Tinklenberg money flowing from Ramsey

Eric Z at Developers are Crabgrass has the scoop...and it's a big one!

So, Elwyn Tinklenberg leaves MnDOT in October 2002. By January 2003, he's lobbying MnDOT and other Transportation groups for Ramsey?

Federal "park and ride" grant dollars due Ramsey were being "frozen" by MnDOT, but with the consultancy set up officials then felt the impound would be released within a week, or at least MnDOT would be approached about it by the good mayor within a week. This was federal money previously under MnDOT jurisdiction, and the role of Tinklenberg in securing the money for Ramsey before leaving the agency, or in the interim, is unclear. The contract offer under Elwyn Tinklenberg's signature stated services rendered at $200/hr included, "Arrange a meeting with State transportation officials to clarify status of planning and schedule related to TH # 10," i.e., approaching the agency he had just left, where he was lead highwayman, and presumably arrangments so arranged by him at $200/hr might have involved park and ride fund unimpounding. I could not say, and I bet there's a scant paper trail if any.

Interesting. $200 per hour to lobby State transportation officials in the agency he resigned from months beforehand.

Now, with a total of over $840,000 having been disbursed from Ramsey to Tinklenberg Group from Jan 2003 onward, (some reimbursed to Ramsey from other public monies, but still it's public money from taxes being paid, since only the federal treasury prints money). And over $320,000 was cash squeezed from Ben Dover and others out here, unreimbursed from any other bigger tax cash pool.

$840,000 from Ramsey! Were not even talking about his other rail work or work in Elk River, Otsego, Dayton, Albertville, etc.

No wonder he can afford salmon, yellow potatoes, sauteed spinach and bread pudding! I had Hamburger Helper that night...and the next.

Elwyn is a million dollar lobbyist! At least, he's not registered at the Federal level as one.

So as we move closer and closer to Senate District and County Unit conventions the question begins to loom larger.

When will Elwyn Tinklenberg come forward and disclose his lobbying work? Will it be before the conventions so that delegates are able to properly vet the candidates? Will it be after an endorsement, which may result in the GOP using Elwyn's shady ties and past against our party?

Olson fights Bachmann, Tinklenberg has salmon...

It's been an interesting week watching the Olson and Tinklenberg campaigns!

We got emails earlier in the week asking to donate to Elwyn Tinklenberg's campaign so he could take a night off for his birthday.

Bob Olson was out speaking to VFW's, Rotary Clubs, and other organizations.

Elwyn Tinklenberg dined on salmon, sauteed spinach, yellow potatoes, and bread pudding...

Bob Olson was challenging Michele Bachmann for her comments on Bill O'Reilly's show.

As predicted, the right wing blogosphere jumped to the rescue of their conservative goddess, Congresswoman Bachmann.

Gary Gross and Michael Brodkorb came to Bachmann's rescue...

While Brodkorb is of the opinion that Gross "gave Olson's campaign a well deserved smack down", Political Muse at Liberal in the Land of Conservative smacks back in a more effective post.

Political Muse astutely points out that one of Bachmann's lackey's sent Gross the video of the Bachmann / O'Reilly lovefest.

How could it be that Bachmann and Associates will return an email about a potential Bachmann media appearance so quickly when most constituent emails are left unanswered or take weeks to return? How is it that Gary Gross is able to have such quick response time from Bachmann central about a trivial media appearance when the vast majority of constituents are left without any contact with their representation? Nope, no politicization here!

Nice work Muse!

It begs the question. Would you rather have someone who will actually fight for you or someone who will send out a campaign email about their menu?

Tough choice, I know!

Largest tax increase in Minnesota History!

At least if you listen to the right wing bloggers and talking heads.

Over Governor Pawlenty's tenure and his "no new taxes" pledges, Minnesotan's have seen exorbitant increases in tuition, fees, and property taxes.

At State Colleges and Universities, tuition increased nearly 70% over his initial 4 year term.

Property taxes have risen out of control under Pawlenty and House GOP leadership, forcing the same working and middle class Minnesotan's they staunchly defended earlier this week, to find ways to absorb these increases. Some lost their homes. The impact on seniors with fixed incomes has been the worst.

Palwenty and the House GOP's cuts to local government aid had the biggest impact on property tax increases, as well as leading to deteriorating roads in Greater Minnesota.

So lets be honest about the Transportation Bill.

Is it big? Absolutely.

Is it needed? Absolutely.

Is it the largest tax increase in the history of Minnesota? No.

The $6.6 billion bill is spread out over a 10 year period. Most revenue producing bills coming out of the legislature produce revenue in 2 or 4 year cycles.

Take a look at the increases in fees and other areas post 2003, when Governor Pawlenty had a hard time differentiating between a tax and a fee.

Tobacco fees, property tax increases, tuition increases, etc add up to more than $10 billion in increases over a 10 year span.

And these increases have hurt Minnesota more than they helped...

SC Times does not heart Pawlenty

After being duped by Pawlenty in 2006, the SC Times is fighting back...hard.

In 2006, when Gov. Tim Pawlenty was seeking this board's endorsement for a second term, he was asked specifically what he'd do different if re-elected.

Coming off several very partisan sessions, he earnestly responded that he'd wished he had "kept a few pitches in the glove" when it came to partisan bickering preventing progress. Duly impressed, this board took him at his word and endorsed him.

Based on his reaction to the House overriding his transportation veto Monday, we obviously misunderstood him. He wanted to keep those pitches so he could throw high hard fastballs directly at the heads of anybody who disagreed with him.

Seriously, the immature reactions of Pawlenty and the punishments delivered by the Republican Party to six House members who broke ranks with their peers to support the override are inexcusable.

They even evoked the memory of Jesse Ventura!

It's hard to remember a governor providing a better example of not just politically embarrassing behavior, but flat-out bullying. And remember, this state experienced four years of Jesse Ventura.

And to be honest, they aren't too happy with the Marty Seifert's, Tom Emmer's and Dean Urdahl's either.

Speaking of the Republican Party, its leaders at the Capitol and statewide not only showed the same immaturity as Pawlenty, but they gave fair-minded voters ample reason to doubt their own credibility by demoting those who opposed the governor.

Just look at Central Minnesota House Republican Reps. Bud Heidgerken and Dean Urdahl. Heidgerken voted against the governor and lost his post as senior Republican on the House K-12 Finance Division. Urdahl, also a potential swing vote, backed the governor. He's now lead Republican on the House Agricultural, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Committee. (He replaced Rep. Rod Hamilton, R-Mountain Lake, who voted with Heidgerken.)

What else can be deduced from such moves other than the Republican Party wants key leadership spots filled not by the most qualified members, but members who put party loyalty first and all other concerns second?

This scathing opinion in the SC Times is the tip of the iceberg for House Republicans. With major bills still looming on the horizon, the obstructionists in the House will be under greater scrutiny. The Times points out that nearly 70% of legislators have supported similar transportation bills for years. Ignoring that political will, democracy in action, will have negative consequences for the GOP in November.

Olson reponds to Bachmann's O'Reilly experience

Olson: Bachmann's Fear-Mongering Fails Minnesota

For Immediate Release
Contact: Christopher Truscott

ANOKA—Bob Olson, a DFL candidate in the 6th Congressional District, released the following statement regarding Rep. Michele Bachmann's Wednesday night appearance on the O'Reilly Factor:

"In the wake of the tragic accident in Cottonwood, Minnesotans had a right to expect smart and compassionate leadership from those in power. That Michele Bachmann chose instead to go on the O'Reilly Factor and play along with O'Reilly's fear mongering is absolutely disgusting.

"It's true that we need comprehensive immigration reform, but it's important to remember, as John McCain reminded us recently, that we're all children of God. This serious debate must be handled in a manner consistent with the human decency that has defined our great state for 150 years.

"Countless number of lives were forever changed after that crash. Instead of scape-goating an entire class of people, it's time Mrs. Bachmann demonstrate leadership worthy of her office and the people of Minnesota."

Urdahl moves up

Thou shalt not go against our Republican Governor.

Courage has left Minnesota's Republican party. Cronyism is alive and well. Great job Marty Seifert!

