Congressman Mike Thompson released this statement following his re-election and the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America:

The North Coast has been well served by Mike Thompson in the U.S. Congress, and we believe the Blue Dog Democrat has earned the chance to serve another term.

He's a pragmatic public servant, with a practical view of what can be done by government, and what cannot. He's proven himself repeatedly to be fiscally responsible, and in times like these, when money is scarce, that is an indispensable trait.

"His stance on Iraq, which is to get our troops out while refocusing the nation's efforts against worldwide terrorism, is clear and makes sense. He has similar positions on the economy (create new public works jobs to fix our infrastructure, expand unemployment benefits, as well as better regulation of the financial markets, and tax cuts to middle-class Americans), and other major issues. His views may not be politically popular, but they are clear cut and logical."

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"The Democratic congressman has a history of staying in contact with Del Norte County leaders, determining the area's priorities for federal assistance, and then delivering. Think federal disaster relief for fishermen. Think assistance with upgrading Highway 199. Think assistance for rural school districts such as Del Norte's through extension of a program that compensates counties that have lost timber revenue."

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