posted on Jul 29, 2010 in
Walt spoke to the New York Times on June 15 about the recession and how to help the recovery of small businesses.
Walt on how small businesses are essential for economic recovery:
"It’s the small businesses who want to expand who normally drive a recovery. I think the biggest reason why the recovery appears to be faltering is that there are collectively enough of these small businesses who do have logic for expanding who can’t get any money from their community banks or other familiar and local sources of credit."
Walt rejects deficit spending as a solution:
"What my businesses say is, “Quit throwing money at the problem. Balance its budget. Quit digging the deficit hole deeper.” They’ve all been through that, and they see the federal government as the only one that’s defying the law of economics, and they get real nervous about what’s happening in Greece. The beneficiaries of the pump-priming are the ones that most want the federal government to quit spending money that it doesn’t have."
Walt explains why loans are scarce for small businesses:
"I have 31 banks headquartered in my state — 12 are under regulatory supervision and must reduce their outstanding loan portfolios. Those 12 banks are effectively out of business. It doesn’t matter if one of their customers comes in with an absolute bullet-proof expansion opportunity, they are not in the business of making new loans. And at least half of the remainder are afraid they’re going to be, so they’re extremely conservative. This pressure on the commercial banking system, outside of money-center banks, is starving small business for credit in this country."
Walt explains his bill to encourage banks to make small-business loans:
"The bank that’s struggling to write down their commercial real estate assets is having to take a hit to capital, and this provides replacement capital on very, very favorable terms. So it deals with the left side of the balance sheet; my bill deals with liquidity and concentration on the right side of the balance sheet. It’s essential, because liquidity without new capital for a bank whose problem is both doesn’t solve the bank’s problem."
To read the rest of Walt's interview, click
here.
posted on Jul 23, 2010 in
Many of you may have received a lengthy release late this evening from Raul Labrador, who attached Congressman Walt Minnick for his vote to better regulate Wall Street.
As many of you know, Walt voted over three weeks ago for passage of the Financial Regulatory Reform Bill. It was signed into law yesterday. Raul apparently decided to wait until this evening to weigh in with his thoughts on the bill.
His release merits comment. Here is a quote you are free to use:"The people of Idaho clearly trust Walt Minnick's long experience as a successful businessman and community leader. I doubt they're interested in the financial wisdom of someone whose immigration website business received a failing grade from the Better Business Bureau."
Next I'd like to analyze his release. Let's start with Raul's lifting of language from a story in the Washington Times.
Raul Labrador's press release says: "... makes it easier for unions, environmental groups and other 'social justice' groups to place their members on the boards of directors of every corporation in the country."
A July 14 story in the Washington Times says: "... make it easier for unions, environmental groups and other activist organizations that hold shares to put their representatives on the boards of directors of every corporation in the United States."
Labrador is apparently referring to what the Washington Times story calls "Proxy Access." That provision guarantees every shareholder and investor the right to nominate someone for election to the board of a publicly held company.
However, according to Harvard Law School, the provision does not assure members of any interest group a seat on a corporate board.
It isn't the only glaring inaccuracy in Raul's release. He falsely claims that the Regulatory Reform Bill would impose "gender quotas on the nation's financial institutions."
In fact, according to the American Bankers Association, the new law merely directs existing federal agencies to make sure that they are being inclusive and expansive in their own hiring. That section of the bill makes no mention of "gender quotas" for private financial institutions.
Next, Labrador says that "Most economists I've read believe that our current financial problems stem from the policies of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac."
While there is no disputing that the failures and subsequent bailouts of those organizations (which Walt Minnick opposed) were bad for the economy, they clearly were not sole or main cause of the economic recession. Before making such simplistic statements, perhaps Labrador should have listened to a different trained economist -- one with some actual business experience.
Labrador said the bill "is the last thing we need." Feel free to also use this quote from me: "Raul should have the courage to say that to the thousands of Idahoans who lost their retirement due to greedy speculators and hedge-fund managers rigging the game. They expect reform, not the do-nothing approach Raul seems to favor."
Finally, I found on Walt's congressional website an excellent editorial he penned last year about the legislation:
Here is a snippet:
Like most Idahoans, I believe that no business is too big to fail, and that everyone should play by the same rules. However, over the last year we taxpayers were forced to shell out billions in bailouts for people who knew their companies wouldn’t fail, and who knew that they could get away with paying themselves huge bonuses, regardless of earnings.
Main Street suffered, while those on Wall Street who caused the problem made out like bandits. The game was rigged and the taxpayers lost – lost jobs, tax dollars and faith in our financial system – in a way that only amplifies the anger we all feel.
Thankfully, things are about to change.
After a year of work, Congress is about to consider a comprehensive overhaul of the regulations governing our nation’s financial systems. The bill will be debated on the floor in the coming week, and I very much hope it will pass with a broad bipartisan majority.
I will vote for it in part because I am privileged to have been given the chance to craft key pieces of this legislation. One of the reasons the people of Idaho gave me an opportunity to serve in Congress is because they thought my 35 years of business experience might prove useful in helping move our country in the right direction.
For example, when I was running an Idaho forest products company, we could purchase currency futures or other derivatives to protect the company from changes in interest rates or big price shifts in Canadian timber. But over the last 10 years I watched as Wall Street speculators, betting with other people’s money, mutated and abused derivatives without worry or fear of federal regulation.
The consequence of this and other Wall Street excess was to force taxpayer bailouts of one failing firm after another, and to plunge the economy into the worst recession in 25 years. But passing the bill Congress will take up next week will keep that from ever happening again.
-- John Foster
posted on Jul 12, 2010 in
If you're an avid political geek, you might have seen recent news about the strong fundraising performance of the Minnick for Congress campaign. During April, May and June Walt raised more than $410,000! Yet while that impressive number caused a lot of eyes to pop, Walt posted another number recently, one we think is even more important.
In just one Saturday last month our campaign recruited over 200 new volunteers. This "day of action" resulted in hundreds of volunteer shifts for the aggressive phone-call and canvass program we began in May. Our desire to knock on every door and call every voter is ambitious, but it's reflective of the approach taken by Walt, the hardest-working man in Idaho politics.
If you've seen him at a recent parade or fesitval, you know that he runs -- literally -- circles around other candidates as he hustles from one side to the next, trying to shake every hand and meet every voter.
If you haven't seen Walt and want to know when he is visiting your community, give us a call at (208) 287-3673.
posted on Jul 07, 2010 in
Idaho educators and parents are celebrating Rep. Minnick's vote in the
House tonight to ensure that school districts this fall have
additional funds to maintain manageable class sizes; prevent districts
from adopting more four day school weeks; and stave off the
elimination of popular arts, music and sports programs;
School districts in Minnick's district (ID-CD1) could tap into a total
of $25.9m.
Below you'll find a statement from Sherri Wood on behalf of Idaho educators.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Cynthia Kain
July 1, 1010 (202) 213-5971 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Idaho Education Association president praises Minnick for speaking up
for education and students
Timely passage of emergency funding is a step in the right direction
for public schools this fall
NEW ORLEANS- U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick was among those voting "yes" today
as Congress approved legislation containing emergency funds to help
states cope with the Great Recession and prevent massive layoffs of
educators and cuts to programs. The spending measure, which includes
billions in aid to public schools and other critical domestic
priorities, now moves to the Senate. According to a National Education
Association analysis, the funds will save the jobs of approximately
138,000 educators.
"Rep. Minnick stood up for kids today by pushing for emergency funding
to save thousands of educator jobs," said Idaho Education Association
President Sherri Wood. "Because of his support and the successful
House vote, students will be able to attend classes that aren't
bursting at the seams and receive the individualized attention they
need."
