myVote: Candidate profile

Rob Eastlund

Published Monday, October 27 04:01:29 PM

Office:

Minnesota District 17A State representative

Other candidates in this race:

Party:

Republican

Incumbent:

Yes

City of residence:

Isanti

Background:

Born and raised in Isanti County. 1967 graduate of Cambridge/Isanti High School, 1972 graduate U of M. Former teacher and football coach. Self-employed as farmer, builder and property manager. Married to wife Janis for 38 years with three grown children and two grandchildren.

Endorsements:

Guardian of Small Business (NFIB); Care providers of Minnesota CARE Pac; Minnesota Farm Bureau; Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association; National Rifle Association of America (NRA); Minnesota Chamber of Commerce; Legislative Evaluation Assembly (LEA); Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL).

Most important issue:

Less than two years ago Minnesota enjoyed a $2.2 billion surplus. Today, thanks to some very shortsighted management decisions by the new legislative majority, economists project a $2 billion deficit for 2009. My biggest priority for the next session will be to restore the fiscal discipline necessary to move and keep Minnesota in the black. Funding education, health care, transportation and other quality-of-life services that Minnesotans want will take additional revenue. Tax burdens in Minnesota are already oppressive. We need economic development strategies that relieve taxes, expand our tax base and bring new jobs for struggling Minnesota families.

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."

In light of high gasoline prices, the Legislature should repeal the gas tax increases enacted in February.	Somewhat agree
The state should require cities to allow law enforcement officers to inquire about people's immigration status during routine police work, such as traffic stops.	Somewhat agree
Legislators should rule out tax increases during the next session.	Somewhat agree
The state should put a cap on tuition increases at state colleges and universities and pressure the University of Minnesota to do the same.	Strongly agree
The state should provide more funding for K-12 education, even if it means reductions in other areas of the state budget or raising taxes.	Somewhat disagree