Can Christians Be Politicians? (11/06)
Below is the script from the LivingBold chat, "Can Christians be Politicians" with former U.S. Congressman Mark Neumann (WI 1st Congressional District 1995-99) and former MN State Representative Julie Storm (MN State House District 24B 1999-2000). Mr. Neumann owns and operates Neumann Enterprises Inc., an environmentally conscious real estate development company. Mrs. Storm was a registered nurse for 25 years and currently works with senior housing marketing.
chatmaster
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Julie Storm
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Mark
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chatmaster
Hello hosts!
Julie Storm
Good evening
chatmaster
I'll be working this chat tonight and helping you thru it.
Julie Storm
Good evening, Mark!
st johns cal. teen
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Alan
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Mark
good evening Julie and all
Alex
hello
st johns cal. teen
Hello
chatmaster
Welcome to the Living Bold Chat all. I turn it over to our hosts tonight...
AL
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chatmaster
Julie Storm served in the MN State House of Representatives from 1999-2000
Alex
Do you feel that a christian can be a politician?
chatmaster
Mark Neumann served in the US House of Representatives for WI from 1995-1999
Mr. Editor
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Julie Storm
Welcome everyone. An interesting and timely subject!
chatmaster
Feel free to ask questions. Our hosts will respond to each.
Mark
Alex, I believe Christians are needed in every walk of life including politics.
Julie Storm
Alex, I firmly believe a Christian can be politician. In fact, we should be encouraging them to run. We are seeing many of our ideals being eroded because we have become complacent.
chatmaster
* Neumann’s main focus during service was balanced budgeting; Storm’s was caring for the aging.
Alan
Do you vote your conscience when there are issues that are at odds with your faith, or how you feel your constituents would want you to vote?
AL
Should Christian citizens look for legislators who express Christian values (thinking of M. Bachmann in Minnesota)? What benefit do they bring? What might be the downside?
Mark
Moral and ethical considerations based on our faith are the first priority, the best interest of our nation is second priority, will of our constituents is third
chatmaster
* Neumann is an active member at Christ Lutheran, Pewaukee WI (WELS) * Storm is an active member at Mt. Olive Lutheran, Mankato MN (ELS)
Alex
what is the most often question people ask about? I'd imagine your stand on the war.
Julie Storm
Actually, my greatest moment was the revision of the mechanic lien statues following the tornado in St. Peter. We had 13 residents losing everything to an unscrupulous contractor. Alan, fortunately I have not had to make that decision. I believe my constituents that voted for me would want me to be faithful to my beliefs.
Alan
Wow! That is a very honest answer. Interesting approach to priorities. Is that something you have publically stated?
Mr. Editor
Congressman Neumann, If I were a young Christian, perhaps nearing college age, and I had both talent and an interest in politics, how would you recommend that I begin to shape my future as a Christian engaged in a in political career?
chatmaster
* Neumann is currently on the Board of Regents at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, WI
Mark
Mr. Editor, excellant question. I would recommend you would work in some field outside of politics first for a period of time while being active in politics as a volunteer. Then when the time is right...and you will know the Lord is calling you at the right time...do not hesitate to run for the desired office.
Julie Storm
Alan Yes, while in office, I had a visit from a group of students from Gustavus who told me they would like to support me but they believe in pro choice. I told them I believed in choice also, and they made that choice when they had unprotected sex.
st johns cal. teen
I was at the Christian Life Resources convention last year. I attended some seminars about stem cells and research. Could you please explain how those matters were addressed in Congress?
Alex
how did they resond when you said that? Was that hard for you to stand up for what you thought?
js
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Mark
Mr. Editor, if you are approaching college you might like to know that one of the strongest people in my Washington office was a Wisconsin Lutheran College graduate who simply picked up and moved to Washington...both him and his wife worked in our office and were I believe the best and brightest in DC.
SquirrelsAreCool
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mnmi$$
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chatmaster
* “Neumann is a man of principal, character and political courage…” – Dan Quayle, former Vice President
Mark
st johns cal. teen, the world is changing so fast. In the late 90's we were not really even discussing this issue at least not in the depth we are today.
Julie Storm
st johns cal. teen I believe there has not been a definite decision. There is research in adult stem cells that has had some very positive results. The research on embryonic cells is still questionable both in result value and the destruction of an embryo. It will be interesting to see if the new congress will further embryonic research as Senator Reid is stating.
chatmaster
* Storm was a registered nurse for 25 years and is a current member of the Minnesota Board on Aging.
