The Star Tribune Dismisses CD2 Voters

The Star Tribune changes their ‘rules’ regarding endorsements, sigh…this time to ‘balance’ the Congressional delegation. In an arrogence surpassed only by thier disregard for voters the Star decided to back Darth Vader John Kline:

With Democrats expected to pick up House seats this election, Kline will provide needed balance in the House. His calls for fiscal responsibility will be particularly welcome. Also valuable is Kline's level-headed approach to foreign policy. Throughout this election, Kline has stressed the role of diplomacy and the power of economic sanctions.(Strib)

Hmm, so in essences, the Tribune says we need Darth Vader to 'balance' all those pesty good guys? Give me a break! The Star didn’t even bother to interview his challenger Steve Sarvi !….It’s so pathetically stupid and perverse. What's missing from their ‘endorsement’ is an in-depth look or even a summary comparison of Sarvi’s and Kline's stands on the issues. In other words, they don’t do endorsements, just try and level the field? I’m sure the voters appreciate their shallowness. In fact it reminds me of another previous endorsement in CD2 that was ‘fixed’ for Kline.

Referring to Kline, the Tribune cites his 'level-headed' approach but doesn’t remind readers that Kline has voted against children’s health, against veteran’s programs, against adequate protection for troops, and even against the I35 bridge funding but for massive overspending that profited the war industry and give us a record deficit. The Tribune never once mentions the war, corporate tax breaks, big gas company subsidies, or Kline’s support of Bush's failed agenda. Remember Kline even wanted to 'privatize Social Security'...

You know you can agree or disagree with individual positions and issues but it's the lacking values that make John Kline wrong for Minnesota and the fact that the Tribune would endorse him for ‘balanced’ is all but laughable.

I could say more but I need to cancel my newspaper subscription…in an effort to ‘balance’ the ‘just how moronic do you think your readers are’ level. In the past I could justify the paper as ‘fire starter’ but there isn’t enough solid content for even that now.

Kline's Secretive Partisan Do Nothing-ish

John Kline's recent ad about being against earmarks (which make up less than half a percent of the federal budget) and his attempt to focus on it during debates shows his lack of concern for voters. While CD2 cities burns...Kline fiddles...His extremist stance doesn't change one iota anything or save one dime. What it does is exclude Minnesotans and CD2 voters from needed funding for projects.

John prefer to champion earmarks instead of address all the issues that now face us -from housing, economy, health care to education and gas prices that do significantly make up the federal budget. It grand stand on empty issues that don't improve our status or save money but does distract from the real issues.

Only since the Democrats took control of the House has Kline been against earmarks. Prior to that, Kline was all for them including Alaska's bridge to nowhere. Under scrutiny it appears that Kline's stance on earmark is a way to vote against bills that would otherwise help our communities.

There's no better indication of this obstructionist stance than Kline's vote regarding earmark reform legislation in January of 2007 (when the Democrats took control). In the 2007 the Democratic 'earmark' reform bill would require any bill with earmarks contain the name of a legislator who introduced the inserted earmark, tax or tariff benefit be included in a report attached to that bill. Instead of voting for reform, Kline voted against the House Resolution 6 on January 5, 2007 .

To date the earmark process has been an efficient way for congress to fund small projects around the country that would not warrant the costly and lengthy process of separate bills. When done openly, the process allows for scrutiny of the merits of these projects and puts the proposing legislator in the position of defending their request as well as recording it for the public.

Total congressional earmarks for fiscal year 2008 were worth $18.3 billion. The Department of Defense appropriations bill gobbled up $7.9 billion of that $18 billion. So, 43% of earmark money—almost half—goes to military “uses” that our military never sought in their own proposed budget! Maybe “earmarks’ for parks, bridges, children’s hospitals, and, yes, children’s museums—analyzed by local leaders—are not a scandal, but a positive function of government.

