A Republican member of the US House from Minnesota is taking credit for something he voted against. It’s shocking behavior from a Republican. I mean, that’s never happened before! (That last line is sarcasm btw...)
Duluth MN and Superior WI are joined — like many border communities separated by a body of water — by a bridge. In this case, it’s the Blatnik Bridge, a nearly 1.5 mile long monster that rises over 120 feet above the water to accommodate the shipping in and out of Duluth Harbor.
Construction began in 1958 and it officially opened in 1961. Since that time, the Blatnik has carried millions of vehicles across its steel frame. And it’s showing its age for sure.
Like many major infrastructure projects, a planned replacement has a major cost. in this case around $1.8 billion.
Today is was announced that the federal government has committed $1 billion towards the project.
Rep. Pete Stauber (R), whose district inlcudes Duluth, quickly released a statement touting his support.
Only one problem there Pete, you did not vote for it. A fact that was noted by a whole lot of folks.
Like Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan.
And Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
I especially love the line “every screw, steel beam, and concrete pier in this bridge.”
Apparently to Rep Stauber, supporting the Biden administration’s efforts to upgrade the nation’s decaying infrastructure might lead to “socialism”.
“I will not be complicit in paving a destructive and irreversible path towards socialism. This massive spending package is not about real infrastructure, and instead will make businesses less competitive, outsource jobs, saddle American families and future generations with more debt and higher taxes, send inflation soaring to greater heights, and completely devastate our economy,” Stauber said.
“Make no mistake; a vote for this ‘infrastructure’ package is a vote for the reckless multi-trillion-dollar tax-and-spend spree. That’s why I voted NO,” he wrote.
Yeah, damn those roads and bridges, like the Eisenhower Interstate Highway System. Such a grand example of socialism.
Rep Stauber will be there on Thursday when President Biden visits Duluth, along with many other dignataries who have publicly rebuked the good congressman for his outright lies.
Will this sway voters in his district? Sadly I’m going to say probably not.
But at least the rebuking has been loud and proud.