An Illinois congressman spoke the language of bipartisanship today (Wednesday, Oct. 29) on behalf of the 6th Congressional District candidate Elwyn Tinklenberg.

Rep. Phil Hare of Illinois appeared with Tinklenberg along with Independence Party Chairman Craig Swaggert — the party cross-endorsed the former Ventura Administration commissioner of transportation.

El Tinklenberg carries the endorsement of the DFL and the Independence Party in his attempt to unseat incumbent Sixth District congresswoman Michele Bachmann, R-MN. (Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)

by T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol reporter
 
An Illinois congressman spoke the language of bipartisanship today (Wednesday, Oct. 29) on behalf of the 6th Congressional District candidate Elwyn Tinklenberg.

Rep. Phil Hare of Illinois appeared with Tinklenberg along with Independence Party Chairman Craig Swaggert — the party cross-endorsed the former Ventura Administration commissioner of transportation.

Hare, a freshman, expressed dissatisfaction with incumbent Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Stillwater, and questioned her potential as a lawmaker.

Freshman Congressman Phil Hare of Illinois spoke on behalf of El Tinklenberg's Sixth District U.S. House campaign in a press conference Wednesday, Oct. 29 at the State Capitol. (Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)

"The problem is when you have this practice of inflammatory, insulting comments that are made upon members of the (U.S.) House, it is very difficult to go to the floor, candidly, and ask somebody to help you on things important to your district when you just spent time criticizing or questioning their patriotism,” said Hare, referring to Bachmann's recent "Hardball” comments.

Bachmann suggested the media investigate members of the Congress to check their Americanism.

Bachmann has spoken in an ad of using the wrong words.

Taking reporters' question, Tinklenberg — having it expressed that both Republicans and Democrats bowl over the minority party — explained that as newcomer he didn't have to defend the past practices of Congress.

Not looking to make friends

"One of the good things about doing this when I'm old, I'm not looking to make friends so I can move into leadership positions,” said Tinklenberg.

"I don't feel any obligation to defend past practice,” he said.

Tinklenberg and Bachmann are scheduled to appear on a forum on Minnesota Public Radio tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 30) at 11 a.m.

It will be the candidates last joint appearance before the election, said Tinklenberg.