Which leads us to these conclusions:

1. Kline favors earmarks but only if done secretly, without names attached so the public can't truely monitor the process excessives as it was during the GOP lead House...or,
2. Kline much like throwing himself under the wheels of partisanship to obstruct funding of such projects like the I35 bridge, wants to blocking all Democratic Legislation regardless who it may help or what it will fund but not saving a single dime of earmarks overall (it will just go to another Congressional district!).
3. Kline just needed to have something other than his dismal record to discuss during election time and debates
   

Secretiveness, do nothing and partisan blockage... traits or next CD2 Congressman has promised not to do.

Outrageous Kline Round Up

Once again, John Kline feigns outrage... Gee for a big tough soldier, John Kline certainly can get 'outraged' easily…Reminds me of another bumbling, self-serving bureaucratic Colonel...


How 'outraged' is Kline? Wonder if he's outraged enough to send out fundraising letters like he did when he was 'outraged' last time. Oh, and would you send him some money to fight that major injustice. How pathetic is that? Well almost as pathetic as his current 'outrage'


John Kline can't seem to work up any outrage at jobs being loss and outsourced, selling America's infrastructure to foreign countries, bridges falling down, giving tax breaks to the wealthy while cutting services to working families, freezing pell grants, slashing funding to veterans, crumbling financial market and taking money from criminals, but he's 'outraged' at Ashwin Media. That's right a DFL candidate not even running against him!? (Tell me you don't think of Colonel Klink when you see John Kline get outraged over this crap instead of real issues?)


Wonder if John is still outraged or if he apologized?….check out Minnesota Blog


" OMG, talk about conduct unbecoming of an officer! " Blue man in a Red district



"...Republicans and John Kline are bad for small business!" http://www.mnblue.com/node/2341



"...John Kline is a huge hypocrite. Some things never change. " Minnesota Campaign Report

Kline To Avoid Solutions While Being GOP Attack Dog

By his own admission Congressman John Kline no longer works for his constituents. Kline talks about "rational priorities" yet chooses to fight partisan windmills while the rest of the country falls into economic chaos. John Kline became the GOP attack dog to go after CD3's congressional candidate Ashwin Media. Toward that end Kline emotes outrage at Ashwin Media for showing in a TV ad he was a Marine like... hmmm... well... just like in Kline's TV ads...

Showing disdain for his own district's constituents by ignoring the massive problems they face like home foreclosures, soaring gas/energy prices, inadequate funding of education and infrastructure, plus the financial crisis, Kline goes on a personal attack for the GOP.

Really, John, really? Is this the best you can do? Is this really the best the GOP can do?...

An incumbent Congressman with no credibility left because he won't work to fund projects in his own district, who smiles when racial slurs are issued (see pic) by his supporters like Gayle Quinnel (Shakopee) at a McCain rally, who voted lock step with the Bush administration, who instead of addressing the very serious issues facing Americans and looking for solutions, he becomes an attack dog for the GOP. No wonder Kline avoids open town hall meetings.

Voters are fed up with this blantant anti-soical partisan behavior. Voters want a honest discussion of the issues with real solutions, it's past time for such antics...it's time for change...

Two Thumbs Down To Kline TV Ad

Congressman Kline has a new TV ad which is a lot like the Congressman...big on promises but short on support...



...As pointed out on MNPUBLIS

"Kline voted against the independent panel on ethics, voted against earmark reform in January 2007, and actually has been the beneficiary of earmarks many times before, as well as voting for earmarks that have nothing to do with Minnesotans"

Kline did vote to fund the infamous 'bridge to nowhere' earmark porker...but that must have been before he saw the light...Meanwhile Kline has voted against any Democratic sponsored bill including voting against a resolution to suspend the rules so the emergency aid to fund the I35W bridge could be considered. But ultimately he had to vote for funding the bridge (earmark) because of the ruckus it caused among Minnesotans.

So let's recap...

• U.S. economy in the toilet and Kline is consumed with earmarks that represent less thank ONE PERCENT of the federal budget.
• All pork is not equal...at least in John Kline's world where he'll gladly vote for a bridge to nowhere but not Minnesota's I35 Bridge rebuild.

