Democrat Goldberg stumps in Michigan's 5th, faces Walberg in November

Bart Goldberg, 55, spends his days traveling the 10 counties along the Michigan border, from Michigan to Lake Erie.

The New Buffalo attorney campaigns as the "moderate old time Democrat" nominee for the newly delineated Fifth Congressional District.

"I am taking on the old-time extreme Republican (incumbent) Tim Walberg."

Goldberg was born in Louisville, Ky., the oldest of four children. He moved to Chicago at age 17 to attend college, a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Chicago in 1981, then earned a J.D. from University of Chicago Law School in 1985.

The Chicago attorney and his wife, Missy, bought their home in New Buffalo eight years ago as a second home. They decided during the COVID-19 pandemic they could work from there, so they sold their Chicago home.

More:Walberg easily wins Republican primary

"Honestly, when I moved to Michigan, I didn't intend to run. But when I saw the threats to our country's democracy, I decided to run," Goldberg said. "I'm talking about before Jan. 6. I'm talking about the ones that have been festering for some time."

Goldberg characterized Walberg as "really part of the problem. I felt like I really had no choice."

Walberg announced he formally objected to electors during the Electoral College certification process on Jan. 6, 2021, until an investigation of election fraud was conducted except in Michigan.

One thing both have in common is growing up in the Chicago area, attending school and working in Chicago, so he was there "quite a while" before he came to Michigan.

"I believe politicians need to work together for the people," Goldberg said. "So, the wealthy and rich won't have further advantages than they have now." He accused Walberg of looking out more for corporate interest than those of the public.

"My opponent doesn't seem to be interested in solving problems than playing to the base," he said. He blamed Walberg for playing up "this partisan war as long as he's been in Congress."

More:Billboard takes on Congressman Tim Walberg in November general election

Goldberg said Walberg "gloated when Roe v. Wade was overturned. He voted against same-sex marriage ... I'll have the guts to ratify a presidential election, no matter what party won," he told a crowd at the recent opening of the Branch County Democratic party headquarters.

"I will join the Problems Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group that works for bipartisan solutions," he said."My motto and to listen, respect, and deliver," Goldberg said.

With small manufacturing the biggest industry in the district, "I want to level the playing field. The big corporation get all the tax breaks. I will do what I can," he said, not wanting to over promise. He will encourage enforcement of anti-trust laws "because big pharma, big oil are profiteering, and price gouging like you can't believe. It's got to stop."

Goldberg said he is strongly pro-union, pro-choice, and the increase in the federal minimum wage.

The attorney does not believe Republicans are trying to save social security. "Not only do we have a contract with our seniors, but we also have a moral obligation to protect social security and make sure our seniors get every penny they are entitled. And with other Democrats raise the amount being paid to seniors."

Turn-out will be a key for Goldberg in November. The 10 counties in the new fifth district voted over 60% Republicans in the last six congressional elections.

As of July 13, Walberg reported $1.117 million in campaign funds on hand. Goldberg reported $81,966.

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Democrat Bart Goldberg campaigns in Michigan Fifth Congressional district