Bedford Times-Mail
Sanders: No. 1 issue is jobs
Candidate: ‘I’m not a career politician’
BY CAROL JOHNSON
October 14, 2010
DAVID SANDERS
BEDFORD – Congress would be a lot better off with one less lawyer and one more biologist, that’s how David Sanders sees the big picture of this fall’s Congressional race in the 4th District.
Sanders, a Democrat, along with Todd Rokita, a Republican, and Libertarian John Duncan are vying for the seat, which includes all of Lawrence County and stretches up north to Monticello. Sanders is making his third run for the office, which was formerly held by Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Monticello, who did not seek-re-election.
Sanders stopped in Bedford earlier this week on his way to a candidate forum in Monroe County.
“I’m not a career politician. I don’t say what people want to hear. I’ve even addressed tea party groups,” he said. “They didn’t agree with me, but they respected me.”
Sanders, a biology professor at Purdue University, has canvassed the district, which is about 200 miles from top to bottom, knocking on doors, walking in parades and shaking hands at 4-H fairs.
“From Frankfort, to Brownsburg to Bedford the differences are vast,” he said. “To understand what you can do for the district, you have to travel the district and see the foreclosed homes. I confront voters’ questions on the issues every day.”
The number one issue with voters? Jobs, said Sanders.
“Indiana has taken a lot of criticism for relying so heavily on manufacturing,” he said. “but I think it will be an advantage that we have a strong industrial and agricultural base.”
Sanders said rhetoric that is popular with voters – reduce spending, cut taxes – is not a quick-fix for the economy. He said the district has issues with cyclical and structural unemployment.
“We have to get people working. People need to be trained and we have to be serious about the challenges we face,” he said.
Sanders said as a scientist, he would bring a unique perspective to Congress and understanding of issues relating to public health, the environment and energy issues. “100,000 people die from bacterial infections every year, but with some simple, cost-effective practices, that doesn’t have to happen,” he said. “Water resource is going to be the issue in 40 years. Everyone west of the Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains will have water issues . There are a lot of issues people don’t think about on a daily basis but I can get things accomplished on these issues and they will be good for the district.
“I’m just asking people to give me a chance. I will meet with any constituent who wants to meet with me and I will have a district office in Bedford. I’m not beholden to special interests.”
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