minnesota tops the list, he said, "and that's not necessarily a bad thing."

But if there was a national consensus on what health care coverage should cover, it would allow insurance companies to compete over a broader area, reducing the costs.

He also favors a John McCain style of tax credit that can be used to purchase health insurance that goes from job to job, rather than expecting employers to provide health coverage.

Davis also favors more competition and negotiations for pharmaceuticals in the Medicare program to cut costs.

Davis said there are changes coming for health care, but the country should be careful not to destroy the incentives that have led the private sector to produce so many advances in medical care in the last few decades.

A private take on Social Security: From Former State Legislator Al Schumann in the Pipestone Star

2008-11-01T20:14:00.002-04:00

To the editor:

Our Democrat friends all over the nation are running against privatizing the Social Security system.In Minnesota the state employees, as well as the teachers retirement, have always been privatized. Their retirement board is made up of elected members of the employees and the governor and state treasurer, which invests the money in various stocks and bonds in the open market.

Back in the 1960s when I was in the Legislature we made a slight change. P.E.R.A. and T.R.A. did not include death and survivor benefits, and Social Security did. We changed the law so that 50 percent of the payments went into Social Security, 50 percent went into the privatized accounts. Oh, did we run into opposition from the state and teacher’s union. They much preferred their privatized retirement system because of the excellent returns on their investments.

I get the regular reports from the board and they have been getting up to 10-12 percent annually. They wouldn’t change for the Social Security’s two percent return at any price. Under the “rule of 72” it would take 36 years to double your money at two percent, while at 12 percent it will double in six years. If $10,000 is invested, at two percent, it will be worth $20,000, with compounded interest, in 36 years. If $10,000 is invested, at 12 percent, it will be worth $640,000, with compounded interest, in 36 years. Can you blame them for not wanting to change?

There have been numerous bipartisan boards looking at the problems we are going to have in Social Security. The last one included our former Democratic congressman Tim Penney and former U.S. Sen. Daniel Moynihan, D-New York. One recommendation was that we consider privatization. Remember you only lose money on stocks when you sell low. The boards invest roughly the same amount every month and they can buy more stock when the price is low. The stock will always come up in time.

Brian Davis is right to support partial privatizing for Social Security. Our younger citizens won’t have much when they retire under the present program. Being against this may be a popular gimmick for an election, but please tell us Mr. Walz, what are you proposing to do about the Social Security system? And, contrary to what you have been saying on TV ads, it will not take any money away from the present recipients.

Al Schumann
Eyota

Davis stumping through First Congressional District: Pipestone Star

2008-11-01T20:05:00.005-04:00

By Duane Winn
November 1, 2008

Republican Brian Davis offers a fair facsimile of a football coach who tells his troops at halftime that although they are behind, they still have a fighting chance of pulling off an upset. Or perhaps Davis is exhorting his players not to be complacent; that although they are enjoying a healthy lead, they still need to play hard to sew up victory.

Davis said there are no published polls of which he is aware that show either him or his incumbent opponent, U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, DFL-Mankato, in the lead for Minnesota’s First Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Davis, a Rochester physician, half-joking, asked each Republican gathered Friday at Lange’s Café in Pipestone to call 200 of his or her closest friends to urge them to vote for him. Pipestone County is a bastion of conservatism. In 2006, it was one of four counties in the district that longtime Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht carried en route to a stunning setback at the hands of Walz.

With five days left until the general election, Davis is making a swing through his district, even where his support is the strongest, outlining where he stands on the issues and combating what he calls mischaracterizations of his positions by the enemy camp.

“We can win this election. We have to get every vote out,” Davis said Friday. "When it comes to important issues like the economy and energy, we have the right answers — at least, we’re offering solutions to these problems.

"Davis said Friday that he believes in the right to life (“Life begins at conception”). He also stated that the United States should drill offshore for oil. Davis also believes that the nation’s health care system doesn’t need to be revamped, just fine-tuned, emphasizing an increase in insurance portability and preventive treatment.

These platforms, Davis said, make sense for the entire country, not just for Republicans. However, he believes that the Walz campaign is trying to prevent his positions from getting out by mischaracterizing his positions on certain hot-button issues, such as Social Security a national sales tax.

A Walz radio ad claimed that Davis wants to cut guaranteed Social Security benefits for senior citizens.

“I think this is the most egregious mischaracterization, that I want to cut benefits,” Davis said.

“You cannot get that from anything I’ve said. I do not want to cut benefits. People rely on it, and it’s the best anti-poverty program that we have.

“Secondly, he’s mischaracterizing me on the privatization. He says I want to privatize all Social Security and put in the stock market, gamble it all away on the stock market.

”Davis stated that the DFL Party is claiming in ads and brochures that he supports a national sales tax when, in fact, he’s never publicly stated his approval for it.

Davis said that given the economic climate, all potential strategies should be looked at. He said, though, that he wouldn't support the idea until exhaustive research showed that it was a feasible idea.Davis said these accusations are designed to “frighten people needlessly.”

“It’s not a productive means of bringing issues to public discourse,” Davis said.Davis also took the Walz campaign to task for insistently referring to him as a “millionaire,” hinting that he doesn’t understand middle-class concerns.