Julie Storm
js Are you my daughter?
js
no julie, sorry
Alan
Were either of you lawyers, and if so, do you think Christian ethics may be an even greater factor in that capacity (or perhaps as a judge, where you must rule on laws, not Christian principles which might conflict)?
Julie Storm
OK...she said she was going to log on.
js
Mark, how much did faith issues play into your race against Feingold in 98?
chatmaster
What are your thoughts on the way President Bush is handling the war?
Mark
Alan, I was a teacher and later a real estate agent and home builder but never an attorney. I think it might in fact be even more difficult in that field then in politics.
mnmi$$
Maybe that's another area you want to investigate on a future chat. Todd Westphal is a judge in Nicollet County MN and a WELS member.
st johns cal. teen
From your perspective serving this country as you did, what would you encourage us to do in congregations to promote government rather than just knock down all authority?
Mark
Did anyone hear President Bushes speech this morning?
chatmaster
Part of it, but not all. What did he say?
Mr. Editor
As a voter I often feel torn between the question of a candidate's moral (or usually immoral) lifestyle and choosing the person I felt had the best record in working for the good of those he or she represented. Any helpful perspective that could provide direction when I am faced withat dilemma again?
chatmaster
Tip! Maximize your screen so you can see prior questions posted by using the scroll bar as well.
Mark
js, a lot. A central issue was partial birth abortion and wasone of the main reasons we entered the race in the first place.
Alex
What are the main questions you think voters should ask themselves before making their decision?
Julie Storm
Not a lawyer. Remember, our founding fathers were devout Christians and our country was founded on Judeo-Christian principals. Personally, I believe many judges are not interpreting law, but THEIR ethics. I know Todd Westphal in Nicollet County and feel he would not only follow the law but his personal eithics.
js
mark, do you feel that p.b.a. was what may have swayed voters toward feingold in the end? or were there other issues too?
Alan
Can a Christian win an election without negative campaign ads. That seems to be the status quo these days.
Mark
Mr. Editor, one's moral charactor would be a main consideration to me no matter what else they said or did...remembering we are all flawed a continued commitment to immoral or unethical behavior would in my mind disqualify a candidate.
mnmi$$
Mark, Julie,both of you would probably find it easy to vote the best interests of your constituency as you see fit, but is it as easy to REPRESENT them?
st johns cal. teen
good question, alan. we had a class a while ago and pretty much agreed that we have made it impossible in this country to win an election and keep the 8th commandment.
n _keyes
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Mark
js, no, in fact exit polling showed about 33% of the voters voted on this issue for our side. Remember, he was a sitting Senator and no incumbants lost that year...we came the closest.
Mr. Editor
Would either of you care to comment on the kind of leadership qualities you would consider prerequisite to serving in a high office?
st johns
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js
were either of you ever accused of being Christian, like it was a negative thing that you were Christian?
js
perhaps in an open floor debate or such?
Mark
Mr. Editor, I believe honesty and integrity are the most important traits
Alex
If you were accused of being a Christian how did you respond to that?
SquirrelsAreCool
How difficult is it for a Christian politician to vote the way their constituency wants them to, when they don't agree morally with how their constituency wants them to vote?
Julie Storm
Mr. Editor...that is a tough one. Unfortunately, quite a few legislators have backgrounds that are not exactly great. I guess I would have to judge his present situation and if he supports my issues and concerns. People can change, so evaluate at present time.
js
it must be tough when your personal ethics clash with your constituents ethics
js
your job as a faithful representative is to faithfully represent the constituents - a good Christian quality of honesty and service
pastor
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Alex
Mark how did you get in to land development? Do you miss the political arena?
js
on the other hand, if their views clash with your personal morals, you must be true to your faith
Julie Storm
js I have never been accused negatively for being a Christian. I was in the House of Representatives when the Republicans took the majority after many years. Many of us ran with our Christian principles. js..thanks for asking!
n _keyes
Julie, how has your nursing background helped you as a congresswoman? what issue(s) do you thinks it's helped you most on?
Mark
SquirrelsAreCool, I would not vote the way my constituents wanted if it violated an ethical or moral consideration...you would be amazed at how many people will stand with you when you stand for Christian values and principles...my constiuents elected me to vote my conscience.
energy
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js
were either of you ever afforded the chance to personally witness to fellow legislators?
