Hello Reddit! Jim Graves here. I am running for Congress [MN, District 6], and yes, my opponent is Michele Bachmann. AMA.

Mr. Graves, I'm a student at the University of Maryland and I'm doing a case study on your race for a course on congressional elections.

1. From the voters you've spoken to, do you think they like Bachmann's extreme ideology, or do they vote her in because she is the incumbent and can outspend anyone?

2. Most of your positions seem very moderate; do you think you can win over enough voters who consider themselves to be conservative to win the election?

3. What do you think is the most effective way to get your name and message out? TV? Face to face? Calls to voters?

Thank you for doing an AMA!

1. Well, I can tell you a great deal of them don't like her extremism. I'm honestly not sure why the others vote for her.
2. I do. I'm a guy who never asks about party affiliation in business. I've worked with everyone, and will continue to.
3. I've been talking with as many people as possible and will continue to. We also have three ads, you can see them here: http://www.youtube.com/user/JimGravesforCongress. They've been doing well, too. We've also been making thousands of call and doing thousands of door knocks! It's a lot, but it's all worth it.

Thanks for your questions! Did I answer them well for you?

Have you ever changed a long-standing personal opinion or belief? What made you do it?

Regarding gay marriage, twelve years ago or so, I supported civil unions and then it became apparent to me that wasn't enough because it's about more than equality, it has to do with dignity and integrity of all human beings and their pursuit of happiness.

What about civil unions for all? Do you think it would help if, as far as the government were concerned, all marriages--gay or straight--were, officially, "civil unions?"

Maybe! I've heard that semantics is as the heart of it for some; why they oppose it, so perhaps...

I wish I could vote for you.

Thank you! Me too!

Which browser do you use?

Firefox.

What is your stance on manned space exploration? Do you support Newt Gingrich's proposal of a lunar base?

Only if he goes.

I would like to be first to recommend Jim Graves for president 2016

HA! Thanks!

But seriously, a lot of Redditors are staunch supporters of space exploration (manned or otherwise). Do you support the Penny4NASA movement? http://www.penny4nasa.org/[1]

I do.

I feel like I am speaking for most Americans when I say, Thank You for running against Bachmann... She scares the hell out of us.. oh and what are your thoughts on Global Warming?

I believe in science.

Music to my ears.. Thank you for your response. Follow up question, How do you feel about these Congressmen that are saying Rape is Gods will, sitting on the House Committee for Science and Technology? How does this happen?

I honestly wish I knew. It's a tragedy.

What would you say you most admire about your opponent?

That she's a mother of five children.

What do you think your chances are?

We're only two points behind, but we're being outspent 2 to 1. If we can catch up and close the spending gap, we're going to win.

:) Want to help us? https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/graves-web?refcode=homepage&amounts=5,25,50,100,250,1000&amount=25

I don't live in your state but I make it point to donate $50 to anyone that opposes her. Best of luck to you sir, may you send that dingbat packing.

I'll match that.

I would like to match that but times are tight! I only could afford $25

times are super tight for me, so I only donated $5, but that $5 to help get the crazy out!

Thanks! Any amount helps!

Thank you!

I voted for you 2 weeks ago via absentee ballot. Here's hoping!

Thank you!

Just donated $100, please whoop that crazy!

Are you going to be debating her, and if so is that available online?

Reddit would probably explode from the lulz

Thanks! Yes, debates are listed above. MPR will broadcast 10/30 and 11/1 and they have great online streaming. www.mpr.org

Jim,

Thank you for doing this AMA. I live in the 6th District, and I have a few questions for you:

1. I work for a small consulting firm in Coon Rapids that employs about 100 people. We specialize in acquiring land rights for energy companies so pipelines, wind turbines, and other energy-related things can be built on private land. Would you vote in favor of the Keystone XL Pipeline? Why or why not? In your opinion, how important is it to the economy for America to become energy independent?

2. Do you think Michele Bachmann has ‘McCarthy-like’ qualities? Why do you think people in our district vote for a candidate that runs on a platform of anti-intellectualism and fear?

3. During your debates with Bachmann, will you bring up the fact that she believes God told her to run for President?

4. If you defeat Bachmann, can we have an awesome party at the Graves 601 Hotel?

5. If you are elected, will you give me your endorsement when I run for Mayor of Lexington, MN? I really think I could bring some positive change to the community. For example, it is currently illegal to take a left turn from Woodland Road onto Lake Drive. That’s how you get to the interstate(!) and it needs to change immediately. I look forward to your endorsement and getting together so we can build strong policies for a strong Lexington.

