Oberstar's clout favors his reelection by ECM Editorial Board Appearing in ECM Newspapers on 2008-10-24. A quarter billion dollars in 48 hours. That’s the most compelling reason among many to re-elect 8th District DFL Congressman James Oberstar to an unprecedented 18th term. When the I-35W bridge collapsed Aug. 1, 2007, it took Oberstar just two days to navigate the labyrinth of Congress and produce $250 million to begin rebuilding the bridge. Thirteen months later, the project was done. As the chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, that is the kind of clout that Oberstar has. And when you talk to him and his Republican opponent, Mike Cummins, as representatives of the ECM Editorial Board did last week, it becomes clear that Oberstar’s knowledge of transportation issues is an asset unsurpassed in the Congress. Oberstar understands the importance to economic development of transportation and infrastructure. This past term, his committee saw 96 bills enacted into law, chief among them extending the locks on the Mississippi River to accommodate larger barges, and dredging the harbors on the Great Lakes, where ships full of taconite, coal and grain have been running 7,500 tons short of capacity because silt has made the harbors too shallow to handle more. By making our transportation system more efficient, he makes American products more competitive on world markets. Oberstar has also been working to establish a high-speed rail corridor from Chicago to the Twin Cities, and to implement a new rail corridor, the Northern Lights Express line, from Duluth to the Twin Cities. He was instrumental in obtaining funding for the recreational Soo Line Trail that cuts across the southern part of the 8th District as well. Those are the kinds of projects that Minnesotans have come to expect from the state’s senior congressman. Cummins is a newcomer to politics, and presents a clear alternative to Oberstar on some of the issues. However, he readily admits his background is in business, not politics. A resident of Brook Park, he has made a living in real estate development. His basic approach to government comes down in favor of free-market economics, and therein lie the major differences between Oberstar and him. Oberstar blames the financial crisis on lack of oversight by the Bush Administration, but voted for the Wall Street bailout to get the economy moving again. Cummins opposed the bailout, and puts most of the blame for the sub-prime mortgage issue on people attempting to purchase homes that they could not afford. He believes people should be held responsible for the papers they sign. Oberstar voted against both of the wars in Iraq from the start, and wants U.S. troops to withdraw as soon as possible. Cummins is opposed to a timetable for withdrawal, and says the U.S. needs to begin handing over provinces and areas to the Iraqi forces piece by piece as the Iraqis prove they can maintain order. As each candidate’s position on the various issues comes out, however, Oberstar’s greater depth and experience is obvious. Agree with him or not, it’s clear that he has thought longer and harder about the issues. Because of that, and because of his seniority and clout, we wholeheartedly endorse his re-election. -- This editorial is a product of the editorial board of ECM Publishers, Inc.

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