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John and his wife, Vicky, live in Burnsville.

A record 247 million people around the country shopped during the recent Thanksgiving weekend’s “Black Friday” sales, spending more than $11 billion. In Minnesota, more than 200,000 shoppers were expected to visit the Mall of America with hopes of finding the “perfect” gifts for friends and family.

Despite new shopping records, America is in its slowest economic recovery since the Great Depression, and 23 million Americans are looking for work. Unemployment remains near 8 percent nationally and 6 percent in Minnesota – figures that don’t take into account the many who have given up looking for a job entirely.

A month removed from the last election, Americans continue to debate – around dinner tables and on these very opinion pages – how we got here and what it is going to take to get our economy moving again. While lawmakers in Washington and around the country debate policies to move our nation forward, we cannot discount the important work being done by everyday Americans to serve those in need.

Those of you I have had the good fortune to represent over the years know I have a special place in my heart for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program. Founded in 1947, the effort began when Major Bill Hendricks and a group of Marine Reservists in California collected and distributed more than 5,000 toys to needy children. Last year, despite the sluggish economy and strain on reserve forces, Marines distributed more than 16 million toys to more than 7 million children – including 218,000 toys for almost 154,000 Minnesota children. Many of the gifts Toys for Tots provides, such as books, games, and sports equipment, make a significant contribution to the educational, social, and recreation development of these children.

Staff Sergeant Malek Neman, North Branch, is overseeing the Toys for Tots Minneapolis warehouse this year. Already, SSG Neman estimates more than 17,000 toys have been donated and are currently housed in his warehouse. “We’re ahead of the game and ahead of what we’ve done in the past,” SSG Neman reports.

A Missouri boy’s battle with leukemia brought him and his family to Minnesota for world-class treatment. When a giant four-foot stuffed monkey arrived at the warehouse, SSG Neman knew instantly where it belonged. “We’re going to bring that huge monkey to the boy in the hospital and a bunch of other toys to his ward and try to make their Christmas a little bit better,” he said.

Even though collections are ahead of pace this season, the more toys the Marines collect, the more children they can serve. The Twin Cities warehouse is in special need of toys for teenage boys and girls. SSG Neman reports that nail art and One Direction (English-Irish boy band) items are among the top requests for teenage girls, and kendamas (a toy used for the classic cup-and-ball game) are one of this year’s top toys for teenage boys.

Regardless of what you choose to donate, SSG Neman encourages giving with your heart. “Whenever you can help people out, you should,” he said. “It’s more or less your duty to help other people out – if you’re able. That’s how I was raised and that’s what I believe.”

If you would like to join me in supporting the Toys for Tots effort, please bring your new unwrapped toys to one of numerous drop-off sites in the 2nd district. The last day for donations is Dec. 19. Please visit one of the following websites to find a drop-off site near you:

Dakota, Scott, and Carver counties – http://minneapolis-mn.toysfortots.org
Goodhue and Wabasha counties – http://red-wing-mn.toysfortots.org
Rice County – http://faribault-mn.toysfortots.org
Le Sueur County – http://mankato-mn.toysfortots.org

John Kline represents Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional district. He and his wife, Vicky, live in Burnsville.

Tuesday night was a tough night for America. It is no secret that the outcomes in many local, state, and national races were not what we had hoped for. But the voters of the 2nd district, Minnesota, and our great nation have spoken and I am ready to roll up my sleeves on your behalf and do my part to ensure a better America awaits our children and grandchildren.

Earlier this week, I shared with you my vision of how – together – we can restore our nation to the shining city on a hill we know it can be. The Presidential election may have temporarily altered our course from what we view as a better path, but it doesn’t change my principles.

As you know, we have a lot of work ahead of us. Next week, I will return to Washington. While the coming weeks in Washington are traditionally labeled a “lame duck session,” Congress will be tackling monumental issues that will have a direct impact on you and your families. Rest assured, I will continue to fight against wasteful spending and Washington’s reckless runaway train.

Thank you again for your support. I have appreciated seeing so many of you alongside us in more than 30 parades this year, and am grateful for your support at caucuses, conventions, rallies, phone banks, and literature drops. So many volunteers put in countless hours and for that I am grateful to you.

I have enjoyed having you as a partner in governing, I will never forget your loyalty, and I look forward to continuing to work with you and for you in the next two years.

Sincerely,

John Kline

Star Tribune: ‘John Kline has earned sixth term’

“There’s a long list of issues – health reform and tax policy top the list – on which we disagree with Second District Republican Rep. John Kline. But that hasn’t diminished our respect for Kline’s deep knowledge of foreign affairs, the military and education issues. Or our sense that Kline, as he’s become one of Minnesota’s most powerful politicians, is above all committed to serving his country as dutifully as he did as a U.S. Marine. Kline, 65, may come at things from the far right, but he also serves with a sense of stewardship. There’s no doubt that he’ll put the country’s needs before ideology.” Star Tribune editorial, Oct. 29, 2012

Rochester Post-Bulletin: ‘We’re recommending Kline’s return for a sixth term’

“Kline hopes to see the Affordable Care Act repealed and replaced with other legislation that keeps some elements, such as provisions for pre-existing conditions and allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ insurance plans until age 26. Kline also would like to see liability reform, which he said would provide a savings of $50 billion to the medical industry and have a bigger impact on the economy as a whole… Kline, a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, said his most gratifying legislation was the restoration of paid leave for the “Red Bulls,” more formally known as the First Brigade Combat Division of the Minnesota National Guard. The bill, which was sponsored in the U.S. Senate by Amy Klobuchar, recouped paid leave that was promised to 2,000 Minnesota soldiers and more than 49,000 troops nationwide… While Kline’s consistently conservative voting record is to the right of the redrawn district, his departure in favor of a freshman congressman would leave a gaping leadership void, which is why we’re recommending Kline’s return for a sixth term.” Rochester Post-Bulletin editorial, Oct. 29, 2012

