Tim Walz came to my attention like he did for many Minnesotans when he attempted to bring members of the high school class he taught to a George W. Bush campaign rally in 2004. Walz and his group were initially denied entry to the rally being held at a gravel pit outside Mankato, MN. One of Walz's students had a John Kerry sticker on his wallet which a local GOP staffer saw when the student showed identification at the gate.
Walz, a national guardsman who had just returned from a tour of duty in Italy with no thought of entering politics at the time, was frustrated that the GOP would deem a high school student who wanted to see his president in person a threat. After attempts at assuring the gatekeepers they posed no threat, Walz cut to the chase and asked if they wanted the headline for the rally to be that a returning veteran and high school teacher was denied entry to the President's campaign rally. The gatekeepers eventually made the right decision but not before Walz's situation caught the attention of a public radio reporter. It was that radio news report where I first heard the name Tim Walz.* It was also the event that sparked Walz's interest in politics, to the chagrin of Minnesota Republicans. Walz went on to run and win the congressional seat in the usually red district. The first of 6 congressional and 2 gubernatorial elections he won.
The former NRA member and avid hunter is a responsible gun owner who recognizes reasonable, common sense gun laws can protect the public without sacrificing the Second Amendment. A nuance the NRA and GOP refuse to even consider, at the cost of countless lives. While Governor Walz has his critics in the anti-vax, anti-mask and anti-nuance crowd, I truly appreciated his intelligent, science based approach to issues even if in retrospect they were not perfect. I honestly believe that is all one can and should expect from one's public officials.
Walz's ability to work in a bipartisan manner is well documented and appreciated in these polarized times as is his ability to stand in another's shoes. Unlike his opponent for Vice President, Walz is authentic and never would sacrifice his integrity merely to attain political office. A very refreshing quality in these dark times.
