U.S. Rep. Ron Kind runs for Congress for the ninth time

By Meghan Flynn

UWEC Intermediate Journalism Student

Ron Kind introduced former President Bill Clinton at the Ramada Convention Center in Eau Claire, WI on Oct. 31, 2012.
Photo submitted by Jason Ketchem

Editor’s note: Neither U.S. Rep. Ron Kind nor his campaign staff returned the repeated calls and messages we left, seeking an interview for this story.

To be elected into a political office a candidate should probably have some experience or education in political science, law, economics or some form of government work.

In the 2012 political race for Wisconsin’s 3^rd Congressional District, Republican candidate retired U.S. Army Colonel Ray Boland does not. His opponent, however, Democrat Ron Kind, has degrees in economics and law and has been the U.S. Rep. of Wisconsin’s 3^rd Congressional District for the past 16 years.

In his long career as a congressman, Kind has supported and authored legislation, some now laws. They include: the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act.

Wisconsin, in general, has high standards for education; western Wisconsin is no different. So In order to help students acquire a higher level education Kind supported the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act.

“In order to compete in today’s global economy; we must ensure that college remains affordable and accessible for all families,” said Kind on his website. “That is why I have supported (this) legislation.” This legislation increases Pell Grant scholarships, reduces interest rates on federal student loans and provides assistance for students who commit to teaching in high-need schools. It passed into law on March 30, 2010.

In 2010 Kind supported another legislation that was put into law that helps protect tax-payers, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The legislation “ends bailouts for big banks, establishes tough consumer protections and puts into place strict rules against risky financial practices that will hold Wall Street more accountable,” said Kind on his website.

In Wisconsin and the entire United States, one group of people not in short supply is veterans. So, to help ensure that veterans are able to get jobs when they come home, Kind supported the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, which ensures that service members receive the job skills and training that they need to be successful in the work force. This legislation was passed by congress in Oct. 2011.

The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act are just some of the legislations that Kind has supported over his 16 year term in office, and he is hoping to do more for the public.

Supporting legislations and helping the public is also priority of Republican Ray Boland if he is elected into Congress.

However, Kind and Boland differ on two things, the first is “our strong difference on the issues and what should happen,” Boland said in an interview with Danielle Pahl, a Broadcast Journalism and Creative Writing double major at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.”

In a Q&A session with Kind and the La Crosse Tribune, when asked about his stance on the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) Boland stated that he would repel it as it, “adds more spending that we cannot afford… The Act adds to health care cost rather than lowering them… it would be my goal to help write patient-centered health care without increasing the size and cost of government bureaucracy.”

Kind on the other hand, does support the Affordable Care Act. In the Q&A session Kind states that, “The law isn’t perfect but it takes significant steps to get costs under control and provides important patient protections. We must find a way to continue working together to build on the important reforms made in the Affordable Care Act and continue implementing the law.”

Boland also says that he and his opponent differ in their backgrounds. Although Boland has never run for office, he does have a background in government work as he served in the Army for 30 years starting in 1961, was Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans from 1992-03, Commanded the Fort McCoy base from 1988-91, was of the Wisconsin State Educational Approval Board, and was a member of numerous national veterans’ organizations.

Though some voters may find his numerous experiences suitable in representing the 3^rd Congressional District, others do not. “Ray Boland is not a politician…without the political skills, Ray is perhaps at a disadvantage,” said Joe Heim, a Political Science professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in a recent interview with the La Crosse Tribune.

As the campaigns wind down and election draws near it is up to the people of Wisconsin’s 3^rd Congressional District to decide who will be their voice in important matters for the next two years.

Edited by Danielle Pahl