The House's action comes at a critical time. School budgets across the
country have already been cut to the bone, forcing widespread layoffs
of teachers and education support professionals. Many Idaho districts
have ordered teachers to take furlough days; some are not replacing
teachers as they retire, which will create much larger class sizes.
Other districts are moving to four-day school weeks, gutting critical
services and programs for students, or even closing schools entirely.
The layoffs and cuts are coming at the same time schools face growing
demands for better academic outcomes.
NEA launched a national campaign called Speak Up for Education & Kids
to mobilize educators and others concerned about the budget crisis
facing states and to raise awareness about the consequences of
inaction. NEA will continue to put pressure on policymakers until they
put students before politics.
"We applaud the House of Representatives for speaking up for public
education and students. We are especially grateful to Rep. David Obey
(D-WI) and the House leadership for working so hard to address the
immediate education and jobs crisis," NEA President Dennis Van Roekel
said today.
"Similarly, we appreciate the unbending support of President Obama and
his administration, as well as governors across the country, to ensure
financial relief for struggling states and keep our nation on the road
to economic recovery," Van Roekel added.
"Today, as a direct result of educators' voices and efforts, we are a
step closer to making sure children do not have to bear the brunt of
our nation's economic woes," he said. "Most importantly, however, the
much-needed funds will keep class sizes from ballooning and prevent
many harmful cuts to critical services and programs for students. We
urge the Senate to act swiftly to pass the emergency funding bill and
stave off more economic damage to our schools. We need to keeping
schools open, educators working and students learning."
For more information on Speak Up for Education & Kids, visit
www.facebook.com/speakupforkids
For more information on saving educators' jobs, visit
www.educationvotes.nea.org/
Follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/NEAMedia
posted on Jul 03, 2010 in
AN INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE FROM THE CAMPAIGN:
Tomorrow, we celebrate the 234th anniversary of the founding of the United States. As we celebrate this Fourth of July, our country faces difficult times. We remain in one of the greatest economic crises since the Great Depression. Many have lost their jobs. Many more are facing devastating cuts in personal income. Despite this, we should celebrate.
We should be proud of the way in which our country has overcome previous challenges. The American sense of justice survived the Great Depression. It survived the Second World War. It has even survived terrible obstacles from within. We can be confident that Americans' ability to look forward and find commonsense solutions to the problems ahead is undiminished.
Idahoans across the state should have a wonderful Independence Day. We live in the greatest nation in the world. We have close-knit families that provide for each other. And we have an unquenchable hope for the future.
--
Walt and his team had the pleasure of marching in today's Caldwell Liberty Day Parade.
Walt talks with voters.
Our most photogenic volunteers!
Thanks to everyone who showed up to support Walt!
posted on Jun 29, 2010 in
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‘A Blue Dog with a Record of Standing up for the People of Idaho,’ Miller Says
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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsement of Representative Walter Minnick for re-election in Idaho, praising his record of supporting the state’s businesses and workers.
“In just one term, Walt has already shown a strong record of standing up for the businesses and workers of Idaho during some of the state’s most challenging economic times,” said Bill Miller, the U.S. Chamber’s senior vice president and political director. “He has a common sense approach to job creation and getting America back on the road to recovery.”
A strong proponent of fiscal responsibility, Congressman Minnick is pushing to spur business growth and job creation in Idaho by advocating for competitive tax rates for businesses, supporting an energy policy that creates jobs and opposing a health care measure that fails to bend the cost curve down.
“On issues ranging from competition in the health care industry, to lowering taxes, to reducing energy costs, Idaho’s businesses and workers have a tireless advocate in Walt Minnick,” Miller said.
The U.S. Chamber plans to play a major role nationwide in the 2010 elections, endorsing candidates who have demonstrated consistent support for America’s job creators and will work to advance a pro-growth agenda in Congress. In 2008, 213 of the 265 Chamber-endorsed candidates (81%) were elected.The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
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posted on Jun 25, 2010 in
Thirty years ago, this nation was sliding into recession and in the grip of a lagging economy.
We were hamstrung in the Middle East by extremists who took hostage our citizens just because they were Americans.
Businesses were failing, gas prices were soaring and times were tough for everyone.
But early that year we saw the best of ourselves.
At the Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, a scrappy team of college kids took on the most storied hockey dynasty in the world and won. Our boys beat the Russians to chants around the nation of "U-S-A! U-S-A!"
Their win in that critical game and in the following game for the gold medal gave us hope in tough times. It brought us together and reminded us that our spirit and determination are unrivaled anywhere in the world, and are at the heart of what makes us a nation.
Now, 30 years later, we are again reminded of the power of sport and what it can do for our country.
For 90 minutes on Saturday, most of the eyes in this country will again be on the world stage, where our boys will go onto a soccer field with the simple goal of winning, but also with a higher purpose.
As a "soccer dad" who has lost count of all the youth games I have attended over the last couple decades, I will be watching, too.
During the 90 minutes my youngest daughter is on the soccer field, I'm not a businessman or a congressman. The worries of the day melt away, the cell phone is turned off and I am just a soccer dad. I stand there with the rest of the soccer dads, watching our daughters give them best of themselves for a sport they love.
It is a game of grace, a game of beauty. My four children have all played, and learned valuable lessons exemplified by the U.S. team for which we will cheer on Saturday.
Those lessons represent many of the many things we must do as a nation if we are to set ourselves on the right course: teamwork, discipline, self-sacrifice, personal responsibility, decency, fair-play. (Although if we have one more goal taken away in this tournament I may have to call for a Congressional inquiry.)
So to the U.S. National Soccer Team, I say this: Thank you. Thank you for reminding us that a beautiful moment in sport viewed in the company of friends, neighbors and fellow citizens is one of the things that makes us Americans. Thank you for reminding us of what we share in common, and that our shared beliefs and ideals can help us come together.
And to my fellow citizens, fans and "soccer dads" I say this: For 90 minutes on Saturday we get to be one nation. For 90 minutes we can be one people. For 90 minutes we will be united in one cause.
We will, unapologetically, cheer with great national pride for our country. We will set aside our worries about tough times and instead chant, "U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!" as we did in 1980.
We will, as we did then, be reminded that we bow before no nation, that we submit to no other authority, that we make no apologies for our belief that we are the greatest country on earth.
We will rally behind a team that represents the best of our commitment, our diversity and our unity, and be reminded of what we can do as a people.
During those 90 minutes we will not be Democrats or Republicans. We will not be divided by religion or geography or ideology. We will not care about the things that keep us apart, and for 90 minutes will be filled with the deep pride that comes from being Americans.
And that will be a very good 90 minutes, indeed.
posted on Jun 23, 2010 in
Boise, ID - The Walt Minnick for Congress campaign called on Raul Labrador to apologize for his harsh attack on Idaho businesses.
In an e-mail sent earlier this week, Labrador references what he terms a "terrific analysis" by a California pundit. The e-mail included the following quote about business owners: "Some have sought preferential tax benefits... others have sought corporate welfare. Still others feed the alligator that is government in hopes that it will be kind to them in the future while it consumes others today."
"This is another troubling statement from Raul, and one for which he owes Idaho businesses an apology," Minnick for Congress campaign manager John Foster said. "His insinuation that business leaders are hypocritical about free enterprise insults the many Idahoans doing all they can to keep businesses afloat during these tough times. It's no surprise that the business leaders, business owners and trade associations working toward an economic recovery for Idaho are solidly behind Walt Minnick."
posted on Jun 18, 2010 in
I'm happy to stand with Walt Minnick. He's already doing the right things for Idaho. I appreciate that Walt Minnick is a military veteran himself and is a champion for other veterans. He has helped Idaho veterans cut through bureaucratic snafus and receive payments and benefits and awards that are due to them. On national issues, I believe his businessman's approach and his ability to see and promote bipartisan solutions is exactly what Idaho needs in the US Congress right now. I believe we need to keep the right man on the job and re-elect Walt Minnick.