Not much of a TV ad...much like Kline isn't much of a leader.

Had Enough of Kline?

John Kline needs a big 2do like this Friday's McCain visit to bolster his fading numbers. Even his own faithful are deserting him like Kevin Masrud. Over the last several weeks many republicans have contacted the Sarvi campaign saying the can no longer support Kline's lack of leadership, his fiscal irresponsibility, and his lack of community support. In short, they've had enough.

How about you?

Kline Has $780,000 Reason To Vote For The Colossal Taxpayer Bailout

The House on Monday defeated a $700 billion emergency taxpayer bailout for the nation's financial system, ignoring urgent warnings from President Bush and congressional leaders of both parties that the economy could nosedive without it. Rep. John Kline (MN-R) voted for the colossal taxpayer bailout which in reality is little more than taxpayers footing the bill for Wall Street and Washington mistakes during Kline's time in office. Not much of surprise here -given Kline has taken $780,000 from wall street. While Kline says his vote was in the best interest of Americans, ultimately those that gain the most are the special interests on wall street that have been very generous ($780,000) to Kline over the years.

According to research produced by MAPLight.org, House members who voted yes on the proposed bailout package received 54 percent more money from banks and securities than members who voted no:

"[O]ver the past five years, banks and securities firms gave an average of $231,877 in campaign contributions to each Representative voting in favor of the bailout, compared with an average of $150,982 to each Representative voting against the bailout – 54 percent more money given to those who voted Yes."

Kline even admits to hearing from thousands of folks in Minnesota's second district voicing concern about having to bail out wall street (private profits/socialized losses) and the billions it would cost Americans. But in the end, having received over 3/4 a million from Wall Street, Kline is beholding for his vote to Wall Street and not Main Street.

"The liquidity measures are a stopgap … You’re funding the banks’ balance sheets, but nobody wants to lend money to them because they’re all afraid of insolvency.” -Laurence H Meyers of Macroeconomic Advisers notes

It's ironic that Kline having grossly profit from Wall Street can even pretend to represent us. If Kline really was representing the second congressional district he would immediately return the $789,000 from Wall Street.

Now that another attempt at a taxpayer bail out has been turned back, hopefully we can have reform included in the next attempt. Let's see a plan that better targets aid..not the blank check, has reform and oversight built into it, that provides for a 'trickle up' approach that takes care of us over corporations.

Kline Continues To Said NO To Seniors

Representative John Kline(R- MN) has consistently voted NO against programs that would help senior citizens. Basically his lifetime score for voting for programs that would help seniors is 4 percent. His NO votes have allowed seniors to suffer, and big business to thrive on their suffering. A sampling of these votes are:

• NO... to allowing Seniors to negotiate Drug Prices
  
• NO... to Pro-Retiree Budget
  
• NO... to Stop Price Gouging
  
• NO... to SCHIP/Medicare Advantage
  
• NO... to Limit Drug Reimportation
  

Last year alone senior citizens in poverty jumped to 3.6 million, or 9.7 percent of all seniors. With the declining economy adversely affecting most senior retirements and increasing health care costs, older Americans are more at risk than ever. Yet Rep. John Kline continues to vote against them.

These are American folks just like us. They have worked their whole life, paid taxes, brought homes, raised families and contributed to the community.

Kline has retirement, a pension, and life long health care through the congressional office. Yet Kline won't vote for our seniors to have a smidgen of that same secure in their old age.

Wall Street Payday For Rep. John Kline

There's one thing that continues to worsen our economic crisis...it's lack of confidence in our leaders. We expected them to look out for our interest, to help preserve our homes and the future of our children but instead find out they were looking out for wall streets interests.

To belay fears and address this lack of confidence even George Bush addressed the nation. Agree or disagree, at least Dubya presented his bailout position. But our congressional representative Mr. Kline has been silent on the bailout. That's because the $780,000 he's received from wall street has brought his silence.

