"If you like red meat politics, it gets no better than in the sixth district..."
One of the most talked about (and legendary) congressional districts in Minnesota is the 6th. The people who live in this district have very distinctive roots and politics. And my BPOU within the 6th is about as red as red can get.
The 6th is what it is because of the people who represent it. Whether you love her, like her, or otherwise, Michele Bachmann really put this central Minnesota district on the map. Loathed by the local newspaper (which to many of us is a good thing), and loved by many in her district, Michele gave no quarter to the Left. Even though at the end of her career some of her ideas and stands may have seemed a bit extreme to people in the middle, history has proven her dead on with many of what some thought were "wacky ideas".
A wee bit of history on the 6th. Early in the 20th century, a Republican named Charles August Lindbergh represented the district. Yes, that name does sound familiar. He was he father of the famous aviator Charles Lindbergh. The conservative nature of this district came out early under Congressman Lindbergh. He vigorously opposed the establishment of the Federal Reserve Act in 1913. Turns out we should have listened to him.
The late Rod Grams held the position in the mid-90's for only two years. However, that was long enough to position him to become a United States Senator.
We have had both Democrats and Republicans represent the district over time. For the past twelve years starting with Mark Kennedy (yes, we too have a Kennedy), it has been in Republican hands. The district has become "bright red", and therefore is a juicy target for the DFL to take it over.
Today we have Tom Emmer representing the 6th. What many are finding out about Tom is he is not Michele Bachmann. He never promised he would be. It will be up to Tom to carry our conservative traditions and beliefs forward without alienating us from the other 434 districts. That will involve a fine balance of maintaining principles while at the same time working with others who do not share our views. In other words, it will take a statesman. That will be Tom's challenge. And I believe Tom has the skill set to do it, and do it well.
A while ago, someone from another district asked me how I liked living in the 6th. I responded by saying I would not trade it. I love this area of the state. I love the people who live here. I love their passion for conservative politics. And as a bonus, I love the history - and that history is still being made as I conclude this.
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