“It’s a certain type of class warfare and politics that just isn’t productive,’ said Davis.

Former state legislator Verne Long, of Pipestone, said that no congressional candidate in this district within recent memory has featured gifts like those of Davis. In addition to being a physician, which gives Davis a unique perspective into health care issues, Davis also holds a degree in nuclear engineering. This gives Davis special insight into dealing with our energy problems, Long concluded.

Letter to the Editor: Albert Lea Tribune

2008-11-01T19:58:00.002-04:00

Davis will bring fresh ideas to Congress

Published Thursday, October 30, 2008

Rep. Tim Walz seems to be a very desperate man. Whenever a candidate has to stoop to airing outright falsehoods about their opponent, he is a candidate in trouble. The attack ads that Tim Walz has run against Dr. Brian Davis accusing him of wanting to cut Social Security are false. They are part of the fear tactics that are used by politicians.

Dr. Davis is concerned for the well being of our Social Security system, which Rep. Tim Walz has jeopardized by reckless votes on spending measures. The current Congress should not be returned to office because of their total lack of fiscal restraint.

Brian Davis with his fresh ideas and his expertise in several fields has Tim Walz desperate. The Walz campaign has gone to promoting falsehoods because they are afraid.

Tim Walz didn’t know what to do in Congress and took bad advice from the Democratic leadership voting with them instead of for us. Now he is taking bad advice from his campaign. We need someone who is able to think for himself. We need someone who supports Minnesota citizens’ best interests from the cradle to the grave.

Brian Davis cares for the welfare of the unborn infant as well as for our senior citizens. Brian Davis will make us proud that he is our representative in Congress. Let’s make a change Nov. 4!

Paul Ibisch
La Crescent

A look at the First District issues: Owatonna People's Press

2008-11-01T19:42:00.003-04:00

Jeff Cagle
Posted: Thursday, October 30, 2008 9:45 pm

OWATONNA — When Tim Walz ran against then-Congressman Gil Gutknecht two years ago for the First Congressional District, he was only able to capture 46 percent of the Steele County votes as opposed to the 54 percent his opponent garnered.

But with one term under his belt, Walz is betting that he can have a better showing in the Republican-leaning county and is confident he’ll do well against his Republican opponent Brian Davis, a physician from Mayo Clinic.“I think people know what kind of leadership I provide, and I’m hoping we improve upon that turnout last time that we did,” Walz said.

The freshman congressman touts his accomplishments for the county as including federal funding for Highway 14 and flood mitigation in Owatonna. Walz also has made numerous stops in Owatonna — appearing at Owatonna High School, a local trucking company and a grocery store.

The Walz campaign also boasts one of the largest grassroots organizations as they campaign for re-election bid.Davis, for his part, has been running television and radio ads, along with making some campaign stops and other events. Though he hasn’t made as many stops in Owatonna, Davis believes this to be a closer race than what people may believe.

“I can tell you when my opponent is spending $800,000, we know what he knows and that this is a tight race,” Davis said.Greg Mikkelson of Lake Crystal is an Independence Party candidate making a third run for the U.S. House. He previously ran in 2004 and again in 2002, but earned less than 5 percent of the vote, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office.

With just four days to go before the election, here’s a look at where the candidates stand on some of the issues affecting Steele County.

Economy

• Davis supports making the tax cuts from the Bush administration permanent. He also favors getting rid of the estate tax and capital gains tax, and to put a cap on federal spending.

• Walz supports tax cuts for the middle class and introduced the Middle Class Fairness Act in May, arguing it would help the average taxpayers save hundreds of dollars.

Walz also voted against the $700 billion bailout package twice. Davis said he would have done the same thing.

Energy

• Walz supports offshore oil drilling, along with finding ways to promote wind, solar and other alternative energy. He is also one of a few members of Congress who proposed recent legislation that promotes more offshore drilling, but for oil companies to fund renewable energy research and conservation.

• Davis supports an “all of the above” policy that would allow for more drilling and expand the use of alternative energy. He also favors nuclear power and said he could offer some expertise about nuclear energy citing his academic background in nuclear engineering.

Health Care

• Davis believes the U.S. has the greatest health care system in the world, but that it doesn’t work well for every citizen. He believes private markets should determine insurance rates, not the government. He also supports promoting a cost-benefit analysis at the federal level by promoting preventative medicine procedures.

• Walz favors making health care more affordable and accessible by promoting preventative care for everyone. He is unsure about going into a single-payer health system.Transportation• Walz has worked on Highway 14 legislation and has been able to secure at least $500,000 for road improvements.

He would also like to see an expansion of rail lines throughout the state, arguing it would make the country more efficient, but also create jobs.

• Davis said Highway 14 is impractical to drive on currently and would consider it the most important transportation issue he would improve. He would secure funding “any way possible” whether it’s a stand alone bill or through federal earmarks.

Jeff Cagle can be reached at 444-2378.

Davis rallies GOP faithful: Albert Lea Tribune

2008-11-01T19:27:00.005-04:00

1st District challenger shares his views
By Sarah Stultz Albert Lea Tribune
Published Thursday, October 30, 2008

With a mere six days left until the election, Republican congressional candidate Brian Davis campaigned Wednesday in Albert Lea, running through his key platforms and trying to clear up several messages about him that have aired in TV advertisements.