- David Zaremba, Meridian
I support Walt Minnick because he is a businessman. In my situation, that's what this country needs. Walt is not a high-pressure guy; he's down to earth, he listens. I've been a conservative Republican all my life and still am. But Walt, after watching his record in Congress, has done what is needed to save the country. So that's why I'm very supportive of sending Walt back to Congress, and I think he'll do us another great two years.
- Jim Stewart, dairy farmer, Nampa
I'm a small businessman and a veteran and I support and stand with Walt Minnick. Recently, when I had a problem with the federal government, I appealed to our congressional delegates for help. Walt Minnick personally called me back, listened to my story, and promised to put the efforts of his office and his team to work to help me. My situation was favorable resolved thanks to the help of Walt and his staff. I believe Walt is on a mission to support, and to help, and to represent the people of Idaho and to preserve our independence and our freedom. I urge everyone to stand up and support Walt Minnick.
- Bill Martin, Eagle
posted on Jun 17, 2010 in
Minnick launches BanEarmarks.com
Boise, ID - Walt Minnick has launched a new website and petition effort to push for an end to Congressional earmarks and wasteful spending. The website can be found at
www.banearmarks.com.
Minnick said that the Congress must get serious about tackling runaway spending by the federal government, and urged people from around the country to sign his petition.
"There is no more important issue facing our nation than the need to reign in reckless spending," said Minnick, a longtime Idaho business leader who was recently
hailedas one of the strongest deficit hawks in Congress, of either party. "Banning earmarks and implementing a collaborative process to strike wasteful spending are positive steps in the path to more fiscal accountability."
The new website highlights two measures from Minnick, a freshman representative from Idaho who has made the fight for fiscal accountability a cornerstone of his work in Congress.
The
first measure is a proposal to ban earmarks, the practice of allowing members of Congress to set aside funding for specific projects without having those projects go through the usual approval process.
"A move by Congress to ban the practice of “earmarking” money for special projects would assure American taxpayers that their money is being spent wisely and carefully, and would send a message that Congress is serious about controlling wasteful spending," says the petition at BanEarmarks.com.
The
second measure is a proposal that would give the President and Congress the constitutional authority to strike specific projects from federal spending bills.
"This process would give the American people the open and fair debate they demand on controversial 'pork' spending," the petition says.
Minnick's website and petition urges the American people to push their member of Congress to support these specific proposals to curb wasteful spending by Congress.
"I join Americans from around this country in urging Congress to take the tough medicine needed to restore our fiscal health and impose real accountability," the website states. "Please join Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick in pushing to ban earmarks and restore a constitutional version of the line-item veto, so that future generations will not be burdened by continued wasteful spending."
posted on Jun 16, 2010 in
Idaho Rep. Walt Minnick gets big-business backing
Some top Idaho companies have switched to the Democrat. Labrador blames an incumbent's advantage.
Copyright: © 2010 Idaho Statesman
Freshman Democratic Rep. Walt Minnick has persuaded some big-business leaders to support his re-election bid despite his vote for San Francisco liberal Nancy Pelosi as House speaker.
Republicans have tried to nationalize the race, saying a vote for Minnick is a vote for Democrats retaining control and keeping Pelosi in power.
But starting with a campaign contribution from Qwest's political action committee just 10 days after he upset GOP Rep. Bill Sali in 2008, Minnick has gathered support from iconic Idaho businesses. Among those abandoning the GOP for Minnick are Idaho Power, Micron and Simplot.
"Walt Minnick has been a good congressman for Idaho," said Jim Schmit, Qwest's Idaho vice president and a former chairman of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry.
On Sunday in McCall, Schmit co-hosted a Minnick fundraiser immediately before the annual conference of IACI, a 300-member group that is Idaho's most powerful business lobby.
IACI doesn't endorse candidates for federal office and didn't participate in the fundraiser. But IACI President Alex LaBeau thanked Minnick for his talk to IACI, which opened a three-day conference that attracted five statewide GOP elected officials and 45 legislators.
"Idaho is well-represented," LaBeau said of Minnick.
Other co-hosts at Sunday's fundraiser included IACI's new chairman, Mark Benson of Potlatch, and two IACI board members: Tim Olson of Regence Blue Shield and Mark Dunn of Simplot.
Minnick's speech to IACI focused on cutting the national debt, a topic welcomed by the business leaders. "His positions are probably the most deficit-hawkish in Congress, and the people who are paying the bills appreciate that," Dunn said.
IACI has clashed with Minnick's opponent in November, state Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Eagle, over Labrador's opposition to fuel-tax increases and full repeal of personal property taxes. Labrador supports personal property tax repeal, which would chiefly benefit large companies, but says across-the-board income-tax cuts should come first.
Labrador said he is undaunted by big business support for Minnick.
"On the two biggest legislative issues in the last two years for IACI, apparently they didn't like my proposals," Labrador said. "Sometimes these groups, especially their lobbyists, want somebody they can influence. And they know that I'm only beholden to the people of Idaho."
Labrador said Minnick benefits from an incumbent advantage. "Business groups are going to make decisions based on who has the influence right now. And the Democrats have the influence and Minnick is in the majority. It's disappointing, but it's not surprising."
Minnick, a former CEO, said his votes against health care reform, stimulus and cap-and-trade have earned him industry backing.
"I am the incumbent, but I was a businessman for 35 years," he said. "I've only been a congressman for less than a year and a half. Many businesspeople don't relate to House Democratic leadership, but I've been willing to break with leadership when I've thought the interests of Idahoans, or the next generation, or my own values suggested that leadership was wrong."
Minnick has boosted prospects for re-election that were once considered dire by Capitol Hill insiders.
Among them is Tim Sahd, who edits the "House Race Hotline" for National Journal. In April 2009, Sahd ranked Minnick as the second-most endangered incumbent on his list of 30. As Minnick built a fiscally conservative record, Sahd steadily dropped his ranking, to No. 8, No. 14 and No. 21, before finally removing him from the list in April.
"Minnick has just been able to develop a very good profile for a Western style of Democrat in a very short period of time," Sahd said.
But Labrador has a big structural advantage: Idaho's 1st District is the nation's third-most heavily Republican district held by a Democrat.
To seize that opportunity, Labrador needs to get competitive in the money race, Sahd said. Minnick had $1 million in cash as of March 31, while Labrador had raised only about $100,000.
Labrador spent three days in Washington, D.C., last week, working to build his general election campaign after his upset of Vaughn Ward in the primary. Outspent 6-to-1, Labrador beat Ward by 9 points.
Labrador concedes that Minnick's money from big business hurts, but he said he doesn't need financial parity. "I don't think I can be outspent 6-to-1, but I can be outspent by large amounts, and we will still win the general election."
Dan Popkey: 377-6438
posted on Jun 14, 2010 in
Walt had the honor of opening the 36th Annual Conference of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry (IACI). Below is the press release from IACI following the event:
Congressman Walt Minnick Kicks off the 36th Annual Conference for the Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry (IACI)
McCall – United States Congressman Walt Minnick (ID-D) who represents the first congressional district in Idaho joined with IACI Chairman Trent Clark in opening the 36th annual IACI conference at Shore Lodge in McCall. Congressman Minnick said, "I very much appreciate the opportunity to meet with Idaho business leaders at the annual IACI conference," Minnick said. "As a businessman myself, I know that getting our economy back on track requires an environment where companies and their employees can innovate, grow and succeed. I know we can get there by continuing to work together on a shared vision for a prosperous Idaho.”
