Oshkosh Northwestern says Petri deserves new term in Congress
Editorial: Petri deserves new term in Congress
Oshkosh and Wisconsin have had a responsible voice in moderate Republican Tom Petri and this marks one important point why voters should send the statesman from Fond du Lac back to Washington, D.C., for two more years.
After years of service, Petri has stayed keen on helping citizens negotiate government red tape – the prime duty of an elected official. He has the independent streak that Oshkosh voters like. He voted against an $87 billion supplemental appropriation for Iraq, but not because of the $65.5 billion that would support the troops. He didn’t like the lack of accountability in spending the remaining $21.4 billion, noting that the bill threw money at problems rather than solved the weaknesses of the Iraqi infrastructure.
Jef Hall, his vocal opponent, has shown skill at raising issues in the election which is what Hall has said he primarily intended to do. Young voters will find him appealing. However, his “fly in the ointment” approach keeps him from being the serious candidate he could become.
That isn’t to say Hall didn’t have successes. He correctly pointed out that Petri, who owns at least $5 million in Walgreen’s stock, should have abstained from voting on the Medicare reform bill last fall. The bill did a smart thing in creating a prescription drug benefit for senior citizens and with bipartisan support. But independent research quoted in the Walgreen’s annual report showed it had great interest in the 75 to 100 million new prescriptions that this law would create. We respect that Petri is a self-made and frugal man from a very humble background, but still this conflict of interest should have been cause for him to abstain.
Petri has proven that a Congressman can think aside from the pack. He isn’t a rubber stamp for the Republican Party, which increases the importance of fellow politicians to secure his vote. He consistently stands for small business. He has been shrewd to see the need to strengthen the Iraqi armed forces without making the diplomatically dangerous promise of a deadline that could help terrorists in delaying attacks. Petri also stood against a draft, during a national debate this year where there was talk of its possibility.
We praised Petri in the past for being the voice that Congress should follow. He may not score points on charisma. That suits us fine. Wisconsin has been noted for sending people to Congress in either house who tackle projects and get the job done. Petri fits that description.
Tom Petri of Fond du Lac has brought a balanced approach to politics in Congress. He favors a middle road, isn’t swayed by party pressure and keeps his independence. For these reasons, he should be re-elected and receives our endorsement.
The Final Thought: U.S. Rep. Tom Petri, R-Fond du Lac, received the endorsement of the Oshkosh Northwestern Editorial Board for another two-year term in the U.S. Congress.