Drawing on his medical and energy backgrounds throughout his talk, Davis at the end simply asked the audience for their votes on Election Day. A good-sized crowd of at least 100 listened in the Fairlane Building at the event.

“We need your help come Tuesday,” Davis said.

Davis — a Rochester physician who is running in the 1st District against incumbent Tim Walz, a DFLer and Mankato teacher, and Lake Crystal farmer Gregory Mikkelson with the Independence Party — encouraged everyone in attendance to contact at least five or 10 of their close friends and share his message.

Touching on the key principles of his beliefs, Davis said he believes in the right to life.
“A human being begins at conception,” he said. “You do not need to destroy an embryo to do stem-cell research.”

House District 27A Republican candidate Erik Larsen listens to Brian Davis speak Wednesday.
He said marriage should be defined as a union between one man and one woman, and that fact is something for which he stands.

Davis asked people if they have received mail or seen commercials that state he wants to raise sales taxes by 23 percent.

“That flier ... doesn’t tell the whole story,” he said. “When you see something you don’t think is true, we shouldn’t be quiet about it.”

Regarding immigration, Davis said, this country needs to demand that people who come here do so legally.

“Illegal immigration works like a hidden tax on the middle class,” he said.

Moving to education, Davis said he believes the primary authority in a child’s education is that child’s parents, second is the community.

He said he does not support the No Child Left Behind Act, though it may have passed Congress with good intentions.

Republican congressional candidate Brian Davis speaks to people in the Fairlane Building on Wednesday. Davis spoke on issues such as immigration, education and health insurance.

“The No. 1 determiner about whether a child is successful at school is the home,” he said. But there needs to be funding in place for schools, too, he noted.

Davis said the United States should drill offshore for oil.

Regarding health care, he said he thinks there is a big problem in Washington, “where people are just itching to take over health care,” he said.

When a patient comes through the door, they don’t come through as a Republican or Democrat. And people should be able to choose their own doctors.

Despite its flaws, this country’s health care system is the greatest system in the world, he said.
There should be more portability in insurance, and people should know going into an elective surgery could potentially cost, he said.

He also pointed out that he received an A grade from the National Rifle Association.
After Davis finished, audience members asked questions of the Mayo Clinic physician.
Questions centered around Social Security, the ethanol industry, global warming and oil prices.
“When I first met this man ... I knew he was coming across very much with the truth,” said Freeborn County Republican Party Chairman Tiny Brandt.

People listen to Brian Davis speak at the Fairlane Building on Wednesday.

Brandt said he prayed to God for the success of the party’s candidates, but then as a Christian knew he had to add that whatever happens, it was God’s will.

He thinks Davis is a deserving man, he said.

To show his support was Minnesota House District 27A candidate Erik Larsen, R-Albert Lea, who is seeking election Tuesday as well. He faces Robin Brown, DFL-Moscow Township.

Former state Rep. Paul Overgaard said he has a special feeling in his heart for Larsen and Davis as they’re campaigning.

“They’re doing what I can still vividly remember doing 46 years ago,” Overgaard said. “I really understand what these guys are going through.”

He called Davis “one of the best qualified candidates” he’s ever seen.

“He’s the kind of guy we really need in the Congress of the United States,” he said.

Davis asked for any donations people were willing to give, as the last few days of the campaign will be filled with lots of television and radio commercials.

He said he will be debating one of his candidates Thursday in Austin, will be touring the western end of the district on Friday and then will attend a gun show on Saturday.

Letter to the Editor: Fairmont Sentinel

2008-11-01T19:17:00.002-04:00

Posted 10/29/08

To The Editor:

It's Time To Set The Record Straight!!

Recently, after viewing a TV ad approved by Congressman Walz, I believe it is time to set the record straight on the following issues.

Taxes: Walz's deception is that Brian Davis supports raising taxes. Truth is, Brian Davis favors making the current tax cuts permanent. Walz supports rescinding them, or at the very least, not renewing them, which would be a large tax raise. After a raise like that, a small tax reduction proposed by Barack Obama for the middle class wouldn't even hit the radar screen! The National Taxpayers Union has rated Congressman Walz and has given him a big F for his voting record on tax matters!!!!!

Education: Walz and his liberal Democrat friends keep calling for Congress to throw more money at an education policy that has failed to raise academic standards when we are compared to other countries. I say it is time to abide by the 10th amendment to the United States Constitution, which does not allow for Federal Government in education. Education control is granted to states and local control!

Social Security: Walz carps about allowing a percentage of Social Security to be privatized. At least we would be controlling part of our own retirement funds and not have the funds used by Walz and his colleagues in Congress for their favorite pork barrel earmarks, as they have in the past and there by bankrupting the Social Security Fund.

If Congressman Walz doesn't hold to the 10th Amendment, why should we believe his TV ad that touts his support for the 2nd amendment of our U.S. Constitution, which grants us the right to keep and bear arms, to defend and protect ourselves and our property? Walz has voted and certainly will vote lock step with his liberal colleagues in Congress!!! He can't be trusted when the chips are down, to vote in our best interests. We do need to replace him. We can do that by voting November 4th for Brian Davis, the candidate who we can trust to vote for our best interests and values.

