Wetterling gets national platform

St. Paul, Minn. — Democratic Congressional leaders selected Wetterling to write and deliver their party's response to President Bush's weekly radio address.

Wetterling has been a child safety advocate since the abduction of her son Jacob 17 years ago. She called this week for the resignation of any member of Congress who knew about former Rep. Mark Foley and his inappropriate messages to pages.

In her five-minute message, Wetterling accused Republican Congressional leaders of trying to sweep Foley's predatory behavior under the rug.

"We need to restore integrity to Congress, integrity that was further damaged by Congressional leadership's silence. We need a new direction to restore the trust we've lost."

Wetterlin says she hopes her radio message helps Congressional leaders respond properly to the scandal.

"All of the advocates who work with victims are watching. All of the people who deal with treatment of these people are watching. Every community is watching. Every parent is watching," said Wetterling. "We've got to get it right in Washington. So, having the opportunity to talk about this on a really broad level is an amazing opportunity, and I was honored to be asked."

Republican opponent Michele Bachmann accused Wetterling of playing politics with the issue. The two are running neck and neck in the 6th District. John Binkowski is the Independence Party candidate.