Republican Mike Parry is vying to unseat Rep. Tim Walz

State Sen. Mike Parry is hoping to be promoted to U.S. Congressman come November 2012.

Parry, a Republican from Waseca and formerly of Albert Lea, stopped in Austin on Thursday to begin his campaign against incumbent Democrat Rep. Tim Walz for the 1st District congressional seat.

“Like many people here in southeastern Minnesota, I’m disappointed in the turn our country appears to be taking,” Parry said as he sat with area Republicans at the Coffee House on Main. “I’m very, very concerned that Congressman Tim Walz doesn’t appear to be representing our values.”

Parry said he has spoken with several constituents in the 1st District who are unhappy with the way Walz has voted on bills passing through Congress. Parry said Walz and his “Washington liberal friends” voted for bills that would hinder job creation and put too much regulation on health care.

Instead of only doing what his political party wants, Parry said he will work to compromise and pass bipartisan bills if he is elected.

“There are a lot of times where I’ve sat down and reached across the aisle,” Parry said. “I believe it’s time for a new face. I can better represent the southeastern Minnesota area and communities.”

From his conversation with local Republicans, Parry made it clear his campaign focus is on creating jobs and growing the economy. Although he didn’t lay out any specifics, he said he will work with all parties to draft legislation that will get Minnesotans back to work.

He also touched on agriculture, an area in which Walz has had support for years.

“Congressman Walz hasn’t shown recently that he is for agriculture,” Parry said. “I grew up on a dairy farm — I know agriculture. I’ve lived it.”

Parry said he has promoted agriculture his whole life and understands what it’s like to wake up at 5 a.m. to milk cows. He commented on Walz’s recent trip to Austin to tour wildlife areas and said wildlife reserves are important, but more important is the quest to create jobs.

Parry’s stop in Austin was one of many across the 1st District on his campaign kickoff tour. He said he wants to meet his potential constituents and learn more about their concerns. One of his main goals on the campaign trail is to listen to people and address their concerns if he gets elected.

“If you don’t believe your representative is listening to you and voting the wrong way, then fire them,” he said. “Constituents want to be heard, and they want someone who will listen.”