The IACI annual conference is an annual opportunity for business leaders and legislators to join together and discuss the important public policy decisions facing the state of Idaho. Approximately 45 state legislators from throughout the state attended the IACI meeting. Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, Lt. Governor Brad Little, Secretary of State Ben Ysursa, State Controller Donna Jones, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna were also in attendance and participated in a variety of the conference seminars.
IACI President Alex LaBeau said, “We sincerely appreciate Represenative Minnick’s willingness to be a part of our annual meeting with the membership. His office has been very responsive to employers and employees throughout the state. Idaho is well represented.”
The Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry is the Voice of Business in Idaho® and represents 300 businesses across the state.
posted on Jun 10, 2010 in
Walt's independence and common-sense values draw support from Idahoans across the First District.
I stand with Walt because it is so refreshing to have such an intelligent and experienced business person represent us in Congress!
Melinda George
I stand with Walt for providing the bold leadership and integrity our country needs and deserves. It is refreshing and inspiring to be represented by a man who is willing to make the tough calls.
Noelle Lovern
I stand with Walt as a young adult. I believe that with each vote he casts he's doing what he truly believes is right for our state, regardless of the party lines. He remains a dedicated leader and I foresee nothing but wonderful accomplishments throughout his reign in Congress.
Katie Amen
I stand with Walt because he supports the direct election of U.S. Senators and stands by the military and their families.
Joel Kennedy
I stand with Walt because he is an independent thinker who is not afraid to vote no when it is against the best interests of Idahoans.
Carl Van Slyke
posted on Jun 10, 2010 in
Check out the latest story to show the increasing strength of Walt Minnick's congressional campaign. It is further evidence of Walt's excellent constituent services, tireless outreach and aggressive efforts behind the scenes to reach out to supporters from across the political spectrum:
http://www.nationaljournal.com/njonline/no_20100610_9296.php?mrefid=site_search
Our analysis: Support is solidifying for Walt, and moving away from Raul. In the coming weeks, you can look forward to visible signs of the the quiet work Walt has done to win new support since the Primary Election. Stay tuned!
posted on Jun 10, 2010 in
Boise, ID - Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick told Boise State Radio yesterday that he was checking in on election results from around the country, with the hope that the results would favor those who "are willing to be bipartisan and work across the aisle." The NPR affiliate interviewed Walt late Tuesday. He said Congressional leaders from both parties should not worry so much about political points, and should instead work together to toward compromise and consensus.
"Whether they be Republican or Democrat, I would like to have the middle-of-the road pragmatists do better [at the polls] than the people who are at the extremes, frankly, of either party," Minnick said.
posted on Jun 09, 2010 in
With the Federal Aviation Authority's decision to keep Boise's Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) in place, many local high-paying area jobs have been saved. Representative Walt Minnick hailed this decision in an interview with the Idaho Statesman:
“They concluded it was more it was cost effective to leave it here. It’s terrific news for Idaho on two fronts. One, air space is more safely and effectively controlled if it’s done by a local controller with intimate knowledge of the local geography, not one that’s 500 miles away. The second is that these are high-paying jobs. And high-paying jobs are at a premium when our economy is struggling.”
Walt has tirelessly fought to keep Boise's TRACON system from moving out of state. The original decision to delay the system moving to Salt Lake came after Walt voiced concerns about the process leading up to the proposed move. As the federal government rushed to move the TRACON system before Congress could act, Walt and the rest of Idaho's congressional delegation called for an audit to determine whether the move would be cost-effective; we see the result of that process today. Walt is pleased to see the the continuing efforts of Boise city officials and the delegation have been rewarded with Idaho jobs saved and Idaho's air traffic more secure.
posted on Jun 08, 2010 in
By Congressman Walt Minnick (D-Idaho)
We are about to learn that deficits do matter.
Nine years ago the budget was balanced. We then went to war and failed to pay for it. Next came the worst recession of our lifetimes and an $800 billion Stimulus Bill, none of it paid for and most of it borrowed from overseas. In 2000 our national debt was $5 trillion. Today it is $13 trillion -- in eight more years it will eclipse $20 trillion and approach 100 percent of the nation’s total economic output. Add in the unfunded obligations of Social Security, Medicare and other entitlement programs and the national debt already exceeds $200,000 for every man, woman and child in this country.
As the ongoing Greek debt crisis in Europe demonstrates, indebtedness at these levels will eventually cause lenders to lose confidence in our ability to manage our fiscal affairs and ability to repay our debts. Chinese President Hu Jintao has twice warned us this day is near. Investors fleeing the dollar would trigger devastating economic consequences, including sharply higher prices for imported goods, rising interest rates, more unemployment and renewed recession. Longer term consequences include surging inflation as we resort to printing money to pay off our creditors, a dramatic decline in our strength as a nation and our kids being the first generation of American children to grow up with lower living standards than their parents.
Simply put, our way of life is in danger, and failure to address our runaway deficit spending is the greatest systemic risk to our nation’s future.
Addressing it requires an end to the hyper-partisanship that poisoned the health care debate. As the former CEO of a global company who is now serving in Congress, I believe strongly that both parties need to work together and take a business approach to managing our nation’s financial crisis.
Start by ending the addiction to earmarks. Earlier this year I introduced legislation to ban them all, because it is unacceptable for Members of Congress to talk about fiscal responsibility while simultaneously requesting 10,000 special-interest earmarks costing over $16 billion per year.
I have also introduced The Belt Act, a constitutional version of the Presidential Line Item Veto struck down by the Supreme Court in the 1990s. This legislation would allow the President to prod Congress to zero out individual pork barrel projects tucked into larger appropriations bills. If any spending proposal cannot on its own merits muster a majority vote in Congress, taxpayers shouldn’t be stuck with the tab. The President has endorsed my proposal, which has been incorporated into a deficit reduction bill I hope we can get Congress to adopt it yet this summer.
We must also support the new debt commission, tasked with making the painful trade-offs required to reform federal entitlement programs and assure that future outlays match future cash inflows. The next Congress must muster the courage to give the commission's recommendations an up-or-down vote.
As the economy continues to show signs of recovery, we must cut spending and seek to balance our budget. These decisions will be painful and require meaningful participation from both political parties. Future budgets should include deep spending cuts, and no options should be off the table.
Finally, Congress should adopt, and the states should ratify, a balanced-budget Constitutional amendment. Its provisions could only be waived in times of depression, war or national emergency on recommendation of the President and with the concurrence of both the House and the Senate. I have co-sponsored this essential legislation.
This is strong medicine, but the party is over. The federal government requires the same fiscal discipline that we expect from state and local governments and for our own family finances. It’s also time to set aside the petty political posturing that has characterized this debate for far too long. Only by so doing can we give our children and grandchildren the same opportunities we have had to live our lives in the world’s strongest and most prosperous nation.
We owe them no less.
posted on Jun 01, 2010 in
Walt had the opportunity this Memorial Day of attending two events honoring the members of our military. Walt attended the Clarkston Memorial Day service, where he spoke about the importance of recognizing those whose lives were changed or lost as a result of their sacrifices for our country.
Walt: "My father, my brother in law and I all share one thing, that is, we came home alive and prepared to go on to enjoy the bounty of America, to marry and raise families, to have careers and to enjoy the bounty of this great, free country"
Walt also attended the dedication of the Craig Mountain Veterans Memorial. The creation of this memorial was the senior project of Kameron Mercado, a student Highland High School, who deserves our thanks for his dedication to honoring our fallen veterans. If Kameron is typical of his generation, this country will be in very good hands.
