Shimanski accuses Coleman of leaning left

State Rep. Ron Shimanski, R-Silver Lake, will not withdraw his support from Norm Coleman in his 2008 re-election bid. But Shimanski is less than 100-percent satisfied with Coleman’s voting record.

“My concern is that Norm isn’t representing all the conservative constituents here in Minnesota,” he said.

Shimanski said he opposes Coleman’s vote in favor of the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, which would dramatically expand children’s health insurance. The measure was aimed at adding $35 billion to the State Children’s Health Program over five years.

Shimanski called the bill, “a massive increase in the program without any justification.”

He also opposes Coleman’s views on some illegal immigration issues and said “there’ll be a continuing dialogue” with Coleman on the points of contention.

Shimanski reiterated he isn’t pulling his support from Coleman. “We still have to elect our candidate, whoever that may be.”

Urdahl less vocal
State Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Grove City, said he’s never talked to Coleman about his voting record. “I have nothing to do with anything like that,” he said.

“With most public officials, there are votes that you can question, but it certainly hasn’t reached that stage,” Urdahl said. “None of us agree 100 percent on every issue, but we just have to work with those things that we don’t agree with.”

After several attempts, a local Coleman campaign representative could not be reached by phone for comment on this story.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)