6. What hair product do you use? This style is nothing short of fabulous.

1. We want to become energy independent, however, we must always remember that oil is fungible. Accordingly, our prices at the gas pump may not be affected. The most important thing is to develop alternative fuels.

2. I have no idea why people do!

3. Probably not ... I've never relied on her either.

4. Stay tuned!

5. Let sit down and chat some time.

6. None! Au naturel!

No real question just want to say good luck, I really cannot stand Bachmann and her fear based platform.

Thank you!

How do you feel about there now being male models on The Price Is Right?

EQUALITY!

if you were on the price is right would you rather play plinko or cliffhangers?

Boy, I'd have to say PLINKO. It's a classic.

Michele Bachmann has a "D" rating by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America 2010 Congressional Report Card. How do you feel about supporting the Veteran's?

I'm sick and tired of the hypocrisy of all of the politicians beating the war drum beat but not sending their own kids over there, and then turning their backs on our soliders when they return. Bachmann voted against the Veterans' GI Bill, Veterans' Job Act, and support for their mental health services. Her actions are a disgrace when it comes to veterans' issues.

What is your opinion on abortion and why?

I think we can all agree, it's a terrible outcome and we should do everything possible to help women avoid unwanted pregnancies. We need to make certain that women have equal opportunities in the workplace, access to good health care, educational opportunities, and we need to address real maternity leave benefits like the rest of the developed world.

You've kind of, you know, skirted the actual question. Not that I blame you; the world today is a volatile place for any politician.

At the end of the day, it's a woman's health choice.

While I agree with you on trying to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies through things like sex education, and have better aid for those who do get pregnant through better pay, maternity leave, and better health care. Do you still believe abortion should be a legal option for all?

Also, what are your thoughts on the recent comments about rape and abortion by those like Todd Akin and Richard Mourdock?

They are outrageous, hurtful and damaging.

Mr. Graves, I truly hope you win your seat in congress. It completely baffles my mind how Bachmann gets any votes.

Not being from Minnesota, I am curious, what exactly has Bachmann done in your area to deserve votes and what is your strategy to overtake her seat? Again, please for all that is right in this world crush her in this election!

She's hasn't done anything to deserve votes. My strategy is to work hard, stand by my core values, and create jobs for the district.

As minneapolis resident, how can I get my hands on a I Dig Graves pin? They are not available on your website! While I can't vote for you, I would love to rock one while walking around campus.

What are your views on both the voter ID amendment, and the marriage amendment that are on the ballot in MN this year?

Edit: I see your stance on the marriage amendment below, so skip that. BUT I'm still curious about the voter ID one!

Voter ID is a state issue, and we don't like anything that hinders Democracy. Why fix something that isn't broken?

[deleted]

I really want one of those pins..

Typical politician, avoiding the hard hitting questions. WHERE ARE OUR PINS, MR. GRAVES?

Ha! There are lots of them in my office in St Cloud! Come and get 'em!

Good lord, you answered more questions than most people do with an AMA, thanks!

Happy to have the opportunity!

Hi Jim, thanks for the AMA.

• What steps are you taking to reach out to would-be Bachmann voters in hopes of getting them on board with your message?
• If you could get a straight answer from Mrs. Bachmann on one question, what would that question be?

Hi! I'm being honest and straightforward with the people, and using common sense.

Straight answer: Do you really believe all of the stuff you say?

What reforms (if any) would you like to see regarding our electoral and campaign finance systems?

I think Citizens United created a toxic political climate and it's done more to hurt politics than anything in decades.

If you had to choose one non-politician to lead the nation, who would you pick?

John Taft. Look into him: http://www.johngtaft.com/about

From a Minnesotan, thank you for working so hard to put Bachmann out. You have my vote sir!

Thank you!

Do you have any opinion on electoral reform? Perhaps something that isn't exclusively first past the post to allow 3rd parties a voice in Congress?

It seems to me that much of the Washington gridlock is being driven by partisanship that seems impossible to overcome in the current system.

I think ranked choice voting is interesting...

Do you think there's ever going to be a chance of any electoral reform actually happening given the current system favors the two large parties and incumbents?

Thank you for answering. I know this isn't a typical question and can be a doozy to answer but its become a big issue for me over the last few years both to address the gridlock and the lack of choice on important issues (i.e. a fiscal conservative not being able to vote on those lines because they find it immoral for a human being to treat gays as second class citizens).

I think there's a tipping point for everything, including this. I have hope.

What is the biggest mistake your opponent has made? What is the biggest mistake you have made?

Hers: Forgetting who she serves and thinking that she can fool the American public.

Mine: Wearing a tie to the fishing opener.

What have you learned through your business ventures that you plan to use while in office?

You only get things done when you get people communicating and collaborating.

What is your position on nuclear energy?