Alan
How to politicians view referendums? Recently we passed the amendment on no same sex marriage in WI. Will those who would have voted against that ignore the will of the people. What if you were in office and that had been defeated?
chatmaster
* Recently, a MN congressional candidate and member of Salem Lutheran (WELS) was criticized for WELS standpoint on the Biblical antichrist (http://www.startribune.com/587/story/777321.html).
js
chatmaster, thanks for pointing that out
Julie Storm
Strangely, the committees I was assigned to were Economic Development, Agriculture, K-12 Education and Higher Education Finance. I never served on Health and Human Services.
energy
minnesota has an active, loud, liberal group
js
in the end the WELS antichirst issue didn't seem to matter as she won the seat
Mark
js, many times...in our first 100 days in office we regularily were in session around the clock and it was very difficult on many families...I was given the privilege of sharing my faith many times...even on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.
js
mark, that must have been quite an experience
js
not everyone is afforded the opportunity to share faith with so many at one time so publicly
Alex
Julie- would you have wanted to serve on health and human services?
energy
Do you think professing Christian legislators like Kerry and Kennedy understand the incoherence of what they so enthusiastically endorse and promote?
Julie Storm
During the time I was in office, we had a prayer group that met at 7:00 AM every Wednesday morning. We kind of helped each other, especially if there was difficult legislaltion. I did not personally witness to anyone at that time, but felt part of a supportive group. We had a wonderful House Chaplain, Lonnie Titus. He was just wonderful.
Mr. Editor
Without being too specific, would either of you care to share your current aspirations in terms of running for public office?
Mark
Alan, as this discussion continues you all can begin to see why we addamently stuck to the the rules of evaluating votes based first on moral and ethical considerations, second on the good of the country and third on constituent wishes...I would still vote my principles even after an advisory ref.
energy
chatmaster..... why are things so slow?
js
mark, i was looking at the congressional prayer caucus website recently, is that same spiritual attitude that our country was founded on still present today?
chatmaster
The chat is smooth and as quick as all have the ability to type.
Alan
Energy, great question. I have often wondered that myself. I'm tempted to think that some in office use their christianity as a "platform" to be used to garner votes/support, but not as a standard for living or a principle.
energy
it seems like there are so many lags of blanks space.... time
energy
thanks alan...
chatmaster
Thanks for your thoughts. Feel free to ask questions of our host.
energy
Welcome all
Mark
Mr. Editor, one of my hardest lessions was to totally respect the words written in James 4:13-17...it took years to fully accept that the Lord is totally in control...
chatmaster
* In the November 2006 election, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Tennessee, Idaho and Virginia passed amendments to their state constitutions defining marriage as being between one male and one female.
energy
Ahhh... that explains it... thanks chatmasster
Julie Storm
Alex I thought it a little strange I wasn't assigned to that committee with my nursing background. I would have gladly accepted the assignment, but truthfully, really liked the committees I was on. All aspects of govenment are interesting. This past election, I was planning to run for State Senate but our county leader announced early when he found out it was an open seat. I was very disappointed but find there are many doors to be opened.
SquirrelsAreCool
When in office were your personal morals ever attacked? Or were people generally accepting of them? Did you ever have rude comments directed towards you because you voted in a way that another person didn't agree with?
Mark
js, I am a strong believer in the people in America and yes I do believe we still have the moral fiber and commitment to Christianity we've had for generations. There are many who would like you to believe you are all by yourself with your beliefs...you are not.
js
mark and julie, should the results of the marriage amendment votes in the last election be cause for renewed hope that Christian morals are still prevelant in society?
Mr. Editor
What a thoughtful, transparent response! The fact that you learned that lesson and are even today so aware of its impact tells me a lot about you as both a person and as a politician.
Alan
I had asked a question earlier...Can a Christian win an election without using negative campaign ads. That seems to be the norm these days.
Lloyd Binghamton
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js
welcome lloyd
Lloyd Binghamton
Thank you
Mark
js, yes
chatmaster
* “There’s a point where you follow team leadership and a point you stick to principles.” – Mark Neumann
Lloyd Binghamton
Mark, do you think there are many believers in Washington?
pastor
How many Christains do you think are in Washington?
Lloyd Binghamton
Julie?
Mark
Lloyd Binghamton, yes, it was amazing how many strong Christians I had the privilege of serving with...there were plenty of the others also but many many fine honest people...
js
are either of you considering running for office in the future?
