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Deciding Congress
Dems take aim at Walberg's seat in Washington
By Daniel Lai, Heritage Newspapers
PUBLISHED: July 3, 2008
The election for Michigan's 7th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives has shaped up to become one of the most highly contested races in the state. Though Republican incumbent Tim Walberg has plans to seek another term, two familiar Democrats are vying for the chance to challenge him in the November election.
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Tim Walberg (R)
Residence: Tipton
Professional experience: Moody Bible Institute division manager (2006), nondenominational minister, Warren Reuther Center for Education and Community Impact president.
Political experience: Michigan House of Representatives (1983-1998), U.S. House of Representatives (2006-present).
Overview:
Since winning election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006, Tim Walberg has enjoyed moderate popularity among the voters within Michigan's District 7. If re-elected for a second term, Walberg said he will continue to work toward bringing jobs to Michigan and strengthening the state's economy.
"Disappearing economic opportunities and a lack of good-paying jobs have Michigan families worried about their pocketbooks," he said. "With gas prices skyrocketing, healthcare costs rising, recent tax increases at the state level and a scheduled $680 billion tax increase at the federal level, my constituents are rightly concerned about their economic futures."
Walberg said two of the biggest issues facing Americans today involve the U.S. dependence on foreign oil and the rising cost of health care.
To combat rising gas costs, Walberg said he is currently working on several legislative bills that are set to go before Congress this summer.
"I am advancing a comprehensive energy plan that incorporates immediate exploration in America with more refineries, more nuclear power, more alternate fuels and more conservation," he said. "To make healthcare insurance more affordable and accessible, I am pushing legislation that gives families healthcare tax credits, allows small businesses to join together to purchase health insurance for their employees, stop frivolous lawsuit abuse and encourage health information technology."
Though both of his opponents have talked openly in favor of a universal health care system, Walberg said he opposes any government-mandated healthcare plan.
"Health care run from Washington, D.C., and mandated to Americans by the federal government is not the solution," he said. "The true solutions involve empowering individuals, families and small businesses to purchase health care that meets their needs, and making reforms to reduce costs to the overall system.
"You should be able to decide what kind of coverage you want and need."
As the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq reach their sixth year, Walberg said he is committed to keeping high levels of U.S. troops in both countries.
"Sept. 11, 2001, fundamentally changed our world and placed America in a global war against terrorists, which we are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan," he said. "While our commitment in these countries is not endless, we cannot allow Iraq and Afghanistan to once again become training grounds from which terrorist groups can plot and launch attacks around the globe. Additionally, the free world can not allow a terrorist-sponsored regime to control Iraq.
"America's soldiers are making progress and our troops are returning home as security is turned over to the forces of Iraq and Afghanistan."
Walberg said he is looking forward to campaigning but is confident he will remain in office for a second term.
"My priorities are to grow our economy, encourage the creation of good-paying jobs, make health care affordable and encourage educational excellence," he said. "I will work with anyone to achieve these objectives and help the people of Michigan as an independent voice in Congress."
Mark Schauer (D)
Residence: Battle Creek
Professional experience: Calhoun County Human Services Coordinating Council coordinator (1992-1997), Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan executive director (1987-1992), Calhoun County Planning Department (1984-1986).
Political experience: Battle Creek City Commission (1995), Michigan House of Representatives (1999-2002), Michigan Senate (2002-present).
State Sen. and Democratic Minority Leader Mark Schauer could have a chance to leave Lansing if he's elected to the U.S. House of Representatives this fall. But first he has to defeat fellow Democrat Sharon Renier in the August primary and beat Walberg in the November election.
Those are two tasks that Schauer seems confident he can accomplish.
After serving in the state Legislature for nearly 12 years, Schauer said he would take his political experience to Washington and use it improve the sluggish state economy.
"Jobs are the No. 1 issue affecting Michigan's 7th District this year. I already have a strong record of bringing jobs to south central Michigan. Just last week I appeared with leaders from Brembo North America and Production Engineering to announce hundreds of new jobs for Calhoun and Jackson counties," he said.
"By working with these companies and leaders from the Michigan Economic Development Corp., we were able to change the law and level the playing field, which allowed our state to beat out the competition from North Carolina, Indiana and Mexico for these jobs."
Unlike Walberg, Schauer said he is a strong supporter of universal health care.
"I believe it's a moral imperative to establish a uniquely American system of universal health care to ensure everyone has access to quality, affordable coverage," he said. "Our lack of universal coverage is making our businesses, especially the auto industry, less competitive."
Schauer said funding a universal health care plan is relatively easy.
"Last year, America spent 16 percent of our Gross Domestic Product on health care expenses, with more than $480 billion in wasteful spending, so the money is already in the system," he said. "The untold truth of the situation is that we're already paying for people without coverage -- every time someone without insurance walks into an emergency room for basic health care treatments, it drives up the costs for everyone else in the system."
Addressing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Schauer said if elected, he would begin drafting legislation to bring U.S. troops home.
"Capturing Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban leaders who were responsible for attacking us should have been our No. 1 priority after Sept. 11, 2001," Schauer said. "The war in Iraq has been a tragic distraction, which I opposed from the beginning. I believe the time has come to safely and responsibly bring our troops home."
