Baron Hill, cut the attacks

I have been disappointed with our handling of the race between Todd Young and Baron Hill in the 9th Congressional District race.

Our columnists have presented Mr. Young as a Tea Party extremist candidate.

Yes, I yield that Young has the support of many people who are unsatisfied with our federal government’s irresponsibility and waste, but Tea Partiers are not alone in those concerns.

Young has spoken at Tea Party events, but he has met with thousands of groups during the past 20 months as he has traveled throughout the district.

I know Young on an intensely personal level. I knew him before he announced he wanted to run for Congress. I cannot think of a more pure-spirited, public-minded and honorable man.

His distinguished military record, his family background, his incredible degree of education and his knowledge of the policy process dwarfs anything I’ve seen from a congressional candidate in a long time.

Instead of promoting negative attacks and promulgating the defamation of Todd’s character, Congressman Hill should be advertising his record of accomplishments in Washington. After all, he and his liberal allies in Congress have been very busy in the past two years.

But it’s easy to see why Congressman Hill is running against his record.

Though a majority of his constituents opposed the auto bailouts, Hill voted for them. Though a majority of his constituents opposed the health care bill, Hill voted for it. Though a majority of his constituents opposed the cap-and-trade bill, Hill voted for it.

Isn’t he the “representative” of the people of the 9th District?

Last week, I attended the Young-Hill debate in Jasper, Ind. This forum was the first time I’d witnessed Congressman Hill speak in person, and I was not impressed. Far from recognizing the concerns of his constituents, he scoffed at them.

When Young mentioned reports that said the 9th District would lose 43,000 jobs as a result of cap-and-trade legislation, Hill rebuffed the suggestion and said he didn’t believe the report.

When asked about term limits, Congressman Hill muttered some answer suggesting that term limits would “limit the power his constituents gave him.” The entire non-partisan audience erupted in laughter.

Congressman Hill’s 12 years in Washington have clearly alienated him from the true worries of the people of the 9th District.

The fact that he has received more than $1 million in special interest political donations this year (compared with $770,000 from individuals, and much of that from out of state) indicates where his interests really lie.

Young has an impeccable record of sacrifice for his community and to his country, from his career as a Marine intelligence officer to his service as a deputy prosecutor ensuring that the rule of law prevails.

He believes in cutting federal spending and reforming — not demolishing — federal entitlement plans like Medicare and Social Security. Most importantly, he understands that tax increases during recessionary times are inexcusable, a concept that his liberal opponent clearly does not grasp. Young’s record and beliefs speak for themselves.

He has put a tremendous amount of time and energy into listening to the concerns of all of his future constituents. He understands that the time for real reform is now.

Young, like Congressman Hill, believes in “Hope” and “Change,” but Young’s hope is realistic, and his change does not mortgage the future of our children.

So, Congressman Hill, call off your attack dogs, and ditch the personal attacks.

I know that in your heart you are an honorable man. I’d just like that honor to be restored to your campaign tactics.

There are 14 days until the election. Congressman Hill, if you truly believe in what you say you believe, focus on (and be proud of) your voting record. I know the voters will.


E-mail: jkingsol@indiana.edu