U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar is coming up for re-election in November. He has been in Congress 35 years, more years than many voters have been alive. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Oberstar's assets in 2008 totaled between $3.2 million and $7.8 million. He ranked 52nd out of 435 representatives in wealth. His consistent voting record for more government spending, more government control and more taxes, and his seeming willingness to sink us into greater debt, shows he has lost touch with his working-class constituents. His voting record is detailed at votesmart.org.
Too much wealth can corrupt a person's judgment and can cause a person to put politics over what's best for constituents. I agree with the president that we should spread the wealth around. Therefore, let's give Chip Cravaack a chance. It is time to retire
Oberstar.
KATHY SCHROEDER
DEER RIVER