It is transitional source of energy and it's better that many of the nonrenewable alternatives.

What is the craziest thing that the Bachmann campaign has tried to smear you with so far? And what is your plan for bringing together the electorate should you win in November? Will you work across the aisle, regardless of the consequences? And now, a softball question. What do you think about the Minnesota Wild's acquisition of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter during the offseason?

1) Her most recent ad blames me for the entire Federal Debt. And I've been blamed for violence in the Middles East. How crazy is that?

2) My whole life has been spent bringing people together.

3) GO WILD!

Just want to say thanks for running.

Thanks!

Jim, given your background in education as a teacher, what are your ideas for improving math and science scores in America that have seen a dramatic decline relative to other developed nations in recent years?

I support investing in early childhood education. I believe that what needs the most change is the culture surrounding education. Students are less engaged than ever and that needs to be addressed.

How would you address mounting student loan debt if elected?

I would freeze the student loan rate unlike my opponent who voted to double student loan rates last summer.

Mr.Graves, How do you feel about term limits for all 535 members of the house and senate. Making the positions more of a civil service then a long term career.

I'm open for discussion.

Hi Jim,

As an LGBT person from the St. Cloud area Michelle's platform and positions on LGBT issues is offensive, dehumanizing, and damaging to LGBT people, youth especially. As a youth, seeing one persons who views you as a second class citizen is bad enough, but having her views backed by so many supporters where I lived was humiliating, demoralizing, and incredibly hard to experience.

I just wanted to say thank you for bringing the respect you have for the LGBT community through your positions.

I will be relaying your message to friends/family still in the area in hopes we can see a positive change for the LGBT youth in the area!

Hi, Thanks for your note. And for your support!

Hello Mr. Graves

I'm not as well-versed on your positions on the issues facing this country as I'd like to be. I wish I had a better question for you than this.

But Mr. Graves, we need you to win. Not "we" as in your district, not just Minnesota, not just Washington... the United States of America needs you to win, sir.

If we as reasonable Americans cannot stand up against fringe figures like Rep. Bachmann, who try and often succeed in shoehorning bits of discrimination and religious fundamentalism into our laws, then we have failed. And grave consequences from that failure may await us.

We have to stand up. We have to stand up and we have to beat them. We have to beat them so bad, they crawl back into the holes they came out of. Irrational, unreasonable and scary elected officials like Rep. Bachmann wield far too much power. It's made me genuinely afraid and I don't want to be afraid anymore. I don't want to fear my government anymore. I need you to save me, save us.

It doesn't matter who elected her, why she was elected in the first place, what she's done previously or what the difficult circumstances are in defeating her now.

So my question to you, Mr. Graves, is: How are you going to win? How are you going to close the relatively small gap in polls that I've seen between you and Rep. Bachmann? A gravely important task is in front of you, sir. I would argue that a piece of this country's very morale or soul is at risk in this race.

TL;DR: How are you going to win?

We're going to win because we're standing up to her nonsense. People who know our message support us. We're being outspent 2 to 1 and we need your help to get the message out: http://jimgraves.com/donate

And grave consequences from that failure may await us.

Heh.

Heh.

What's your view on internet retailers and the loophole the government affords them to avoid sales tax?

• A fellow St. Cloud State Husky!

I believe internet retailers should pay sales tax to give brick and mortar businesses on Main Street the ability to compete.

What are your thoughts on suburban farming collectives for lower income families that need access to fresh inexpensive organic fruits and veggies?

Would you support something like this?

I'm for solutions that provide better nutrition to America's working families.

What's the greatest challenge you've overcome?

I think the greatest challenge I've overcome is getting through the most recent recession.

What's your least favorite thing about Michele Bachmann?

*Edit Michele with one L

I think her divisiveness is dangerous.

what kind of compensation do you provide your employees? what is your average hourly and salary wages? what benefits do you offer? how many are full or part time?

im not interested in a job, but considering your great fortune in life, i think how you treat your employees is probably the largest mark of your character.

In my company, we're all a family and believe in The Golden Rule. We employ union labor.

Why are you running for office? Apart from giving back and all the good stuff. It's always struck me as a crazy thing to do.

I'm running to make a difference. I've been very fortunate and blessed. I believe in the concept of stewardship.

What slander has she sent out about you?

That I'm responsible for the troubles in Benghazi, the national debt, and legislation that passed under her watch. So many things to mention!

I'm in MN-3, but I have lots of extended family in MN-6, specifically rural Carver County. When they ask who they should vote for, what would your 15-second pitch be for why they should vote for you?

Conversely, in less than 15 seconds, why should they not vote for Michele Bachmann?

She's out of touch with the needs of the community.