SquirrelsAreCool
My roommate and I were discussing the issue of gay marriage last night (we are both WELS members). She said that the government had no right to say who could marry who. I pointed out that the Bible defines marriage to be between one man and one woman. She said she agreed but that by the government not allowing gay marriage they are breaking the idea of separation of church and state by enforcing Christian morals. What are your thoughts on that? By the government not allowing gay marriage, are they breaking the issue of separation of church and state?
Julie Storm
I lost my re-election with extremely negative direct mailings 2 days before election. One accused me of approval of pornography on the internet and the other distorted my face to make me look insane and said I had left seniors behind. It was too late to answer and this was the beginning of extremely negative ads in our district. I would not partake in them.
Lloyd Binghamton
Julie, when was that?
Alex
Julie how do you fight back from something like that?
chatmaster
* In the November 2006 election, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Tennessee, Idaho and Virginia passed amendments to their state constitutions defining marriage as being between one male and one female.
pastor
Can we conduct elections without breaking the 8th commandment?
js
mark and julie, what new challenges do you see for Christians seeking to enter politics in the next several years?
Mark
Julie, the hurt never goes away from the horrible things they do to you in elections... I know from personal expienence...my comfort comes from knowing the good Lord had a different plan for my life...I'm sorry you were atacked...please do not let it keep you permanently on the side...in order for evil to succeed the good people need only sit by and watch...
Mr. Editor
Alex just used a word that I don't think has been used yet in this discussion: FIGHT. It would seem that conflict is just a normal part of life in the big city of politics. Yet Jesus told his followers to turn the other cheek and to pray for our enemies. How does this work in the political arena for a Christian?
Alan
Mark & Julie, I just wanted to thank you for being willing to chat with us tonight. You serve as wonderful examples for young Christians who are wondering about our political system. Thanks for serving our country and Lord at the same time!
mnmi$$
Ditto,Alan
Alex
yes thank you
Julie Storm
SquirrelsAreCool..thanks for pointing out Bible definition of marriage. She is wrong, in my opinion, of separation of church and state. the Constitution only states freedom of religion, not from religion. Govenment cannot establish a relgion (like Church of England). This is so misinterpreted by liberals.
chatmaster
* The use of prayer in the US Congress led to the formation of the Congressional Prayer Caucus. Visit http://www.house.gov/forbes/prayercaucus.htm for more info.
SquirrelsAreCool
okay, thanks for clarifying that Julie. That's what I thought separation of church and state meant. I'm just so often told otherwise.
js
julie, i wouldn't want our government (or any gov't) to establish a religion. but i'm thankful when on a specific moral issue they stand by God's decrees, like in the recent marriage amendment
Mr. Editor
I am personally hoping that both of you will seriously consider running for public office again. You made a difference then and I think you both still have much to contribute to the wellbeing of our country.
js
well said, mr. editor
chatmaster
* Neumann owns Neumann Enterprises Inc., a land development corporation dedicated to green space preservation (www.neumannenterprisesinc.com)
js
julie and mark we have about four minutes left, do you have any final thoughts you want to share with all chatters?
Julie Storm
js I think it is even more important than ever for Chrisitans to become involved in the political world. Bit by bit, there are threats to the beliefs of American, and Christians. I think of the ACLU and the numerous lawsuits they keep filing. If we don't become involved in the political arena to protect our beliefs, then we are at fault. Get involved, help Christian candidates and vote! The next few years are going to be crucial for America. I guess these are my closing thoughts. Know that God will guide you, if you listen.
Mark
js, it occurs to me that there may be some very able future leaders in this chat room...never be afraid to take a chance doing what you believe to be important and right! I would rather have been in the arena and fought the good fight and lost than to never have been in the arena at all!!!
js
thanks very much for your participation, insights, and faith witness tonight, mark and julie
js
if either of you run in my state again, i'll be sure to support
js
thanks to all chatters for their participation as well
Julie Storm
Mark...it was the most wonderful experience in my life and I do not regret a minute of the campaigning a doorknocking. I met many wonderful people.
Mark
Julie, ditto
chatmaster
Thank you all! And special thanks to our hosts. The chat room is now shutting down. God bless and good night!
Alex
thanks
Julie Storm
Thanks all for a good discussion, the hour was too short!
chatmaster
:)
js
agreed julie
SquirrelsAreCool
Thanks and have a good night.
chatmaster
good night