So, what did I miss?

I haven't been able to blog much lately as I am in the midst of a 65+ hour workweek...




But what the hell happened?

Aswin Madia Hits Homerun in First Ad: WOW!

Paulsen is running too! Running from his record as a conservative leader in the Minnesota House. Running from real answers and solutions to Iraq.

I should not have been shocked at the high quality nature of Madia
s first ad. Aswhin is a stellar candiate who has assembled an amazing team.

I would expect more great ads from Team Madia!

Tinklenberg has a great day!

First, a new ad hits the air. Quirky? Yes, but a very good ad. Seeing the fight between Franken and Coleman, this ad's lighter side makes it very effective.



Elwyn's FEC report was also posted.

$156,000 raised by Tinklenberg's Green Machine this past filing period, leaving about $204,000 cash on hand.

As someone who has been highly critical of Elwyn in the past, I admit that Tinklenberg and his team have been running a great campaign. As the campaign gears up the final weeks of this important race, we'll follow Elwyn a bit more closely...working with him to expose Congresswoman Bachmann for the fraud she is.

Great work Elwyn!

Faris at the fair and on the tube

Bluewoman and I were at the fair again yesterday, checking stuff out and eating a lot of good food!

We checked out a lot of political booths and all sorts of other fun stuff.

We'll post the photos later, but we did notice that Faris changed her booth a bit. She removed the Al Franken and Norm Coleman "slash" signs, as well as covered up her slogan, "A Minnesota solution to a New York problem". It was covered up on both the side and in the front.

Now, I am watching her on "Between the Lines".

Faris is encouraging Republican's to "cross over" and vote in the DFL primary. "I have a lot of conservative friends who support me. I have a lot of conservative ideas but I am a true blue Democrat".

From her website, where she is encouraging Republicans to "cross over" and vote for her in the 9/9 primary.

I urge you to vote for me in the Democratic Primary. You may not vote in both the Democratic and Republican primaries at the same time, but by voting in the Democratic Primary on September 9th, you are NOT prohibited from voting for candidates from either party in November.

Faris just made the argument that because she has tragically lost her son to a drunk driving incident, and that Franken, Coleman, or any other politician have NOT lost a loved one in Iraq, that she is more qualified to serve, based on knowing the personal pain of losing a loved one.

She'll be lucky to get 15% in the primary...counting the cross over voters she's courting.

Pictures coming later!

State Fair: Day 1 Fun

I had a lot of fun at the fair today.

Priscilla Lord Faris had a few clowns hanging around outside her booth later in the day today!

Found the Dean Barkley for US Senate booth, which was consistently busy throughout the day.

Barkley talking to some high school students who will cast their first votes in the September 9th Primary.



Talking health care!

Caught Steve Sarvi on the Jack Rice show. He dominated once again, talking about Iraq and the energy crisis.

Marty Seifert was in the GOP booth, touting welfare abuse and getting his minions fired up about that.

Al Franken's booth was overstaffed until Franken showed up, then a group of 50 people swarmed the booth, getting pictures and autographs.

Priscilla Lord Faris had a booth placed near the DFL booth ( I am told that PLF has actually not placed her booth in the correct location, that she simply plopped it down within the DFL booths sight line) that was pretty quiet.

Jack Aldrich had a lonely booth as well.

Lots of Obama stickers and shirts. McCain had a good presence, but I wonder how many Minnesotans will put up with someone who does not know how many houses he owns?

All told, long fun day! Bluewoman and I will make our annual State Fair appearance next week!

Madia Confronts Lieberman

From the Hill's Congress Blog.

There’s a word in Washington for a taxpayer-funded endeavor that grows without limits, busts every budget projection, and which Members of Congress are loathe to confront.

The word is Iraq.

Today, the Republican Party announced that the loudest defender of status quo policies on Iraq, Senator Joe Lieberman, will be a prominent speaker at the Republican National Convention in my home state of Minnesota. Senator Lieberman and I do have one thing in common. We’ve both changed political parties. I left the Republican Party in 2002 after it replaced “balance our budget” with “borrow and spend” and after we started a war without a plan for success; a war we did not need.

With all respect to Senator Lieberman, talking tough about Iraq is not brave. Bravery is not demonstrated through words but instead through action.

I served for four years in the Marine Corps. While stationed in Baghdad, I worked with U.S. military and civilian officials, European Union and United Nations representatives and Iraqi judicial officers to build the Iraqi legal system. I was not a hero but I served with many heroes, some of the bravest people I’ve ever seen in my whole life. I saw bravery from my fellow Marines. I also worked with Iraqi judges who risked their lives every morning just to come to work.

It’s time for a little more bravery in Washington.

This war has cost us $600 billion so far with another $10 billion added to the tab every month. That’s in addition to a $9 trillion debt caused by reckless spending and irresponsible borrowing, making it harder for Minnesota’s families to afford gas, food and medicine.

Restoring fiscal responsibility includes a new direction for our foreign policy. That’s why I support a strategic and gradual withdrawal from Iraq that is done in a safe and responsible way.

There are a quite a few folks like me down at VFW Post 425 in Hopkins, Minnesota, where I’m a Member. And there’s millions more of us across the country who know that real patriotism means more than just bumper stickers, slogans, and cheers at a convention.

Excellent post Ashwin! Keep it up!

Who's Worse on Veteran Issues: Hutchison or Coleman?

Ron Carey dug deep into his press release template a couple of days ago and issued a press release on Al Franken's ability to advocate for Veterans.

“Al Franken is incapable of working with those with whom he disagrees. Minnesotans will not undermine their voice in the Senate with a man who simply attacks his political opponents personally when he disagrees with them. One area where Franken’s inability to control himself will prove a liability is on issues related to Veterans. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), a senior Republican on the committee and a frequent target of Franken’s personal attacks, is just another example of someone Franken has attacked throughout his 30 year career. He’s called her a ‘hypocrite,’ ’shameless shill,’ and ‘a profile in cowardice, shamelessness, hackery.’ Franken’s past rhetoric puts his ability to get things done in jeopardy and leaves Minnesota veterans hanging out to dry.”

OK Ron...OK, we get it. You don't like Franken.

Ron, you keep putting bloggers like myself in this position. You see, I'm not a Franken supporter. But, as a Veteran who understands what service to my community means, I know that Franken will be a great supporter of our nation's Veterans.

Franken will not leave Minnesotas Veterans "hanging out to dry".

Ron, look at Senator Coleman's record on Veterans issues.

2006

Senator Coleman supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 40 percent of the time.

The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave Senator Coleman a grade of D.

Coleman sponsored or co-sponsored 29 percent of the legislation favored by the The Retired Enlisted Association in 2006.

