A reader named “Scoop” says this weekend Republicans will endorse Mike Cummins for the Eighth Congressional District seat held by the venerable U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar (DFL-Chisholm). I have not had much luck learning more about Mr. Cummins, but will keep trying. I’m sure we will know the whole story in coming days. Oberstar’s opponent faces the daunting task of running against the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee who has held this seat since 1974.
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I met Oberstar in high school over 10 years ago and thought that he actually seemed like a decent guy, even though I disagree with his politics. However, I really don’t like career politicians who have never worked in the real world. I really wish there would be a movement to limit Congressmen and Senators to 12 years in office (6 terms for representatives, 2 terms for senators). There are plenty of these types on both sides of the aisle that have been in Washington for far too long.
As for who Oberstar’s opponent is, it really doesn’t matter. The Republicans ran a former US Senator in 2006 and didn’t even get 40% of the vote. As long as Oberstar keeps running and doesn’t get caught molesting children in front of a crowded stadium (Heck, that might not even do it!), it will continue. People are just used to voting for him now.
Todd, while I agree with your aversion to “career politicians”, I’d like to point out that Jim Oberstar has worked in the real world. He grew up in the mines of the iron range, he worked in a cement factory and he taught English in Haiti before becoming staff on the committee of his predecessor, John Blatnik.