Analysis
This is the first interview with Tim Walberg that we have noted in this study.
Transcript
WOOD Newsreader – One day after decision 2006 primary both candidates for US Senate made stops in Grand Rapids. Senator Debbie Stabenow spoke to supporters at Carter products on the city’s northwest side. Republican candidate Mike bouchard was in town tonight for the Republican committee unity reception one night after knocking off Keith Butler for that nomination. Both Bouchard and Stabenow talked to 24 hour news 8 about what they think voters will be looking for in November.
Bouchard – People are I think desperately looking for change, they want more jobs here, they want border security, they want things that quite frankly ought to happen.
Stabenow – People want results, they want to know that we are going to keep our way of life. That someone is going to be fighting for them.
Newsreader – Also in decision 2006 news, fresh off Tuesdays win for the Republican seat in the seventh congressional district, that’s in the southern portion of our viewing area. Tim Walberg is gearing up to take on Democrat Sharon Renier. Walberg spoke tonight to 24 Hour News 8 about what his victory over incumbent Joe Schwarz means to the GOP. Dan Bewley joins us with that, Dan.
Reporter – Yeah last night Joe Schwarz said Walbergs win is bad news really for the Republican Party. Walberg’s conservative views according to Joe Schwarz bring the Republican Party further and further to the right. But Walberg says his win actually brings the party closer to its roots. Tim Walberg, the new bold face in Western Michigan politics. The staunch conservative spent sixteen years in Lansing proudly boasting he never voted for a tax increase. Fresh off Tuesday’s win over Joe Schwarz, Walberg sat down with 24 Hour News 8 as he begins his campaign for votes this November.
Tim Walberg – We’re gonna make sure that they understand that we come from a perspective that believes that govenments too large, that it spends too much, costs too much, and regulates too much.
Reporter – Walberg’s win caught some off guard.
John Clark (Political Science Professor) – I was a little bit surprised in the sense that it is very difficult to beat incumbents in general elections and especially difficult to beat incumbents in primary elections.
Reporter – Dr. John Clark teaches political science at Western Michigan University. He says while Walberg’s message may ring true with the traditionally Republican district, the win comes over a long time player in Michigan politics in Joe Schwarz, who Walbery accused of abandoning Republican ideals.
John Clark – You know it’s interesting, a generation ago, we would have thought of Joe Schwarz as extremely conservative, and he would have fit within the traditional framework of the Michigan Republican Party.
Reporter – It’s a sign Clark says of the changing political times. More evidence can be found in Connecticut he says where former Democrat vice-presidential candidate Joe Lieberman also lost in Tuesday’s primary, defeated by fellow Democrat Ned Lemont. These two examples Clark feels show both parties in the middle of a growth spurt as they re-invent themselves. But Tim Walberg thinks the movement goes beyond the political parties.
Walberg – I think it’s more than just parties, I think it’s people saying this, and I would say especially in the Republican party. Draw back to your roots, come back to what the Republican party stood for.
Reporter – And again Walberg will face Democrat Sharon Ranier in November. Now you can learn more about he candidates in the politics section of woodtv.com. Live in the Battle Creek news room, Dan Bewley, 24 Hour News 8.
Total time: 3 minutes 14 seconds
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