Walt: "Memorial Day is an appropriate occasion for those of us who are blessed to live in this country to recognize, memorialize and acknowledge those who have made it possible for us to be among the privileged few who can gather today to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have served for us in the military, who have fought our wars, protected our freedoms and this next generation of young men and women, of whom, Kameron is clearly one of the finest."
Some links related to Memorial Day Events:
posted on May 31, 2010 in
Walt had a great event on Saturday, with local dairy farmers and other supporters attending an ice cream social at Stewart Dairy Farm in Nampa. Walt spoke to about 50 people on a varriety of agricultural-related issues, including the Farm Bill that is expected to develop in the next Congress, support for small farms using free-market methods, and the impact of potential immigration reform on Idaho's small farmers. Following a formal question-and-answer period, Walt spoke individually with constituents.
After the social, attendees were able to tour the dairy farm, providing valuable insight into the massive amount of commitment and effort that it takes to keep Idaho's dairy industry running. As a charter member of the Congressional Dairy Caucus, Walt has a deep respect for all that the dairy industry means to Idaho, and an appreciation for the need to make sure Idaho farmers and ranchers have the kinds of stable markets crucial to Idaho's economy. For instance, he has taken actions to support struggling dairy farmers by increasing the amount that is paid for dairy products through the Dairy Product Price Support Program, increasing the price that dairy farmers will receive for their product. In his second term, Walt will show the same dedication towards helping Idaho agriculture.
In introducing Walt, host Jim Stewart cited Walt's understanding that government must balance its checkbook like any business as one of the major reasons that Walt deserves re-election. From Walt's reception on Saturday, it is clear that many Idahoans in agricultural communities whose livelihoods depend on good business sense feel the same way. Walt is a businessman first; Idahoans appreciate his brand of fiscal conservativism and Idaho common sense.
Thanks to everybody who attended Saturday's event!
posted on May 28, 2010 in
Boise, ID - Over 100 business and community leaders from across the political spectrum have signed on as original members of the Walt Minnick for Congress Campaign Committee.
Each of the 19 counties in Idaho's First Congressional District are represented on the committee. The list includes mayors, school board members, educators, leaders at chambers of commerce, business owners, county commissioners, local activists and prominent veterans.
"I am honored and humbled by the support of so many community leaders," Minnick said. "I consider each of them friends, and look forward to working with them in the coming months as we talk to Idahoans and ask for their vote in November."
The list will continue to grow, just as it has done each week over the last two months. In fact, several new members joined the bipartisan list -- which consists primarily of people who live in the First Congressional District -- shortly after the final results from Tuesday's election, which political experts said made it easier for Walt to win in November.
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2010 Minnick Campaign Committee
Ada County
Pam Beaumont – Garden City City Councilor
Frank Benzing – President and CEO of SummerWinds
David Bieter – Mayor of Boise
Vern Bisterfeldt – Boise City Councilor
Janet Calinsky – Meridian School Board
David Case – Kuna School Board
Roy Eiguren – President of Eiguren Public Policy Firm
Elfreda Higgins – Idaho legislator and Garden City City Councilor
Marilyn Howard – Former Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction
Edith and Bill Martin – Owner of Metro Express Car Wash
Dr. Lynn McGlothin – Retired orthopedic surgeon
Winston Moore – Commercial real estate developer
Bob Naerebout – President, Western Dairy Business Solutions
Chryssa Rich – Marketing associate for Pets Best Insurance
Jim Schmit – President of Qwest Idaho
Alan Shealy – Boise City Councilman
Clint Shiflet – President of Meridian Chamber of Commerce
Rick Stott – Executive Vice President of Agri Beef
Dave Thomas – Owner of High Desert Harley
Lt. Gen. (retired) Jim Thompson – Former Chief of Staff at NATO Headquarters in Naples, Italy
TJ Thomson – Boise City Councilor
David Zaremba – Meridian City Councilor
Adams County
Barbara Dixon – New Meadows School Board
Stacy Dreyer – New Meadows School Board
Wendy Ogden – Council City Councilor
Mike Paradis – Adams County Commissioner
Benewah County
Robert Allen – Former Mayor of St. Maries
Margaret Gannon – St. Maries School Board
Faith Harvey – Mayor of Tensed
June Judd – Former St. Maries legislator
Marjorie Welch – St. Maries School Board
John Wheaton – Plummer City Councilor
Boise County
Brent Adamson – Boise County Assessor and member of Idaho City School Board
Jacqueline Bridwell – Mayor of Idaho City
Robin Green – Horseshoe Bend City Councilor
Dorris Murdock – President of Idaho City Chamber of Commerce
Greg Simione – President of Garden Valley Chamber of Commerce
Pete Wier – Chair of Garden Valley School Board
Bonner County
Laura Bry – Mac Computer Consultant
Karl Dye – Executive Director of Economic Development Council
Ford Elsaesser – Senior Partner for Elsaesser Jarzabek Anderson Elliot & Macdonald
Kermit Kiebert – Former Director of Idaho Department of Transportation and Idaho legislator
Jim Martin – Mayor of Priest River
John Olson – President of Local 1295 National Federation of Federal Employees
Lonnie Orr – Mayor of Oldtown
William Rise – Priest River City Councilor
Boundary County
Fred Hendrickson – Owner of Bear Mechanical
Elsie Hollenbeck – Retired educator
Stephen Howlett – Owner of Stephen F. Howlett Building and Remodeling
Mike Sloan – President of Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce
Canyon County
Judy Ferro – Retired educator
Jeff Hess – COO of Hawkins Companies LLC
Leo Holmes – Veteran, Caldwell activist
Kent Mann – Owner of M & M Feed Lot
Dr. Donald Price, M.D. – Former President of Idaho Medical Association
Vicki Thurber – Mayor of Middleton
Clearwater County
John Allen – Clearwater County Commissioner
Ron Banks – Orofino City Councilor
Ted Brown – Orofino City Councilor
Chuck Cuddy – Former Idaho legislator
James Martin – Mayor of Elk River
Marguerite McLaughlin – Orofino City Councilor
Ryan Smathers – Mayor of Orofino
Wallace Williams – Former Mayor of Pierce
Gem County
Neal Canaday – Owner of Canaday Trucking Inc.
Dennis Drake – Manager of Emerald Forest Products
Tona Henderson – Emmett City Councilor and owner of Rumor Mill Coffee Shop
Idaho County
John Bennett – Manager of Bennett Lumber
Rob Bentley – Grangeville City Councilor
Tom Kovalicky – Retired from Forest Service
Jim Rehder – Idaho County Commissioner
Charlotte Schilling – Mayor of Kooskia
Don Solberg – Owner of Solberg Agency Inc.
