Letter to the Editor: Thanks to Rep. Stensrud

To the Editor:

Since Kirk Stensrud campaigned for the Minnesota House, I have had the pleasure of speaking to him several times at length. I have been pleased to find out that he is very knowledgeable about the issues and presents a clear voice for the type of changes that we need to get Minnesota back on the right track.

Not only is Rep. Stensrud conversant with the standard solutions to problems caused by the excessive growth of government, he has shown me that he has deep insight into both the philosophical underpinnings of good government and American principles.

I am proud to have supported Rep. Stensrud in the past, and I hope that everyone gets a chance to really hear what he has to say, beyond the sound bites.

I have heard some criticism from the other side that Rep. Stensrud has engaged in "negative campaigning." What is negative campaigning? The other side seems to think it is anything they disagree with. But that is not what negative campaigning is.

Negative campaigning is either an unfounded personal or policy attack not borne by the facts, such as that Rep. Stensrud is "against veterans." A look at his records shows him to very pro-vet. As such he is the target of negative attacks, not the originator.

Jeff Simon, Minnetonka