myVote: Candidate profile

Gregory Mikkelson

Published Monday, October 27 04:01:24 PM

Office:

Minnesota District 1 U.S. representative

Other candidates in this race:

Party:

Independence

Incumbent:

City of residence:

Lake Crystal

Age:

Background:

I am a farmer and grain elevator owner. I have lived in the district for my entire life. I have two agricultural degrees. I enjoy hunting, fishing and traveling. I belong to local civic groups and do volunteer work with them.

Endorsements:

Independence Party.

Most important issue:

I am very concerned about our financial future. Each year we are going deeper in debt as a nation with no plans to control or manage this debt. Our Congress' main focus seems to be getting re-elected and not providing leadership or problem solving. Our two-party power struggle is also to blame for this situation. Little is done on the important issues except for placing blame in the wrong direction. Most of their time is spent on minor issues with a lot of rhetoric. More issues should be dealt with at the state level instead of the national level.

Views:

Candidates were asked to respond to statements on five policy issues. They were given seven options: "Strongly agree", "Somewhat agree", "Have mixed feelings", "Somewhat disagree", "Strongly disagree", "Have no opinion" and "Do not wish to respond."

Removing barriers to increased domestic oil production - by, for example, lifting restrictions on off-shore exploration and drilling - should be the federal government's top priority in responding to high gasoline prices.	Somewhat agree
The United States should set a specific timetable for complete withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq.	Strongly agree
The so-called Bush tax cuts now scheduled to expire in 2010 should be made permanent for all taxpayers.	Have mixed feelings
The federal government should guarantee health insurance coverage for all Americans.	Strongly disagree
Additional revenue from fees or taxes should be raised to shore up America's transportation infrastructure, because eliminating waste and better prioritizing existing resources won't be enough.	Somewhat disagree