ANOKA—Bob Olson, a DFL candidate in the 6th Congressional District, wrote to Rep. Michele Bachmann today calling on her to apologize for her offensive and irresponsible remarks about Minnesota’s economy.

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The Honorable Rep. Michele Bachmann
412 Cannon Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Friday, Jan. 18, 2008

Dear Congresswoman Bachmann:

I am writing regarding your recent comments about Minnesota being the “workingest” state because we have “more people that are working longer hours … that are working two jobs.”

Talk about the glass being half full.

While you celebrate the plight of many Minnesotans, I see cause for great alarm. People in our state certainly value hard work, but they’re not putting in extra hours or taking multiple jobs for fun. They’d much rather spend extra time with their families. Today, however, they’re trying to make ends meet.

Too many families in Minnesota are terrified that they might get sick this winter because they can’t afford health care.

Too many families in Minnesota are worried that they won’t be able to afford their children’s college tuition.

Too many families in Minnesota are watching their mortgage payments surge while their incomes stagnate.

Too many families in Minnesota are driving around town looking for a gas station selling fuel at something less than $2.80 a gallon.

These are the people you said you were campaigning for in 2006—the people who wake up everyday and “do the right thing.” Now, more than ever, they need a real leader standing up for them in Washington. They deserve far better than cheap sloganeering and partisan grandstanding.

You owe Minnesota an apology and a renewed commitment to addressing these issues in the time you have left in office.

I look forward to your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Bob Olson