Roger Miedtke
Fairmont

Fairmont Sentinel Endorses Brian Davis

2008-10-29T01:23:00.003-04:00

For Congress: Davis understands issues better

Gary Andersen, Lee Smith, Christine Rupp

POSTED: October 24, 2008

The key to solving problems is being able to understand them clearly.

The biggest issue facing the United States in recent months has been the financial meltdown on Wall Street, prompted by the troubles in the U.S. housing market.

The biggest issues facing the United States in the decades to come are the federal government's unfunded liabilities - Medicare and Social Security - and its addiction to spending.

In these cases, our congressman, Tim Walz falls short, especially in comparison to his opponent, Brian Davis.

Walz, a Democrat from Mankato, is convinced that the overwhelming trouble in the housing debacle was an unscrupulous market. He ignores the federal government's responsibility in the form of cheap interest rates; mortgage-interest tax deductibility; the federal backing of and concentration of power in mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; and the pressure Congress applied to lenders to get home loans to low-income communities.

On federal entitlements, Walz remains stubbornly committed to the status quo, which means insolvency or higher taxes. He uses the ridiculous term "gambling" to describe investing, a practice that would give young people far better returns - and therefore better retirements - than Social Security.

Walz does approve of "investing" when it comes to government projects and programs. Apparently, as long as Congress is in charge of your money, it's OK.

Davis, a Republican from Rochester, makes clear that Congress is addicted to spending, and has been for a long time. He notes that while the Bush tax cuts boosted economic growth and brought in more revenue to the federal treasury, spending has far outpaced it. Davis favors making those tax cuts permanent while cutting spending.

Davis, a doctor, knows health care reform is fundamentally tied to issues such as Medicare insolvency. We can only hope that more physicians like him find their ways into Congress. Having dealt with Medicare's red tape and reimbursements, those in the health care industry understand its shortcomings.

In the end, we believe Davis has a better grasp of the key issues and offers a better fit for constituents in Minnesota's First District. It is for these reasons that we give him our endorsement in this race.

Our Latest Ad: Double Life

2008-10-10T18:12:00.007-04:00

For Immediate Release
October 9th, 2008
Contact: Mike Spellings
507.424.2010

Davis Campaign Sets the Record Straight on Walz's Attempt to Distort his Record
Responds to Walz's "Davis ad Watch"

Rochester -- Despite Congressman Walz's effort to paint Brian Davis' campaign ad as "false and misleading," the Walz campaign continues to want to have it both ways. Instead of refuting any of the facts contained in the Davis ad, Walz decided to tout measures that put him on both sides of the issue. This kind of campaigning is in keeping with his desire to have his cake and eat it too, and is what makes citizens so cynical about Washington style politicians.

Davis' ad re-states a point made by the Washington Post: "Timothy Walz has voted with a majority of his Democratic colleagues 96.6% of the time during the current Congress" (http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/w000799/). The Walz campaign released a document attempting to refute this fact, stating Walz was ranked "moderate" by the National Journal, claiming he is "more conservative than 35.7% of congress." Despite the fact that the National Journal rank falls well short of a "moderate" stance, Walz again attempts to distract from the fact that he votes with liberal leadership over 96% of the time.

In spite of Congressman Walz's claim of being a "moderate," by pointing to an arbitrary score that rates him "more conservative than 35.7% of Congress," The American Conservative Union gave Walz a rating of "0" (zero), in 2007. (http://www.acuratings.org/2007all.htm#MN)

Walz goes on to reference an NRA endorsement to point to his "moderate" stance. However, as the Washington Post points out, this is simply the 3.4% of the time he doesn't vote with his liberal leadership, again falling well short of "moderate." Additionally, while the NRA supports a multifaceted list of candidates, it may not be as pleased with Walz's support for Barack Obama, as they lashed out at Obama's Second Amendment stance citing, "His radical record of opposition to our constitutional rights." Walz also claims a VFW endorsement points to a "moderate" stance. However, as Walz is a veteran himself, it seems rather fitting the VFW would endorse the veteran in the race, as opposed to the "moderate" in the race. Nowhere on the VFW website do they claim to support the candidate with the most "moderate" stance, or even signify that as a prerequisite or consideration for an endorsement. (http://www.vfw.state.mn.us/)

When it comes to the statement that Congressman Walz "voted for a ban on drilling," Walz makes a remarkably misleading statement, intimating that he authored a bill for new drilling: "Walz Drilling Bill Expands Drilling and Funding For Renewables" (sic) (Walz "Davis ad Watch" 10/8/08). However, as there is a total absence of legislation in the Library of Congress bearing Walz's name as the author of such legislation, or legislation by that name, this again points to his disappointing tendency to say one thing in Minnesota and do quite another in Washington, and, in so doing, intentionally mislead the public. (http://www.loc.gov/index.html)