When Representative John Kline should be looking out for us, he's taking care of special wall street interests. Kline has promoted and voted for wall street's agenda calling for deregulation and privatization within their industry. Allow them to make billions while American's pay the cost...Kline even wanted to do the same (privatize) to Social Security!

Now we're expected to foot the bill to bail out wall street while our homes, jobs, and families suffer. Maybe Kline would like to apply $780,000 he's accepted from Wall Street toward that bill.

Like most of what John Kline has done....he has squandered his leadership in exchange for $780,000. Unfortunately we are paying the consequences for his lack of leadership. Isn't it time for a new direction?

Oh Look! Kline Has Some Shiny Old Medals

Kline is fighting back...yawn...as usual by trying to paint himself as a victim...this time from those bad veterans that look at his voting record rather than his shiny old medals...

When his opponent Steve Sarvi, himself an Iraq War veteran, claims that Kline is getting rock-bottom ratings from -- of all people -- veterans groups...Kline has his staffer whine...'but that's not what he meant!'

And when Kline suggested that the military is paying too much attention to post-traumatic stress syndrome in a congressional hearing, again...Kline's staffer said that's 'not what Kline meant!'

Ah yeah, poor Kline...how it must hurt his feelings when veterans get tired of his false promises and shiny old medals and actually look at his record. But we know....it's not what Kline meant!

Kline Is Picking Your Pocket For Big OIL!

Kline once again voted the wishes of OIL CORPORATIONS in voting no on H.R. 6899, the Comprehensive American Energy Security & Consumer Protection Act. Kline is picking our pockets to feed enormous profits to the Oil Industry at a time when Minnesotans have a 22 year record high unemployment rate!

Just to put it in perspective:

GAS
2002 =$1.47 a gallon
2008 =$3.79 a gallon

Oil Company profits
2002=$30 Billion
2008=$160 Billion

Pete DeFazio (D-OR) explained the finances behind the bill and why almost every Republican in the House opposed it.

"The oil and gas industry contributed $166 million to the Republicans since 1990, 75% of their political contributions. In fact, when President Bush took office, gas cost $1.47 a gallon. Today, gas costs $3.79. In fact, in 2002, the oil companies made $30 billion in profits. In 2008, it's projected they will make an unbelievable record $160 billion of profits, every penny extracted from American consumers and American small businesses and borrowed from overseas, putting us in huge trouble. The oil companies took care of the Republican cronies and the Republicans legislated on their behalf."

Big Oily Kline

There was never any doubt about where Kline stood. Voters in CD2 are figuring out what we knew all long...Kline doesn't represent their interests. Instead John Kline plays partisan politics, that is, when he isn't playing puppet for Bush or front man for major oil companies.

Check out the recent polling...and remember you can't fool all the of people, all of the time. And now we have John's vote for Big Oil's way...

“In case there was ever any question, John Kline proved today that it’s Big Oil’s way or the highway, never mind America’s need for gas price relief or an energy plan for the future. The bill Mr. Kline voted against will bring down gas prices and invest in a clean, renewable energy future. It also will provide America with an American-owned energy policy – something that the Bush-Kline Republicans failed to deliver in all their years in power. But, at least we know where John Kline stands: with Big Oil, not with the American people.” -Steve Sarvi, Kline’s opponent in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District

Kline's 'Well-Oiled' Record And Magic Talk

Congressman John Kline along with the grand oil party has returned to Washington to do the bidding of his 'Oily Friends'. Not much of a surprise there, after all he has 118,000 reasons to be there while everyone else is on vacation and meeting with their constituents.

“John Kline is in Washington serving Big Oil, and he has 118,000 reasons to be there: $118,000 in contributions,” said Steve Sarvi, Kline’s DFL opponent. “Instead of serving his district, John Kline has served George W. Bush and the corporate interests that fund his campaigns. The only things ‘historic’ about his recent trips to Washington are the lengths he’s gone to to convince voters he’s working for them. In reality, he’s working hard to distract from a record no politician trying to get re-elected this year would want.”