2005

Senator Coleman supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 50 percent of the time.

2004

Senator Coleman supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 0 percent in 2004.

Senator Coleman supported the interests of the The Retired Enlisted Association 0 percent in 2004.

That is not a stellar record on Veterans issues Ron. In fact, as a Veteran, I would argue that Coleman has "hung Minnesota's Veterans out to dry".

Ron, you criticize Franken for going after Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Have you even looked at her record on Veterans issues?

2006

Senator Hutchison supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 60 percent of the time.

The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave Senator Hutchison a grade of D+.

Hutchison sponsored or co-sponsored 12 percent of the legislation favored by the The Retired Enlisted Association in 2006.

2005

Senator Hutchison supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 50 percent in 2005.

2004

Senator Hutchison supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 0 percent.

Senator Hutchison supported the interests of the The Retired Enlisted Association 0 percent.

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison's record on Veterans issues is as abysmal as Senator Coleman's.

Franken's criticism of Hutchison's poor record is justified.

Perhaps a bit of research would have been in order before Ronnie fired up the press release template again. It would appear to me that bringing up Senator Hutchison was as smart as Ronnie and his cronies first thought.

Veterans issues are amongst the most important issues for me. I have had a good long talk with Dean Barkley about these issues as well.

It's clear to me that Barkley would work very hard to ensure that the promises made to our Nations Veterans are upheld.

On the other hand, Coleman has been a miserable failure on Veterans issues. Calling Franken out for this was pure stupidity on Carey's part...or as we say in golf, par for the course.

Paulsen Fails College Students

Ashwin Madia's credentials as an Iraq Veteran are impeccable. His opponent, Erik Paulsen has struggled to obtain a position on the quagmire in Iraq or the possibility of conflict in Iran.

With that issue decidedly in Ashwin's favor, I will focus today's post on higher education.

Paulsen's record on higher education is poor.

Paulsen voted in favor of slashing higher education by $367 million, despite several years of record tuition increases at state colleges.

In April 2003, Paulsen voted in favor of the House version of the FY03 omnibus higher education finance bill. This bill funded the U of M, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU), the Mayo Medical Foundation and the Higher Education Services Office.

It cut the U by $191.5 million over the following biennium and MnSCU by $176 million (roughly a 15% cut). Tuition increases were projected at roughly 15% each year under this package. The bill passed 81-51. [SF 1511, 83rd Session, House Journal p. 3075, 4/29/03]

For the majority of this decade, college students in Minnesota have faced the double digit tuition increases, under then House Majority Leader Erik Paulsen. Paulsen also voted against the bonding bill in 2007 and 2008. The legislation provides essential funding for the upkeep of facilities on campuses across the state and helps the economy locally by allowing for building projects on campuses.

Paulsen also opposed the DREAM Act in 2007.

Madia has actually served students, as the President of the Minnesota Student Association, in essence, the Student Body President of the largest school in the State of Minnesota. When you serve in positions like this, you gain a deep understanding of the broad range of higher education issues.

From Madia's website.

Keeping college tuition affordable is essential for helping young people get a good start in life. We can make college more affordable by doubling Pell Grants, increasing funding for Stafford Loans, and helping those graduates who choose public service jobs through loan forgiveness. By making college scholarships available to high school graduates who choose to pursue careers in engineering, science and math, we can help the next generation of Minnesotans be leaders in the innovation economy.

Madia also speaks eloquently about Veterans benefits. Specifically, for todays post, we talk about the Veterans education benefits.

Restore Education for Veterans

Current education benefits provided to veterans are far lower than those originally provided to the men and women who served in World War II. Veterans typically receive around $45,000 toward their education -- just 60 percent of the average cost of a four-year degree. Veterans should be able to attend the school of their choice and have access to no-interest or very-low interest loans if their GI benefits aren't enough. Also, veterans who don't use 100 percent of their benefits should be allowed to use the remaining amounts for their children's education. Congressman Walz has introduced legislation that would allow 16,000 National Guard troops to receive GI benefits after serving 20 months on active duty. Members of the Minnesota 1/34th Brigade Combat Team were ineligible for education benefits when they got back from combat duty in Iraq due to a technicality in the law. Improving education benefits is a much more appropriate and effective way to achieve military recruitment goals than other current practices.

Ashwin, as a Veteran...gets it!

Paulsen, however, continues his lip service towards college students.

His website has a nifty little link called "Ensuring Educational Opportunities".

Paulsen boldly boasts: (note that Paulsen spelled "prepared wrong on his education area!)

I am proud to have led the charge in the state legislature for education initiatives that give parents and students the choices they need to be better preprared for getting good jobs of the future.

Under Paulsen's watch, he worked to gut higher education and provide LESS opportunities for students from lower socio economic backgrounds. Paulsen helped create the "sticker shock" that has kept students from exploring these educational opportunities.

Higher education issues are significant in my eyes. They provide students with opportunities to grow, expand our economy, and help provide the state a well educated work force. Paulsen has been a thorn in the side of higher education for years.

Jim Ramstad on the other hand, has been a strong supporter of higher education. He's been a strong advocate for Pell Grant increases and opposed the 2006 Budget Reconciliation Act, which was a "raid on student aid".

Madia is a common sense choice here. He has experience on the issues and provides a plan. Paulsen provides a cheap slogan.Donate to Ashwin here!

Blog for Madia Day

Blog for Madia Day is upon us. Numerous blogs from across the state are participating to not only spread the word on the great DFL candidate in CD 3, Ashwin Madia, but to help raise some money as well.

Donate to Ashwin Madia's fast moving campaign here!

Blogs participating (sorry if I missed one...)

Bluestem Prairie
Minnesota Campaign Report Joe will have more on Paulsen's push polling in the 3rd.
MnPublius
MnBlue
Twin Cities Daily Liberal
mnpACT!
Centrisity

Check out what's being reported by the local blogs on this important race and take a few seconds to send some money Ashwin's way!

Barkley on Campaign Finance Reform

While Senator Coleman openly admitted that he "had no solution" to the issue while speaking at Game Fair, Dean Barkley was candid about campaign finance reform and stopping the revolving door of lobbyists.

My favorite line?

"If a police officer takes a bribe from a criminal, it's a crime," Barkley said. "When a representative or senator takes money from the groups he's supposed to regulate, it's called business as usual in Washington."

The Barkley campaign issued a press release Monday calling for a ban on PAC and lobbyist money.

Barkley Calls for Ban on PAC, Lobbyist Money
IP Candidate: 'The People of Minnesota Deserve a Senator of Their Own'
For Immediate Release
Contact: Christopher Truscott
ctruscott@senatorbarkley.com

Read more about Sen. Barkley's Campaign Finance plans: Click here.