The Davis ad cites 7 votes Walz made that would ban or prohibit the lifting of a ban on expanded drilling:
Voted to block consideration of a bill that would allow oil drilling in ANWR, use the revenues to fund alternative energy research, and prohibit the export of ANWR oil to other countries (House Roll Call 526, 7/24/08)
Voted to block consideration of the American Energy Act, an "all of the above" energy bill (House Roll Call 524, 7/24/08)
Voted to block consideration of a bill that would establish new refineries, allow energy exploration in ANWR and the Outer Continental Shelf, and provide incentives for alternative energies (House Roll Call 391, 6/10/08)
Voted to block consideration of amendments that would allow oil drilling in ANWR (House Roll Call 341, 5/21/08)
Voted to block consideration of a bill that would extend many alternative energy and energy efficiency tax credits, and also block consideration of amendments that would permit oil exploration in the Outer Continental Shelf (House Roll Call 340, 5/21/08)
Voted against comprehensive energy legislation that would allow offshore and ANWR drilling and promote energy efficiency and alternative fuels (House Roll Call 831, 8/4/07)
Voted against lifting the ban on offshore oil and gas drilling (House Roll Call 553, 6/26/07)
Davis notes, a vote to block consideration of a bill is not simply a proxy vote against drilling, it is an outright vote against the furthering of legislation to expand domestic drilling by standing in the way of lifting the ban. Either you are for drilling or you are against it. While Walz attempts to hide his disappointing voting record on energy by pointing to recent votes that include "some drilling," Davis points to a headline in an article published in the Rochester Post Bulletin as recently as June stating, "Walz says no to expanded drilling; opponent says yes" (Rochester Post Bulletin, June 20, 2008, By Matthew Stolle). Walz went on to call expanded drilling a "Red Herring" in the very same article. Are we to believe Congressman Walz now supports what he previously called a "Red Herring?"

Walz notes he voted recently to allow the drilling ban to expire, in the face of mounting public opposition to his long established favor of a drilling ban. However, Davis again points to Walz being on both sides of the issue. As illustrated above, Davis will not allow Walz to simply talk about whichever vote he cast that is the most politically expedient, and ignore his previous opposition to drilling time and time again, as if he has been for drilling all along.

With relation to Walz supporting higher taxes that hurt the family farm, Davis points out Walz's opposition to the elimination of the Estate Tax and that he is in favor of increasing the Capital Gains Tax, as noted in the Congressional National Political Awareness Test, Nov 7, 2006. Farmers who support Walz would be loathed to know he does not support allowing them to pass their family farm down from generation to generation without suffering a massive tax on the transaction, which in some cases, prohibits a family farm from being passed down at all. Walz also cites an endorsement from the National Farmers Union PAC as evidence of his pro-farmer stance. However, despite his inability to receive the Minnesota Farm Bureau endorsement as a sitting congressman in an agricultural district, the National Farmers Union PAC may be slow to inform their members that Walz voted in favor of the "Employee Free Choice Act." The "Employee Free Choice Act" is a deceptively named bill that strips workers of the right to vote by secret ballot in union formation proceedings.

In their endorsement of Brian Davis, the Associated Builders and Contractors point out: "Mr. Davis opposes the fraudulently-named 'Employee Free Choice Act.' This bill would actually take away rights to a free and private election for unionization drives. His opponent [Walz] supports this abuse, and seems to think that employers and union officials should know who votes for or against the union formation. ABC feels that it is unconscionable for Mr. Walz to sell out American workers this way."

As further evidence that Walz says one thing in Minnesota and does another in Washington, the non-partisan political watchdog website ontheissues.org, rates Congressman Walz as "Left Liberal," (http://house.ontheissues.org/House/Tim_Walz.htm) again justifying the statements in Davis' ad.

Finally, other groups have rated Congressman Walz's voting record in a way that further buttresses Davis' claim that Walz has a liberal voting record. The National Taxpayer's Union assessed Mr. Walz's voting record at 3% out of a possible 100%, tied for the worst record in the Minnesota congressional delegation. Also, the Club for Growth has listed Walz's voting record as being 394th out of 435 of members in the U.S. House of Representatives. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has scored Walz's voting record at 60%, also one of the lowest in the Minnesota congressional delegation. Other groups' ratings can be found here: http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=65443.

###

Against the Bailout

2008-10-03T21:38:00.000-04:00

Brian Davis Releases New Poll Showing Walz Fading

2008-09-22T12:31:00.008-04:00

For Immediate Release
September 22, 2008
Contact: Mike Spellings
507.424.2010

Brian Davis Releases New Poll Showing Walz Fading

Davis Now Within Reach of Walz

Rochester - Coming off a resounding primary victory on September 9th with 67% of the vote, Brian Davis, Republican candidate for Minnesota's First Congressional District, has seen a significant bounce in the polls, while Tim Walz has faltered. The Davis campaign today released information showing Tim Walz polling at a disappointing 50% if the election were held today.

Davis, reacting to the new poll stated, "I am very pleased to see our hard work has been paying off. Minnesotans are taking a look at Tim Walz' record and seeing he is not the candidate they thought he was in 2006. I look forward to a more aggressive effort to expose Tim Walz' disappointing record in his short time in congress, and to provide representation that reflects southern Minnesota values."

The poll was conducted by The Tarrance Group. In a memorandum on the poll taken between September 17th and 18th, Brian Tringali of The Tarrance Group stated, "Tim Walz may not be on the endangered incumbent list for the Democrats, but he should be now."