John Kline's disingenuous endeavor: Kline's talking about a 1/5 area mainly on the outer Continental Shelf of which 4/5 is already open but the oil companies have done nothing with it. If the Republicans really wanted to do something productive, they could have voted for a bill that would require oil companies to start using the leases they already have. This is just so much political farce. It's a last ditch effort by Kline and others on behalf of oil companies to gain control of the area in question before Bush and Cheney leave office.

John Kline's magic talk: What's really weird (I'd say funny but really it's sad!) is John Kline and other far-right lawmakers actually believe they’re affecting the market by talking to each other. Yes, Kline and the other fifteen grand oil party members want you to believe that while in control of the government the last 7 years they haven't been able to rein in record profits to oil companies and the gouging record prices of gas at the pumps, but now simply talking about it among themselves during vacation will affect the prices! Too pathetic...

Kline's oil supporting record: Kline votes repeatedly against common-sense legislation to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, address climate change, lower energy costs for consumers and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs in the process. He's taken in over $118,000 in money from the oil industry. In other words...he's in the pocket of the 'Oil Industry'.

Kline can talk all he wants...but his oily record speaks louder. Things won't fix themselves by magic (don't you wonder about a sitting Congressman who would even attempt to say something so stupid?!). We need real leadership and action. Time to wash off the oily residue that Kline brings to office...

Kline's Dirty Campaign

Once more Mike McIntee shows republican Congressman John Kline's campaign resorting to pathetic dirty tricks. John Kline should address the real issues that affect us like the economy, gas prices, soring food prices, and diminishing employment....instead of paying others to kick up non-existent dirt. Maybe Kline should take a lesson from his challenger Steve Sarvi in how to behave congressionally.

As an added note... it seems to pay fairly well to be one of Kline's dirty tricksters...wonder how to apply for the job?

John Kline Hosting 'The Grand Oil Party'

Rep. John Kline has accepted almost $100,000 from Oil Companies. So no surprise that 91% of Rep. John Kline votes supports the Oil Industry. While the biggest oil companies make $1oo billion plus in profits each year, Kline continues to support legislation that waives billions in royalties over the next several years #84, 2/27/08 . John Kline even voted against renewable energy credits and for protecting special tax breaks for big oil.

But not content to just support Big Oil, John has continue to vote against measures that would enable Minnesota's to save money and reduce dependency on foreign Oil.

Kline voted against the Energy Independence and Security Act, designed to save consumers $1,000 a year at the pump. It is also expected to cut demand for oil by two million barrels a day by 2030. [Vote #1177, 12/18/07; Reuters, 12/18/07; Vote #1140, 12/6/07], Kline has voted against measures to crack down on price gouging and giving the Federal Trade Commission more authority to investigate and prosecute predatory pricing, price gouging and market manipulation.

Next time you fill up your gas tank, ask yourself, can Minnesotans continue to afford John Kline and his Big Oil votes?

Kline Should Be In Jail

You know several people should be sitting in jail for this:

"In fiscal year 2005, federal earmarks directed to Minnesota totaled less than $4.54 billion – well below the national average. The United States’ entire estimated spending in Iraq through 2008 is $1.3 trillion – 28 times the amount of federal earmarks in all 50 states. And according to a BBC investigation, a staggering 17 percent ($23 billion) of Iraq expenditures are estimated to have been lost, stolen or not properly accounted for. "

As it was on John Kline's watch...and remember John Kline is heading up the camp of arrogant swines that brag about not seeking earmarks for Minnesota projects while being the head cheerleader for wasteful spending in Iraq...he should be sitting in jail.

The Rising Cost of Kline's Voting Record

While NWA is tightening it’s belt by laying off workers, charging more, outsourcing jobs and reducing benefits, CEO Steenland is still making millions and all with Rep. John Kline’s support.