PLYMOUTH, Minn.—Dean Barkley, an Independence Party Senate candidate, is calling on Congress to enact rules that prevent its members from accepting campaign contributions from political action committees and lobbyists.

"Every few years Congress fakes courage and addresses ethics reform," Barkley said. "But each and every time they ignore the most important aspect of the issue—the millions and millions of dollars special interests pump into the system."

In the 2008 election cycle, Republican Sen. Norm Coleman has accepted more than $2 million from PACs and DFLer Al Franken has taken in nearly $300,000. Over the same period of time, DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar has taken more than $280,000 from PACs even though she's not up for re-election until 2012.[1]

"If a police officer takes a bribe from a criminal, it's a crime," Barkley said. "When a representative or senator takes money from the groups he's supposed to regulate, it's called business as usual in Washington. When asked about this at Game Fair over the weekend, the best Sen. Coleman could do was tell us he had no answers—as if the oil companies contribute to him simply because he's a nice guy."

Barkley acknowledged that the Supreme Court has held that spending money on political activities is free speech protected by the First Amendment, but he said Congress does have the power to control how its members fund their campaigns.

"If PACs and lobbyists want to spend money to run commercials or register voters, that's fine. We can't stop that," Barkley said. "But we can and must bring to an end the long-running practice of allowing big special interests to buy or lease a member of Congress. Our country can no longer afford to pay for the IOUs these politicians are racking up in the name of funding their next campaign."

As Minnesota's next senator, Barkley will introduce campaign-finance legislation that will help the American people level the playing field against the special interests. Under Barkley's plan, each registered voter would receive a $100 voucher to designate to the candidate of his or her choice. This way, Barkley said, candidates could fund their elections "by working for their constituents rather than selling themselves to the robber barons of the 21st century."

Labor unions, corporations, lawyers, health care companies, oil companies and the defense industry are among the largest PAC contributors to the big party candidates in Minnesota.

"There's a direct connection between the people funding elections and the lack of progress on the critical issues facing our country," Barkley said. "So long as the oil industry or the unions or the big insurance companies are funding elections and writing legislation we're not going to see real progress on lowering gas prices or school accountability or health care. I'm in this race because I think the people of Minnesota deserve a senator of their own."

* * * * *

Barkley, 57, served as the director of the Minnesota Office of Strategic and Long Range Planning under Gov. Jesse Ventura. In November 2002, Ventura appointed Barkley to fill the final two months of the late Sen. Paul Wellstone's term.

The former governor said recently that Barkley is "measured minute by minute … the most effective U.S. senator in Minnesota history."

More information is available online at www.senatorbarkley.com.

Game Fair with Dean Barkley

I hung out at Game Fair for a few hours yesterday, following Dean Barkley around as he conversed with vendors and visitors at Game Fair in Ramsey Minnesota.

Fortunately for me, I came home without a lab puppy...

I met Barkley at a food area of the fair where we had a fun conversation. Within minutes, Senator Norm Coleman had stopped by with his entourage and had a nice chat with us as well.

Tom asked Senator Coleman about campaign finance reform and how problematic big money in politics is. To his credit, Coleman sat intently and engaged in conversation...

We'll talk about Senator Coleman's campaign finance position or a lackthereof later!

Barkley moved his way from exhibit to exhibit throughout the fair. Stopping to talk to vendors and Game Fair attendees alike, the atmosphere was very open. People engaged Barkley at every stop.

We know that Coleman and Franken have great name recognition. It was interesting to see just how many people knew who Barkley was. Whether it was through radio interviews, press coverage, or his time spent in the US Senate, people knew who he was and were interested in talking.

One thing was clear through the 3 hours I spent at Game Fair yesterday. The atmosphere is ripe for change.

I was surprised at the number of people who identified themselves as "Independent". We spoke to many voters who voted Klobuchar-Pawlenty in 2006, and voted for Tim Penny and Jesse Ventura in the past.

They expressed a strong distrust in both Senator Coleman and Al Franken.

One gentleman offered the line of the day on both candidates.

On Norm Coleman: "I can't trust the guy. He opens his mouth, shows his fake smile, and could get busted by the DNR for shining deer".

On Al Franken: "If Al Franken is the answer to your question, you need to start asking a different question." He went into a 10 minute rant on Al Franken's tax situation, his worker's compensation problems and slew of other problems. He also commented that he had not seen Franken at the fair (he may have missed him).

I was also surprised at what people wanted to talk about at the fair. I had expected some discussion on wetlands preservation, gun rights, and other issues of outdoorsmen.

Health care was easily the topic of discussion. It makes sense now when I think about it. A lot of these small vendors are simply that, small businesses. It's becoming more and more difficult for small businesses to maintain health insurance coverage. It was astonishing seeing how many of these small business owners were going without any sort of coverage.

Most were not satisfied with Coleman's answers on health care. Most did not know Franken's position in the important issue.

Barkley made his case to voters yesterday and was impressive. It's tough to say whether or not the people are pissed off enough to choose a third party Independent candidate.

I can safely say though, my observation from Game Fair is that the atmosphere is ripe for change.

Two different worlds on utilities

The Pioneer Press ran a heart tugging story yesterday about a family facing tough financial times. Allison Everson took a chance and told her story, a story mirrored my countless numbers of Minnesotans facing tough financial times right now.

Allison does not blame her plight on foreign terrorists or illegal immigrants. She dismissed fear-mongering as a divisive smokescreen.

"Money has divided us as a country. Politics are there, but they are just a distraction to it,'' she wrote this week in her notebook. She reads this as Kadee shows me an impressive drawing of a cat she made for me.

"We all have our vices, our past, our weaknesses," Allison Evenson reads.

"Look at the way our democracy is. Al Franken. Norm Coleman. One against one. The ads I see today justify my point. They advertise the worst in the other in hopes, in order for themselves to feel better, seem better, in the public eye. But from what I have seen ... neither is better.

Neither is good in their intentions.

"Nobody is perfect," she reads to me. "Yet this is where we are as a country, not believing the good in one another. We need to come together, to stop being divided."

The venom for Allison and her family in the Pioneer Press comments pages is shocking.

The same outrage for a family who ended up getting their utilities shut off because of their inability to pay should mirror the outrage over a United States Senator who got a sweetheart deal on Washington DC housing and did not pay utilities for a year.

Even more disturbing, when Coleman paid for a years worth of utilities, he payed about $500, significantly less than the market rate.

Cushy deals for US Senators and families that struggle paycheck to paycheck in Minnesota.

