"I'm DFL. And that's the line that I'll be on."

Actually, the whole quote is:

“I would not run on the IP line. I’m DFL. And that’s the line that I’ll be on.”

And the person making the quote is Dr. Maureen Reed, the congressional candidate in the 6th CD.

The quote was made to Eric Black at MinnPost.

Personally, I’m happy to see Dr. Reed make that quote; make the committment to the DFL Party and make the committment to helping Michelle Bachmann return to the profession Bachmann was trained in: tax law. Dr. Reed is a fine person and a wonderful candidate. She should be congratulated for standing up and standing tall!

(crossposted from MnProgressiveProject)

Hey, KSTP – Where's My Hat-Tip, Dude?

On Friday, June 5th, I published a blogpost entitled “So – How Serious Are They??!?”; on Friday, June 12th, KSTP TV ran a piece called “Who’s In For Governor?. Both pieces discussed the issue of domain names.

On June 5th, I posted:

What’s needed, is analysis! And fortunately, I’m here to help!!! So, let’s take a look at domain names – taken and available and related to those considered “potential candidates” by those from the party that bows to the guy with the big cigar….

On June 12th, from KSTP:

But to get an idea of who might be thinking of running, it’s helpful to check the purchase of Internet domain names.

A little less wordy, but: same-same, yes?

Let’s take a look at what I posted, on June 5th:

Seifert2010.com – taken!
SeifertForGovernor.com – taken!!!

OK, that explains the presser, less than 24 hours after T-Bag bolted for Iowa….but:

What explains this?

MartySeifert2010.com – available!
MartySeifertForGovernor.com – available!!!

KSTP reported, on June 12th:

House Minority Leader Marty Seifert also bought a domain, SeifertforGovernor.com, the same day of Pawlenty’s announcement.

If KSTP viewers had read MN Progressive Project, they’d have known a full week earlier about what KSTP reported on, and a whole lot more – like who owns the domain names http://www.SteveSviggum.com and http://www.Sviggum2010.com and http://www.SviggumForGovernor.com

So, keep reading this blog – even if we don’t get the hat-tips we ought to….

(crossposted from /a>MnProgressiveProject)

So – How Serious ARE They??!?

T-Bag announces he’s out; which obviously means there’s a whole buncha republiCons in. Well, even some Republicans, too. Which begs the question: how serious are they?

It’s easy to go to various blogs and find out what various rightwingers are postulating; it’s even easier to check in with the (almost)official rightwing site (although, many bona fide RightWingNuts haven’t weighed in yet.)

It’s important to note: what you might find, might simply be “opinions.” Well, “opinions” if – and I mean “if” – the following “commentary” is considered “opinion”:

D Says:
June 4th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Laura Brod was one of the chief proponents of the “Rape the Taxpayers of Hennepin County to the delight of multi-billionaire Carl Pohlad”.

Nobody, I mean NOBODY, in the Hennepin County GOP has forgotten her vote and defense of ripping our right to vote by referendum on the Twins stadium.

And I will take great joy in reminding my state delegate friends of this woman. (MinnesotaDemocratsExposed)

Gotta love them RightWingNuts, “right”?

“Right.” Even when they got opinions such as this:

J Says:
June 4th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Aside from her tax issue which will be huge, Brod will have to answer for her personal behavior if she runs. She’s – ahem – played the field. A lot.(MinnesotaDemocratsExposed)

Doncha just love “blogs” “written” and “moderated” by “gentlemen” considered “candidates” for “positions” of “authority” in today’s “Family Values” party?

But, I digress. What’s “written” is just “opinion.”

What’s needed, is analysis! And fortunately, I’m here to help!!! So, let’s take a look at domain names – taken and available and related to those considered “potential candidates” by those from the party that bows to the guy with the big cigar….

…taken:

LauraBrodForGovernor.com – taken
BrodForGovernor.com – taken
Brod2010.com – taken
LauraBrod2010.com – taken

OK, every indication is Laura “Screw Hennepin County” Brod is in!

