Star Tribune editorial board did not even interview Steve Sarvi

Most of you may have noticed that the Minneapolis Star Tribune endorsed John Kline, the Republican, over Democrat Steve Sarvi in the MN-02 race. Their endorsement hinges on their desire for a mythical "balance" in our Congressional delegation rather than a Representative who will best serve the needs of his district.

What you probably didn't know is that the editorial board probably already had its mind made up. Instead of meeting with the full editorial board, Steve met with two retirees. These retirees are brought back in during high politcal season to "help" when it gets busy. No members of the editorial board were present for Steve's screening.

What's odd about the endorsement of Kline, is how they endorse Kline but have misgivings on important issues.

Republican Rep. John Kline has significant differences with the Editorial Board on some important issues. His absolutist position on earmarks is a concern, likely making it more difficult to complete transportation projects in his district. There's also room for improvement on veterans' issues and the environment. The moderate Republicans for Environmental Protection gave Kline a zero on its most recent congressional vote scorecard.

But recently, the three-term congressman faced a tough and revealing test of leadership. He passed, a key reason he merits endorsement. The test? Voting on the Wall Street bailout bill.
(Strib)

Room for improvement on veteran's issues? Kline has been so bad that he needs to go on this issue alone.

He voted against providing adequate armor for our troops and their vehicles. He voted to slash VA budgets during wartime. He voted for outsourcing maintenance of VA facilities resulting in the Walter Reed fiasco. He has opposed funding additional research into PTSD and traumatic brain injuries ... the top two problems most vets in Iraq and Afghanistan come home with. Finally, he voted against Sen. Jim Webb's GI Bill which would have increased education benefits for our troops.

His absolutist position on earmarks is a concern? It is a moronic, cynical political ploy.

Kline was for earmarks before he was against them before he was both for and against them. This is just a stupid election year bumper sticker issue to make it seem that he is a principled fiscal conservative. The truth about earmarks is they are about 0.05% of the federal budget. What Kline has done is fail to bring legitimate road and bridge construction projects to his district.

On the real issue of fiscal responsibility, Kline sat by as a Clinton budget surplus was turned into a crippling Bush deficit and an economy in ruins.

There's also room for improvement on the environment? You even admit that he gets a zero rating by a moderate to conservative environmental group.

Every other environmental groups also gives him a bad rating. League of Conservation Voters give him a 5% rating. Sierra Club, 13%.

They even stretch the truth to the breaking point.

Kline is a thoughtful conservative -- one who has become far less of an ideologue during his three terms in office. When the retired Marine colonel first ran for his House seat, he hewed too closely to talking points and his ramrod image as the guy who carried the "nuclear football" briefcase for President Ronald Reagan. Over the years, he's become a multidimensional politician, displaying easy fluency on a wide range of issues. He's also developed a reputation for collegiality on Capitol Hill and in his district, suggesting an openness to new ideas and a willingness to listen. That's a valuable quality in an era where partisanship has blocked much-needed progress.
(Strib)

He has become far less of an ideologue? Kline has voted in lockstep with the Bush Administration. He's been as far right as Michele Bachmann, just not so crazy.

He's also developed a reputation for collegiality? John Kline has a reputation in his district as rude and dismissive. He's only collegial if you're on his side. Both he and his staff are rude to anyone with a differing opinion from him.

And finally, here's the steaming meadow muffin to sum up how out of touch the Strib editorial board is on this race:

With Democrats expected to pick up House seats this election, Kline will provide needed balance in the House. His calls for fiscal responsibility will be particularly welcome. Also valuable is Kline's level-headed approach to foreign policy. Throughout this election, Kline has stressed the role of diplomacy and the power of economic sanctions.
(Strib)