Counterpoint: The political contrasts couldn't be more obvious

This election is historic, not only because America has a chance to see its first woman president, but also because America has never seen a major party candidate openly appeal to hate and division.

The contrast could not be clearer. One party is addressing our most fundamental needs — tackling income inequality, ending crippling student debt, combating climate change and rebuilding our infrastructure. The other is trying to divide us from each other based on where we pray and where we come from.

I'm running for re-election because I've seen that when people stand together, and don't let hatred or bigotry drive us apart, we can achieve anything.

I served on the drafting committee for the Democratic Party platform this summer. It is a unifying statement and is the most forward-looking platform I've ever seen.

Take the minimum wage. I am the author of a bill calling for a national $15 minimum wage, phased in over time. Nobody who works full time should be living in poverty, but that is the current reality for far too many. I offered a $15 minimum wage amendment to the platform, and I'm proud to say the platform includes this call.

In contrast, the Republican platform opposes any national minimum wage.

On student debt, two-thirds of college seniors now graduate with more than $26,000 in loans. Low-income students and students of color are hurt most, often struggling to afford school. That's why I introduced the "Degrees Not Debt Act" to promote debt-free public colleges and ensure that college is affordable to anyone who wants to attend.

On the other side, the Republican nominee is responsible for Trump University, which scammed students out of millions.

Or consider the need to fight climate change. In Minnesota, we've seen warmer winters that spread invasive species and an increase in extreme flooding. We must speed the transition away from dirty fossil fuels. We can start by ending the billions in federal subsidies to fossil-fuel producers — some of the richest companies in the world — which is why I introduced the "End Polluter Welfare Act."

But while the Democratic platform calls for moving our country to 100 percent clean energy by 2050, the Republican platform moves us backward and actually calls coal a "clean" energy source.

Democrats also have a plan to invest in our nation's crumbling infrastructure and to build the infrastructure of the future. I have been a strong advocate for a national infrastructure bank, to help close the more than $1 trillion funding deficit for transportation infrastructure alone.

Every year, I visit each city in the Fifth District, and I've heard strong calls from residents for a modern transit system, including light rail. That's why I support the Southwest light-rail line and am so pleased we are moving forward despite the consistent attempts to kill the project by Minnesota's Republican legislators.

Some may see a poll and think they can stay home. But the polls are getting closer. And it's not just the top of the ticket.

If you live in the Fifth District, I need your support. If you live in the south metro and want someone fighting to protect Social Security, Angie Craig needs your support. If you live on the Range and want a fighter for fair trade, Rick Nolan needs your support.

Early voting in Minnesota started on Friday. For the first time in a presidential election year, you can sign up to get your ballot at home, no excuse needed.

The choices are clear. Let's go vote.