Professional hockey player, small business owner, police officer: those are the uniforms I've worn throughout my life. But as I've said repeatedly throughout this campaign, no role has been as important to me as husband and father of four.
As my wife Jodi was serving overseas in Iraq, I played the role of Dad and Mom, getting the kids ready for school, shuttling them to their destinations, helping them with homework, and making dinner so we could gather around the kitchen table as often as possible. Every night, after putting my children to bed, I had two prayers: that Jodi would return to us safely and that our children would have the same hopes, opportunities, and dreams our generation had.
Quite simply, that is why I'm running for Congress. We need to do all we can to ensure the American dream is available for everyone.
My life experiences as a dad, husband, 23-year law-enforcement officer, small-business owner, and pro hockey player helped shape who I am and the values I hold dear.
Health care is an issue near and dear to many. Simply, health care should be affordable, accessible, and patient-centered. That starts with protecting the sacred relationship between patients and doctors. Rather than wave a blue book or a red book, I will work with Republicans and Democrats and start with things we can agree on. Of course I support covering pre-existing conditions. We also can agree we should expand Associated Health Plans so small businesses and individuals can join together for cheaper health care premiums. Parents should be able to cover their children on family health insurance plans until the children are 24 or 25. We must increase cost transparency so patients know what they are buying when they make these personal decisions.
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My Democrat opponent takes the Washington approach by advocating for a full-throttle $33 trillion government takeover of health care that would end employer-based coverage, lead to the biggest tax increase in modern-day history, and kick seniors and veterans off their health care altogether.
There is a better way.
As someone who has worked side by side with my brothers for almost three decades on our small business, I believe Minnesotans are part of the fabric of what makes America great. The federal government should encourage, not inhibit, job creation. I want to unleash the economic engine in the 8th Congressional District and ensure anyone who wants a job can get one.
Nowhere is that more evident than on the Iron Range.
With 21st century technology we can have productive and clean mining. In fact, I am the only one in the race who can unequivocally say I support iron ore mining, copper-nickel mining, and the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project. We can do all three safely and responsibly while providing opportunity and prosperity throughout our region.
When asked about mining, my Democrat opponent does the Texas two-step at every turn. Even the News Tribune noticed when it reported in April that Joe Radinovich "seemed to get caught up in nuance" with mining.
Let's be clear: You will always know where I stand.
We are beginning to see the sunrise of a new day. Unemployment is at historic lows. Small-business optimism is at all-time highs. Consumer confidence is up. Wage growth is steadily climbing.
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For 17 months I have been traveling around the district, and I've enjoyed meeting as many Minnesotans as I could. It has been a memorable journey, and I would be honored if you sent me to Washington, D.C., to fight on your behalf.
Pete Stauber of Hermantown is the Republican candidate for Minnesota's 8th Congressional District.