Rep. Kline voted not to support a bill (HR 1257) that would permit shareholders in public corporations to cast an advisory non-binding vote to approve or disapprove executive pay packages, golden parachutes and gigantic pay bonuses even after they show a poor performance like Steenland has running NWA for years without a profit and including bankruptcy!

NWA is reducing both capacity and staff according to Steenland who cited rising oil costs. So expect NWA to raise fares, fees, fuel surcharges and what you pay for drinks. In essenses, while we pay more for less, Steenland still receives millions.

I’ve written about Kline and Steenland before here and here. Since taking NWA through bankruptcy Northwest Airlines CEO Doug Steenland’s contract gives him an unusual one-month window to voluntarily leave the airline while collect a special payment of close to 8 million dollars (7.8 to be exact!). Can you say ‘golden parachute’? And, If NWA merges with Delta the payoff would be around 22 million. His compensation last year was $27 million (although much of that evaporated with the airline’s sinking share prices). Still his compensation was in the millions.

How can Kline say he's fiscally responsible when his vote record tells us another story?

The John Kline DIet!

Most of us work hard to put food on the table for our family but with the increase prices in recent years, food has become increasingly more expensive. In the last year alone the price of food in the USA has increased 5 %. We all have to work longer and harder. Since all of us need food to survive, you would think our representative John Kline would be trying to lower the cost of food...but...

Rep. John Kline cosponsored a bill (HR25) that would impose a 23% tax on all goods and service purchased within the US starting in 2009!...Yes you read correctly TWENTY THREE PERCENT increase on all goods and services including food! So much for John being fiscally conservative!

While Marie-Antoinette was incorrectly attributed the phrase 'Que ne mangent-ils de la croûte de pâté?' when informed that her country people had no bread, John Kline is so out of touch with CD2's working middle class he has uttered 'Let them eat cake!' by his vote record alone!

Can we really afford the diet John Kline wants to put us on?

Why John Kline Doesn't Do Town Hall Meetings

"You are more than welcome to look at my congressional record"

Congressman Kline Votes Against Ethics Reform?

While his peers in Congress take a historic step forward in voting for ethics reform, John Kline (sigh-once again) doesn't 'walk his talk' by voting against the measure. This blog asked the question earlier this month, 'Will Congressman John Kline support ethics reform?'. We asked that you call on Kline to voice your support for this bill that would establish an independent panel empowered to initiate investigations of alleged misconduct by members of the chamber. "The six members of the new Office of Congressional Ethics would have the authority to initiate preliminary reviews of allegations against House members, conduct investigations and refer their findings to the House ethics committee along with a public report.” [Washington Post, 3/12/08]

Compare Congressman Kline’s lack of leadership role regarding ethics with Congressman Tim Walz regarding this issue. Mr. Walz is very vocal in saying that an independent ethic commission should replace the House Ethics Committee. As Tim says “I’m uncomfortable with members policing their own members”. Representatives Keith Ellison, Betty McCollum, Collin Peterson and Tim Walz voted for the measure, as did retiring Republican Representative Jim Ramstad.

But really it's not much of a surprise that Congressman Walz has taken the lead in this issue. Walz in less than 6 months broke Kline’s 5 year record for face-to-face town meetings, and is truly motivated instead of wrapping himself in the flag, relying on his old military record and refusing to work in WA,DC for much needed projects in his district.

Will Kline Back Ethics Reform?

Common Cause with your help is turning up the heat on members of Congress who are refusing to confront the ethics crisis. Today their full page ad (see pic) is running in Roll Call -- the must-read newspaper of Capitol Hill.

Under the current rules, only a member of Congress can file an ethics complaint against another member. That system is clearly broken: there are at least a dozen members of Congress or staff who are under federal investigation, indicted, convicted or serving prison sentences, while the Ethics Committee stays practically silent. It's time for a change – time for an independent panel to oversee congressional ethics.

Please call Rep. John Kline today at (202) 225-2271 and let him know that you expect him to support strong ethics enforcement in the form of House Resolution 895. Afterall, Kline has nothing to hide...or does he?

