Candidate Profile: Collin Peterson For U.S. House

DETROIT LAKES, MN — The 2020 election is heating up in Minnesota and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the presidential election, but voters will also decide the outcome of seats in the United States House.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Rep. Collin C. Peterson, a Detroit Lakes, resident is running for U.S. House of Representatives District 7.

Age: 76
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Family: Three sons: Jason, Sean and Elliot and four grandchildren
Occupation: Congressman
Previous elected experience: Minnesota State Senator 1977 to 1986
Family members in government: No
Campaign website: https://www.petersonforcongres...

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The coronavirus pandemic is affecting every part of our lives and here we are, six months into this and we still don't have the virus under control. Testing is the number one way to give us an objective, data-driven assessment of where we stand in our fight against this virus. I have proposed a robust plan of action for testing and contact tracing that will provide that sense of security, as well as the vital data and information we need so that our nation and economy can begin to heal and recover from this devastating virus.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have the experience of getting things done in Congress. I currently serve as Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. This is my second term as Chairman, something no one else has done. That speaks to my leadership and my ability to work with colleagues regardless of their party.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have guided three Farm Bills through Congress, one as Chair and two as ranking member. All passed with bipartisan support and included important safeguards for our farmers, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and several voluntary conservation programs. I worked with Rep. Bill Thomas to get the Medicare Advantage legislation passed, which included support for Critical Access Hospitals.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?

The federal government should act soon to help industries that have been shut down because of the pandemic, including the hog, turkey and ethanol industries.

But that assistance should not be tied up with unrelated provisions that do nothing but add to the national debt.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?

We need to end the disparities and cycles of injustice that people of color are facing. In order to do that, we have to have difficult conversations about what is actually happening. While the policy debate is ongoing, I’ve been clear that I oppose defunding law enforcement and I do not support lawlessness, violence, or destruction.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Reliable broadband is a utility, and the COVID-19 crisis has put a spotlight on just how integral it is for telehealth, distance learning and working from home. It’s unacceptable that rural communities have limited, unreliable or worse yet no broadband access. In response to these inequities I have introduced the Universal Broadband Act that secures adequate funding to support the construction of broadband infrastructure in rural and underserved areas without having to increase the national debt.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I want to thank the voters of the Seventh District for giving me the opportunity to serve you in Congress. I take the job of Representative seriously. I am honored to go to Washington DC to represent the citizens of the Seventh District and I will continue to work in a bipartisan fashion to get things done.