Elections are about rights and resources – 5 of 6

Why the Nov. 3 midterms matter, and where Minnesota’s major-party candidates stand

Elections are not popularity contests, nor should they hinge on personal likes or dislikes. They are not about who has the most attractive website, speaks most eloquently, appears most charismatic or receives the most attention. Elections are not about Democrats or Republicans; they are about rights and resources.

When you vote, know whom you are supporting and why. Regardless of party, your chosen candidate should be prepared to defend your rights and fight for the resources your community needs.

The Nov. 3 midterm general election may be the most consequential election of our lifetime.

The president’s party controls the White House and both chambers of Congress, and a conservative majority holds the U.S. Supreme Court, leaving little effective oversight or restraint. Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, you have felt the effects of the administration’s actions: higher food and gas prices, rising health care premiums and, for some people, the loss of health coverage.

We are also involved in an unprovoked war. We have witnessed extreme and deadly immigration enforcement, book bans, attacks on the Department of Education and civil rights, the erosion of voting rights, and threats to freedom of speech and the press, with no sign of these actions slowing. If the administration maintains its current course, the remaining foundations of our democracy could be dismantled.

People generally vote for one of two reasons: to change current conditions or to preserve them. Those dissatisfied with the present situation vote for a different direction, while those who approve of it vote to maintain the status quo.

If you want to change our current course, I urge you to vote on Nov. 3. Our hard-won rights and the resources our community needs are at stake.

To prevent further harm by the current administration, Democrats must win control of both the House and Senate on Nov. 3.

To accomplish this, Democrats need a net gain of three House seats and four Senate seats while retaining the seats they already hold. They must also hold key positions in local elections to help protect our communities.

To be clear, I am not endorsing the Democratic Party or pledging loyalty to any party. However, I believe that if Democrats gain control of Congress, they will impose needed guardrails, defend our rights and help ensure that our communities receive the resources they need.

Where Minnesota candidates stand on issues affecting Black, brown, Indigenous and immigrant residents

The Nov. 3 midterm elections are an opportunity for Black, brown, Indigenous and immigrant Minnesotans to evaluate not just what candidates promise, but what they are prepared to do to protect our rights, address racial disparities and ensure that our communities receive the resources they need.

Below is a comparison of the candidates in U.S. House, 4th Congressional District race, their priorities and the issues shaping their appeals to voters.

U.S. House, 4th Congressional District

Minnesota’s 4th Congressional District includes St. Paul, Roseville, Maplewood, Shoreview, White Bear Lake, Oakdale, Mahtomedi, Lake Elmo and parts of Woodbury.

Betty McCollum (DFL, incumbent)

McCollum’s platform focuses on immigration and refugee policy, civil rights and support for immigrant communities.

Immigration and refugee policy

• Oppose mass deportations, expanded federal immigration enforcement and travel bans
• Support comprehensive immigration reform and pathways for vetted refugees

Civil rights

• Address systemic racism and racial profiling
• Oppose federal law enforcement operations, including “Operation Metro Surge,” that she says disproportionately target minority communities

Immigrant communities

• Defend Minnesota’s immigrant communities, including Somali Americans, against the cancellation of temporary protections

Paul Wikstrom (Republican)

Wikstrom’s platform focuses on border security, public safety and economic opportunity.

Immigration and government programs

• Strengthen border security and tighten immigration enforcement
• Eliminate fraud in government-funded programs

Public safety

• Support law enforcement efforts to address violent crime, carjackings and open-air drug dealing in Twin Cities neighborhoods

Economic opportunity

• Expand tax cuts, including eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay
• Increase domestic manufacturing employment

James Trice is the founder and CEO of The Public Policy Project. Email him at James_publicpolicyproject@msn.com.