"It's important to note here that incumbents go into the race with a stark advantage," said Mike Spellings of the Davis campaign. "Walz' lack of performance thus far in the campaign has shown his message rings hollow with the public, they understand he says one thing in his high-dollar TV ads, but does another when he's casting his vote in Washington."

For the presidential ticket, Republican John McCain is leading over Democrat Barack Obama in the First Congressional District

A release from The Tarrance Group on the poll is attached below.

MEMORANDUM

to: Dr. Brian Davis
National Republican Congressional Committee

from: Brian C. Tringali
B.J. Martino
Kevin Hudak

re: A Post-Primary Bounce for Doctor Davis (MN-01)

date: September 22, 2008
________________________________________________________________________

Capitalizing on his primary victory just one week ago (where he carried 67% of the vote), Dr. Brian Davis, the Republican nominee for the First Congressional District of Minnesota, has seen a dramatic increase in his ballot position. Perhaps more importantly, the incumbent he is running against has dropped to a mere 50% on the ballot. For incumbent Members of Congress, the rule is often "what you see is what you get." Tim Walz may not be on the endangered incumbent list for the Democrats, but he should be now.

The Brian Davis for Congress campaign and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) commissioned the Tarrance Group to conduct a telephone survey of N=300 registered voters throughout Minnesota's First Congressional District. A random sample of this type is likely to yield a margin of error of +5.8% in 95 out of 100 cases. Responses to the survey were gathered September 17-18, 2008.

This is the congressional district formerly held for by Congressman Gil Gutknecht until two years ago. As such, it should come as no shock that it is a toss up seat based upon the generic preferences of the voters who live there. Despite the fact that a Democrat is currently in office, 39% would prefer to see a Republican in this congressional seat and just 44% would prefer to see a Democrat.

Generic Ballot for Congress

Republican 39%
Undecided 16%
Democrat 44%

Another piece of evidence that this congressional district is winnable for Republicans again is seen through the presidential ballot. John McCain is currently holding a 2 point lead on the ballot over Barack Obama in the First District of Minnesota.

Presidential Ballot (within MN-01)

John McCain 45%
Barack Obama 43%
Bob Barr 1%
Ralph Nader 2%
Undecided 9%

Incumbent Democrat Tim Walz has lost four points off his ballot score over the last month. All of that vote and more, moved over to become part of the Davis coalition. Now that voters know who he faces in November, Walz garners just 50% of the vote. By definition, Walz is a vulnerable incumbent. Turnout modeling reveals that Tim Walz would capture less than half of the vote if the election were held today.

# # #

Party endorsement may hold weight in primary election

2008-09-09T00:32:00.005-04:00

By JEFF CAGLE
Owatonna People's Press
Posted: Saturday, September 6, 2008 10:20 pm

OWATONNA — Dick Day’s election record heading into Tuesday’s primary election against Brian Davis is 13-1. He hasn’t been defeated in any race since 1982.“We’re hoping to go 14-1,” Day said on Friday.

Day is a political heavyweight in the Minnesota Republican Party, having served a number of leadership positions in the Senate and the state Republican Party. And while he’s respected by many, Day has also drawn the ire from liberals for some colorful comments he’s made about Minneapolis schools. He’s also drawn the ire from members of his own party for going alone in primary battles against party-endorsed candidates like Davis. When Day made the decision to bypass the endorsement, it angered many party leaders and delegates.

As punishment, the state Republican Party stripped Day of any party and fundraising resources. He also had the state party’s chairman Ron Carey call for his resignation. All the while, Day hasn’t been fazed.

“People have come up to me, and say, ‘Hey , thanks for giving us the opportunity to vote,’” Day said. And while Day’s supporters back him, former state Sen. Mel Frederick, one of his former opponents, said having the party endorsement helps a party introduce a candidate to perspective voters.

“I feel that the party isn’t snubbing him because he snubbed them first,” Frederick said.Frederick lost to Day in a 1990 primary by a mere 26 votes. Frederick isn’t upset that he lost to a political outsider, but by the way he lost.

In 1990, Frederick failed to garner enough votes to earn the district’s party nomination. Day bypassed the party endorsement and challenged Frederick to a primary.The weekend prior to the primary, a flyer circulated around Owatonna accusing Frederick of supporting abortion, something Frederick said was misleading.

“I’ve never liked him. I’ve never trusted him,” Frederick said.

Day didn’t have much of a problem winning this election. But if Day wins Tuesday, Frederick said he has a tough chance when it comes to defeating Democratic Congressman Tim Walz in the general election.

“That’s the value of an endorsement,” Frederick said. “It would be a tough uphill battle.”

Republican state Rep. Randy Demmer of Hayfield said Day threw his campaign, along with Davis’ campaign, a curve ball when he announced he was bypassing the First District convention.

Prior to the convention, the candidate pledged to abide by the party’s endorsement — something Demmer still plans to do Tuesday.

“I’m not sure if it’s fair for me to go the other way,” he said.

Day, meanwhile, has not felt bad about campaigning in primaries. He said those are the best ways for voters to decide whether or not their candidate is the best, as opposed to party activists. Plus, he knew going in that he was in what he called a “Day vs. Goliath” contest.

“I’m very glad I went the opportunity the way I went,” Day said. “There’s primaries in the Republican party... and it’ll be kind of interesting to watch how this all works out.”

