Madia Supports Withdrawing Troops from Iraq

Unlike many of Madia’s Democratic peers, he gets specific and proposes that over 18-24 months, American troops should be able to return home. But 10,000-20,000 troops should be left in Iraq to (1) protect the U.S. State Department and USAID workers, (2) target Al-Qaeda leaders, and (3) prevent ethnic cleansing.

Madia Wants to Reduce Our Dependece on Oil

The $700 billion trade deficit, decline dollar, and high oil prices all come together to hurt middle class, Madia argues. He states that our dependence on oil funds petro-nations and allows them to “takeover” U.S. companies and property. The Democratic candidate wants to move away from this problem. Madia wants to expand incentives to produce and use fuel-efficient hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles.

Madia: Green Development is a Two-for-One

The development of new green technology could also usher in a long period of economic growth, according to Madia. Manufacturing jobs lost through trade liberalization could be regained in manufacturing jobs in a green economy. Madia states, “Union workers can make energy-efficient refrigerators, energy-efficient air conditioners, fuel-efficient vehicles, carbon sequestration technology, components to generate wind and solar energy, and bio-fuels, and export these goods to the rest of the world.” He believes that by 2010, an environmental industry could be a trillion dollar economy.

Ashwin Madia, 30-year-old Democratic candidate for Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District's seat vacated by Jim Ramstad(R), has an American life story that could resonate with the voters this November.

His parents immigrated from India with $19 and immediately bought an $11 bottle of champagne to celebrate. Madia attended the University of Minnesota, becoming student body president, and finally New York University School of Law. In an unusual departure for law school grads, Madia joined the US Marine Corps and did a tour of duty in Iraq.

After returning, he decided to get into public service and launched an improbable grassroots campaign or Minnesota's 3rd. After a tough primary, Madia is in a strong position to take the house seat and be the second Iraq war veteran in Congress.

Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District has been named in the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's (DCCC) Red to Blue Program. The program, very successful in both the 2004 and 2006 election cycles, is focused on turning Republican districts into Democratic districts through fundraisers and nationwide attention.

In 2004, the program raised $7.5 million for 27 campaigns with an increase to $22.6 million and 56 campaigns in 2006. Ashwin Madia's campaign for the open seat could benefit immensely from the surge of funds and attention that this will surely bring.

Madia on Fair Trade

Madia critiques current trade policy on two fronts. It leaves middle class workers behind as it rewards shareholders and senior management. In addition, current policy does not do enough to protect the environment, children and adults from slave labor, and intellectual property rights. Madia states that he will seek legislation that addresses both of these concerns.

Madia on Climate Change

Madia argues that climate change may cause economic and political instability. He believes that “homegrown energy” in Minnesota would alleviate these burdens. Madia also supports a cap and trade system for carbon emissions and federal incentives for wind, biomass, and biofuels.

The three party race between Republican Erik Paulsen, Democrat Ashwin Madia, and Independence Party candidate David Dillon for the House seat that opens up after Rep. Jim Ramstad (R) steps down this Fall shifted its focus towards the issue of ethanol production and its place in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District.

In a televised debate on Wednesday, Paulsen took the offensive and criticized efforts for ethanol production for raising the price of food in the country and that such efforts should be postponed "until the economy gets back on track."

Although he declined to address the issue explicitly in the debate, Madia does, in fact, support the production of ethanol fuel as apart of a "larger energy strategy", according to Madia spokesperson Dan Pollock. However, in the context of the debate, Madia considered Paulsen's critique an unnecessary divergence from the important issues of health care and retirement savings, which (he argues) have taken a higher priority for Minnesota voters.

Democratic candidate for Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District Ashwin Madia has come under fire for not stating that Iran posed a threat to the U.S. Speaking at a fundraiser in Edina, he addressed this concern by redefining his position on the rogue country. Calling Iran a concern, he pointed out that they have long way to go on developing nuclear weapons, but the possibility is still threatening. He calls for leadership to make headway in discussing the proper course of action, and like Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama, he believes in opening up talks with rogue leaders without pre-conditions. He does state that there should be preparations, however.

Paulsen: A Republican Businessman

Paulsen submits that his experience in business could easily transfer to the U.S. Congress. He believes that he could serve citizens with “good management, good planning, [and] good decision-making.” In agreement with the traditional economic Republican platform, Paulsen is on principle against raising taxes and for controlled spending.