But, what domains did her “brain(dead) trust” miss?

Well, by my unofficial and quick reconoitering:

BrodForGovernor2010.com – available!
LauraBrodforGovernor.com – available!!
Brod4governor – available!!!

Dam – what were THEY thinking??!?

Plus, they missed these:

DumpBrod.com – available!
DumpLauraBrod.com – available!!!

One would think those around “The Card Check Girl” woulda checked what’s happened up in the 6th, what with the Dump Bachmann stuff…..

Then again, has anyone ever accused Brod of bein’ “brighter than Bachmann”?

Not likely….

Anyway, on to the next contestent “contestant”, in the “Small Tent” Party!

SullivanForGovernor.com – taken
Sullivan2010.com – taken

Well, I guess that’s not surprising; there’s a lot of “Sullivans” in these fifty states. Let’s look a little closer:

BrianSullivan2010.com – Available!
BrianSullivanForGovernor.com – Available!!!

Gee – is Brain “Brian” – a GOP National Committeeman – so out of touch that he didn’t register his domains, before T-Bag headed for the Des Moines Register??!?

How ’bout Marty – who couldn’t wait 24 hours to dance on T-Bag’s grave “legacy”?

Seifert2010.com – taken!
SeifertForGovernor.com – taken!!!

OK, that explains the presser, less than 24 hours after T-Bag bolted for Iowa….but:

What explains this?

MartySeifert2010.com – available!
MartySeifertForGovernor.com – available!!!

Could it be, that after spendin’ all them years in the GreedOverPrinciples party, that Marty got a case of the cheaps?

You tell me.

And tell me – is Pat in?

PatAndersonForGovernor.com – available!
PatAnderson2010.com – available!!!

And all of the Rammer’s are available; then again: did anyone really think Rammer could get a state-wide GOPer endorsement, anyway?

Now, here’s the deal: Steve Sviggum is a really nice guy. Horrible policies, but: truely a nice guy.

A genuinely nice guy. Again, horrible policies, but…. I noted “Sviggum.com” was taken. So, when I found that “SteveSviggum.com” was open, I took it.

Well, I took “Sviggum2010.com” and “SviggumForGovernor.com” too, but: that’s a tangent.

I took “SteveSviggum.com” ’cause I wanted to make sure no one took it and play games with such a nice guy.

Well, “no one would play MOST games with such a nice guy.”

One never knows, eh? OTO….

…that “DumpBrod.com”?

I got a funny feeling that one would go for a right might bit more….

(crossposted from <a href="http://www.mnprogressiveproject.com/diary/3355/so-how-serious-are-they"<mnProgressiveProject)

Just Last Sunday

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, just 4 days ago, a lot of DFLers took the time to help Paul Thissen celebrate the opening of his campaign office. And I mean ” a lot.” I was surprised by the turnout. Some of them are already confirmed and dedicated Thissen supporters, such as the couple that made the trip down from Duluth. Others were curious about Paul, and what they told me is that they are finding out that Paul Thissen is a serious guy running a serious campaign. One of my questions was how a metro area DFLer would do in Greater Minnesota; I was told a YouTube addressing that very issue would be posted on Team Thissen’s website. Since it now is, let’s take a look!

With yesterday’s “developments”, the race is wide open. Running hard is Paul Thissen. Team Thissen is a team to watch.

(crossposted from MnProggressiveProject)

Bounced Out, On The Prairie

Last night, the Eden Prairie GOPers held their 42-B Endorsing Convention (they haven’t found a sacrificial lamb for 42-A yet). And they didn’t like our fellow blogger (and friend!) Gavin Sullivan bein’ there – so they bounced him. And rather unceremoniously, at that.