Kootenai County
Sandi Bloem – Mayor of Coeur d’Alene
Jeanne Buell – Worley businesswoman and Vice–Chair of Idaho Democratic Party
Art Flagan – CFO and Treasurer for Hagadone Corporation
Thom George – Real estate agent
Jim Hawkins – Former Director of Idaho Department of Commerce
Mike Kennedy – Coeur d’Alene City Councilor
Ronald McIntire – Mayor of Hayden
Steve Meyer – Commercial real estate developer
Ed Peone – Hauser City Councilor
Jim Riley – President of Intermountain Forest Association
Latah County
Randy Hall – Former Mayor of Genesee
David Nelson – Managing partner of Visual Mesa LLC
Bill Newbry – Genesee agriculture executive
Lewis County
Steve Bateman – Mayor of Nez Perce
Chuck Doty – Lewis County Commissioner
Nez Perce County
Butch Alford – Retired media executive
Nathan Alford – Media executive
Liz Chavez – Former educator, Idaho State Representative
Bob Coleman – President of Coleman Oil
Pete Gertonson – Candidate for Nez Perce County Commission
Valerie Guenther – CEO of Lewis Clark Credit Union
John Rusche – Idaho House Minority Leader, physician
John Tait – Lewiston attorney
Carol Wallace – Educator, former Lewiston City Councilor
Ron Wittman – Nez Perce County Commissioner
Owyhee County
Eric Davis – Former President of National Cattleman’s Beef Association
Payette County
Les Cochran – Payette City Councilor
Galen Lee – President Nyssa/Nampa Beet Growers Association
Tony Wozniak – Fruitland City Councilor
Shoshone County
Jon Cantamessa – Shoshone County Commissioner
Vern Hanson – Shoshone County Commissioner
Duane Little – Former Shoshone County Assessor
Vince Rinaldi – Shoshone County Commissioner
Dr. Dick Vester – Owner of Vester Eye Clinic
Valley County
Marilyn Arp – Former McCall City Councilor
Frank Eld – Valley County Commissioner
Gerald Winkle – Valley County Commissioner
Washington County
Bob Barber – Financial consultant
Joe Hinson – Forester, industry activist
Margaret Soulen–Hinson – American Sheep Industry
Virgil Leedy – Weiser City Councilor
Creed Noah – Owner of Creed Noah Real Estate
Dan Randleman – Weiser City Councilor
Phil Soulen – Owner of Soulen Livestock Company
posted on May 28, 2010 in
I stand with Walt because he votes for what he truly believes is right - even when it means not voting along party lines. I might not agree with him all the time, but his courage and conviction have earned my respect and my support.
Chryssa Rich, Boise
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I first met Walt while he was still CEO of TJ International. I was impressed that he was called to D.C. to testify because his was the only ( or one of the few?) companies that had modified so they didn't use old-growth timber. It was conviction--not regulators--or market conditions--that drove his company to make the change.
Judy Ferro, Caldwell
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I don't agree with all of his positions, just as he probably wouldn't agree with me. But I believe he is a good and honest man who is working to get this country back on track.
Mona St. Clair Farmer
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I stand with Walt because we need the kind of principled and intelligent leadership he provides. Even when I don't agree with every vote he makes, I know he is representing Idaho with honesty and integrity.
Thom George
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Thank you for voting the wishes of the Idaho people. We are all very tired of partisan politics. I don’t care anymore if you are a “D” or an “R”. As parties, they have both pretty much discredited themselves IMO. Walt, you know what is right for Idaho, and I encourage you to vote this way and not be swayed by Washington politics. We need public servants and not more career politicians that are afraid of their party.
Tim Kastning
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Walt, as a Republican I'm so proud I voted for you. Thank You for your service for the people of Idaho.
Don Chambers
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Your commitment to understand the issues and your courage to stick to your convictions and vote independently is earning you the respect of people from all walks of life. Idahoans are fortunate to have you representing them.
Mark Solon
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Walt is going back to Congress. He is right for Idaho and right for America.
TJ Thomson, Boise City Councilman
posted on May 28, 2010 in
The Walt Minnick for Congress campaign released the following statement regarding last night's election results in Idaho's First Congressional District.
"Idaho voters know Walt Minnick as a businessman, a veteran and gun owner, and they appreciate his long record of effective work for Idaho families, seniors and veterans," campaign spokesman John Foster said. "Raul Labrador's reputation as a combative politician and his troubling rhetoric on key issues -- such as his votes against Idaho veterans -- make us confident that folks will re-elect Walt in November."
posted on May 27, 2010 in
May 27, 2010
For immediate release
Boise, ID - With the announcement today that the U.S. House of Representatives may be in session this weekend, Walt Minnick will postpone campaign events scheduled for the coming days.
"I know Walt was very much looking forward to officially kicking off his campaign, but the Congressional current schedule leaves too much up in the air," Minnick campaign spokesman John Foster said. "Although we will postpone the events planned for Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the campaign is underway. I know Walt looks forward to being out on the campaign trail soon to talk to voters and meet with the media."
There are no firm plans yet on rescheduling these events, but there will soon be more information on the summer campaign schedule. The Congressional office has confirmed that they are tentatively planning on having Walt at his scheduled events for Memorial Day.
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For the media - We are moving forward with plans for other campaign news this week. Later today we will announce Walt's re-election committee. (That was postponed for a day, as the results of Tuesday's primary expanded the number of people interested in joining.) We will later this week also launch Walt's new website and social-media initiative. Don't hesitate to call if you have any questions. - JF
John M. Foster | Campaign Manager
Walt Minnick for Congress
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
208.559.3547 (cell)
@rightforidaho (Twitter)
posted on May 24, 2010 in
Monday, May 24, 2010
For immediate release
Minnick to launch re-election campaign
Boise, ID - Idahoans will show their support for the trusted, respected, responsible leadership of Walt Minnick this week as he officially launches his re-election campaign.
Walt will announce major initiatives on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. His campaign will officially launch Saturday during events and a press conference in southern Idaho, followed by events and press conferences Sunday in North Idaho and on Monday in Central Idaho.
"It has been an honor to spend the last 17 months serving Idaho farmers, seniors, veterans, businesses and families," he said. "I haven't been a Congressman long, but I've been a businessman most of my life. I work hard to apply that experience to my work in Congress, and hope that work shows Idaho voters that they made a good investment in electing me. I look forward to getting out on the campaign trail again to ask for their support in November."
Walt's list of accomplishments is long despite his short tenure.
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His work for Idaho seniors and families has resulted in returning to Idaho citizens over $3 million owed to them by the federal government.
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His work for Idaho small businesses has resulted in new jobs for the district, and his support for those businesses earned him the "Spirit of Enterprise Award" from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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His work for Idaho veterans helped protect their benefits, helped them receive the recognition they deserved and helped them cut through bureaucratic red tape.
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Walt's votes against overspending, his push to ban earmarks and his work for fiscal accountability have won him praise and recognition from across the political spectrum, and he has been called - by Congressional Quarterly and the Washington Post - one of the most independent members of Congress.
"The support Idahoans have shown for my candidacy is humbling, but it's really a reflection of our common values," Minnick said. "On my last campaign I pledged to put Idaho first, work hard and demand real accountability from Congress. With help from the many people who support that approach, I look forward to running a strong campaign and returning as Idaho's representative."
Schedule of Events
ROLLOUT
Although Minnick will be in Washington, D.C., through Friday, he is available during the week for press interviews via phone or satellite. Please use the contact information below for details.
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Wednesday 5/26 - Announcement of the official re-election committee, a growing list of more than 100 bipartisan Idaho leaders who are assisting and supporting the campaign.
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Thursday 5/27 - Re-launch of the website, WaltMinnick.com, which will serve as a "one-stop-shop" for information about the campaign for victory in November.
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Friday 5/28 - Roll-out of a social media initiative where people can show their support, interact with the campaign and organize their own local networks.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Media are invited to attend any of the campaign events below in addition to the scheduled press conferences. Please use the contact information below for details.
Saturday 5/29 - Ada and Canyon counties
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Morning meeting with volunteers and supporters at state campaign headquarters.
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1 PM - Fundraiser and ice-cream social at Stewart Farms in Canyon County.
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3 PM - Press-conference at Meridian City Hall.
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4 PM - Free car washes for veterans at Metro Express Car Wash in Meridian
Sunday 5/30 - Kootenai County
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Morning meeting with volunteers and supporters.
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11:15 AM - Door-to-door canvass to speak to voters in Coeur d'Alene.
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12:30 PM - Meet-and-greet with Kootenai County business owners.
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2 PM - Press conference at Plummer Forest Products in Post Falls.