I was truly shocked at the outrage and hateful rhetoric at the Pioneer Press comments page when I read them this morning.

Coleman ought to feel very lucky he's not seen the same outrage over his housing and utilities scandal...much less his "unconventional marriage".

Immoral Coleman Scolds Immoral Olson

For my inaugural pot/kettle edition of Blueman, we take a look at Senator Coleman's statement on Mark Olson's GOP endorsement in SD 16.

No one condones domestic violence. No one. There is never an excuse, even if one's tossing a Bible.

But how can Senator Coleman play standard bearer and cheer on the Senate Republican Caucus when Coleman himself has an "unconventional marriage"?

The Senate Republican Caucus has made the appropriate decision in rejecting the candidacy of Mark Olson. I understand there are other candidates who may remain eligible to run in the September Primary, and I would hope that they continue their efforts to become our party’s standard bearer.

Isn't that like Bill Clinton scolding John Edwards?

Coleman sides with the Senate Republican Caucus...for now.

Recall this past winter when Senator Coleman ran into some problems with the McLeod County Republican Party. Coleman responded by saying he "represents Minnesota, not just conservatives." GOP Party Chair caused problems at the State GOP Convention this year by pushing for more stringent rules which would have enabled him to exude more control over rogue BPOU's like the McLeod GOP. Coleman's fine with local control for Republicans like Mark Olson but wants state party hacks to step in to save himself from rogue county units.

The "do as I say, not as I do" Republican profile in courage at its best!

But Coleman providing marriage advice? When will Family Guy or South Park spoof this thing?

When will Larry Flynt put a million dollar bounty on Coleman's "chronic womanizing"?

More Lord Faris Shenanigans

Aaron, posting mostly at MnPublius, left an interesting comment last night.

I had a few questions for the PLF campaign this week and after I contacted them through a form I got a voicemail back from Bob Mattson representing the PLF campaign... from a Ft. Myers, FL area code.

Noting it was *Bob Mattson* that called me, I realized I didn't even need to call him back.

Lord Faris attacks Franken consistently for not being "Minnesotan" enough. Apparently, attacking Franken, or at least running the attacks from Florida is Minnesota like?

WTF? Seriously...not a Franken guy here but PLF needs to have a little consistency here.

My post yesterday was interesting. It seems the Mattson-Faris connection is grounded in a campaign strategy of attacking their own when they are down, even though they have zero electability themselves.

Mattson jumped on Entenza in 06, a Lord running the show.

Lord-Faris humps on Franken in 08, a Mattson running the show.

Shenanigans...

Brodkorb swings hard at Mark Olson, connects

Never expected this.

Good post MDE.

Debate rages on...

We've had some pretty interesting comments posted recently, in regards to Dean Barkley's US Senate run.

A commenter, Blue J (Sue R) has taken Barkley to task, calling him a panderer and an "unserious candidate"

Remember...there is only one candidate in this race that has been closing his campaign TV and radio ads by telling us he's "serious".

Taking one of your high school teachers and putting her in an ad....is that not pandering?

Here are a sample of the responses...

From Tax Paying Liberal

Blue Jay,

I find it strange that you would call any Democrat running in this state “progressive”. Can you name one thing Al has done for the people of Minnesota before he decided to run? You may bash Barkley but try putting up Franken’s resume up against Deans.

Al host’s an event in St. Cloud for vets and only one person shows up. I guess sd15 and 14 really came through for him. It must be Barkley’s fault. Door knocks are being held all over the 6th for Tinklenberg and Al is left off the lit drops and voter id questions. Blame Barkley. Do you see a lot of house candidates tying themselves to Franken? Name one up here in the 6th. But of course you know all of this. It will be nice to have Dean to blame after this election.

As usual the Democrats will blame their loss on the fact that there are too many people in the race.

You assume that all the votes an IP candidate gets come from people who would otherwise vote for the Democratic. This isn’t based on any kind of data. But you do know that republicans have core values and the Democrats don’t.

If the Democrats the last 2 years had fulfilled their campaign pledges and done something on health care, Iraq, Presidential power, energy and the rest then maybe people would not be holding their noses and Al would get more than one person to show up at an event.

The Democrats were delighted with Dean when he worked to get El crossed endorsed.

Maybe the democrats lose because they keep trying to look like Republicans. Maybe the lack of progress on the key issues the last few years just shows that there is no difference between Democrats and Republicans.

People get tired of vanilla after a while.

Barkley not mucking it up for the progressive candidate. That job is being done by the do nothing congress that votes with Bush every time. You can thank the “blue dogs” for that. Oh, I forgot that the Blue dog is main man in the 6th. I guess it’s ok to call Al a progressive but remember that Tinklenberg is a conservative. No wonder the Dems are confused.

Your progressive heroes like Amy votes against a filibuster on FISA so she gives Bush and company cover against crimes they committed. Then she votes against FISA knowing that it will pass, once again thats to the Blue Dogs. She votes for every Iraq war funding bill. In fact she sides with Norm all the time.

If you want to keep things the same as they are, Vote for Norm or Al or El or Michelle, There’s no real difference.

But if you lose don’t blame it on to much democracy. Look in the mirror and ask what choices the 2 parties really offered.

Blue J responds:

TP Liberal:

I don’t live in an absolute world. I deeply appreciated Congressman David Minge, not just because he was and is a decent human being, but because he carried progressive values to Washington from a very conservative district. As a fiscal conservative, he was one of the first Blue Dogs. He did not always vote as liberally as I would like personally, but overall he kept us moving in the right (left) direction.

Your premise is that Franken and Coleman, and Tinklenberg and Bachmann, do not offer us a choice. That’s baloney and you know it.

In 1992 Ross Perot saved us from a second Bush term. Third party runs can cut both ways.

In Barkley’s case, I am not sure he will hurt one candidate more than the other. He is a vanity candidate, that is all. His recent stunt about paychecks just makes my point. He’s pandering.

Barkley a vanity candidate? This sounds like the rhetoric of a DFL party officer here. Franken has been pandering for more than a year now, get off your high horse.

Tax Paying Liberal goes at it again!

Blue Jay,

We have different versions of what a vanity candidate is.

I’ll ask you again what has Al done before he decided to run that shows any kind of public service or qualifications to be a U.S. Senator?

I like Al but for his supporter to call Barkley a vanity candidate is a lot like the pot and kettle thing.

Is his vacation attack any less informative than the bowling wars? Or having your grade school teacher do an ad for you?

It is good humor to hear that Barkley is pandering when you can easily look at the FEC reports from Norm, Al, El and Bachmann. Who’s pandering? Let’s hear Al or El say a bad word about any union or Norm say a bad word about Exxon. Tell me they don’t pander to the base.

