Editorial: For Wallace
BY World's Editorial Writers
Sunday, October 28, 2012
10/28/12 at 4:22 AM
His political ad doesn't lie. Rob Wallace, the Democratic 2nd Congressional District candidate, is a crack shot and staunch supporter of the Second Amendment.
The former federal prosecutor and district attorney, also is a straight shooter about what he'd try to do if elected: He would fight to strengthen and expand infrastructure, improve education, lessen health-care costs, protect Social Security - "the Scriptures say we should keep the promises we make" - and ensure that 2nd District water resources aren't siphoned off by Texas.
Those issues weigh heavily in the 26-county district with its high number of farmers, ranchers, seniors, veterans and Native Americans.
Unlike his politically untested Republican opponent, Markwayne Mullin, owner of a plumbing company, Wallace finds an informed, studied approach to complex issues far more productive than Mullin's seemingly anti-everything message.
Case in point: Mullin who has billed himself the "anti-big-government candidate," argues that government should rein in spending. Yet two of his companies received $370,000 in federal stimulus money distributed through a pair of Indian tribes.
Wallace is supportive of the energy industry that provides 40 percent of the state economy. He supports strategies such as using natural gas as a "bridge" fuel. The latter is abundant, cleaner for the environment and would create jobs. "It's a natural fit," Wallace says, "a win, win, win" solution.
Wallace believes strongly that health-care costs must come down, Medicare must remain affordable to seniors and job opportunities, particularly for veterans and young people, must improve.
Mullin has suggested that Wallace had tax and legal issues with failed businesses. The reality is that to serve as a federal prosecutor and head of a federal drug task force, Wallace had to pass FBI background checks that would have uncovered such problems.
Wallace is endorsed by former U.S. Sen. David Boren, former Gov. Brad Henry and former Attorney General Drew Edmondson. The Fort Gibson resident has a grass-roots campaign financed primarily by individual donors and not large, outside political action committees.
Wallace would carry to Congress a reasoned, positive message, work to bridge the partisan divide and offer constructive, realistic approaches to affordable health care, sound infrastructure, improved education as well as protection of borders, Social Security and water resources. He is skilled in negotiation and a quick study.
Voters can pick Wallace Nov. 6 or settle for more of the small-minded inflexibility and negativism that has gridlocked Washington for two years. A vote for Wallace is a move forward.
Original Print Headline: For Wallace