The video o’ Gavin, bein’ shown the door, is available, here:

(Gavin Sullivan’s Page)

After you read Gavin’s account about Jenifer Loon (“if you liked George W. Bush, you’ll LOVE Jenifer Loon!!!”) bein’ endorsed, and ya watch the video of the GOPer Prairie Dogs discourteously showin’ Gavin the door, go down a few threads and read Gavin’s trials and travails to get a simple response from his duly elected representative, Erik “The Hustler” Paulsen….

(this post originally published at MnBlue.com)

The End Of The Quarter

Yes, it’s that time on the ol’ campaign calendar – the rush to get every last dime in the bank. If you’re like me, you’re getting a LOT of requests in your e-mail in-box. Well, here’s a personal appeal: I’m proud to be co-hosting an event on Monday, March 31st for Captain Madia, and I’d like to see you there!

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is going to be a great event! Details are as follows:

Please join host Major General Harry Sieben, Jr.,
former Speaker, Minnesota House of Representatives

and several other supporters, to meet
congressional candidate J. Ashwin Madia.

Details:

Monday March 31st . 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Nick and Eddie Restaurant Bar
1612 Harmon Place, Minneapolis (on Loring Park)

Host Committee
Barbara Anderson . Jessica Anderson . Victoria Ames . Scott Benson . Tom Berg . Dennis Bless . Brian Thorson
Patricia Bloodgood . Chris Cleveland . Jane Bremer . Bill Davis . John Derus . Katherine Doerr . Linda Eller
Marna Ericson . Dan Eulberg . Collin Foulds . Tommy Johnson . Charlie Leck . Lee Lynch . Darwin Lookingbill . David Potter . Virat Madia .
Ken Martin . Doré Mead . Gene Merriam . Laura Nelson . Laura Nevitt . Natalie Parsons . Tony Parsons . Christian Sande . Gary Schiff . Carla Smith . Steve Silton . Heidi Silton . Shivanthi Sathananda . John Sullivan . Gavin Sullivan . Bob Walser . Darrell Thompson . David Waterbury . Ruth Waterbury

A Political Newcomer

With little fanfare, Ashwin Madia,
an Iraq War veteran and attorney,
entered the race for the DFL endorsement in the 3rd Congressional District on Oct. 23, 2007.

He emerged as a top-tier challenger after a well-received performance in a December foreign policy debate.

Set a Fundraising Record

Ashwin Madia set a state record for a first-time candidate, raising $166,000 in the final two months of 2007. But his status as a “political unknown” didn’t last long. His fundraising success has continued in 1Q08, and he will announce a strong number in April.

Leading in Endorsements

Madia has won the backing of the DFL Veterans Caucus, eQualitygiving.org, VoteVets.org, U.S. Rep. Mike Honda,
State Sen. Mee Moua, State Sen. Satveer Chaudhary, State Rep. John Lesch, Teamsters Local 120, the Minnesota United Auto Workers Union and countless activists from throughout the 3rd District and the Twin Cities metro area.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to be very clear – I personally did not care who got the CD-3 endorsement to take on and take out Erik “The Hustler” Paulsen. Mayor Jim Hovland, State Senator Terri Bonoff, and Captain Madia are all fine candidates, each with unique strengths that would give the DFL a win in November, had they gotten the endorsement.

It is clear to me, that by winning all those Senate Districts; by building the grass-roots team; Captain Madia will be the endorsed candidate.

So I’m now firmly in the ranks of Madia’s Marauders.

I hope you join up, and are at this event on Monday, March 31st.

Come help celebrate Captain Madia’s candidacy, and add to his 1st Quarter Totals!

And one of the highlights of this event? We don’t have to ask Gavin Sullivan to cover it; he’s a Co-Host!!!

The Cage Match

Substance versus style was on display yesterday, at Anoka City Hall. Neither side won.