Demmer said if Day were to win the primary, there may be some wounds that would have to heal. But he was confident people would rally around Day before the general election.Day, meanwhile, isn’t concerned if he loses because he’ll still have a Senate seat and two years left to serve out his term.

Jeff Cagle can be reached at 444-2378.

Representative Drazkowski's Letter to the Editor: Remember to take part in the process

2008-09-07T22:18:00.002-04:00

September 5, 2008

By State Rep. Steve Drazkowski / Wabasha, Minn.

I encourage southern Minnesotans to vote in the primary elections this Tuesday. This is an important process in narrowing races where more than one candidate has filed for office under the same party affiliation.

Earlier this year, grassroots Republicans attended their local caucus and county conventions and were elected by their friends and neighbors to represent them and their interests in the district endorsing process. This process was sound and fair, conducted with integrity and broad participation, and brought us an outstanding candidate in Brian Davis. Brian was the person that grassroots Republicans endorsed to represent our conservative values on the November ballot. I would like to thank these delegates for making an outstanding choice.

I have had the privilege to spend many hours with Brian Davis, and can verify that he is the preeminent Republican to represent southern Minnesota in Washington, D.C.

Brian is the real deal. He’s honest, earnest and intelligent.

His education and work experience with nuclear energy and health care make him a great fit for handling the top issues facing our nation. Brian has offered authentic leadership to bring our country to energy independence. He will lead on securing our borders and reforming immigration.

Additionally, Davis is a newcomer to the political arena. He has not made a career of being in elected office. Brian is committed only to his constituents and has absolutely no interest in political favors.

Fellow Republicans, we have a wonderful opportunity to uphold the great decision our delegates made this spring by voting for Brian Davis. It is important we send the best and strongest candidate onward to face the liberal incumbent this November. As a united party supporting a great leader like Brian, we will make Minnesota a better place to live and raise a family.

Davis deserves your vote in primary

2008-09-07T09:24:00.001-04:00

September 3, 2008

To the editor:

Even though it seems like the General Election is a long ways away, please don’t forget about the primary election on Sept. 9. This election sorts out the contending candidates within each party. While Minnesota has an open primary, a voter must only vote in one party. Some offices are not challenged, but one in particular needs your attention.

Brian Davis, a physician from Rochester, received the endorsement of his party at the Republican State Convention on March 29. His opposition promised to honor whoever was endorsed, but one contender broke his word so Brian Davis will need your vote on Sept. 9. I’ve met Brian personally and believe he is right candidate to represent this district in Washington, D.C.

Brian was born and raised in the Midwest. Both his parents were teachers. His father is a retired K-6 school principal, school board member and WWII veteran who served in the Army Air Corps in New Guinea. His mother is a retired reading teacher.

Brian has a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering besides his M.D. Before becoming a physician, Brian worked fulltime at Sargent and Lundy Engineers in Chicago on the licensing and design of nuclear power plants and radioactive waste management. He also knows the benefits of nuclear energy and acknowledges the need to drill here, drill now. He has experience treating cancer and has firsthand experience with the successes and limitations of the health care system. He knows how to fix it. From his experience as a doctor he knows it is not necessary to use embryos for experimentation. He knows that adult stem cell research has proved to be successful.

Check out the other races in the primary. It is a sad fact that many bad politicians are elected by the people who stay home and do not vote. This year the primary on Sept. 9 is overshadowed by the two national conventions and the General Election. Your participation might be more important on Sept. 9 than ever before.

Dave Hoss, Pipestone

Brian Davis: Letter to the Editor New Ulm Journal

2008-09-07T09:21:00.003-04:00

September 5, 2008

TO THE EDITOR:

On March 29, after a series of elections beginning with nearly 7,000 caucus-goers, I received the endorsement of the Republican Party of Minnesota as their candidate for U.S. Congress in the First District.

Over the past 18 months, I've traveled over 60,000 miles crisscrossing southern Minnesota sharing my ideas and, more importantly, listening to thousands of Minnesotans share their concerns for America's future. The bottom line is that it's clear we have a problem with energy costs - gas and diesel prices are straining the budgets of families, farms and small businesses alike. We need to increase domestic energy production without government placing too many obstacles in the way in the form of regulations and new taxes, fees or royalties.

And high tax rates punish those small businesses and farmers who succeed and want to pass along their hard work to the next generation.

Minnesotans are looking for honesty in their elected officials, people who can deliver real solutions to our most pressing problems. As a father of four, physician, taxpayer, and engineer with prior energy industry experience, I am confident that we can do better.

On Sept. 9, I would be honored to have your vote in the upcoming Republican primary.
With your support, I'm ready to get to work for you, delivering results and common-sense conservative solutions.

BRIAN DAVIS
First District Congressional Candidate
Rochester

Woodley for Davis: New Ulm Journal Letter to the Editor

2008-09-07T09:19:00.003-04:00

August 28, 2008

TO THE EDITOR:

As Chairman of the Brown County Republican Board, I am proud to endorse Brian Davis for U.S. Congress in the First Congressional District. I would encourage all Republicans to vote for Brian in the Sept. 9 Republican Primary.