Paulsen’s Energy Plan: Wind, Solar and Nuclear Energy

Paulesen submits that the Greater Plains could produce 1/4th of all wind power. A one time investment by the federal government could create jobs and provide states with funds to build turbines and a network that could fuel all of America. Although solar energy needs work, Paulsen encourages continual investment. Similar to the McCain Energy Lexington plan , Paulsen also supports nuclear energy. He argues that it is the cleanest, most viable source of energy today.

Pauleson’s Health Care Plans

Pauleson envisions a “market-driven” health care policy – not universal, government-run healthcare. He believes that the latter will have poorer quality and be more expensive. Excessive regulations and bureaucracies, according to Pauleson, exacerbate today’s poor patient care. Further, Pauleson – though without a clear plan – believes that consumers should have more choices in determining their health.

Pauleson Wants to Significantly Change No Child Left Behind

Pauleson views school as instrumental for strong future workers. In broad terms, the Republican candidate demands “high expectations,” “accountability,” and “rewards.” He seems to support the basic principles behind the No Child Left Behind Act, Pauleson states he will make “significant changes” that would give states and local schools more flexibility to help students and teachers improve.

Paulsen’s Energy Plan: Incentives for Individuals and Businesses

Paulsen believes that the government’s ability to tax is the most effective way to provoke environmentally-friendly individual and business behavior. Fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicles and remodeled homes and businesses would address energy concerns on the consumption side. Tax credits for wind, solar, and hydrogen research would attack concerns on the production side.

Paulsen’s Energy Plan: Research and Development

In a slight departure from the McCain plan and in alignment with Democratic plans, Paulsen supports investing in research and development of alternative energy sources and technologies. He acknowledges that benefits will not be immediately seen, but that future dividends are likely. He does not openly support awards over investment.

Paulsen’s Energy Plan: Energy Self-Reliance

Like the rest of his Republican Party, Paulsen supports offshore drilling as states that drilling could yield 86 billion barrels of oil. Paulsen also has an immediate, equally controversial plan to become self-reliant. He wants to stop contributing to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and draw from the reserves.

Pauleson’s Vague Plans on National Security

Although Pauleson states that 9/11 challenged American to confront its “very real enemies who hate what America stands for,” he does not specify who these enemies are. Could they be Afghanis, Iraqis, Pakistanis, Iranians, or some one else? The Republican candidate does however give a slightly more detailed strategy to protect the homeland. He wants to coordinate law enforcement, border security, and immigration officials to protect Americans from whoever these enemies may be.

In a poll released in early September, Republican Erik Paulsen holds a slim 3 point lead over his opponent. In a race where a large 3rd party vote is expected, this slim lead, within the margin of error, gives no real indicator of the ultimate outcome.

Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District has been a stronghold for the Republican party for 47 years. With the retirement of longtime Congressman Jim Ramstad, the seat has been targeted by the Democratic Party to switch to Republican.

Ramstad had a long and successful career and ingrained himself into the 3rd and its success over the past years, which benefits his Republican successor Erik Paulson.

Comprising the western suburbs of the Twin Cities, the 3rd is the most affluent and wealthiest section of Minnesota. It voted for Bush in 2004, however with only 51%. Ramstad won every election with at least 65% of the vote.

Democratic candidate for Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District Ashwin Madia is combating attacks that he is a Democrat in Name Only (DINO). Madia is on the record as supporting Bob Dole in the 1996 Presidential Election and John McCain in the 2000 Republican primary.

Admitting that he was a Republican for many years, until he did a tour of duty in Iraq, Madia switched parties for a run for political office.

Madia is facing off against Republican candidate Erik Paulson.

Video footage has recently been released showing a high level Ashwin Madia supporter stealing a lawn sign for his opponent. The video, on youtube, has brought fire to the Madia campaign and their supporters seemingly illegal activities.

A rash of sign thefts have been reported in recent weeks as the campaign heats up, however, this is the only known footage of the event taking place.

Investigators linked the car to a Madia supporter but as of yet no arrests have been made.

Madia is running on the Democratic ticket against Republican Erik Paulson for Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District.