Sean Astin stumps for Mullen in La Porte IN

Sean was in La Porte, Indiana on Sunday campaigning for Brendan Mullen.

Photo by Matt Fritz, Herald Argus

To help stop the bickering and fighting in congress, people need to elect someone who is willing to work on both sides of the isle, said movie actor, director and producer Sean Astin to a group of La Porte residents yesterday.  

The star of "Rudy," "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "The Goonies" was traveling through La Porte County on Sunday to help build support for Army veteran Brendan Mullen (D-South Bend) and his bid for Indiana's 2nd District seat in the U.S. Congress.  

"The only way (Congress) is going to change is if you send really smart, thoughtful, caring people who want to serve their country," he said. "It's the only way. So what I think people in this district have is a clear choice. 

During a stop at the Democrat headquarters, he spoke to volunteers and visitors about why he was supporting Mullen, a man he first met while shooting the film "Rudy" in South Bend some 20 years ago, and more recently reconnected with during Mullen's political bid." 

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Astin said he was here for two reasons, his wife's from Rolling Prairie and he's a Democrat. But he also believes Mullen has what it takes to get things done. 

"I pay attention to politics," he said, "not all over the country, but right around where I live. And I pay attention here because that's where my wife is from and I spend so much time here." 

He said politics and community service have been a part of his life since he was a child, starting with his mother, Patty Duke, who has been an advocate for mental health and a spokesperson for Social Security. 

"Whether it was as simple as being in parades or being in commercials for the Coast Guard, or a Jerry Lewis telethon," he said, "I was raised before I could speak, being around activism. So I just love it. The older I get, enjoying the benefits of a great education, I care."  

Astin also mentioned seeing the Notre Dame football game on Saturday, which was the first time in decades he was able to visit the stadium he played in during "Rudy." 

"It was great," he said. "It was a special experience being able to go back to the stadium after 20 years and to see changes in there. It was bigger ... the helmets have changed. It was very special and I'm thrilled on the day I came back they beat Michigan."  

Read the rest of the article at HeraldArgus.com.