Brian has received the endorsement of 23 County Chairs or Co-Chairs in 20 counties in the First Congressional District. That's because Brian is truly an electable candidate in November. Brian is strongly pro-family, pro-second amendment, supports low taxes, and wants to increase oil drilling as part of the solution to lower energy costs.

The November election is an important election for the citizens of the First Congressional District. Republicans must have their strongest candidate on the ballot and Brian Davis is that candidate.

I hope you will join with me in going to the polls on Sept. 9 in support of Brian Davis for U.S. Congress.

GERALD C. WOODLEY
New Ulm

Your View: Davis is delegates' choice

2008-09-06T04:38:00.003-04:00

By Linda Pettman, Mankato

Mankato Free Press
September 05, 2008 11:05 pm—

Sen. Dick Day recently mailed out a flyer claiming that only 160 “party insiders” had chosen the Republican candidate for Congress in the 1st District.As one who has sought and received the endorsement of “party insiders” numerous times, Day knows that, through the representative process, those 160 1st District delegates represented Republican caucus attendees and BPOU (county or senate district) delegates throughout the 1st District.

At each level, voters’ selection of delegates to the next level was largely or wholly influenced by which candidates the delegate would support at the next level.Brian Davis has great support at each level of the process because Republicans understood that we need more experts in Congress, not more politicians.First District delegates chose Davis because he offers critical expertise in both health care and the energy field, in addition to representing 1st District values and concerns.

Day’s flyer also states, “You know where he stands.” Yet, over the course of many months, Day repeatedly promised to abide by the endorsement decision, only to change his mind late in the process, when it became obvious he could not win that endorsement.

To me, it is reminiscent of the boy who says, “If you won’t let me be the pitcher, I’m going to take my ball and go home.”Let’s send an expert, not a politician, to Congress.

Mankato Rally for Brian Davis for Congress

2008-09-06T04:00:00.005-04:00

Republicans enjoy ups and downs at convention: Rochester Post Bulletin

2008-09-06T03:51:00.006-04:00

9/5/2008 10:26:59 AM

By Matthew StollePost-Bulletin, Rochester MN

The Rochester delegation is having its ups and downs at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul:

• Anarchists have sown mischief in the early days of the convention. One tactic being used to disrupt the convention is to slash and puncture the tires of convention shuttle buses carrying delegates and alternates to the convention arena.

• Duane Quam, national alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention and a Byron resident, was riding on a bus that blew a tire caused by a sharp object. Quam had to wait while another bus was summoned to take him to the convention.

• Minnesota's national delegation has the equivalent of ringside seats at the convention. The 41-member delegation, which includes state Rep. Randy Demmer of Hayfield, occupies the first several rows of seats just to the right of the speaker's platform. When Republican presidential candidate John McCain accepts his party's nomination on Thursday night, state delegates will be about 20 yards away.

• GOP Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem of Rochester had an opportunity to exchange a few words with former presidential candidate and ex-Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney at small fundraiser earlier in the convention.

"I congratulated him on his health care initiatives, told him he would have been a fine vice president," Senjem said. Romney was philosophical about his recent political defeats -- losing the presidential nomination and being passed over as Sen. John McCain's running mate -- indicating to Senjem that the political stars simply had not aligned for him.

• Brian Davis, the GOP candidate for Congress in the First Congressional District, addressed the Minnesota delegation on Tuesday and later met with GOP House Minority Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri.

Davis said Blunt inquired about the state of the campaign. While Blunt did not offer any specific pledges of support, Davis said the race is rising higher on the Republican National Congressional Committee's radar screen.

The seat is held by Democratic Congressman Tim Walz, a first-term representative from Mankato, but Davis must first beat state Sen. Dick Day of Owatonna to advance to the general election.

Davis is the right pick: Letter to the Editor

2008-09-06T02:52:00.002-04:00

By Richard Dorn and Paul Evanson
Winona Daily News
Published Thursday, Sept. 4

As chairmen of the Winona County Republican Board, we are proud to endorse Brian Davis for U.S. Congress in the First Congressional District and encourage you to vote for Brian in the Sept. 9 Republican primary.Brian has received the endorsement of 22 county chairpersons in the First Congressional District. That’s because he is truly an electable candidate in November. Brian is strongly pro-family, pro-Second Amendment, supports cutting taxes and wants to increase drilling for more oil in order to lower fuel prices. The November election is an important election for our citizens. Republicans must have their strongest candidate on the ballot and Brian Davis is that candidate.

Vote for physician Brian Davis: Letter to the Editor

2008-09-06T02:19:00.001-04:00

Published Wednesday, September 3, 2008

As chairman of the Freeborn County Republican Party board, I am proud to endorse Brian Davis for U.S. Congress in the 1st Congressional District and encourage you to vote for Brian in the Sept. 9 Republican primary election.

Brian has received the endorsement of 22 county chairs in the 1st Congressional District. That is because he truly is an electable candidate in November. Brian is strongly pro-family, pro-Second Amendment, supports cutting taxes and wants to increase drilling for more oil in order to lower gas prices.

The November election is an important election for our citizens. Republicans must have their strongest candidate on the ballot and Brian Davis is the candidate. Remember to vote for Brian in the Sept. 9 primary.

Tiny Brandt
chairman
Freeborn County Republicans
Albert Lea