I’ll admit it; I’m not a big Tinklenberg fan. I’ve seen him a lot, but I’ve never talked to him, even though the last four times I’ve seen him are: a fundraiser for a Minnesota Congressman in January in a small room; standing in line for “refreshments” at the Blue State Ball; at the SD 56 Convention; and yesterday at The Cage Match. I’ve never had a discussion with El Tinklenberg. Yesterday, I was sitting two chairs away from Bob Olson’s wife, and prior to the “debate” Tinklenberg was working the crowd in Tinklenberg fashion – greeting those he apparently knows. Well, and ignoring some he knows, too: He ignored Bob’s wife, even though he was but two feet away and looking in her direction. So, when I attribute Tinklenberg to the “style” side in this story, I use the term loosely.

I’ve met and talked to Bob Olson several times. I’ve seen him speak, publicly, a few times. Yesterday was not his “A” Game, and several questions I’d be hard pressed for a “C”. That said, Bob represented “substance”. He was consistent, dogged, and determined – usually. A couple of answers he rambled; he rambled on his intro. Tinklenberg was smooth to the point of slick. He started out using Sunday’s Strib as a prop, and the story by Larry Jacobs as the point: “Whatever happened to starting small”? about Mike Ciresi as an attack on Bob Olson and his lack of previous electoral experience. Tinklenberg later took a shot at Olson, who by profession is a tax lawyer and banker. Olson talked about taxes and those making over 300K a year; in his rebuttal Tinklenberg suggested Olson has a LOT more experience with making more than 300 grand than he did.

Which I found ironic, coming from a lobbyist. What was more ironic was Tinklenberg, later in the debate, decrying the lack of civility, and then immediately going back to the Strib to take another shot at Olson.

And let’s be frank – for all his waffling, Tinklenberg is a lobbyist. As I understand it, lobbying is the essence of his firm. There are plenty of documents from various cities discussing hiring Tink to lobby for them. When asked by Olson about this, Tinklenberg stated there’s the general meaning of words, and there’s the legal meaning of words, and legally, he’s not a lobbyist.

So, I guess Tinklenberg is not a lobbyist, depending upon what the meaning of “lobbyist” is.

Tink waffled on the issue of a primary, too. In closing claimed he’d abide by the endorsement only if the process was honorable and fair. “Honorable”??!? By whose standards? His?

The question of endorsements came up. Tinklenberg became visibly angry. Quite frankly, his answer was misleading. A Tinklenberg staffer clearly stated in an e-mail blast, and I quote:

We are so proud to count Rep. McCollum as a supporter, and we have now received endorsements (emphasis added) from every Democratic member of the Minnesota delegation. From Tim Walz and Keith Ellison down South to Colin Peterson and Jim Oberstar up North, Democrats in Minnesota are working to send El Tinklenberg to Washington and send Michele Bachmann home.

Folks, there’s an “endorsement” in there, that Tinklenberg flat-out did not receive.

Tinklenberg shouldn’t have gotten angry. Embarrassed, perhaps? Contrite? Time to offer on up a Mea Culpa or two is more like it.

And this wasn’t the first time Tinklenberg would become visibly angry, at questions and in challenging rulings of the moderator and challenging the debate rules his campaign agreed to. All in all, Tinklenberg reacted angrily to questions 4 times, in addition to his closing.

Quite frankly, it’s apparent that Tinklenberg will get the endorsement. Whether he’s earned it, is subjective. However, the delegate counts speak for themselves, and the math is fairly simple. Fortunately for Tinklenberg, a Bachmann Tracker wasn’t there taking video – at least, not that I could tell.

If quoting Tinklenberg’s previous statements, and then comparing them to later statements is an “attack” in Team Tink’s view, they ain’t seen nuthin’. If questioning Tink’s lobbying background is an “attack”, wait until “real” lobbyists, working on Bachmann’s behalf, take aim at Tinklenberg. If questioning taconite tailings in roadbeds and embankments is an attack, wait until some Karl Rove protégé jumps on this one.

I personally believe the questioning I’ve heard from Team Olson is, without a doubt, legitimate campaign questioning; and part of the normal vetting process.

Be that as it may, it’s apparent this race is all but over, and Team Tinklenberg will be carrying the DFL Standard for CD-6. What remains to be seen, is who they can rally to march behind it.