It's critically important that there be an independent Office of Congressional Ethics with the power to file, investigate and judge ethics complaints. Time is short – please call Rep. Kline today at (202) 225-2271.

Near the Bottom in Power Rankings

Via Minnesota Monitor, I see that John Kline ranks near the bottom in the Knowlegis Power Rankings. He ranks 396 out of 435:

The power rankings rate members of Congress based on position by virtue of committee or tenure, indirect influence through media influence or caucus membership, the number of bills or amendments that each member succeeds in getting passed and how successful they are at getting earmarks for their state or district.

The site does say that there are limitations to the rankings:

The Knowlegis Power Rankings project team acknowledges that Members of Congress sometimes exercise power in ways that cannot be seen or measured. For example, we did not measure some variables such as effectiveness in assisting constituents in the district and state, known as "casework." Nor did we measure legislators' visibility in the district and state, such as public appearances or communication with voters. Finally, legislators often play important roles as liaisons with federal agencies in matters where state or local governments have a vested interest in a special project (such as military base closures). These factors - while crucial to a member's re-election and extremely important to constituents - are hard to measure and rarely contribute to power in the House or Senate.

Factoring in these limitations can only drop Kline further. Visibility in the district and state? We are represented by a man who has virtually no influence and who uses what little influence he has to vote against the interests of his constituents.

The Beginning of the DeKline

John Kline stands for funding the Iraq War for as long it takes. Toward that end he has taken away funding from educations, transportation, health care, and jobs. Kline has consistently voted againist everything but funding the war or tax breaks for big oil companies or the wealthy. John Kline has even boosted of not looking for or voting for additional funding for any of the needs in our communities!

Had enough of this outrageous behavior? Want a representative that will work for the common good. Well then, change it starting tonight at caucuses. Go to your precinct caucus tonight. Talk about how Kline has continued to not represent the interests of minnesota and congressional district 2. Caucus and support the two great Democratic candidates (Steve Sarvi and Dan Powers).

The way to stop Kline starts tonight. Get involved. Make your voices heard.

To find your caucus location: WWW.SOS.STATE.MN.US

John Kline's Record

John Kline doesn't represent Minnesota, our community or families. During the current 110th session of Congress, Republican Representative John Kline voted against:

Reducing deficit spending,
Improving homeland protection,
Raising the minimum wage,
Reducing drug prices for Medicare recipients,
Reducing interest rates on student loans,
Strengthening the Freedom of Information Act,
Reducing dependency on foreign oil,
Ending the Iraq war,
Protecting employees forming labor unions,
Protecting Federal whistleblowers who expose corruption,
Rebuilding public housing for Katrina victims,
Limiting executive pay in publicly traded corporations,
Expanding protection against hate crimes,
Protecting consumers from price gouging oil companies,
Funding environmental protection,
Acknowledging and addressing global warming,
Funding the replacement of Minnesota's I 35 Bridge,
Reauthorizing the HOPE program to repair public housing,
Reauthorizing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.

What Kline voted for? Funding the Iraq War.

Kline Lacks Support For Disabled Veterans

While touting his military background and spouting off about supporting the troops...once again Congressman John Kline turns his back on helping our veterans with disabilities by NOT supporting or sponsoring the ADA Restoration Act.

The act (ADA) has been weaken during the Bush administration in its ability to protect people with disabilities who experience work-related discrimination. Many people with disabilities and medical conditions find that they are "too disabled" in the eyes of their employers and "not disabled enough" to be covered by the ADA.

A hearing of the ADA Restoration Act (HR. 3195; S. 1881) will be held in the House Education and Labor Committee this morning. The hearing will be broadcast live and archived on the committee website. Request that Congressman Kline actually 'walks his talk' and supports the ADA Restoration Act.

As a member of the House Education and Labor Committee and not yet a cosponsor of the ADA Restoration Act, Kline is showing voters just how much he DOESN'T support Americans with disabilities including disabled veterans. Shame on Congressman Kline!