I guess that was the lesson doled out to 6 GOP legislators who supported a landmark transportation bill on Monday.

"We expect Republicans to follow other Republicans, and there is obviously a mixed message with what happened yesterday," Seifert said at a news conference Tuesday. "We're not taking anyone's secretary away. I'm not throwing their computers down the Capitol steps. I'm not severing their phone lines."

No, he just removed them from any leadership positions.

• Rep. Rod Hamilton, R-Mountain Lake, replaced by Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Grove City, in the Agriculture, Rural Economies & Veterans Affairs Committee.

• Rep. Kathy Tingelstad, R-Andover, replaced by Rep. Larry Howes, R-Walker, in the Capital Investment Committee.

• Rep. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, replaced by Rep. Matt Dean, R-Dellwood, in the Health Care and Human Services Committee.

• Heidgerken, R-Freeport, replaced by Rep. Sondra Erickson, R-Princeton, in the K-12 Finance Committee.

• Erhardt, R-Edina, replaced by Rep. Morrie Lanning, R-Moorhead, in the Property Tax Relief & Local Sales Taxes Committee.

• In addition, Rep. Neil Peterson, R-Bloomington, was removed as an assistant minority whip and replaced by Rep. Pat Garofalo, R-Farmington.

Punish courage, reward cowardice. Good work!

While Rep Urdahl was quick to report "threats", it would appear he was a bit slower to report that he would be "promoted" for toeing the GOP party line, while at the same time, throwing his constituents under the bus.

Anyone ever read Wright County Republican?

Why did Drew Emmer remove the name of a legislator who supposedly "threatened" Rep Urdahl? Yesterday morning, he specifically named a legislator in his smear job. Now, the name is suddenly removed, although Urdahl was still "threatened".

Interesting...

So, having the courage to buck one's party and vote in line with one's constituents gets you removed from leadership positions.

The SC Times has an opinion on this as well today.

Most troubling, though, are the aftershocks emanating from the Republican Party and Pawlenty.

Within hours of the override, it became clear the party expects to punish Heidgerken and the other five House members for breaking ranks with the party and instead voting for what they believed was best for their constituents and all Minnesotans.

Heidgerken said he will lose his post as lead Republican on the House K-12 Finance Committee. News reports indicate other consequences could include others resigning similar posts, losing staff and research services, or not getting party support in re-election bids.

The Pioneer Press quoted Pawlenty as follows on this issue: "If you are going to be a team, you know, then there are going to be some team rules and team expectations, and I'll leave that up to the caucus leaders how they are going to address this further."

We expected a lot of things in the wake of this transportation bill passing — safer bridges, higher taxes and, yes, some Election Day changes. We didn't expect our governor and his political party to take such a low road in response to six votes cast for Team Minnesota, for once, instead of Team GOP.

Well said...I agree.

Developers are Crabgrass: Continuing coverage of Tinklenberg's lobbying

Eric Z continues his important work in exposing the lobbying ties of Elwyn Tinklenberg as well as some comparisons with Bob Olson.

Eric has sent a request to the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board asking about Tinklenberg's lobbying activities since he rescinded his State Lobbying certification in December 2007. He is still not registered at the Federal Level.

I am uncertain what accounting for time Elwyn Tinklenberg might/might not make for his nonregistration meeting some loophole exemption criteria, and/or his Group members not registering as paid Ramsey lobbyists. It appears there is prima facie evidence of a lobbying contract without registration; and how it might/might not fit a loophole within Lobbyist reporting/registration requirements per Minn. Stat. §10A and Minn. Rules Chapters 4501 - 4525 would not be for me to speculate not knowing all facts, but for Tinklenberg in responding to investigative inquiry to justify by opening his books and time records to prove an exception might apply to counter the prima facie showing.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Other recent posts by Eric Z include:

Tinklenberg's Credibility Gap and the Mainstream Media's coverage

Birthday Fundraiser

And last but not least, a few comparisons between Olson and Tinklenberg.

Olson has none of the downside baggage Tinklenberg has. He has shown strong leadership potential, and a willingness to seize an issue that others might shy away from. In particular, it took courage for Olson to publicly call Tinklenberg to task for hiding who he is from the voters, his lobbying and the truthful dimensions of its extent, profitability, conflicting interests, and its duration and present continuance. Tinklenberg has so far only ducked and covered. Ducking and hiding from a direct confrontation is not courage, it is cowardice. It is not the kind of bold and dynamic leadership and honest demeanor you'd want in Congress.

With some big County Unit and Senate District conventions coming up soon, we'll be anxiously awaiting any mainstream media exposure this race gets.

Quimby helps the right wingers with math

Across the Great Divide has a post up about some of the math behind the gas tax increase, specifically towards an analogy Rep Dan Severson used on the floor of the House.

Since the bill raises the money over 10 years, that's actually 3%.

Okay, but it was the "biggest tax increase in Minnesota history," right? Well, possibly. I can't find that history book out here in Colorado, but I know that's the way history generally works. Stuff that happens later in history — especially where population growth is involved — is bigger than stuff that happened earlier.

But if we hadn't waited 2o years, it might not have been a tax increase at all.

Good work Charlie!

Transportation Bill Override Thoughts

As a guy who drives about 1,000 miles and fills my gas tank 4-5 times per week, I think it's about time we raised the gas tax. While I fully understand that it is a regressive tax and it will have an impact on my pocketbook, I'm more than willing to do my share to fix our roads and bridges. The time to "red pen" every piece of sensible and responsible legislation has come and gone.

I've read the right wing blogs and listened to Jason Lewis on my way home tonight. I'm not surprised in the least at their outrage.

I'm proud of Senator Dille. Campaigning against him in 2006, I saw firsthand his support for a gas tax increase and reasonable transportation solutions. He's a man of his word. He said he'd support it and did.

While the right wing bloggers and Jason Lewis condemn legislators like Senator Dille, those in the House and Senate Republican minority, who opposed sensible transportation solutions, should be commended for putting their political allegiances ahead of what is right for the safety and economic security of Minnesota.

This override vote proves that inaction on transportation was no longer an option. A bipartisan coalition of legislators decided that safe roads and bridges and job creation were too important to be waylaid by the Governor's unwillingness to make this investment.

The Startribune had a LTE in this morning talking about the state's need for investment.

This transportation funding bill is a compromise and reflects the legislative process at its best. This compromise has the support of not only the Itasca Project and its 45 CEOs of the state's largest companies, but it has the support of virtually all of the state's major business and trade organizations.

45 CEO's of the state's largest companies supported this measure. Don't Lewis and the other right wingers talk about how these tax increases will push business out of the state? It's interesting that 45 CEO's clearly dispute that rhetoric.

Dean Urdahl chose to vote with the minority. He chose to side with the obstructionists. Once again, he put politics before the people.

Hats off to Senator Dille and the other GOP members that came across the aisle to vote for a sensible transportation package!

Tink's B-Day Greenbacks

Liberal in the Land of Conservative has the scoop, a Tinklenberg Campaign email that begged for money so that Elywn could spend the evening of his birthday with his wife.

To reach our quarterly financial goal, El needs to raise $1,000 per half hour of phone time.

We know that Elwyn's most recent FEC is report is not as impressive as it should be for a candidate who:

A. Has been through this before.
B. Has as many connections as he has.
C. Hold's Washington DC fundraisers.

So, since math is fun...

Elwyn raised $61,652 in individual money last quarter. So, if Elwyn and Team Tink used the same formula above to reach this fundraising goal, Elwyn spent about 31 hours on the phone fundraising in the 4th quarter. Now, we know it was probably a lot more than that...

Anyway, Muse is right.

When are Tinklenberg and Olson debating?

How many debates have they had down in the 3rd? I've counted at least 9 debates / forums in CD 3.

Is someone scared to debate in the 6th? I know Olson has challenged Bachmann to a debate so I doubt it's Olson who is scared.

Don't make Blueman get in a chicken costume outside of the Tinklenberg Campaign HQ...

Urdahl threatened?

AAA at Residual Forces has a post up about Dean Urdahl's tough weekend prior to the veto override vote expected early this week.

The West Central Tribune has been covering the story all weekend long.