A Day In SD 49

Jeanine Allen sought endorsement for State Rep in 49B, for a rematch with Kathy Tingelstad. And she has worked hard – did the house parties, banged on the doors, yada, yada, yada. Then, the unexpected happened: Tinglestad became a member of the infamous (to the GOPer Faithful) “Override Six.”

Unless you’re just getting back from, say, the Iditarod, where you were working in the interior with no internet connections, you’re aware that retribution and punishment for Tinglestad, and the rest of the Override Six, was immediate and severe. Recently,Tinglestad was not endorsed for re-election; furthermore, GOPers undoubtedly will be endorsing someone else.

This created a huge opportunity, one that Jerry Newton found too appealing to pass by. At the SD49 Convention yesterday, both Jeanine Allen and Jerry were nominated for endorsement. Both gave passionate speeches with compelling reasons to receive support; both gave thoughtful and informed answers to questions presented. Obviously, as a veteran, I was drawn to Jerry due to his military background. However, Jeanine’s discussion of the potential threat to our Iraqi veterans from Depleted Uranium demonstrated beyond a doubt her knowledge of issues and genuine concern for veterans.

Clearly, Jeanine Allen is a worthy candidate. Unfortunately for her, the results of the first – and only – ballot were not in her favor.

Jeanine Allen took to the podium, asked that her name be removed from consideration, and requested Unanimous Endorsement for Jerry, by acclimation.

The dignity and class displayed by Jeanine Allen is a story that needs to be told often. She worked hard. Last cycle, she came close. This cycle, could have been much, Much, MUCH different. But the delegates chose someone else.

Recognizing the inevitable, Jeanine put party over self. She fought the good fight, but put party interests over hers. Ladies and gentlemen, we all owe Jeanine Allen our thanks and appreciation for throwing her hat into the ring, putting herself out on the line, and then accepting the results with chin held high and a high level of grace.

I’m proud to be a Democrat – proud to be in the DFL – because of people like Jeanine Allen. It’s important to remember above all, we are all Democrats.

Earlier, Senator Mark Dayton underscored this importance. Taking the stage, he reminded delegates of the importance of Democratic unity in the fall He asked if we wanted four years of (President) John McCain? “NOOOOOOOO!” Then he asked if we wanted a Vice President Tim Pawlenty or a Governor Carol Molnau? “NOOOOOOOOO!”

Then he said, “That’s the Republican philosophy of government. She ruins one state agency; they want to put her in charge of all of them. He fails one state; they want to put him in charge of the whole country!”

Senate District 49 is a bit different than most, because it’s roughly half in Congressional District 3; half in Congressional District 6. As I opined a week ago, the race in the 3rd is over – so I covered SD 49 as the drama for the honor of taking out Michelle Bachmann played out with the additional benefit of watching the inevitable in CD3.

Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of watching Rick Nelson’s efficiency in running the Senate District 42 Convention. At SD 49, I had the privilege of watching J.P. Barone’s running the CD-6 side of the district. Now, I admit I’m easily amused. While that is true, it changes not a bit J.P.’s masterful performance in guiding the convention. J.P. clearly explained not only the agenda steps; he explained the “why” of the agenda steps in a way that sometimes went beyond witty to downright funny. J.P. used humor as a tool to help delegates – especially new delegates – understand what was happening and why. The reactions I got from first time delegates was overwhelmingly favorable, and helped make what often can be monotonous procedural issues interesting. Both Rick and J.P. are experts in running a convention and the DFL is fortunate they volunteer their time and talents. This should be the point in this story when I begin to talk about who ran the Convention, on the CD-3 side. However, this citizen/blogger doesn’t have a report on Victoria Reinhardt, for two reasons – I wasn’t there, and I neglected to ask those delegates. This, however, only goes to show that this citizen/blogger simply isn’t perfect…

The results of the CD-6 side of the Convention clearly went El Tinklenberg’s way. There were 13 self-nominated subcaucus with Tinklenberg named in 6; Olson was named I three. At the end of the first round, two of Olson’s subcacuses weren’t viable, with Tinklenberg only losing one.