Schauer said he would like to see combat brigade withdrawals within 16 to 18 months.
"Of course, I also believe the plan must allow for a certain degree of flexibility based on ground conditions, and we should maintain a troop presence to protect our embassies and diplomats."
If elected, Schauer said one of the first things he would do is work to renegotiate trade agreements that he said have created unfairness in the economy.
"We have the best workers in the world, and our people can compete with anyone when given the chance to do so on a level playing field," he said. "That's why I have supported legislation and targeted tax incentives to help businesses in emerging sectors of the economy expand their operations and create jobs right here in Michigan.
"As a member of Congress, I would call for a renegotiation of unfair trade deals, like NAFTA, and push for stricter enforcement policies to make sure our businesses are not being put at a competitive disadvantage."
With the primary election a month away, Schauer said he will continue meeting with local constituents to hear what problems are affecting the district.
"After eight years of President Bush's failed economic policies, it's not surprising that voters are apathetic about what's going on in Washington -- I share their frustration," he said. "During my time in Lansing, I have maintained close ties with the people of my district and I am committed to doing the same as a member of Congress. My No. 1 priority is to fight for jobs and the best way to do that is to stay in contact with my constituents."
The Albion College graduate, who later went on to earn master's degrees at Michigan State University and Western Michigan University, said he's running because he wants results for Michigan.
"I believe my record of fighting for jobs and getting results for my district speaks for itself," he said. "At a time when Michigan's economy is struggling, we need serious leaders who are willing to put good policy ahead of partisan politics.
"I am not running to be a back bencher. After two years in Washington, I don't want my greatest accomplishment to be a bill that renames a post office."
Sharon Renier (D)
Residence: Munith
Professional experience: Paralegal, University of Michigan Law School (1999-2002); paralegal, Chrysler Corp.; farmer/self-employed, Mirror Pond Organic Farm.
Political experience: U.S. House of Representatives candidate (2004), Michigan House of Representatives District 65 candidate (2002).
Organic farmer Sharon Renier is taking another shot at the U.S. House of Representatives and she's set to face off against state Sen. Mark Schauer in the upcoming primary Aug. 5. That's when the two Democrats will compete for the chance to run against Walberg in the November 2008 Congressional election.
Renier nearly beat Walberg in the race for Congress in 2006, capturing 49.9 percent of the vote. Although that didn't secure a victory, Renier said she was excited for another chance to campaign and said her reason for running hasn't changed.
"I want to defend the Constitution of the United States and I want to keep us safe as a free people," Renier said. "That's my main concern."
Renier said if elected she would focus on building sustainable communities at the local level and said she hoped to reduce the size of the federal government to place more control at the state level.
However, the biggest issue facing residents is the decline in value of U.S. currency, something she said can be alleviated if the government eliminates the North America Free Trade Agreement and the General Agreements on Tariff and Trade.
Though she is in favor of a universal healthcare program, unlike her opponent Schauer, Renier said she would only support the program at the local level.
"The federal government is already too large and I don't want them having access to everyone's health records," she said. "We pay for health care by removing the cap on Social Security.
"Currently, after you make $90,000, the government no longer takes Social Security out of your check. So, in the few minutes you have been reading this, (Microsoft CEO) Bill Gates has made $90,000 and not a penny is taxed on Social Security. If you consider that 5 percent of our population makes 95 percent of the money, than 95 percent of the money made in this country is not taxed on Social Security."
Renier said some of her other top priorities would include placing a limit on federal deficit spending and finding a way out of the war in Iraq. Renier also said she has plans to restructure campaign finance reform laws, an area that separates her from most candidates.
"I don't support war, period. I support diplomacy. I can't go out and slug my neighbor without going to jail, so why is it OK to kill?" she said. "To bring our troops home, we need someone like me in office with moral courage and backbone to pull the purse strings on the war in Iraq. No money, no war."
To help with Michigan's economy, Renier said she is working with DigiDrive, a software company, to bring 2,500 new jobs to the 7th Congressional District.
"We also need to look at the question, 'What do you we have to offer that can't be exported anywhere else in the world?'" she said. "The governor, and many others in office, would like to see us as the 'green' energy leaders, but that technology can come from anywhere. What we have here are our Great Lakes, wonderful soils to grow crops and a highly trained workforce -- those are the types of things that simply can't be exported."
The 52-year-old Congressional hopeful doesn't accept any corporate contributions or money from political action committees either. To date, she said her campaign has raised about $20,000 from individual donors.
"To be a representative of the people and uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, it takes moral courage to not take the money and I'm willing to just work harder. Plus, if a corporation is in my office, that means a taxpaying citizen is not," she said. "I am not a typical politician. I can't be bought off -- I don't need their stuff."
Touting her record of law practice, Renier said she feels she is the best candidate to serve the 7th Congressional District.
"I am without a doubt the best qualified person for the job," she said. "I have proven that I am strong and that I won't back down. I won't bend the truth and I will be completely honest with my constituents."
Daniel Lai is an editor with Heritage Newspapers. He can be reached at 428-8173 or dlai@heritage.com.
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