Urdahl said he’s being pulled in different directions by local government officials, taxpayers and his own party in how he should vote on the veto override, which could come as early as Monday.“It’s like a chess match,” he said.

Sounding weary from the ordeal, Urdahl said in a telephone interview Friday that he’s been told if he doesn’t vote to override, a funding request for Litchfield’s wastewater treatment facility could be blocked. The project is crucial for an expansion of the First District Association, a dairy processing plant in Litchfield.

“Certainly I’m being lobbied, threatened. All sorts of neat things,” Urdahl said.

At this point, Urdahl said he intends to “support the governor” but “will continue to talk to people about the issue” over the weekend and will review amendments made to the bill.

To be completely honest, I'm not sure what to think about the "threats". Being threatened over his vote crosses a line for me. Litchfield and Meeker County have moved DFL the past two elections, Dean Urdahl has won because of Wright County. Eliminating a project in Litchfield could hurt DFL chances in this area in 2008. Could Urdahl be simply throwing this out there as a political ploy? We all recall his failed Dairy Tax Bill in 2006 and who he blamed that on.

Urdahl has had multiple opportunities to do the right thing here. He stated his support for a gas tax increase in the 06 election cycle, voted for it last May, and only after being called to the carpet by Governor Pawlenty, voted to uphold his veto.

I've heard a lot of excuses from him since then. Senator Dille, my opponent in 2006, has supported this gas tax increase from the start, just like he said he would.

Urdahl said the “government-type” people and those in the road construction business are telling him to override the veto while the “regular working guy taxpayer” doesn’t want to pay a higher gas tax and would rather pay higher property taxes to deal with transportation.

Who was he listening to when he supported the gas tax increase in 2007?

What category do I fit in? Does Urdahl see Blueman as a "government type"? Does he see me as a "regular working guy taxpayer"?

Considering I drive about 1000 miles a week for work, and that Michele Bachmann is proud of me and my 2 jobs, I would hope it would be the latter...

A side note...Political Muse over at Liberal in the Land of Conservative has posted my Tarryl Clark You Tube, only to piss off more conservative bloggers.

Muse, did you ever get an opinion on where they stand on Molnau now, after we find out she got $3.3 million for a shady land deal in Chaska?

Senator Tarryl Clark at "Breakfast of Champions"

Senator Clark came by to talk to those that attended the SD 19 "Breakfast of Champions" event in Buffalo Saturday morning.

Local candidates started the morning off with some rousing speeches. Chris Brazelton and Dennis Sucik are running for the 19B DFL endorsement, to run against Tom Emmer.

Jim Bakula is running for the 19A DFL endorsement to run against Bruce Anderson!

Senator Tarryl Clark came in to praise our local units for the party building endeavors we have engaged in and to hold a discussion on Transportation and other important issues in the area.

Here is a short video of one question. We're still working on this whole You Tube thing!



Senator Clark outlined Governor Pawlenty's transportation "plan". It's simply a red pen. Pawlenty wants to bond for roads and bridges in need of great repair. Despite the fact that the state will be seeing possibly a billion dollar deficit, Pawlenty's "plans" are all revenue neutral, result in no increases in taxes.

That's not a plan.

Senator Clark was followed by Bob Olson and Elwyn Tinklenberg, my remarks on their comments were posted earlier.

Once again, another great event hosted by the SD 19 crew!

Michele Bachmann has said “Wright County is the epicenter of the Republican Party in Minnesota”. If that's the case, there's no better place to be right now, shaking things up a bit in Wright County!

SC Times Op Ed: Gas Tax & Transportation

In a nut shell, get off your butt Rep Urdahl and other obstructionists in the House, vote for a compromise on Transportation, and quit playing politics.

The SC Times lists some local legislators who need a little more influence on this important issue.

Mary Ellen Otremba, District 11B, DFL, 651-296-3201, 800-709-0796, rep.maryellen.otremba@house.mn, Room 445, State Office Building.

Sondra Erickson, District 16A, Republican, 651-296-6746, 800-709-0578, rep.sondra.erickson@house.mn, Room 279, State Office Building.

Dan Severson, District 14A, Republican, 651-296-7808, 800-920-9984, rep.dan.severson@house.mn, Room 233, State Office Building.

Steve Gottwalt, District 15A, Republican, 651-296-6316, 800-683-0886, rep.steve.gottwalt@house.mn, Room 231, State Office Building.

Mark Olson, District 16B, Independent Republican, 651-296-4237, 800-920-5875, rep.mark.olson@house.mn, Room 301, State Office Building.

Dean Urdahl, District 18B, Republican, 651-296-4344, 800-920-5861 rep.dean.urdahl@house.mn, Room 239, State Office Building.

Bruce Anderson, District 19A, Republican, 651-296-5063,
rep.bruce.anderson@house.mn, Room 201, State Office Building.

For more Bruce Anderson info, check out Jim Bakula's video!

Tops on our list of weakest reasons are blanket opposition to tax increases and opposition rooted in a lack of compromise, also known as preaching idealism at a time when common sense and common ground are needed.

The reality is this bill is an acceptable compromise considering the state's transportation, political and economic climates. It won't solve all the challenges, but it will finally start to push the state toward modernizing its transportation system.

All that stands in the way are two political roadblocks. Contact the House members listed above and ask them to steer the state around those obstacles.

It appears as though Urdahl has sided with the blanket opposition to tax increases folks. It's sad that he follows Marty Seifert and Tom Emmer while throwing his own constituents under the bus.

Senator Steve Murhpy opines on the Governor's Transportation Veto.

This veto clearly demonstrates that the governor has no plan for transportation in our state. If he's not willing to support a reasonable compromise between a bipartisan coalition of legislators and the business community to move our state forward, what will he support?

If he won't support an investment in the economic vitality of our state in the wake of a recession, when will he support one? The answer is the governor will never come on board and will continue to ignore the real and growing needs of our transportation system.

Have you called your State Rep yet? Have you told them to support Transportation solutions in Minnesota?

Muse gets mail: No love from the Tink

Political Muse posts his letter from Bob Olson and comments on no such love from Elwyn Tinklenberg.

While I appreciate the letter from Mr. Olson, my first thought was where is my letter from the Tinklenberg campaign? It seems to be a relatively inexpensive way for these campaigns to reach out to the rank and file who will eventually decide the nominee. Is the Tinklenberg campaign doing anything to reach out to voters, and if so, why haven't any of us heard from them? Thank You, Mr. Olson, for going the extra mile to reach out to the voters. The last thing we need is another representative unwilling to recognize the constituents they serve.

I'll try to get some You Tubes up later today from the SD 19 "Breakfast of Champions" event in Buffalo yesterday. Both Bob and Elwyn delivered remarks yesterday.

Olson's speech had substance. Elwyn delivered a great speech, but he said nothing. Other than a few "Yes we can" chants from Elwyn, it was well delivered but devoid of any ideas or solutions.

My sense is that Elwyn thinks he has the endorsement sealed up. Labor was in full force for Elwyn in Buffalo yesterday. He'll obviously secure the labor vote, but what will progressives do? Will this be a repeat of 2006 where progressives support Olson and labor supports Tinklenberg, with the progressive voter winning out?

Some delegates are worried that Tinklenberg would take the race to a primary, should he not receive the DFL endorsement. Some have even indicated that they will support Tinklenberg in order to avoid a primary.

Seriously? Compromise your progressive values for the "easy way out"?

Me thinks it's time for Bob Olson to re-examine whether or not he would abide by the DFL endorsement, after all, what's good enough for Elwyn Tinklenberg is good enough for the rest of us right?

Jim Bakula at "Breakfast of Champions"

Jim Bakula at the Wright County SD 19 "Breakfast of Champions" event in Buffalo today.



It was an excellent stump speech! One of the best lines of the day from Jim was he pulled up a copy of the Minnesota State Constitution and talked education funding. He discussed that "150 years ago, the leaders of this State saw fit to recognize that some functions serve the common good".

Jim is right. I'll work on some more You Tubes for our local candidates and get them up as well. Bakula delivered a powerful speech today and has organized a great campaign to defeat State Representative Bruce Anderson in the fall.

