Candidate Profile: Michelle Fischbach For U.S. House

PAYNESVILLE, 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.

Michelle Fischbach, a Paynesville, resident is running for U.S. House of Representatives District 7.

Age: 53
Party affiliation: Republican Party
Family: Spouse, Scott, two children, five grandchildren
Occupation: Full-time Candidate
Previous elected experience: Lt Governor (2018-19), State Senator (1996-2018)
Family members in government: No
Campaign website

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

My top priority is to improve the economy of western Minnesota. It was improving because of Republican policies like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a commitment to energy independence, and cutting burdensome regulations. I want to continue that work, including to make those tax cuts permanent, and I promise to always put Minnesota's farmers first, to fight for our rural communities, to bring a fresh approach to new challenges, and to work tirelessly for them.

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

I won't vote for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker, who represents the wrong direction for our country. I am endorsed by President Trump and Vice President Pence. My opponent has endorsed Joe Biden and likes to tell people he has been on the "Biden Bandwagon" for 33 years.

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

It was a very unique situation to be a republican Lt. Governor to a democrat Governor, and I was in the minority for most of my tenure in the State Senate. But I helped pass Women's Right to Know and "shall issue" concealed carry legislation and helped get rid of the Citizen's Review Board at PCA, so I know how to work with members of the other party in order to get things done for people in my district.

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

State government, which really means the Governor, should end the shutdowns and leave any decisions on restrictions to the counties. Local business will recover faster when they are able to open, especially those located in our border communities and are at a disadvantage to the open economies of the Dakotas.

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

Law enforcement agencies are always looking at how to best manage and train their officers and deputies, but any reform should be done by working with law enforcement, not against it. These pushes to defund, dismantle, or abolish the police are extremely dangerous and counter productive.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I am 100% pro-life and endorsed by National Right to Life, MCCL, and the Susan B. Anthony List. I am pro-Second Amendment with an A rated based on my tenure in the State Senate. I have been and will continue listening to farmers and ranchers for their wisdom and experience on how to improve agricultural processes. The farm economy is struggling, so we can’t look to the solutions of the past and expect a different outcome. We have to find new and creative ways to improve the lives of our farmers.

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

I humbly ask for your vote in the general election.