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3 PM - Event with area veterans and supporters at All Seasons Apparel in Post Falls.
Monday 5/31 - Nez Perce County
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Lunchtime meeting with volunteers and supporters.
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1 PM - Press conference at Locomotive Park in Lewiston.
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As part of his official duties, Minnick will also participate in several Memorial Day events in Nez Perce County.
There is a growing movement in this nation to show real support for folks who really do stand on principle. Idaho’s Walt Minnick is one of those people. Whether it’s his bill to permanently ban earmarks, his votes against wasteful spending, his hard work at home for senior citizens and veterans, or his business approach to government, Walt is a shining example of what people want from their leaders.
Walt hasn’t been a Congressman for long, but he’s been a businessman for his entire life, and he knows that real fiscal accountability means paying for what you spend, sticking to your principles and focusing on the things that leave you stronger when tough times are over.
Thanks for visiting the site. Drop Walt a line by clicking on the button above, or make a small contribution to help him stay in office, continue his fight and stay on as the most independent member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
posted on Apr 11, 2010 in
Accountability It’s easy to connect with Walt Minnick.
You can follow his campaign for Idaho independence on Twitter - @rightforidaho.
You can also become a fan on Facebook. Just click here!
Walt is demanding an end to pork projects and wasteful spending. He has introduced a bill to permanently ban earmarks, and another that would force Congress to confront special-interest projects. (Click here to read about both bills.) Over the last year, some politicians have tried to have it both ways on earmarks, by saying they don’t like the practice and then using them anyway, or by supporting only “temporary” bans. Walt Minnick is one of the few who not only refuses earmarks, but who is actively pushing for a complete ban. Read more here.
posted on Mar 29, 2010 in
An excerpt from the recent New York Times piece about Walt:
Mr. Minnick insists he is positioned well. He said his votes against Democratic leaders on prominent measures like health care and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act reflected the wishes of his constituents and have reassured wary conservatives that he is independent-minded.
“I’m a dyed-in-the-wool Republican, but you vote for the people who work for you,” said Kent Mann, a past president of the Idaho Cattle Association. “The Republicans called me looking for my support, and I said: ‘Well, what are you going to offer me? Because he’s done a fantastic job.’ ”
posted on Feb 17, 2010 in
It’s an annual tradition.
Each year, the Idaho Legislature welcomes the state’s federal elected officials to make a short speech before both the House and the Senate. Walt had the honor of doing that this year, and had the chance to make a plea for more bipartisan solutions at every level of government. You can read about his speech here, or you can read an excerpt below.
“To the majority running this legislature, I say to you exactly the same thing I do to the Democratic leaders in Congress: Reach across the aisle and bring your colleagues to the table. Good ideas come from both Republicans and Democrats. The loyal opposition may have different views and occasionally a different approach, but their constituents have the same needs as yours.”
Politicians talk a lot about independence, but few people live those values each and every day. Folks in Idaho understand those values well, and that’s why they support Walt Minnick. Here he is in his own words: “I try to do what’s consistent with my views and represent - where I can - the views of the state. My test is, ‘What’s good for Idaho; what’s good for my kids and grandkids?’ And I try to look at it issue-by-issue. I figure if most of those decisions are right, on the merits, the election will take care of itself.” Click here to read more about the most independent member of the U.S. Congress.
Wall Street must be held accountable, but do we need a new federal bureaucracy to do it?
Walt Minnick is proud to have been one of the authors of important legislation to force some much-needed oversight on the big bankers and corporate executives who got us into this financial mess. However, he very much opposed one provision of that bill, which would put in place a new agency that could have negative ramifications for the kinds of small, community banks so important to rural states such as Idaho.
The Christian Science Monitor reported on the passage of new regulations for the financial industry, and on Walt’s role in helping shape the bill, as well as in sending a message that all Americans want less government bureaucracy.
In a rural state such as Idaho, it’s very difficult for many veterans to receive the health and wellness care they were promised by this nation. Long drives on difficult roads can force some vets to skip care altogether. Those drives are expensive. Gas, an overnight stay, food—it all adds up for vets, many of whom are living on a fixed income in these tough times.
Walt Minnick is doing something about it. Click here to read a story about a Minnick bill to reimburse rural veterans for their travel costs when driving to obtain the medical care they earned and this nation promised.
Across the First Congressional District, Idahoans are more convinced than ever that Walt Minnick is the right person to serve as their representative. Consider some of the recent news stories about the amazing work Walt has done, showing the same kind of effective, bipartisan leadership he promised to take to Washington, D.C.:
- Walt is a leader in the House of an effort to post bills online at least 72 hours before votes, so citizens can examine legislation. (New York Times)
- Walt is one of the key players in an overhaul of our regulatory system, and is working on legislation to hold Wall Street accountable while protecting small institutions here in Idaho. (Politico)
- Walt has held more town hall meetings than anyone else in Idaho, talking about everything from auditing the federal reserve to the status of health-care legislation. (NIC Sentinel)
- And Walt has joined all Idahoans in calling for a free democracy in China by passing out of the House a resolution calling on the Chinese government to release a pro-democracy activist. (Fox12)
posted on Aug 25, 2009 in
Accountability •
Independence Walt was featured on the nightly PBS news show, “NewsHour.” The piece focused on health care and on Walt’s hard work to represent the diverse people and places of Idaho’s First Congressional District.
You can read a transcript of the piece here, and can watch it by clicking here.
posted on Aug 09, 2009 in
Idaho Values •
Independence
Last week Walt once again brought Idaho onto the national stage thanks to his strong stance for fiscal accountability and responsible, effective government. This time it was the Sunday show on CNN, “State of the Union” with John King. The crew visited beautiful St. Maries to meet with voters and talk about the coming election year.
There are two clips. You can watch the main story by clicking here and extended interviews with local residents by clicking here.
The backcountry and our state’s rugged wilderness is very much a part of Idaho’s great way of life. But that way of life came under attack by Washington bureaucrats when they decided to suspend critical air-mail service to remote regions of Idaho’s First Congressional District. That is, until Walt Minnick got involved.
The decision to terminate the contract was made at Postal Service headquarters in Washington, more than 2,500 miles away, said Al DeSarro, a spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service Western Region in Denver. “They probably did not understand,” DeSarro said. “The initial decision was made with the thinking that there was going to be an acceptable alternative.”
Click here to read the entire story.
posted on Jun 14, 2009 in
Veterans One of the highlights of Walt’s time in office was the opportunity to help a veteran who was long-overdue for a ‘thank you’ from a grateful nation.
Minnick was contacted by (Kenneth) Keene’s daughter, Sandra Wicker, in 2008 while campaigning in northcentral Idaho and learned that the former aerospace worker had been trying to secure his medals for about five years, but to no avail. (Read the entire story here.)
But Walt got it done.
An American medic who landed on Iwo Jima, dodged bullets on the beach and watched friends die in one of World War II’s bloodiest battles is getting a belated thank-you from the U.S. Navy: Four medals he should have received before he left the service in 1945 but didn’t finally arrived Saturday.
posted on May 30, 2009 in
Bipartisanship •
Idaho Values The respected political magazine “Congressional Quarterly” has a new piece out highlighting the great work Walt is doing representing Idaho and our values in Congress. Here’s a snippet:
The 1st District, which encompasses the western half of the state including part of Boise, is a GOP target, but Minnick isn’t making it easy.His tireless constituent outreach, low-key, non-ideological demeanor and centrist voting record has earned plaudits from traditionally Republican-leaning interest groups. “People are very comfortable with him and his views,” said John Thompson, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation spokesman. “I think he’s doing what he knows he needs to do get re-elected.”
Click here to read the entire piece.