Stay tuned!

Urdahl and Shimanski called out for Transportation vote

West Central Tribune's Op-ed section praised some local legislators, including Senator Steve Dille for his vote to support Transportation in Minnesota.

Dean Urdahl and Ron Shimanski were two Representatives that drew their ire for their lackluster support for Transportation.

It is shameful that these lawmakers talk on their campaigns about the importance of transportation to west central Minnesota and then stick their head in the sand when a key vote comes up.

Minnesota has not made a significant transportation investment for two decades — except to borrow funding by bonding which requires future repayment.

Where do Urdahl and Gimse expect to generate funding for U.S. Highway 12 upgrades?

Indeed, they spend a lot of time talking about what they want to do, but do nothing to support Transportation solutions. The Urdahl case is more shocking than Shimanski. Shimanski has been at the end of the Seifert / Emmer leash since his 06 election.

Urdahl is different. He has stated openly he would support a gas tax increase. He voted for it last May. Only after Governor Pawlenty called him to the carpet did Urdahl suddenly not support a gas tax increase and Transportation.

His vote Thursday in support of Governor Pawlenty's "Red Pen Plan" shows his allegiance to the Governor, while pushing his constituents "under the bus".

We call on Reps. Urdahl, Shimanski, Seifert, and Westrom and Sen. Gimse and Fischbach to put west central Minnesota first before the politics of their party. We ask for their vote as well to override Pawlenty’s political veto on this bill.

Urdahl and Shimanski putting the people before politics? We'll see again as the veto override comes soon.

Eric Z ponders Tinklenberg's Taconite

Developers are Crabgrass has a post up about Tinklenberg's Taconite!

My expectation would be that differences would be minor but telling. I expect Olson would have a more detached view, apart from jobs-for-the-Iron-Range being a myopic and governing concern. However, his advocacy of energy independence and energy alternatives - such as wind energy's potential for weaning foreign oil dependence and for creating manufacturing job potentials in Minnesota, is an advocacy that has to realize that copper and nickel are important for plant and equipment bearings, stainless and other specialty steels, and for equiping wind turbine generation sites and for arranging transmission grid access and management expansions. Any wind turbine, even a single small scale site, would involve clutching and control, generator internals where nickel might be a permanent magnet alloy component, and copper is the element of choice for coil windings. Without mining, recycling alone would be relied upon, and with an expanding world and competing nations, growth of the metals in use and available would be necessary. From that practical perspective, Olson would more likely be in favor of a studied and cautious approach - with minimized long term environmental downside, whereas Tinklenberg would want more jobs in Oberstar's district yesterday with myopia toward downside risks.

Indeed, Olson is solid on sustainable / renewable energy sources, in an effort to both, protect the environment and to end our reliance on foreign oil.

With the amount of traffic I am seeing with Tinklenberg Taconite, I think something deeper may be coming on this isssue soon!

Ramsey document switcheroo: Tinklenberg Group related (Updated)

Go check out Developers are Crabgrass for the latest.

I've been getting some more traffic lately looking for a certain Ramsey document I've quoted in the past.

This is what they have been looking for. January 8, 2008, the City of Ramsey was going over a proposal for services from the Tinklenberg Group and Elwyn Tinklenberg.

Communication with key staff in Senators Coleman and Klobuchar s offices to
ensure visibility for the project and garner support for receiving funds.

Coordinate events meetings and other opportunities for congressional leaders to
learn about the project and ultimately support funding.

Pretty easy to find, when you have the document (15 pages), that was originally posted at the City of Ramsey's site.

When I check the Adobe Reader properties of the document that used to be on the site, it tells us it was created 1/10/2008 5:11:33 AM.

Going back to the City of Ramsey site and going to the January 8, 2008 Work Session link, you find a 4 page document is now available on the site. Checking the properties shows us that this document was created on 1/4/08 at 11:59:26 AM.

Why would the City of Ramsey post a 15 page document outlining the details of the Tinklenberg Group presentation and Home Occupation Regulations and then after some of us begin to write about details of the Tinklenberg Group presentation, pull the data from the city's site?

"Anybody But Bachmann" Syndrome will fail

It's been interesting talking to delegates about the race in the 6th. Elwyn's denial of lobbyist work makes for interesting conversations.

"Will my town still have to pay the Tinklenberg Group to lobby him, if he were elected to Congress?"

"Not a lobbyist...a consultant. Pro-life...pro-choice. Anti DOMA...pro-civil union. Pro-war...anti-war. How can I vote for a guy who has more positions than the Kama Sutra?"


"All I want is to see Bachmann beaten, 'Anybody But Bachmann'".

"Anybody But Bachmann" gets us beat in November 2008. Not just anybody can beat Congresswoman Bachmann.

Liberals, Progressives, and Democrats went down this road in 2004.

Remember the "Anybody But Bush" fad? How'd that work out for us?

As 18 year old's fight in a war that started when they were in the 8th grade, I'd say not so good.

As my 401k has actually had a negative rate of return for the second consecutive quarter now, I'd say not so good.

We've all witnessed our collective fates when we sacrifice our core progressive values, to support the "Anybody But" candidate.

Are we going to compromise our core progressive values in the 6th for an "Anybody But Bachmann" candidate? I sure hope not!


Months ago, I thought the choice would be pretty tough, between Bob Hill, Bob Olson and the hint of Elwyn Tinklenberg joining the race made it even tougher at the time.

Over time, with Bob Hill exiting the race, Tinklenberg's MnDOT and lobbying pasts, as well as his inconsistency on core progressive issues, have made the choice much easier for myself and delegates I have had the pleasure of talking to.

We've gone down the road of a social moderate running in the 6th. Janet Roberts did not fair very well against Mark Kennedy.

As a pro-choice, pro equality in marriage, anti war, pro Veteran, progressive, I cannot support a candidate who does not identify with values that are the core of our party. Elwyn Tinklenberg does not reflect these strong Democratic values.

Bob Olson does.


Olson is strong on choice.

Olson strongly supports equlity in all marriages.

He has opposed this war since its inception.

He helps working and middle class Minnesotan's go to college, buy homes, and take steps towards fulfilling the "American Dream."

Elwyn Tinklenberg is our "Anybody But" candidate. Nice guy, but has too much baggage and is not consistent enough to actually defeat Bachmann.

He'd try to make us feel good though, while getting trounced 59-39 in November 2008.

"Anybody But Bachmann" gets us beat in November.

Of the 2 remaining candidates in the race for the DFL endorsement, Bob Olson is the only candidate that can beat Michele Bachmann...

Olson on Tinklenberg Lobbying...and it hits the fan.

Olson Calls on Tinklenberg to Come Clean on Lobbying
Tinklenberg's Lies Could Hurt Party in November, Olson Says

For Immediate Release
Contact: Christopher Truscott

ANOKA—Bob Olson, a DFL candidate in the 6th Congressional District, called on Elwyn Tinklenberg to level with voters and come clean about his work as a federal lobbyist.

"I think when we have someone who lobbies members of Congress running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, voters deserve to know whether there's a potential for a conflict of interest," Olson said. "Could public service advance Elwyn's private lobbying business? It's a fair question."

Olson's comments come in response to an op-ed article submitted to the St. Cloud Times (and provided to the campaign) in which a 6th District resident says Tinklenberg has been dishonest about his work as a federal lobbyist. At a DFL meeting in Buffalo last December, Tinklenberg said he doesn't engage in federal lobbying. Public records prove otherwise.

Voters deserve answers to several important questions, Olson said.

Why did Tinklenberg tell residents he's not a federal lobbyist?
How much money have taxpayers spent on Tinklenberg's federal lobbyist work?
How much money has Tinklenberg made lobbying the Transportation Committee he wishes to join?
Have any of the cities employing Tinklenberg competed for the same federal funds?

Tinklenberg's lies about his lobbying work create "serious" electability issues, Olson said.

"Elwyn really needs to be straightforward about this now," Olson said. "It's either he tells the truth in February or Mrs. Bachmann creates her version of the truth in October."

Tinklenberg's inability to tell the whole story on his lobbying work is part of a long pattern of deception on a series of important issues.