If we don’t start taking a good hard look at ourselves then we will continue to keep repeating the same mistakes.

We live in an area that the Democratic Party has decided can’t be won. So we are told that the only people we should endorse are those who share the same values as the other party.

Someone has to step in and fill the gap and the IP may be our best hope for a real choice.

You can tell its election year when you see the Democrats dressed in hunting gear talking about guns and Republicans petting small furry animals pretending they care about the environment.

If the debate continues to rage on in the comments section, I may be inclined to frontpage this stuff because...well, it's good stuff!

Clearly some Democrats are getting testy that Barkley has joined the US Senate race. Attacking Barkley as unserious or as a panderer is strange rhetoric. No one has answered the question of what has Al Franken done for Minnesota? Besides having a radio show and going on some great USO tours, Franken has done nothing.

His past will haunt him...just ask the people out door knocking now!

The Lord-Faris / Mattson connections

Al Franken has taken quite a few hits recently. Most notably of late, the hits have come from within from Priscilla Lord Faris and her campaign.

One of my friends called it swiftboating.

I got a call from Jennifer Mattson a few weeks ago asking if I would interview Priscilla Lord Faris and possibly support her candidacy. We all know the story from 2006.

Matt Entenza came under fire for hiring someone to look into Mike Hatch's past and some interesting dealings with United Health Group.

Mattson jumped all over the race and worked to push Entenza out, which he did after the DFL convention endorsement.

Miles W. Lord was the chair of the Mattson for Attorney General Committee.

Mattson's fight with Entenza was a highlight on MDE for a considerable amount of time.

Jump to 2008, Al Franken is in some serious trouble in the US Senate race.

Priscilla Lord Faris jumps into the race, after the convention and after all the debates have taken place. She runs an aggressive campaign calling for more debates and attacking Franken on a daily basis. She is a star on MDE daily.

Jennifer Mattson is assisting Lord Faris through this attack laden campaign and Jennifer's father, Bob Mattson, a former State Auditor and Treasurer, is coordinating for Lord Faris as well.

The Mattson-Lord Faris connection in both the Entenza and now the Franken races is strong.

In my opinion, the Mattson 06 AG run was simply about attacking Entenza and putting pressure on him to withdraw, which they were very successful with.

The Lord Faris 08 campaign has the same people in place and are pushing for the same result. They want Franken out of this race and they will do anything to accomplish that.

I'm not the biggest Franken guy, in fact, I will probably vote for Dean Barkley this year as I resonate with him better than Franken.

In essence, the Lord Faris Mattson group has been exposed for what they really are.

A group of "Democrats" that gets into races at the last possible minute to play spoiler. The connections between the Mattson 06 AG run and the Lord Faris 08 US Senate run are strong enough to indicate that. There are too many key players that worked on both campaigns for this to be a mere coincidence.

Priscilla Lord Faris needs to knock off the BS. She's reciting the MDE talking points verbatim, bringing us nothing original in this campaign. Franken should have been vetted months and months ago and will be the subject of attack by the Brodkorbs and others for the final 90 days.

Uncovering the Mattson-Lord Faris connection makes me distrust this group of "Democrats" even more.

Dean Barkley is the solid third option here!

Barkley: Klobuchar and Coleman should return pay

Interesting...

Barkley Calls on Senators to Return Vacation Paychecks

For Immediate Release
Contact: Christopher Truscott
ctruscott@senatorbarkley.com

PLYMOUTH, Minn.—Dean Barkley, an Independence Party candidate for U.S. Senate, called on Sens. Norm Coleman and Amy Klobuchar to return their $13,766 paychecks[1] for their August vacation because Congress has failed to deliver on the most pressing issues facing the American people.

"If everyday Minnesotans don't perform at work, they don't get paid," Barkley said. "But our congressional delegation—and their colleagues from across the country—are collecting handsome paychecks for doing absolutely nothing. This is a chance for Coleman and Klobuchar to come together in a bipartisan manner and say members of Congress shouldn't be treated any differently than the American people they represent."

Nationwide, taxpayers are shelling out nearly $1.4 million in salary to senators and another $5.9 million to members of the House of Representatives during the month-long August recess. Meanwhile, Americans await long-overdue action on balancing the federal budget, addressing the energy crisis and ending the costly and wasteful Iraq War.

"It's as though members of Congress have decided to go ahead and start taking their pension checks early," Barkley said. "I realize Congress sees itself as 'exclusive,' but this kind of self-indulgence is really over-the-top and out-of-touch. It really helps explain their 14 percent approval rating."[2]

* * * * *

Barkley, 57, served as the director of the Minnesota Office of Strategic and Long Range Planning under Gov. Jesse Ventura. In November 2002, Ventura appointed Barkley to fill the final two months of the late Sen. Paul Wellstone's term.

The former governor said recently that Barkley is "measured minute by minute … the most effective U.S. senator in Minnesota history."

More information is available online at www.senatorbarkley.com.

Davis and Day observation

On my way down through the Fighting First last week...I made a stark observation.

With the Brian Davis noise about his big "grassroots" effort, where the hell are all the lawn signs?

Going to Lake City for a golf scramble...I was anxious to see the "ground swell" first hand.

Once again...Brian Davis and Dick Day disappoint Blueman...

Bachmann gets free ride from Urdahl?

Made it to the Cokato Corn Carnival parade last night!

Despite the rain, the turnout was great.

I've got some fun video that we'll try to post later in the day.

I always watch the politicians in parades. We caught Dean Urdahl last night at the parade, with a light amount of support. Michele Bachmann's parade group, maybe 5 people was on the heels of the Urdahl group.

David Detert, DFL candidate in 18B had a strong contingent of volunteers and Elwyn Tinklenberg was impressive as well. He was working the crowd on my side of the street and I was impressed.

Back to Bachmann...

I've been in the Cokato Corn Carnival parade as a candidate. One steadfast rule of the Cokato Corn Carnival parade is that the candidate must be with the parade group.

Bachmann was AWOL.

Theories as to Bachmann's absence were abundant...

Perhaps the rain would have made her melt?

Perhaps the Congresswoman doesn't quite have this "vacation" thing down yet?

Who knows why Congresswoman Bachmann allowed her campaign to piggyback off the Urdahl campaign for the parade.

This past week, right wing bloggers came after Steve Sarvi for apparent "free rides" in parades. In reality, the right wing bloggers have nothing on Sarvi. Just like the attacks on his military record...the attacks lack any substance whatsoever.

To adapt the rhetoric from SCSU Scholars...