The final results for the delegate count are Franken 5, JNP 2, Uncommitted 2 at the senate level; Tinklenberg 4, Olson zero, Uncommitted 5 at the Congressional level. However, one subcaucus called ”Uncommitted Labor” clearly was leaning Franken and unabashedly pro-Tinklenberg. All in all, it was a very good day for Teams Franken and Tinklenberg at Senate District 49. The impressions on delegates from the March 16th Tinklenberg / Olson debate will be very important.

Congratulations are due to Ted Butler for his endorsement for his State House race in 49-A and to Jerry Newton for his endorsement in 49 – B, and a special mention is again due to Jeanine Allen, for meritorious service to party.

That Race Is SO Over.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The battle for endorsement in Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District is over; Madia’s Marauders have prevailed. The only thing remaining is ratification of the victory at the Convention, on April 12th.

Ok, sure – Captain Madia doesn’t have the 96 necessary delegates – he’s only got 84.5 of the caucus attending elected delegates marching in his formation. The point is, those 84.5 delegates represent way more than 60% of the elected delegate total.

For Senator Bonoff to win endorsement, she has to convince superdelegates to ignore the will of the people; convince the superdelegates to ignore the election results that are on paper and in the record books. And that’s just for starters.

Just as that will NOT be acceptable to Democrats in the Presidential race, that will NOT be acceptable to Democrats in the 3rd Congressional district. I am guessing the superdelegates will be inundated with e-mails and phone calls, telling them that the people have spoken, they have spoken loudly, and they have spoken convincingly. The message they will be conveying is in cases like this, it’s the superdelegate’s duty to ratify the will of the people.

I admire Senator Bonoff. She’s won two tough races in this district. But the people have spoken. Louldly. Clearly. Frequently. Convincingly.

The race was over, one week ago. The results yesterday merely confirmed that. The Convention on April 12 will only make it official.

The endorsement race is over. It’s time to rally the troops, and prepare for the next battle.

A Man Of Substance

Honor. Integrity. Ethics. These are words I heard over and over and over last night at Mayor Jim Hovland’s event. And Jim Hovland does look like a congressman; it’s a picture that’s very possible in the 3rd CD.

Yesterday morning, Jim Hovland announced his candidacy at the SouthWest Metro Transit Station in Eden Prairie. This is fitting as Jim is a leader on transportation issues. There was a good turnout, and Jim had a great intro, explaining who Jim is and where he’s come from. And it’s an impressive resume.

I was surprised with Jim’s speech, although the reality is that in an era of Obama, the bar is set high. Not once was there applause. The speech reads much better than delivered, and could easily be rewritten for excitement. Too often, the line that should generate spontaneous applause is in the wrong place.

Although not stylish, Jim clearly can articulate in a manner that captures attention. Jim highlighted his thoughts on the environment, healthcare, Iraq, Social Issues, Telecommunications, Transportation, and Veterans. Jim’s message bridges divisions; it is a “We The People” reaching out, and being reached to, message. And it’s a balanced, progressive message that needs to be heard. As he gets more comfortable on the stump, and hones his delivery, I expect to hear a lot of applause to his message.

The event last night was, also fittingly, at Hyland Lake Park Reserve, and it was packed. It was fun to see some Republican faces I recognized at a DFL event, and fun to talk to several I wouldn’t expect to see there – except they’re as disgusted with GOP Leadership as most of America is. Jim talks about bi-partisanship; about working with Republicans. There is no doubt Jim can work with Republicans; it’s working with the Republican Party and its elected officials I have doubts about. Clearly, the GOP and its elected officials have shown no inclination to work in anyway in anything with anybody that could remotely be considered “bi-partisan.”

Jim Hovland is in this race, and he’s in it to win. Jim Hovland is a man of substance.