"Elwyn has proven he has a poor relationship with the truth," Olson said. "He was for the Iraq War and now he's against it. He was for the anti-GLBT Bachmann amendment and now he says he's not. He was anti-choice and now he claims to support reproductive choice. He wasn't a federal lobbyist and now he is. What's next? Voters don't need anymore surprises from Elwyn Tinklenberg."

The Legislative Auditor on Transportation: Tinklenberg's ties

A great uproar emerged from the Capitol yesterday as the Office of the Legislative Auditor released a report on the state of Minnesota's roads.

In response, Senator Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing, clutched his report and announced, "Twenty years of excuses and inaction have led to this."

Indeed it has. The blame can be placed amongst many individuals. Elwyn Tinklenberg, former MnDOT Commissioner is equally to blame.

The Fiscal Year 2000 report, from the Office of the Legislative Auditor found that Tinklenberg's office:

The department should verify that the federal Davis Bacon Act minimum wage requirements are met. The report cited three state projects where payroll records weremissing for some of the subcontractors. The audit report recommended that MnDOT obtain the missing payroll records and review the records for compliance with theminimum wage requirements.

The department should improve controls to ensure compliance with certain environmental regulations found in Minn. Rule 7001.0150 and the federal Clean WaterAct. The report cited improper disposal of materials on one state project. The internalauditors recommended that the department ensure that appropriate inspections are madeand appropriate documentation is kept on the disposal of materials.

The department should revise its policies to ensure compliance with Minn. Stat. Section16C.05 regarding contractual payments. The report cited payments that were made ontwo state projects prior to the execution of supplemental agreements. This finding wasalso reported in the two previous audit reports.

The department should improve controls over concrete production reports and clarifyconcrete aggregate quality assurance testing requirements. The audit report cited threestate projects with missing or incomplete weekly concrete reports.

So, his office was in violation of prevailing wage laws, the Clean Water Act, had non-competitive bid contracts, and problems with concrete aggregate.

I wonder if this is when Tinklenberg began his infatuation with cancerous Taconite tailings?

The Fiscal Year 2001 report, from the Office of the Legislative Auditor found that Tinklenberg's office:

The Department of Transportation (MnDOT) did not ensure compliance with federal
and state reporting requirements for the removal and disposition of hazardous buildingmaterials.

The Department of Transportation and HennepinCounty engineers did not properly control lead paint residue removed from bridges.

The Department of Transportation did not ensure an independent appraisal of qualityassurance and quality control requirements for bituminous production for one of itsstate aid projects.

The Department of Transportation did not ensurecontracts were properly executed prior to payment.

The Department of Transportation did not follow orensure compliance with certain contract permit requirements.

More Tinklenberg led MnDOT contract problems?

The Fiscal Year 2002 report, from the Office of the Legislative Auditor, found that Tinklenberg's office:

The Department of Transportation did not ensure certain transportation financial
activity was fairly presented on the state’s financial statements.

The department did not ensure compliancewith federal and state reporting requirements for the removal and disposition of hazardous building materials or bridge lead paint residue.

The department did not follow orensure compliance with certain contract permit requirements.

The department should improve certain project oversight procedures.

It should be noted that 3 of these citations were not properly followed up on by Tinklenberg's office, hazardous materials removal, contract requirements, and project oversight.

Honestly, I now know why Tinklenberg doesn't care whether or not he registers as a Federal Lobbyist.

He is simply above anyone's authority.

Senator Murphy is right, 20 years of inaction has done this state no good. Unfortunately for Elwyn Tinklenberg, he has not been a solution, he's been a part of the problem.

Urdahl abused on Jason Lewis show

Anyone catch Jason Lewis tonight? Tonight, Representatives Heidgerken and Urdahl took some abuse from Lewis and his listeners. It was interesting to say the least.

We'll soon see what Urdahl will do.

Jack Nelson Pallmeyer on DFL endorsement

From the Cucking Stool! Great video's up over there now, including a great Steve Sarvi ad.

Urdahl dines with Speaker Kelliher?

When will Minority Leader Seifert, Rep Emmer, and Governor Pawlenty let Rep Urdahl have it?

AAA at Residual Forces reports that Reps Urdahl and Heidgerken dined with Speaker Kelliher at the swanky Monte Carlo last night in Minneapolis. I wonder if Urdahl went to have a mojito at Cafe Havana afterwards, since it is in close proximity?

I wonder if she promised to not target Dean Urdahl's seat in 2008?

Eric Z: On the revolving door...

Eric Z on Senator Russ Feingold's "Revolving Door Working Group".

It's a pretty good piece. From a 2005 Russ Feingold Press Conference

The revolving door is a problem for two basic reasons. First, because of the revolving door some interests have better access to the legislative process than others. Former members and staff, or former executive branch employees, know how to work the system and get results for their clients. Those that have the money to hire them have a leg up. The public perceives this as an unfairness in the process, and I agree. Decisions in Congress on legislation, or in regulatory agencies on regulations or enforcement, or in the Defense Department on huge government contracts should be made on the merits, not based on who has the best connected lobbyist.

The second problem with the revolving door is that it creates the perception that public officials are cashing in on their public service, trading on their connections and their knowledge for personal profit. When you see former Members or staff becoming lobbyists and making three, four, or five times what they made in government service, that just looks bad.

Both sides of this coin combine to further the cynicism about how policy is made in this country and who is making it. That, ultimately, is the biggest problem. The public loses confidence in elected officials and public servants. That is why this was one of the very first issues that Sen. John McCain and I worked on together back in 1995. And it remains a problem today; indeed it has become an even bigger problem as shown by the report released today.

Compare what Elwyn Tinklenberg said before the East Bethel City Council and what Senator Feingold describes as a problem that erodes public confidence.

Tinklenberg said we would work with Minnesota’s regional, state, and federal elected officials which is a critical element to the success of these types of activities. He said we have a lot of experience working with them. Tinklenberg said there are some things that we have learned in the process that can make you successful. He said first it is important to be clear about your expectations. Tinklenberg said more often than not you start small, demonstrate that you can deliver, and then go back for larger amounts. He said Congressman Oberstar will be working on a 6-year bill that might provide more opportunities, but, it is easier to come back a second and third time. Tinklenberg said the second lesson is none of this goes quickly, this is a slow process. He said If you get into this process brace yourself for a three year process. And third is get support.

Senator Feingold is right. We have an opportunity to support a status quo candidate who, simply put, has no chance in defeating Michele Bachmann. These lobbying ties are too juicy for Bachmann and the Conservative blogosphere to not exploit.

Or, we can support a candidate who supports change. A candidate who is firmly grounded in his positions. A candidate with integrity.

It's a pretty easy choice for me.

Great work Eric!

Urdahl to support a veto override?

AAA at Residual Forces seems to think he's one that may fold!

We all know what happened last year though...

30 second recap: October 06, Urdahl would support a gas tax increase, as stated before County Commissioners from Wright, Meeker, McLeod, and other Greater Minnesota Counties.

Urdahl holds true to his word, votes for Transportation Bill with gas tax increase.

Urdahl gets scolded by Governor Pawlenty. (while letting 155 days go by without telling TPaw his Transportation Bill did nothing for Greater Minnesota).

Urdahl votes to uphold Governor veto.

Urdahl gets mad at people who call him a flip flopper on transportation.

From a Dean Urdahl email:

I agree that we could reprioritize. But the two biggest budget items are education and health care. Cuts will be difficult in those areas. Plus, frankly, my caucus is outnumbered almost 2-to-1. We don't set the priorities in the Legislature and can't until we regain the majority.

Isn't part of the reason were in this predicament because Dean's caucus was in the majority for a time being?

Ah, I loved the 4 consecutive years of double digit tuition increases, taking money from state grants, the compassionate conservatism that created the double digit property tax increases in Greater Minnesota.

We'll be sure to keep everyone posted on Urdahl's every move on this issue. I know the County Commissioner's out here won't let him slide by twice!

Jack Nelson Pallmeyer story in Duluth paper

Check it all out here.