"Stiffing local parade organizers over registration fees indicates irresponsibility on the part of a candidate. It raises the question: How many times this season has Bachmann just bummed a ride from some other candidate? Do we want to even consider someone who mooches like this to represent us in Congress?"

*Update* Word on the street, from an informed Cokato history reader, while my assertion that candidates must be with the group for the Cokato Corn Carnival parade, Bachmann's group asked for permission to join Urdahl since they knew Michele would be AWOL.

Fisking Bachmann's Energy "Policy"

H/T to Ollie for pointing this one out...

A LTE appears in the Marshall Independent, taking Congresswoman Bachmann to task for her flawed energy "policy".

In his letter to the editor on Thursday, July 31, George Korver repeats Rep. Bachmann's claim that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is a "barren wasteland" because, among other things, it has no trees. We are lucky that Ms. Bachmann is not our representative - what would she make of our treeless prairies?

However, the real problem with Rep. Bachmann's argument is her assumption that tapping ANWR will bring gasoline back down to $2 a gallon. This is unlikely, even if off-shore drilling is added to the mix - a proposal advocated by the Fairmont Sentinel in an editorial reprinted in the Independent on Monday. Fuel prices have gone up because of increased demand in China and India, where capitalism has taken off in recent years, creating industrial growth and a growing middle class. People in these countries have embraced the post-World War II U.S. model for economic growth, but have also embraced many of the material aspects of that growth, including the desire for a family car (and for more animal protein - which, as any informed farmer will tell you, is the principle reason for higher grain and fertilizer prices worldwide).

For instance, nearly 30 percent of the population of India is now considered "middle class," a small percentage compared to the U.S., but when one considers that the total population of India is 1 billion, one realizes that India's middle class is now as large as the entire population of the United States. If they own and operate cars like we do in the U.S. - a growing possibility, given that one Indian automobile manufacturer is now planning to produce a car that sells for $3,000 -the demand for oil and gas resources worldwide will increase exponentially, which means that Rep. Bachmann's dream of returning to $2-a-gallon gas is that much less likely. After all, drilling off-shore and in ANWR would only produce a "drop-in-the-bucket" which may temporarily lessen the U.S. dependence on foreign oil, but it would not even come close to completely ending that dependence, even in the short-term.

There are chiefly two ways to lower gas prices: reduce consumption and replace the gas-powered internal combustion engine. We have dramatically seen how reducing consumption has lowered gas prices this summer - it is the chief reason that the price-per-gallon has dropped more than 30 cents since June. This is nearly unprecedented: when was the last time we witnessed a drop in gas prices in the middle of summer? U.S. consumers are responding to high gas prices by driving more efficient cars and using them less. The government can help lower consumption further by supporting and subsidizing more public transportation. Imagine what would happen to the price per gallon if all the folks in the Twin Cities left their cars at home and starting taking buses and light rail - we here in southwest Minnesota would see lower gas prices in a jiffy. This will also create jobs.

We can expect auto-makers - both here and abroad - to respond to high gas prices by increasing fuel efficiency in their products, but government has a role to play by encouraging the research and development of even more fuel efficient technology, with the goal of replacing as much as possible the use of oil and gasoline. This private sector-government cooperation brought us the technological innovations of the 1990s, with its ensuing economic boom led by U.S. citizens. The current energy and food crises offers us an opportunity to change the world economy positively through improved technology and more efficient consumption; our example can also improve the energy efficiency of the growing economies of China and India as well. It is exciting to think how the people of this country can be leaders in this transformation.

The alternative - continuing to embrace 20th-century habits and technologies as implied by drilling for more oil - will only stall the inevitable, and can even have far more dangerous consequences: competing for scarce energy resources could very well lead to a Third World War. I prefer not to contribute to such an apocalypse, and I am sure Mr. Korver does not want to either.

I would caution Mr. Korver from being taken in by Rep. Bachmann's flawed logic on the energy question. She certainly seems to be advocating the position of the oil companies, who would benefit enormously by encouraging consumption and by drilling off-shore and in ANWR. I wonder who paid for her junket to ANWR anyway?

Thomas J. Williford
History professor, Southwest Minnesota State University

Bachmann's lock step march with fringe Republicans and Big Oil is no surprise to her constituents. She's been AWOL for nearly 2 years in CD 6, holding no forums or townhall meetings to discuss matters with those she "represents".

Enjoy your "vacation" Congresswoman Bachmann, while your colleagues hold golf fundraisers and you gallivant across the US to discuss energy in Alaska and New Orleans, you leave your constituents behind.

Barkley in the news

The Austin Daily Herald has a short story on his US Senate run...

“I think what I had to say at FarmFest was received very, very well,” Barkley said. “That is when I got a chance to speak. The audience was packed with Republicans who applauded everything (Sen. Norm) Coleman said.

“The two candidates, Coleman and (Al) Franken, spent most of their time throwing barbs at each other,” he said. “If this were school, I would have gotten hit by their spit balls aimed at each other.”

With all of the Coleman and Franken baggage, Barkley is a very viable third option for people.

He's a moderate, socially progressive/liberal and fiscally conservative which fits Minnesota voters well.

Unelectable Mark Olson Endorsed

We're now awaiting Mandy Moore's endorsement of the Bible throwing, domestic assault convict, global warming denier, PRT lover, and long winded speaker Mark Olson.





Olson, having been convicted of domestic assault last summer, was dumped by the House Republican Caucus, and lost the HD 16B endorsement race to Mary Kiffmeyer, prior to announcing his run for the State Senate.

Following Ron Carey's playbook...perhaps Speaker Kelliher and Senator Clark ought to hold a press conference at the Capitol and ask Rep Sondra Erickson and Mary Kiffmeyer to disavow any and all connections to Mark Olson.

"We are a party of local control, and the Senate District 16 Republicans have endorsed Mark Olson, and we respect that decision," said Minnesota Republican Party communications director Gina Countryman.

Sure you do Gina...sure you do.

Will Allison Krueger, who's name will still appear on the Sept 9th primary ballot, stay true to her word and not actively campaign?

Olson's past will surely be in play this election cycle. It's a great opportunity for Democrats to pick up yet another seat in the State Senate!

Good work SD 16 Republicans...what were you thinking?

Dean Barkley Shines at Farm Fest!

Larry Schumacher has a great breakdown of the US Senate debate.

If you were looking for the guy having the most fun, Dean Barkley was definitely the winner. Direct and funny, he connected well with the audience and managed to take shots at Coleman without looking like he was going negative on him like Franken. It will be interesting to see if he can turn a warm reception into a following.

That passion and humor was evident in my interview with him earlier in the week. Stay tuned for parts II and III of the Dean Barkley interview...coming soon!

Lord Faris Continues to Star on MDE

We get it Senator Prissy. We get it.

