‘Enough is enough’
Barr campaign update
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CHASSELL -- Two years ago, then political newcomer Callie Barr fared better than many expected when she challenged veteran Congressman Jack Bergman (R-Watersmeet). The Traverse City Democrat decided to try again and last August she won the Democratic primary to challenge Bergman again this November.
Appearing Sept. 26 at the Family Freedom Festival in Chassell, Barr said, that with about six weeks left until Election Day, her campaign is going well. “We’re seeing a groundswell of support. When I travel throughout the district I’m hearing ‘enough is enough,'” Barr said.
She explained that voters in the district are becoming aware of a number of issues involving the incumbent Congressman. “Jack Bergman is the number one spender. An abuser of taxpayer dollars for lodging for his time in office. It’s our money, our tax money. That’s from corporate donors who are funding things like $10,000 in cigars, $8,500 for oyster bars. Along with that, our costs are increasing -- diesel is at the highest price ever recorded,” she said.
Barr pointed out another example of where many constituents are breaking with the Congressman. “We have Jack Bergman supporting the War in Iran that is keeping our gas prices high, our food prices high.”
Barr also alleged that Bergman voted to cut support for local hospitals, resulting in lost services. “Along with this, there’s a corruption scandal where state Republican lawmakers in the UP pulled their endorsement of Jack and said he’s a liar and no good for folks in the Upper Peninsula.”
Barr said that while President Trump is not on the ballot in November, voting for Bergman is a vote for a continuation of Trump’s policies.”When you support things like the war in Iran that’s driving up every cost for us while at the same time, using our tax payer dollars to enrich yourself. That kind of corruption is something that is on the ballot.”
Barr said as she travels throughout the district, which is a very big district, people tell her the same thing. “They’re ready for change. They’re exhausted. They’re ready for change. I find we’re gritty people, we are people who work hard. And through hard work you should be able to afford the basic necessities of life.”
On the national scale, there are disagreements going on within each of the two major political parties. In the GOP, there’s dissension between the so-call MAGA republicans with apparent blind loyalty to President Donald Trump and the more traditional Republican Party.
Among Democrats, many moderate Democrats faced primary opposition from Democratic Socialists. Barr was asked where she sees herself among these disputes. She said she sees herself as the “future” within the party. “I’m not a Democratic Socialist,” she said, noting she defeating Democratic Socialist Kyle Blomquist in the Aug. 4 primary by more than 20 points. “I want to be very clear. I don’t see this seat as a seat for Republicans or Democrats. I see this as a seat for the people of Upper and Northern Michigan.” Barr said too often amid these ideological battles within parties “we miss that it’s country over party, and it’s this district first, and the people here.”
Many political observers are predicting Democrats will return to controlling the House of Representative following the November general election. Barr said should that happen, it will be an advantage for the people of the First Congress to have their representative in the majority party.
“Absolutely. It should be an advantage,” she said. “When you look at Jack Bergman, (his) party controls the Presidency, both branches in the legislature, and we could argue Supreme Court leaning, and he still hasn’t been able to deliver results for this district.”
Barr said she wants to do good things for the district and even if she’s not in the majority, she will work with anyone to do whatever she can to lower costs. “But if I’m in the majority, you can guarantee we’re going to do good things for this district. But I’m going to fight regardless. We need a representative to represent us.”
Today Barr is attending a fundraiser in Harbor Springs but said she will return to the Keweenaw before election day.