Kennedy holds fundraiser in New Ulm

Hopes to

unseat Minge

By GUY PRIEL

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Continuing his aggressive efforts to unseat Democrat David Minge in the U.S. House of Representatives, Republican hopeful Mark Kennedy held a fund-raising luncheon in New Ulm Friday, accompanied by former state Senator Rudy Boschwitz, who was defeated in 1991 by Democrat Paul Wellstone.

The goal of the luncheon, which was attended by a dozen supporters, was to listen to residents regarding the big issues in the Second Congressional District.

Kennedy, a businessman from Watertown, worked on Boschwitz' campaign in 1978, when he began to develop a passion for public service and the issues facing rural residents.

"I was always impressed with the way a businessman could run for office and succeed," Kennedy said.

The marriage penalty, rural hospitals, strong roads and reliable Internet connections in rural communities are important issues he cares passionately about, because they are issues that help communities stay vital.

One issue of concern to residents in New Ulm are farm prices and the disparity in milk prices as a result of the Northeast Dairy Compact.

"This is an unfair situation," Kennedy said. "We need to make sure regional competition doesn't penalize us. The dairy issue is not partisan. It is about who can shout the loudest."

Trade is another area that is important, but it is a difficult issue to deal with at the federal level, because there are so many unknowns, and free trade is not a success unless it is fair, he said.

Free trade is a difficult bill to handle, because there are so many different parts that have to be dealt with and removed, but it can be very positive from an economic standpoint, he said.

"We have the chance to throw off oppressions by embracing China and bringing them back into the fold," Kennedy said. "We can take advantage of this situation to communicate with the people."

Ethanol is a cheaper alternative to fuel that can help combat the rising costs, and the production of ethanol needs to be promoted nationwide, he said.

"We need leadership in this district," Kennedy said. "The results (of recent polls conducted by the Republicans) indicate that people want a change. I don't attack my opponent, people don't want that. I want to focus my campaign by dealing with the issues."

Boschwitz, who is serving as Kennedy's campaign chair, stated that the district has consistently voted Republican, which is why 75 percent of the legislators are Republicans, and there is a great level of vulnerability created by the number of open seats in Congress.

"This man (Kennedy) has the right philosophy and has a lot to contribute at the federal level," Boschwitz said. "He is an accountant and a businessman and has what it takes to succeed at the federal level. If we believe in free markets, then we'll be okay."

Kennedy is a former executive with Department 56 in Eden Prairie, a position he left to campaign full-time. He lives in Watertown with his wife Debbie and his four children, Charles, Emily, Sarah, and Peter.