“I was an Al Franken supporter until I heard Jack speak a few months ago, and he just blew me away. He’s clearly better on the issues than Al,’’ party host Peter Boyle said to the group of more than 50 people gathered in his home.

Nelson-Pallmeyer is a favorite among the DFL’s progressive wing, and he has support from several local DFL leaders such as St. Louis County Commissioner Steve O’Neil, St. Louis County Attorney Melanie Ford and Duluth City Councilor Sharla Gardner.

“I’ve known Jack since about 1979 … and he’s very bright, he really knows all the issues and he can stand toe-to-toe with Norm Coleman,’’ O’Neil said at Sunday night’s event. “And it’s no secret that delegates tend to be more liberal than the party in general, so I think Jack has a good shot at this.’’

Many DFLers say the Coleman seat should be retaken by a liberal, noting it had been held by Sen. Paul Wellstone. Coleman won the 2002 election just weeks after Wellstone was killed in an airplane crash near Eveleth.

For some DFLers, Nelson-Pallmeyer is the best choice because he best embodies Wellstone’s progressive ideals. Nelson-Pallmeyer served as a foreign policy adviser for Wellstone. Whether Nelson-Pallmeyer can overcome the lack of name recognition and campaign funds is unclear. But supporters say he is building momentum.

“It’s a very targeted universe now, it doesn’t take a lot of money to reach a few hundred people who already are tied into the issues,’’ Nelson-Pallmeyer said. “I’m gaining a lot of support among the delegates going to the convention. And I know there are a lot of uncommitted delegates who I can convince between now and then.’’

Also, check out Political Muse's work on the three Senate candidates Education stances. It's a very fair analysis.

Tinklenberg and taconite

Lots of hits today on people searching for Tinklenberg and Taconite, even the DCCC.

What's going on with that?

Tinklenberg website comment

From Eric Z:

It looks interesting that the projects Tinklenberg Group took those thousands of monthly taxpayer dollars for - East Bethel, Albertville, Hassan Township, Ramsey, Elk River - ALL for highway projects - he has little to say about bringing home that range of pork.

Or does he? I will have to look at the campaign website to see.

I had a look. It is an improved site.

He starts "ISSUES" with the following, which to me is ironic, "Working American families are experiencing levels of financial anxiety not seen since the Great Depression. Wages no longer keep pace with the rising cost of living, unless you happen to be a CEO. The income gap between the wealthy and the middle class is staggering."

EXCEPT, THE MAN IS A CEO. I GUESS THAT MEANS HE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HOW THEIR EARNINGS SPIRAL UPWARD WHILE THE WORKERS WATCH. I EXPECT HE FEELS NONE OF THE HURT, PERSONALLY, AND JUST LIKE BACHMANN WITH THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELING CLINIC FAMILY BUSINESS AND A SHARE OF THE WISCONSIN DAIRY FARM, IT'S A HYPOTHETICAL TO HIM THE SAME AS FOR BACHMANN.

My biggest question, last election cycle it came out, Bachmann's clinic workers had no health coverage.

So, do the Tinklenbergers have coverage? Yes, or no, the press should be asking.

Tinklenberg is a CEO of a lobbying group, isn't he?

SOMEHOW, FACTS LIKE THAT GOT DROPPED FROM HIS "ISSUES" PERSONA ON HIS CAMPAIGN SITE.

Then, on TRANSPORTATION, he adds, "Without a strong, experienced leader in Congress, we will continue to miss out on federal funds that are already available for transit projects and infrastructure improvements."

Strong, experienced leader, he says. Well, he is experienced. Like Jimi Hendrix, I guess.

And, then, however, he says "we will continue to miss out on federal funds ..."I thought the whole entire reason and purpuse behind municipalities giving the guy taxpaper money was to NOT miss out on federal funds.

And he says "continue to miss out ..."That seems to say Elk River, Albertville, Hassan Township, Ramsey and East Bethel have NOT been getting much bang for the buck - indeed, CONTINUING to miss out on federal funding.

I suppose the bottom line with Tinklenberg is those municipalities should have spent all that taxpayer money on a registered federal lobbyist, and then they would not have missed out at all.

What in this am I missing? What is not ringing right?

Integrity? Coherence? Rhetoric is okay, I guess. My understanding is he likes sliced bread, motherhood, our flag, and bottled beer too. And with a strong experienced leader in DC, we might end up with a chicken in every pot.

Finally, he says, "If elected, I will be the only member of the Transportation Committee who has personally managed a state's department of transportation."

My understanding is committee assignments are competitive, and not decided until the new Congress convenes. How do you suppose he "knows" he will get on the Transportation Committee, "if elected?" Perhaps, he's already been lobbying current members, for the assignment, and gotten assurances - if "lobbying" is the proper word to use in that context.

AAA on the Tinklenberg Op Ed

AAA over at Residual Forces posted last week on Tinklenberg's Pioneer Press Op Ed.

The righty bloggers see Elwyn's lobbying work as well.

Tinklenberg has become a very successful lobbyist. He has made quite a name for himself helping to secure state and federal dollars for municipal welfare all over Minnesota. Hiawatha, Northstar, and the entire lightrail phenomena are kinda his little baby. He is basically on the payroll for many counties, cities, and townships across Minnesota to help them get other taxpayers to fund their pet projects.

From his Op Ed:

The way to make that shift is to invest in projects that will create good jobs and improve our failing infrastructure. The most recent estimate from the American Society of Civil Engineers is that $1.6 trillion will be needed over a five-year period to rehabilitate the nation's infrastructure. Establishing a long-term development and maintenance plan must become a national priority.

Looking at the most recent estimate from the American Society of Civil Engineers, we find that this report was released in 2005. We find no reference to Elwyn discussing this problem in 05 or 06.

Imagine what a difference some of that "stimulus" money would have made to highways I-94, 35E, 35W, 610, 23 or 55, not to mention the NorthStar, Rush or Red Rock commuter lines.

Stimulus money to those projects would mean an even greater stimulus to Tinklenberg's pocketbook. I count at least 5 projects that Tinklenberg lobbyied for in that group.

In the final analysis, if we are going to add $168 billion to our national debt, it seems to me that it would have been nice to get something tangible to show for it.

Clearly we are worried about our nation's infrastructure. Clearly we are worried about the state of our economy. Clearly we are worrried about the job market.

Keep in mind, Tinklenberg would have voted for this war in Iraq, "based on the information available at the time".

How many billions have we wasted there?

BREAKING: Tinklenberg vows to "bring back the Pell Grant program"!

From Tinklenberg 2008:

Astronomical tuition costs are putting higher education out of reach for the majority of Americans. It is time to bring back the Pell Grant program, expand “national service for tuition” programs, find ways to curb college tuition increases, and help recent graduates manage their student loan debt. (Emphasis added)

Phew. Glad Elwyn wants to bring that wonderful program back!

Whoa Nellie! Did the Pell Grant program really go anywhere? Did it really go away? I think I would have heard about this one, having been the former chair of an organization that fought for more money for Pell Grants.

According to wikipedia:

For 2006-07, the maximum Pell grant available to students remains $4,050. Students with less need will receive smaller amounts. Grant moneys can be used for tuition, fees, and educational expenses (such as textbooks or required materials for a class).

For the award year of 2007-2008 the maximum Pell Grant Award is $4,310. The maximum award for the 2008-09 award year (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009) is $4,731. The maximum can change each award year and depends on program funding. The maximum grant is to increase to $5,400 by 2012.

From the Federal Student Aid website:

The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2007-08 award year (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008) is $4,310. The maximum award for the 2008-09 award year (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009) is $4,731. The maximum can change each award year and depends on program funding. The amount you get, though, will depend not only on your financial need, but also on your costs to attend school, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.

It would appear to me, that while underfunded, the Pell Grant Program is still around!

How can someone endorsed by Education Minnesota post on his campaign website the urgency to "bring back the Pell Grant program'?

Seriously, talk about out of touch with the issues.

Bob Olson has actually helped people go to college. He understands the importance of these grants for individuals with great financial need. He understands that the FAFSA can be a rather complicated document and will work to make the process for applying for federal assistance easier.

How Elwyn Tinklenberg thinks Pell Grants are no longer in existence, that they need to be brought back, is beyond me!