We've heard all the stuff about Franken day in and day out for months now.

You don't like Al Franken.

Reiterating Brodkorbs talking points does nothing for your campaign.

Instead of talking day after day about Franken and pornography and drunk driving jokes, tell us what you are going to bring to the race.

So far, all I have seen is a strong pattern of negativity from the Lord Faris campaign.

Which makes me wonder, who is funding all this stuff?

The Lord Faris August 20 FEC report will be a must read...that's for sure!

Farm Fest Ponderings

I've had a few conversations with people who were in attendance. They all say Franken was not impressive, that he appeared to simply jump into attack mode and offer no real solutions.

I've seen reports that this was a very conservative audience/group to discuss these issues with.

While I understand that the Senate and Congressional debates were separate, I'd think that the crowd would not have changed that much over time. People wanting to see political debates were there to see just that.

For instance, if this crowd were so conservative, why would Bachmann and Kline ditch this event? It would seem like a great opportunity to "preach to the choir" even though they voted against the Farm Bill...they're conservative...right?

Why would such a conservative crowd spontaneously applaud Congressman Walz for his work for farmers?

I went to Farm Fest in 2006, I found the crowds to not be staunchly left or right, but concerned about farm issues. Duh...

Just because it's held in what we label a conservative area, does not necessarily mean the crowd was overtly conservative. Even with $3.50 gas, people flock to stuff like this.

BTW, I hear Steve Sarvi rocked it out at this event. I hear he was very well spoken on the issues, and despite the temptation to take a shot or two at John Kline, he kept himself to the issues.

Some I spoke to were concerned that Elwyn Tinklenberg spoke to much about Congresswoman Bachmann not being at the debate...to each their own.

From what I have heard from my peeps on the ground, Franken simply lost a great opportunity to actually debate Coleman and not fill the day with rhetoric and attacks.

Many say that Dean Barkley was the star of the show...

Madia License Issue No Big Deal

Anyone remember Congressman Mark Kennedy running around the state back in 2006 saying he'd be "the only CPA in the Senate"?

Kennedy hadn't had an active CPA license in decades...

I'm quite sure Ashwin will have this fixed quickly.

Has Paulsen said anything about all that stripper money he took?

Any word on his website about Iraq or Iran yet?

No, Paulsen does not want to talk about that, or his record as House Majority Leader where he was far from resembling a "centrist".

GOP Slogan Video

Recall that Ollie broke this story months ago now...

See more Adam "Ghost Panther" McKay videos at Funny or Die

Paris Hilton swings back at Old Man McCain

Yeah, I'm going Evil Bobby on it today...posting some celebrity BS.

Funny video though...

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

Bachmann and Kline AWOL from FarmFest

Larry Schumacher has some excellent coverage of the Congressional debate at FarmFest!

Part I
Part II

Bachmann and Kline must have thought this was the sort of event that occurs while one is on vacation...

The fact that Congresswoman Bachmann and John Kline failed to attend this event is disturbing. Their opponents attended the event and did a wonderful job. Both Elwyn Tinklenberg and Steve Sarvi left the debate as two candidates for Congress who impressed.

Bachmann and Kline are running scared...scared to engage Tinklenberg or Sarvi in a debate format. I know a couple of O-6's that would be disappointed in the fact that the Colonel went AWOL while the Sergeant shined.

Tinklenberg on Bachmann's Farm Bill Vote:

Tinklenberg – Would’ve vote for it. Opponent did not vote for it, which may explain why she’s not here today.

But then again, she hasn’t been with you all that much all along.

Schumacher also posted the closing remarks for each panel member: go check them out at Larry's blog at the SC Times!

Ollie over at Bluestem Prairie also has some great detailed coverage of the event, be sure to head over there and check out her great work too!

A Conversation With Dean Barkley: Part 1

Interviews are an area that Blueman needs a bit of work in. With that said, I had the pleasure of talking to former US Senator Dean Barkley.

On his way down to the Farm Fest debate down in Gilfillan, MN.

I spent a half hour talking about our roots in Annandale Minnesota, Iran/Iraq and Veterans issues, energy, the farm bill, immigration and a slew of other fun topics.

We had a fun yet serious conversation.

Barkley, while facing a significant challenge in the US Senate race, remains very upbeat and spoke candidly about this issues.

16 years ago, Senator Barkley ran for Congress. He spoke passionately about a $3 trillion deficit, a health care crisis on the horizon, a broken social security and Medicare system, campaigns that were in perpetual fundraising mode, and a two party system that deadlocked Congress.

Despite changes from a Sony Walkman where I could play my Hall and Oates tapes to an IPOD that can hold hundreds of hours of music and podcasts, somethings change, but politics remains stagnant.

A late entry into the US Senate race, Barkley expressed great concern over the issues impacting Americans most.

Rising gas prices and a failed energy policy.

Political gamesmanship on both sides of the aisle on the price of gas and dependence on foreign oil.

A $10 trillion deficit.

A dollar that is declining in value.

A war in Iraq and saber rattling with Iran.

The health care crisis.

Barkley is in this race for the right reasons. I could hear the passion and concern in his voice as he spoke passionately on the issues.

The dueling bowling ads by Coleman and Franken brought out a pretty light hearted moment. Barkley was quick to point out that while he could beat both Franken and Coleman in a bowling match, that he's got the experience, political will, and demeanor to defeat both Coleman and Franken in November, when it really matters.

He promised two things.

1. He will go to Washington again and show the political courage to do what's best for Minnesotans.

2. He will not bore us to death with boring TV ads!

Barkley ads an interesting dynamic to the US Senate race. He's polished on the issues and brings a passionate zeal to the race, someone who will be able to go toe to toe with both Coleman and Franken.

We'll have more on the conversation with Senator Barkley later...

Go check his website out here! Donate, donate, donate!

John Kline's Dirty Campaign Tricks

Mike McIntee at the Up Take has an awesome video of John Kline's dirty campaign tricks.



Getting the word out on this is very important! We cannot allow Kline to do this again.

Kline sent one of his attack dogs after Steve Sarvi and now they have been exposed for the fraud they are! Great work!

So, this is a vacation?

Last night I heard Michele Bachmann talk about the House going into recess and that members were "going on vacation when an energy crisis is facing America".

Ollie has a good post up on this fallacy!

Congressman Walz has never treated the recesses as "vacations," but as district work breaks during which he can meet with constituents. The congressman has held dozens of open, public meetings about veterans, farm, small business, education, economic development, energy, and other issues while Congress is in recess. The schedule for this recess hasn't been released yet, but we don't expect to see Walz loafing around.

