You may have heard that my opponent, Republican Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, has alluded to dark conspiracies regarding the U.S. Census and internment camps. Congresswoman Bachmann is apparently fearful of what can be done with Census data.
I am not afraid of the Census, and I certainly do not want anyone fearing the Census. In fact, I am eager to participate in the US Census and hope others Minnesotans will as well, because completing the census form will help the citizens and communities of Minnesota's 6th Congressional district.
Congresswoman Bachmann is worried about internment camps. I have different concerns. First of all, Congresswoman Bachmann is proclaiming her contempt for the law, because it's illegal to refuse to fill out the census form. In addition, if Congresswoman Bachmann convinces enough fellow Minnesotans to not participate in the census, it's not inconceivable that our state could lose a Congressional seat.
Finally, by suggesting it's OK to not complete the census form, Michele Bachmann could be leading Minnesotans to deny themselves and their communities crucial support for many essential services, because the federal government uses census data to determine how much money is gives to states and local communities for a wide array of programs.
Census data helps determine how much money our communities get for roads and transportation. The census is used to calculate federal support for local police and fire protection. Funds for school construction, for early childhood education and community education are tied to the information gathered from Americans in the census.
Michele Bachmann is worried about the census. I'm concerned that Michele Bachmann is more worried about the census than working on behalf of the voters and communities of the 6th Congressional district.
We need a serious, responsible representative in Congress. I intend to be that representative, and with your support, I will.
Thank you,
El