I want to thank all of you, both in Idaho and from around the country, who have e-mailed, called and written letters of support for my work in Congress. I learned the values of fiscal responsibility and personal accountability while growing up on my family wheat farm. During my business career I learned how to create jobs while balancing a budget. And now I’m applying those values and skills to my work as a Congressman for Idaho. But to continue that work I need your help. Every donation will help me spread the word that we must move beyond partisan bickering to a new era of effective representation for America. Please take a few moments to donate today. It’s simple to do online—just click on the button to your right.
Congressman Walt Minnick has co-sponsored a bill requiring the Secretary of the Treasury to aggressively pursue legal measures to force AIG employees into returning bonuses paid with taxpayer dollars.
“Like all Idahoans, I am incensed at the actions of this company and the egregious bonuses paid to their executives,” Minnick said. “But I am also incensed that our federal tax dollars were spent with so little oversight. It is my hope that this Congress and the administration will learn from this incident and see that we cannot continue to allow private companies to run amok with taxpayer dollars.”
Minnick also voted for a resolution directing the Secretary of the Treasury to use every possible legal measure to recoup government dollars spent on bonuses. Minnick, a member of the influential House Financial Services Committee, yesterday in a hearing with the current chief executive officer of AIG called for better oversight of all companies receiving federal assistance.
“I opposed the TARP bill and I opposed the bailout for AIG. I’m a businessman, and when I bought businesses I took due diligence seriously,” Minnick said at the hearing. “We taxpayers shouldn’t buy companies or socialize businesses. Having made the mistake with AIG we should not now throw good money after bad. Instead, we should now withdraw taxpayers’ support and let AIG go bankrupt, let a federal bankruptcy judge void these ill-advised bonus contracts, sort out the losses, and bring in new, qualified management to properly manage AIG free of one more nickel of taxpayer support.”
Minnick today voted against H.R. 1586, a bill that would tax employee pay at a rate of 90 percent if their employer received more than five billion dollars under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).
“Tinkering with the tax code is not the solution,” Minnick said. “Instead we need the Treasury Department to use its full weight and authority in administering the rules already in place to better regulate the companies receiving our money.
Our nation is in trouble. Unemployment rates are climbing, people are watching their savings disappear and all of us are worried about what comes next.
That’s why Idaho families, workers, businesses and local governments should get what they have asked for from the U.S. Congress: smart investments to create new jobs and put people back to work.
I do not believe that the largest spending bill in U.S. history is the most effective way to do that. That’s why I voted against the American Recovery and Investment Act, otherwise known as the stimulus bill.
What began with a tight focus on job creation and infrastructure improvements ballooned into a ‘something for everything’ spending proposal. And it will saddle our nation with economic burdens which could be just as onerous as the one we are wearing now.
Hundreds of billions of dollars in the stimulus bill are for programs which have never before been authorized by Congress. Like you, I think it’s a horrible idea to try to appropriate large sums of taxpayer dollars to programs that have never before been debated or authorized.
A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report on the stimulus bill estimates that only 7 percent of the $358 billion of the discretionary funds in the plan would be spent in this fiscal year. The CBO also estimated that only 38 percent of the bill would be spent by the end of fiscal year 2010 and that a third of the bill would still be unspent in 31 months.
If this bill becomes law, our deficit will grow to nearly $2 trillion, and every penny we borrow will come from foreign leaders who will rapidly gain too much leverage over our economic welfare and decisions. We are in a recession, and we must spend some money to get the economy moving again, but the American people must have guarantees that this stimulus bill will not become an excuse for fiscal irresponsibility.
There is much about the stimulus bill I support. We need to improve health care. Our nation needs a completely new approach to energy. We must improve higher education and increase access for all children.
But those things are not immediate, direct economic stimulus.
To jump-start our economy, Congress needs to fund shovel-ready road projects, and should remove restrictions that force the money to go only to projects meeting federal standards. We should extend unemployment benefits so our workers can hang on until the economy begins to turn the corner as the stimulus funds work into our financial system. We should provide money to states so they can help local school districts carry out planned construction projects and thus save money to help keep teachers in the classroom. And we should offer tax cuts to those who need the money the most, so it will go into our economy quickly, spur spending and increase jobs.
Once the economy is moving again, Congress needs to go back to balancing the budget and start paying for what we spend. Like you, I believe that these tough times could also be the beginning of a new era of fiscal responsibility, but it must start with smart, strategic spending on key projects to put people back to work.
These tough times require quick, direct action, but our obligation to the next generation means spending every nickel in the most cost-effective way.
Walt sent out an editorial yesterday detailing his strong opposition to the auto-industry bailout. Not only did he buck his party with the stance, but he earned strong praise from at least one longtime Idaho political pundit for making a clear case for a viable alternative.
Click here to read the editorial, and click here to read analysis from Randy Stapilus, a blogger, author and former Idaho Statesman political editor
posted on Dec 05, 2008 in
In case you missed it, Walt has hired his first three staffers for his new Congressional office. All are Idaho natives.
Isaac Squyres will be the chief of staff, and will be based in Boise. Kate Haas will be the deputy chief of staff, and will be based in Washington, D.C. And John Foster will be the senior advisor and director of communications, and will be based in Boise.
You can read the press release here.
posted on Nov 21, 2008 in
Our apologies for the lack of content on the Minnick for Congress website. Things have been a little slow on the blog because they’ve been very hectic around the office as things transition from “Walt for Congress” to “Congressman Walt Minnick.”
There is plenty going on, however. We are accepting ticket requests for the inauguration of our next president, but the deadline to make your requests is the last day of this month. You can email your requests to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
We’re also accepting resumes from people who are interested in applying for a job with the Congressional office, or who are interested in seeking an appointment with the new presidential administration. You can e-mail those requests to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
So thanks for your patience as we transition through the transition. Walt’s swearing-in will be here before we know it!
posted on Nov 06, 2008 in
I left the Election Night party just after midnight, unsure of whether I was going to win or lose. After a fitful night of sleep I awoke early on Wednesday to a slim lead and a handful of precincts left to count. By the time I got ready and drove back to the Boise hotel where my bleary-eyed staff had been up all night, the results were clear: We had done it.
We won.
I need to thank so many people but I want to start by thanking all of you, my friends, supporters and volunteers. You won this election. You were the reason we pulled it out and were able to claim a victory already being called “historic” by pundits and press alike.
However, as satisfying as this win was and is, the real work is about to begin. There is still a recession. People are still worried about their jobs. They are still worried about their homes. They are still worried about how they can afford college for their children.
These are still tough times.
That is why I am committed to the same approach I promised throughout the campaign. As your Congressman, I will reach across the aisle, find partners and collaborators, work as hard as I can to change Washington, D.C., and help move this country forward.
The last year has been amazing for A.K. and I, as well as for our family. We traveled a District that spreads from Nevada to Canada. We met thousands of proud Idahoans. We heard uplifting stories of all that’s great about our state, and tragic tales of the hardship so many people face today.
One story stands out. On a hot summer day I was walking back down Main Street in Emmett after spending the afternoon walking in the annual parade. I saw a woman sitting on the front porch of a run-down home. She said hello and I stopped to talk. She told me she was scared.
This woman was working two full-time jobs just to make ends meet, which was hard because neither job paid more than minimum wage. Gas was more expensive, food was more expensive and her employers were struggling, and she was having trouble making ends meet. Things were so bad that was worried she would be evicted from the home she had rented for more than 30 years.
That was a sobering day for me, and I will never forget it. That’s why I am humbled by the responsibility we now have to make this a better Idaho for her, for all of us. It is a responsibility I will honor by always working hard, by listening to every voice and by doing what’s right for Idaho.
We did an amazing thing.
Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.
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