Come on now! Where's the mention of golf? How about sitting on one's hind end exaggerating qualifications or offering no concrete solutions to the biggest problems facing America?

A vacation?

Is she serious?

So, coming back to one's district to have forums and conversations with constituents constitutes a vacation?

Bachmann has been AWOL, short of a publicity stunt at a gas station a month ago, Bachmann has been in Alaska, New Orleans and pretty much everywhere else BUT her congressional district.

As for Brian Davis...I think he has no concept of what he's gotten himself into. He'll be in need of a long vacation (perhaps on some of that rural land he owns) after Tim Walz out works him on his "vacation"!

Monday night musings

Hot and sweaty night here at the Wright County Outpost...

It was a pretty interesting day to say the least. Woke up this morning to my good friend Chris announcing his opportunity to work of Dean Barkley's US Senate campaign. I think it's a great fit for Chris and the campaign.

Watching the crap between Norm Coleman and Al Franken brings out my strong independent streak. While the majority of this blog criticizes conservatives and, in general, politics from the Republican point of view, the inside baseball in these races and in the Congressional Districts gets to you.

I remain staunchly liberal on social issues. I deny an label of being "fiscally conservative". I choose to discuss where I am fiscally as "fiscally responsible", neither liberal nor conservative.

I've found some conversations I have had with a good number of friends recently as disturbing. It seems that since some of my friends are not liberal enough, or have opinions that are contrary to some in leadership positions, that they have been pushed out by local party leaders.

This is very problematic for a Democratic Party in Greater Minnesota. Instead of being a party that embraces diversity of thought and opinion (if you bucked Elwyn Tinklenberg earlier in the year or have not swallowed a couple of gallons of the Al Franken kool-aid) you are persona non grata amongst "leadership".

It's sad and disturbing. Leadership has no idea what they are doing, no grasp of party building out here.

Whether it's pulling apart a strong county unit or pushing other strong, supportive workers out, the political climate out here is changing.

What they have done, is disenfranchise a growing number of moderates who will begin work for Independent candidates.

Hence, I am supporting Dean Barkley and his run for US Senate. (Dean Urdahl is probably pleased that another Dean made the blog...don't worry Mr Urdahl, we'll have some fun posts for you coming soon!)

Watched Michele Bachmann debate Congressman Inslee and other Democrats at a New Orleans Energy Forum tonight.

I'll tell you how entertaining it was...I turned the channel from C-SPAN earlier and Bluewoman wanted me to turn it back.

Yep, I watch Jon and Kate Plus Eight with her and now she watches C-SPAN with me. With the wedding coming up in about 3 months, it's a pretty cool addition to our joint activities together...it's a strength area right...

Right?

Oh yeah, we got wedding bands this weekend too...not the kind you listen to either!

Barkley with solid hire!

Congrats Chris, Barkley got a steal!

Great CD 6 analysis

Jeff Rosenberg continues his great analysis on Congressional races in Minnesota.

CD 6 was his latest district in focus.

Get out the vote efforts will be big in CD 6, the stronger the GOTV effort, the better chance Tinklenberg has of winning the 6th.

One item of interest for folks out in my side of CD 6...take a look at the trends in Wright County. With recent forced and uncoordinated party changes in Wright County, the snarky side of Blueman wants to point out that the only three districts that voted DFL are in the SD 18 side.

I'm just sayin...

Bush-Coleman 08

Franken launched a new ad and a website dealing with Senator Coleman's allegiance to President Bush and his 8 years of foreign and domestic failure.



Brodkorb and the right wing blogosphere are quick to point out that President Bush is not on the ballot this year.

Trailing in the polls by double-digits, Team Franken has released a new attack TV ad and website connecting President Bush to Senator Coleman. The attack ad and website contain no positive message about Al Franken. If Franken wanted to run against President Bush, he should have ran for president in 2004.

Phew, glad these guys are around to let us know important tidbits like that!

They tried the same arguments with Mark Kennedy back in 2006. I remember the 2006 MPR debate at the State Fair between Klobuchar, Kennedy and Fitzgerald. Despite Mark Kennedy having supported Bush initiatives 92% of the time, he made sure to point out to state fair goers that "President Bush is not on the ballot" and wondered about a liberal obsession with Bush.

The same holds true for Norm Coleman. Regardless if Bush were on the ballot or not, the fact that Senator Coleman has sided with failed Bush Administration policy time and time again calls into question Coleman's ability to advocate for Minnesotans. He's surely not the independent that he's trying to paint himself as.

8 years of failed policy have consequences. Franken calling Coleman out on his voting record is not an attack ad. It's not negative. It's presenting the public record. Furthermore, with John McCain as the Republican candidate for President, the foreign and domestic failures of the Bush Administration would most likely continue.

Try as hard as you can, but you will not be able to shield GOP candidates from the failures of George W. Bush.

He's not on the ballot, but his policy and puppets are.

Gone a week...

I can't believe it's really been a week since I read a blog!


When did MDE become Priscilla Lord Faris for US Senate?

Seriously! I read MDE this morning and could have confused it with the PLF website.MDE working for both Paulsen and Faris.

I saw her campaign ad on KARE 11 this morning...not impressed. Not impressed at all, especially with a campaign that is running their message through a Republican blogger.

She may be right on a lot of her criticism of Franken. However, why didn't she get into the endorsement race then? Why not make this pitch to the delegates?

I heard the US Senate race pitched as a football analogy.

The quarterback has led the team inefficiently for the majority of the game and the team is losing, losing big. Is it time to go with a new quarterback?

No disrespect to Brooks Bollinger or Gus Ferotte, but we won't win with a second or third string QB.

Faris has the feel of a 4th string DII quarterback right now. The "Why I'm Running" page just seems...well, whiny to me.

Al Franken does not represent Minnesota values:

His coarse humor and language is demeaning to women and minorities.

His tax problems and questionable financial transactions are not consistent with the way most Minnesotans view their responsibilities.

He has lived in New York almost all of his adult life and has moved to Minnesota just to run for office.

Most of his funding comes from his Hollywood and entertainment business contacts.

He has demeaned and insulted other Senators and office holders, the very people he will have to work with to accomplish anything in Washington.

In his own words he is an angry man, and he screams profanities and insults to those who disagree with him.

He says he would not be a good person to hold political office because he is "indecisive" and he views politics as interesting only because the election races are interesting.

He is behind Coleman by 15 points in the polls.

While there is some validity here, I have a hard time supporting someone who's online campaign presence is via a right wing blogger, former Republican Oppo Guy, MDE.

So it while looking at changing the quarterback is attractive, perhaps it's time to root for another team?

Anyone ready for an old Annandale grad? Dean Barkley?