Since Jim Newberger announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination to run for the U. S. Senate seat this summer, he’s spent a lot of time on the road.
“Thirteen thousand miles on my car in 2 1/2 months,” he said Monday evening. “I plan to continue relentlessly working.”
Newberger, of Becker, came “home” this week - he held his first fundraiser get-together at The Friendly Buffalo in Big Lake Monday evening, greeting an estimated 65 supporters from around the area.
It posed an opportunity for him to re-emphasize his issues in running for Senate and to shake the hands of homestanders he’ll count on for financial and spiritual support as he seeks the Republican nomination in Duluth in June to run against Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a two-term Democrat from Minneapolis.
What has he learned from his recent travels?
“The larger media?” he said. “They are at best lukewarm."
“But greater Minnesota? A very winnable campaign.”
Newberger, a paramedic, has served the Becker-Clear Lake-Clearwater and points north district, feels he has a legitimate chance in a race with Klobuchar.
“For over a decade, I’ve been active as a volunteer and as a (state) representative. I feel very well connected with the state.”
He spoke with the local media for 15 minutes at the outset of the evening, going over his issues:
“We need refugee resettlement reform . . . I support legal immigration, but if you are going to come here . . . Our newest refugees, many adhere to a different form of law, not American law.”
No. 2. The national debt is out of control. “We can’t hand it off to future generations.”
3. Protect social security. Within 10 years, it could be insolvent.
4. Repeal ObamaCare.
5. Tax reform. “You should be able to sit down in 20 minutes and do you rown taxes.
6. He supports the 2nd Amendment, to bear arms.
7. He also is Pro-Life.
As for his aspirations toward Klobuchar? “Over the past decade, we’ve only had Franken and Klobuchar,” he said. “They support 90% of Obama legislation.”
Keynote speaker to the assembly was radio personality Walter Hudson, who airs “Closing Arguments” on KCLK Radio.
Hudson has for some time lined up in Newberger’s corner and his oratory echoed life points the candidate has endorsed.
“To pursue happiness, they’re (people) going to have to produce. To be successful, to pursue the good things in life.”
He said there is no room in life nor the political spectrum for pity. “It should not be there,” he said.
It’s led to the country’s pre-occupation with programs that have led to the national debt.
“You wouldn’t go next door and run up a $120 bill for booze and food, then hand over the bill to your children?” he asked.
“Nationally, we’re doing it.”
He talked of posterity, an insight of being beyond oneself in life. “We have a responsibility toward the need to get back to it. That’s why we are here for Jim tonight.”
At one table, John and Isaac Lemke of Zimmerman, Mike and Kathy Prochnicki of Orrock and Dan Nygaard of Big Lake Twp. dined and conversed.
John Lemke remembers his time with Newberger as going back many years, when they served on a District House Republican committee. He believes in what the candidate is doing. “I support him,” he said.
Mike Prochnicki and his wife have lived in the area since 1989.
“I’m here because I want some representation (in Washington D. C.),” he said.
Newberger took Sen. Klobuchar to task for not standing up to speak in the Franken episode.
As for Franken? “He’s admitted he’s guilty. He should resign,” said Newberger. As for the others who are under indecency charges but maintain their innocence, Newberger advocates their issues be addressed under due process.
He is serving the last year of a two-year term with the Minnesota House, with the legislative session to begin in January.
His website is www.JimForUSsenate.com
