I went to the candidate forum Oct. 19 featuring U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar and challenger Chip Cravaack, and I heard only half of a debate. Cravaack said his No. 1 priority would be repealing the federal health bill, which he called Obamacare. His other top issues included cutting taxes and getting rid of government regulations.
I couldn't hear much of Oberstar's positions, as he had a poor microphone (Cravaack's worked perfectly) and was booed, hissed, called a liar and shouted down at nearly every comment by the 1,000 to 1,300 Republicans and/or Tea Partiers there.
The three moderators asked for civility but were ignored. Cravaack could have stood up and asked his supporters to allow Oberstar to speak, but he didn't. Point of fact: Cravaack seemed to enjoy it.
I talked to others afterward who said they had never witnessed such hatred at any political event. Five police cars were called that morning.
Not surprisingly, the News Tribune endorsed Cravaack, who may not be like Michelle Bachmann, although his political views seem to be in lockstep.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 8th Congressional District and this state do not need another Tea Party Republican representing us in Congress.
George A. Sundstrom
Duluth