Tinklenberg's new website

A vast improvement over the last one, that's for sure. He even has "on the issues" now.

If elected, I will be the only member of the Transportation Committee who has personally managed a state’s department of transportation.

It could also read, "If elected, I would be the only member of the Transportation Committee that was an unregistered Federal Transportation Lobbyist."

As your Congressman, I will work to expand the light rail, complete NorthStar, build the Rush commuter rail, and enhance local bus service. Expanding public transit options will benefit local businesses, the economy, and the environment.

A few pet projects Elwyn lobbied for.

Although an improvement, I still see a lot of fluff.

An old Colonel used to tell me on a regular basis, "I don't care what you did yesterday, what have you done for me today!"

Tinklenberg talks about rising gas prices, but offers no solution. Will he work towards a society based on sustainable and renewable energy source? Or will he work to make the 6th CD a concrete and tar palace?

Jack Nelson Pallmeyer at Drinking Liberally

H/T to Muse for sending this to me. Posted at Cucking Stool.

Eric Z: Who is Bob Olson?

Eric Z has a nice post up about Olson, including one of his lit pieces.

It's a good question. While Elwyn starts many of his stump speeches with, "you know me" (which I strongly dispute), Olson ought to start off with, "I know you".

As a community banker, he understands the struggles of working and middle class Minnesotan's, as they struggle to buy houses and pay for college.

Olson is the only candidate in the race that's helped people do that.

As a tax attorney, Olson understands the complicated mess that is our tax system. He understands how working and middle class Minnesotan's are being abused by a system to perpetuate the wealth of a few, and the struggles of many.

He gets it!

As a sustainable energy advocate, he understands the importance of shifting from a petroleum based based economy to a renewable/sustainable energy economy. A shift of these proportions stands to create thousands of quality union jobs throughout the 6th, while adressing the issues around global warming and the environment.

Olson understood the reality of the war in Iraq from the start and opposed the war, unlike Elwyn Tinklenberg who "would have voted for it based on the information available at the time."

Sorry, but as a Veteran myself, I cannot buy that excuse. Olson will work to aid our returning Veterans. His opponent, Michele Bachmann, uses them for political fodder.

We ought to look beyond the issues though. I want a person representing me that is consistent. Someone who does not waver in the strong political winds blowing through the 6th CD. I want a candidate with a backbone.

Sadly enough, Elwyn Tinklenberg is not that candidate.

Bob Olson, you may not know him yet, but trust me, he knows you!

Tinklenberg inquiry forwarded not rejected

Recall that Tinklenberg Spokesman John Wodele stated that the US Attorney's office rejected the federal lobbying claim pushed forward by Eric and Jerry.

Here's a copy of the letter that actually shows that it was forwarded to the proper authorities.

Why did Wodele lie about this?

If all Tinklenberg has to do is register, why hasn't he?

What are they hiding?

More on Tinklenberg's 08 announcement

Interesting post, don't agree with everything though.

Elwyn Tinklenberg announced last week that he will seek the DFL endorsement for Minnesota's 6th congressional district, so that he might challenge incumbent Michele Bachmann. What I find very interesting is a statement that Tinklenberg made last week, and which was played over and over as a sound bite on the radio.

Tinklenberg said that the 6th needed new leadership, citing three specific reasons: the Iraq War, Hurricane Katrina, and the 35W bridge collapse. Let's think about that.

Bachmann is in her first term. She took office in January, 2007 -- this year! Let's see, the Iraq War has been going on since 2003, Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005 -- I'd say Michele Bachmann is new leadership since then! (And what does the 6th district congressman from Minnesota have to do with Hurricane Katrina, anyway?)

But the most interesting aspect of this is the 35W bridge, which, incidentally, is not in the 6th district.

I think it's the most interesting aspect, because do you know why Elwyn Tinklenberg's name sounds familiar to Minnesotans? No, not because he sounds like a character from Mr. Roger's "Neighborhood of Make-Believe," but because he was Minnesota's Commissioner of Transportation from 1999-2002!

Sounds to me like he already had a chance to exhibit his leadership when it comes to bridges. But he didn't prevent the collapse.

Now is that Chutzpah, or what?

Why is this important?

Why expose Elwyn Tinklenberg's lobbying past?

It's much deeper than simply talking about his lobbying work. It calls into question his integrity.

Once confronted about his lobbying record 2 months ago, Tinklenberg has engaged in a campaign of Dodgeball like proportions.

Dodge, Dip, Duck and Dive!

His recent excuses fall short.

How can we trust a guy, running for Congress, who could not even file the proper paperwork to be a legally registered federal lobbyist?

In his response to the inquiry, posted at the SC Times, Wodele made this seem like an insignificant issue.

Since when is trust in our elected officials an insignificant issue?

We've got a Congressional candidate, who should be registered as a federal transportation lobbyist, owns a transportation group, and wants to be on the transportation committee.

Conflict of interest anyone? Regardless if he decides to suspend his transportation business, people across the district have some real concerns over this.

I do not beleive Tinklenberg is in this for us. I hate saying that, but my gut tells me that. Tinklenberg has a million dollar Rolodex right now. He's looking to make it a fifty million dollar Rolodex.

So, he's a lobbyist and not a lobbyist?

Pro-life and pro-choice?

Pro-DOMA and anti-DOMA?

For war in Iraq and against war in Iraq?

How do you think Albertville, Elk River, Dayton, East Bethel, Anoka, Ramsey, and all these other cities that were duped by Tinklenberg, will react to the news that he actually is not, and was not, registered to lobby for them in Washington.

How will he regain the trust of the general public in these communities?

Wow, and we're the one's being "unfair"?

DC Watchdog Groups: Tinklenberg should be a registered lobbyist!

Instead of Blueman and John Wodele flinging poo back and forth, we decided to rely on the experts.

Craig Holman, PhD. Public Citizen

The evidence presented here strongly suggests that Tinklenberg has met the threshold of a federal lobbyist:

(1) Receives compensation of $5,000 or more per six months
(2) makes expenditures of $20,000 or more per six months
(3) Spends at least 20% of his time on behalf of any single client conducting lobbying activity.
(4) Made more than one lobbying contact with a "covered official" (member of Congress).

Since there is some evidence that the threshold has been met, it is appropriate to file a complaint with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House, requesting that they investigate the matter. You may also want to copy directly to Tinklenberg for faster action. You will probably see him scramble to register and disclose.

Glad you guys are on this.

We just caught ADM (also in Minnesota) not registering, and ADM is now in compliance with the law.

Greg Gasiewski: Lobbying Researcher for the Center for Responsive Politics

The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995's definition of a lobbyist:

LOBBYIST.—The term ”lobbyist” means any individual who is employed or retained by a client for financial or other compensation for services that include more than one lobbying contact, other than an individual whose lobbying activities constitute less than 20 percent of the time engaged in the services provided by such individual to that client over a 3-month period.

Certainly sounds like it to me.

Eric Z on the wind beneath Tinklenberg's wings...or positions

The head in the sand edition...

If we bury our heads in the sand, this will all go away...




Eric Z posts at Developers are Crabgrass.

There is a speech on YouTube of Tinklenberg saying he wants to be on the transportation committee. He is a transportation lobbyist. I just don't see what is ethical about that. On top of that, he's not federally registered. He is pushing taconite on roads which may contain dangerous asbestos, but hasn't been thoroughly tested.

And also. he's pro-life AND he supports Roe v. Wade (and government funded abortions.)

He supports a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and civil unions, AND he supports same sex civil partnerships with full benefits (and government paid for sexual reassignment)

He lobbies federal officials AND he's not a federal lobbyist.He said he is not going to run AND he is running.

He is pro-gun AND pro-gun control.

He is running for federal office because the bridge fell AND the problem is at the state level, not the federal level, and he was part of that problem with tax rebates and cutting license tab fees and sending turning away federal funds.

I probably agree with him on many issues, when he is consistent. I just don't know how to evaluate him.

Let's not forget, he was for the war in Iraq before he was against it as well.

In Buffalo at the SD 19 meeting on 12/16/07, Elwyn started his speech by saying "You know me..."

