With diverse views but shared experiences, an expanding cadre of congressional candidates is eager to help the nation
By Dennis Lien, Pioneer Press
July 4, 2008
The Iraq and Afghanistan wars linger on, but they already are producing a new generation of politicians looking to represent Minnesota in Congress.
In the 3rd Congressional District, Marine veteran Ashwin Madia, the surprise Democratic challenger, is seeking the open seat. In the 2nd District, Steve Sarvi, a National Guard member who served in Kosovo and Iraq, is taking on a Vietnam veteran. And the 1st District is represented by Tim Walz, a 24-year National Guard veteran, in his first term running for re-election.
The three are part of an emerging trend nationally — veterans of the two wars eager to take their concerns and the lessons they've learned to Washington.