Emmer’s changed approach benefits district

Seven months into his term as Minnesota’s 6th District U.S. House representative, Tom Emmer is off to a strong start in showing voters he is a good pick to replace Michele Bachmann.

While Emmer’s voting record is mostly (and as expected) party line, the Delano Republican is making impressive strides in his campaign theme of “building relationships.”

As political veterans know, Emmer had a reputation in state politics as being brash, demanding and even a bully. However, in an hourlong conversation Wednesday with him, this board came away with the clear impression he’s more about listening and serving than dictating and demanding.

Those are the traits needed to serve a rapidly changing, diverse district. Plus, they are a welcome change from the uncompromising, divisive and at times embarrassing representation from Bachmann.

Welcome idea

When it comes to building relationships, Emmer deserves serious praise for partnering with fellow U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison in June to form the Congressional Somalia Caucus.

Emmer cited the caucus as one way his office wants to help places like the St. Cloud area overcome cultural tensions arising from an influx of Somali immigrants in recent years.

“We formed the caucus with three purposes in mind,” he said. Its primary goal is to stabilize Somalia so citizens don’t have to flee and immigrants already here can, if desired, choose to return to their home country. Another key purpose is to stop the radicalization of Somali youth by Islamic extremists.

The third is to raise awareness about all the issues involved with not just Somali culture, but immigration policies in general. He cited efforts underway to bring together community members and Lutheran Social Service, an organization whose critics blame it for the immigration influx.

Focus on trade

When asked what area of expertise he’s pursuing, Emmer quickly answered trade. Indeed, although in office only this calendar year, he’s already visited Ethiopia, Kenya, Saigon, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Cuba and Mexico.

In fact, Emmer had just returned from Mexico as part of a state-federal delegation that traveled there to help expand Minnesota business and educational opportunities.

Emmer said his goal is to increase global access to Minnesota products. He stressed that while America’s overall trade imbalance is a challenge, Minnesota has trade surpluses with virtually all nations covered by trade agreements.

And, of course, such deals don’t happen without building relationships.