Kline's new leadership role comes at crucial time

U.S. Rep. John Kline’s stature continues to grow, both in Washington, Minnesota and the 2nd Congressional District.

He’s earned it. With Kline’s election Tuesday to the top Republican spot in the House Education and Labor Committee, he joins three others from the state’s congressional delegation with considerable political clout.

Rep. Jim Oberstar of Chisholm leads the transportation committee. Rep. Collin Peterson of Detroit Lakes is agriculture chairman. Rep. Betty McCollum of St. Paul is senior Democratic whip.

Among the bigger things on Kline’s plate right now is health care reform. While we hate to see the House Intelligence Committee lose the former Marine’s valuable insight, we are confident his leadership and negotiating abilities are needed in the education and labor discussions now. He will serve his constituents well as the nation tackles such complex and emotional issues as health care.

Tags: john kline, opinion, editorials