Walz Accepts DFL Endorsement In 1st District

04/30/2006

(AP) Mankato, Minn. High school teacher and small business owner Tim Walz has accepted a unanimous Democratic party endorsement to challenge GOP 1st District U.S. Rep. Gil Gutknecht.

“With the largest-ever national debt and deficit, we need a lot of new leaders,” Walz said to the group at Minnesota State University, Mankato. “We have failed leadership and it’s time for a change. It’s time to rise up and say no to the status quo. We’re going to change America for the better and were going to start now.”

A retired National Guard command sergeant major with 24 years of service, Walz said a person’s character defines his or her life.

“I believe in fairness, hard work and respect,” Walz said. “The pendulum has swung too far to the right. It doesn’t come back on its own. It takes someone to grab it, maybe get a bloody hand, and bring it back.”

Walz joined the race 17 months ago.