Bergman, who is seeking a fourth term representing Michigan’s 1st Congressional District, is a Republican from Watersmeet, while Bob Lorinser, a Democrat from Marquette, wants to see better representation in the U.S. House.

Two other challengers, Libertarian Andrew Gale and Liz Hakola, of the Working Class Party, could not be reached for comment.

Politicians in the nation’s capital face many large issues that could significantly impact the U.S. and the globe.

Among the most closely watched is the war in Ukraine. The United States and its allies across the world have come together to support the non-NATO country after Russia invaded in February. Since the war began, the U.S. has supported Ukraine by sending weapons, money, and relief, which Bergman, a retired Marine general, called the right thing to do and said more help for Ukraine is still needed. He said supporting Ukraine in the war effort with money and supplies helps to ensure American troops don’t become involved down the road.

Jack Bergman

“The last thing we ever want to do is send our youth into battle, and that has to be a last resort,” Bergman said. “For the U.S. to supply money and weapons is an investment in freedom not only for the Ukrainians, but for our NATO allies and ourselves. Continuing our support helps us to keep our kids from becoming boots on the ground.”

Lorinser said he also believes the U.S. and other nations around the globe need to continue to support the war effort in Ukraine. He said Russia’s actions present a danger to the world.

“The support of the world is needed, because this is an international crisis and an attack on international order and the free world,” Lorinser said. “If the security of the world is at stake, that means the security of the U.S. in jeopardy, too.”

Lorinser didn’t rule out the U.S. sending troops to Ukraine, but only as a last resort and if the situation dictates it is needed.

“I hope and wish not,” he said. “It all depends on the circumstances, and I would have to listen to the experts on why they believe it is needed.”

Americans continue to see high gas prices and rising energy and food costs.

Lorinser said much of the inflation is caused by supply chain issues, the war in Ukraine, and staffing shortages. He said Republicans are trying to make inflation a political issue, when it shouldn’t be.

“We’re in a pickle, but must not make this a political issue, because blaming one party or another doesn’t solve the problem,” he said. “We need to stop with the blame and listen to the facts.”

Bergman placed the blame for inflation and high gas prices on President Joe Biden and Democratic policy. He said the energy sector has been hit hard by the current administration and the fallout from the policies have led to large increases across the board, from gas to food.

“I’m going to be very direct,” he said. “The government — and we all know who is in charge right now, the Biden administration — has waged war on fossil fuel,” Bergman said. “You can’t go from energy independence and then slam the door on the oil industry and not have repercussions, unless you have available alternatives to take its place.”

Many Republicans in Congress and the U.S. Senate have said they intend to prepare articles of impeachment against Biden if Republicans win the majority in each chamber. Bergman said he is not in favor of that, and he added he believes Democrats will convince Biden not to run for a second term in 2024.

“We really have better things to do,” he said. “We need to build a strong economy and keep our nation safe. It would be a waste of time and money, and I think the Democrats are going to make sure he isn’t on the ballot. We have more important things to focus on to keep America great.”

One issue that could become more prominent in the coming months and year pertains to low water levels of the Colorado River basin, which provides much of the West Coast its water. The river basin, especially Lake Mead, is quickly running dry because of a two-year drought and some states have implemented strict restrictions on water use.

If the water shortage continues, some have suggested the government find a way to tap into the Great Lakes and send a portion of that water out West.

Bergman said that is one issue on which Democrats and Republicans in Washington are on the same page. He said few — if any — members of the Michigan delegation would support siphoning water out of the Great Lakes.

“I do not support sending water anywhere, and the Great Lakes caucus remains focused on the health and viability of the lakes and to work with our partners, like (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), to protect them,” Bergman said.

Lorinser was non-committal and said the decision would be based on the circumstances and advice of professionals.

“Would we really not give our fellow Americans water if they need it to drink?” he said. “Are we going to tell them it’s ours and they can’t have it? It would not be moral or ethical. However, they are in a pickle, and I think they need to get their act together out there, too.”

Bergman said that, although he isn’t a fan of some of the moves Democrats have made since taking control of Congress and the White House after the 2020 election, he is proud of his ability to work across party lines, especially with those who represent Michigan.

Lorinser, too, says he is confident he can work with politicians from other parties to get laws passed that will benefit the people in northern Michigan.

The Bergman file

NAME: Jack Bergman

AGE: 75

RESIDENCE: Watersmeet

OCCUPATION: Retired Marine general

ELECTED EXPERIENCE: Three terms in Congress

FAMILY: Married, five children

The Lorinser file

NAME: Bob Lorinser

AGE: 66

OCCUPATION: Family physician

ELECTED EXPERIENCE: None

HOME: Marquette

FAMILY: Married, three children

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