Pioneer Press: ‘[Kline’s] values, including his belief in reasonable
limits to the size and scope of government, are a good fit’

“Among members of the Minnesota’s delegation in Washington, Republican John Kline has been the most-frequent visitor at our conference table. His values, including his belief in reasonable limits to the size and scope of government, are a good fit with the traditions of this page, and we’ve welcomed his updates on his work in the nation’s capital.” Pioneer Press editorial, Oct. 8, 2012 (Note: The Pioneer Press is not endorsing candidates this year).

In Minnesota, citizens can vote absentee for the following reasons:

• Absence from your precinct
• Illness or disability
• Serving as an election judge in another precinct
• Religious discipline or observance of religious holiday

To vote absentee by mail, simply complete the Minnesota Absentee Ballot Application form and submit it to your local election official by mail, fax, or e-mail.

As of Sept. 21, Minnesota can vote early in person at their auditor’s office and, in some cases, city or township clerk’s office. This option is available on weekdays during business hours. Additionally, the county auditor’s office must be open for absentee balloting from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. the Saturday (Nov. 3) before the election and until 5 p.m. the Monday (Nov. 5) before the election. To find your early voting location, click here.

Our servicemen and servicewomen and overseas voters can also vote by absentee ballot. Please click here for Military/Overseas Voting information.

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John Kline and his wife, Vicky, live in Burnsville.

The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, and the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police all have endorsed John Kline’s 2012 re-election.

“Keeping families and communities safe in Minnesota and across the country remains a priority,” said Kline. “I am humbled and honored to once again earn the support of Minnesota’s law enforcement community and count these important public safety federations as allies in our collective effort to keep Minnesotans safe.”

Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association
“John Kline has been a champion for Minnesota law enforcement since he arrived in Congress. The MPPOA is devoted to keeping our communities safe and secure and we look forward to working with Congressman Kline on behalf of all Minnesotans in the coming years.” – Dennis Flaherty, Executive Director of MPPOA

Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis
“We are proud to give John Kline our full support because of what he continues to do for public safety in the state of Minnesota and throughout the nation. Congressman Kline listens to our concerns, learns about our issues, and advocates on our behalf. He is a true friend of the law enforcement community and all Minnesotans.” – John Delmonico, President of the POFM

Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police
“Congressman Kline’s support for law enforcement issues and public safety has allowed police officers to obtain the tools necessary to keep Minnesotans safer in their communities.” – Gary Cayo, President of Minnesota FOP

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John Kline is a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He is the Chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, and he also serves on the House Armed Services Committee. John and his wife, Vicky, live in Burnsville.

On those two Saturdays, Kline for Congress volunteers will be embarking on a massive Kline for Congress sign campaign to deliver and install yard signs throughout Minnesota’s 2nd district. At 9 a.m. both days, signs will be loaded at the Victory Center in Burnsville (12180 County Road 11, Burnsville) and delivered to homes and posted around the district.

To join the Kline for Congress team on either Saturday, please call (952) 890-9430 or e-mail Chaz@klineforcongress.com

In addition to planting a Kline for Congress sign, the campaign can always use volunteers who are willing to work in the office. If you are interested in helping the team, please use the contact information above to let the Kline for Congress team know.

“I hope Minnesotans take a moment out of their busy day to exercise one of the most fundamental rights in our democracy: the right to vote,” Kline said. “Please remember to head to the polls to show your support for Minnesota’s endorsed Republicans and ensure your voice is heard.”

In April, Kline was unanimously endorsed by delegates in the 2nd District Republican Convention in Shakopee. This summer, a Minneapolis resident filed to run against Kline from outside the district after failing to receive the Republican endorsement in the district where he lives.

Important Primary links:

• Find your precinct
• A list of Minnesota’s endorsed Republican candidates
• Kline for Congress
• Minnesota 2nd district Republicans
• Minnesota Republican Party
• National Republican Congressional Committee
• Republican National Committee

John Kline is a Ronald Reagan Republican. His conservative voting record has earned him the support and backing from:

American Conservative Union: 94% lifetime rating
Americans for Tax Reform: “Hero of the Taxpayer”
AMVETS (American Veterans) “Silver Helmet” award
Citizens Against Government Waste: “Taxpayer Hero” award
Club for Growth: “Defender of Freedom” award
Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life: 100% pro-Llife rating
National Guard Bureau: “Heritage Award”
National Rifle Association: Life Member
Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association
National Federation of Independent Businesses
Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Veterans of Foreign War (PAC)

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John Kline and his wife, Vicky, live in Burnsville. They are especially proud of their two children and four grandchildren. Kline is a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

“My friend and fellow Midwesterner Paul Ryan brings one of the sharpest and brightest economic minds to the debate and offers commonsense solutions for what ails our economy. His leadership is exactly what our nation needs after four years of failed policies that produced debt, not jobs. I look forward to working with a Romney-Ryan administration that will bring fiscal discipline and accountability to the federal government and enact policies that provide certainty, which will enable job creators to put Americans back to work.”

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John Kline and his wife, Vicky, live in Burnsville. They are especially proud of their two children and four grandchildren.