Actually, we don't. We ought to by now, but in reality, we really don't. Watching someone who evolves their positions on key issues so many times, it's hard to know where they really stand.

Who's pulling the puppet strings here? The DCCC? The party? Labor?

Perhaps I'll get Bluewoman and I to use our rebate checks to get a flat screen HD TV. Surely then we'll be able to see the puppet strings!

Ventura and Tinklenberg

In 1998, Minnesotan's flocked to support Jesse Ventura for many reasons. One reason was because of his unique ads going after the "lobbyists and special interests".

A decade later, one of Ventura's lieutenants, former MnDOT Commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg, is perhaps the largest Transportation lobbyist in Minnesota.

If you know one who rakes in more bucks, please comment, set me straight!

Funny but sad, so sad.

Dump Bachmann has a new post up about Eric Z and I piling on Tinklenberg's lobbying scandal.

All Elwyn has to do is come clean. Pony up all the lobbying contracts across Minnesota and Wisconsin in order to provide a proper accounting of the government money he was paid for his consulting and lobbying work.

Some call the exposure of Tinklenberg's lobbying ties "unfair".

Delegates I have spoken to think it's unfair that Elwyn has not been consistent or straight forward on this and many issues.

More on this story soon...

Eric Z on more Tinklenberg "consulting" or "lobbying"

I must say, the plot continues to thicken. Previously, most of us have spent our time examining the road/highway side of the Tinklenberg lobbyist mess.

Eric Z takes on some of the rail issues, that we know are out there, but have yet to examine!

Ramsey officials remain determined. They have been bending the ears of local, state and federal lawmakers to get support. And the Tinklenberg Group - a transportation consulting firm founded by former state transportation commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg - is helping, Nelson said.

Bending ears? Hmmm, sounds a lot like the "keeping issues before the decision makers" line.

Eric Z also questions why an official county website has been scrubbed of certain content.

And, hey, it sure sounds like Tink is lobbying again (and still); registered or not; and I do not want a career politician, revolving-door lobbyist to be in Congress from MN 6 - there are too many compromised "damaged-goods" folks already in Congress that we do not need to send another, or what is more likely, we have the DFL get what it deserves if the bosses run the lobbyist presently known as Tinklenberg [to borrow from Prince and his "the artist formerly ..." thing], i.e., they do a Tink cramdown against the better judgment of the grassroot people and he goes down in flames Nov. 2008

That's the point of the collective disclosure of Tinklenberg's record.

Regardless of what any party official, campaign staffer, media jockey, blogger, or delegate thinks, the ultimate goal here is to defeat Congresswoman Bachmann.

Sticking our heads in the sand and hoping this stuff goes away like a bad haircut will not win us an election. It will not ensure that Congresswoman Bachmann's reign ends upon the completion of the 2008 election cycle.

Anything that does not work towards that goal, of defeating Michele Bachmann, is self defeating.

MN Blue: Jack Nelson Pallmeyer: Most effective candidate

Grace Kelly at Mn Blue has a great post up about JNP's effectiveness.

• Most people have not heard of Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.
• People who are for Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer are very loyal.
• The Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer is on very lean budget, compared to the budgets of Mike Ciresi and Al Franken.

It's true.  Jack Nelson Pallmeyer is great on the stump.  His progressive message of hope and holding candidates and elected officials resonates with delegates. 

Sunday, in Glencoe, I sat and watched the crowd respond to all of the candidates when they were speaking, hence the shaky You Tubes.

Delegates watching JNP were fully engaged.  His passionate style had heads nodding in agreement and people leaning forward in their seats wanting more.

Ciresi did well too.  Franken, who received the most delegate support, didn't seem to truly connect to people.  I watched people back in their seats, arms crossed and little facial expression when he spoke.  His message did not seem to resonate, although people wanted his signature on a campaign sign.

I want so much more from my candidate for the US Senate.  

Listen to what Ciresi and Franken are saying.  At every stump speech I have seen more than one of these candidates together, they say "Jack's right" or "Just like jack said before."  

A comment from the Mn Blue thread.

The analogy about the car traveling 150 miles per hour headed off a cliff and the other two candidates wanting to slow the car down to 100 miles an hour is always effective. A couple of other things Jack said tonight really impressed me. One was Jack saying his political hero was FDR and that we needed a "New" New Deal, tying in his idea of creating a modern domestic marshall plan to build a green economy just as Roosevelt put the country back to work and rebuilt our country in the 1930's. The other was Jack simply pointing out that it has not been a lifelong ambition for him to become a U.S. senator. He has only recently decided to run because he is concerned about his children's (and everyone's) future, and like Paul Wellstone, he would take courageous votes based on what he believed was right, not based upon how it would effect the next re-election campaign. He said if he is only in the senate for 6 years so be it, but pointed out that following Paul Wellstone's NO vote on the 2002 Iraq war resolution, his approval rating went up!

Jack presents the biggest contrast to Norm Coleman, (while best representing the DFL bases' views) and offers the voters a clear choice between he and Norm Coleman.

His argument about the choices we face in the coming years of whether to spend 7-10 trillion dollars importing oil and fighting permanent wars, or to use that money to build a green economy here at home could not be clearer.

I support candidates who share my hopes, my dreams, my fears, and my vision for the future.  

I support candidates who have the integrity and moral courage to stand in the way of special interests and truly work to create a sustainable grassroots effort for much needed change.  

I fear the Franken craze is not sustainable as it's built upon his celebrity and not his progressive values.  You can't evoke Paul Wellstone's passion and ideology, his ability to work across party lines and get things done, and at the same time, call the person who could be your opponent derogatory names.

Take it for what it's worth, but I just don't see "it" in Franken.  Ciresi could do it, but I have some major reservations about his health care plan.  Creating a committee, task force, or working group is political speak for delaying a result.

Jack Nelson Pallmeyer is the real deal.  

We elected a liberal private college professor once...why not again?

Bachmann continues assault on working families

Bachmann Continues Assault on Working Families
Olson: Congresswoman' s Hostility Toward College Students 'Inexcusable'

For Immediate Release
Contact: Christopher Truscott

ANOKA—Bob Olson, a DFL candidate in the 6th Congressional District, said Michele Bachmann's vote last week against the College Opportunity and Affordability Act fits in with a "consistent and appalling" pattern of ignoring the plight of working families.

"It's nothing new," Olson said. "When given the opportunity to stand up for working families, Michele Bachmann has said 'no thanks' each and every time."

Among other things, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act would:

-Provide for renewed accountability in student loan programs;
-Simplify the financial aid application process;
-Increase college aid and support to veterans and military families; and
-Provide equal opportunities to students with disabilities.

Bachmann was one of just 58 representatives to vote against the College Opportunity and Affordability Act. Last fall she was one of only 97 to vote against the College Cost Reduction Act.

The Star Tribune reported on Saturday that in-state tuition alone at the University of Minnesota is expected to exceed $10,000 a year in the fall.

Hal Kimball, a Cokato resident and former chair of the Minnesota State Student Association, attended St. Cloud State University, where the cost of tuition, room/board and books topped $12,600 this year.

"College costs are soaring and stretching the budgets of students and their families to the breaking point," he said. "The only thing that isn't increasing is Michele Bachmann's willingness to show some compassion—to work for her constituents. "

Olson shares those concerns.

"The congresswoman and I have something in common: we both came from modest backgrounds and had to work very hard to get where we are today," Olson said. "The difference between us is that I want to make sure the next generation has the same opportunities we did. Judging by her voting record, I don't think Mrs. Bachmann shares my concerns at all. It's really inexcusable. "

Noting the recent reports of local economic woes—including layoffs at St. Cloud-area businesses Electrolux and Stearns, Inc., and the increase in requests for help at the Stillwater Salvation Army—Olson said higher education and job re-training are especially important.

"This is a real bad time for the congresswoman to put up roadblocks to higher education," Olson said. "With the economy in the shape that it is, we're not just worried about students coming right out of high school, but also adults going back to college to gain more skills so they can compete in a tough economy."

Minnesota lost 2,300 jobs last month and 23,000 in the last six months of 2007, according to a report in the Star Tribune.

More on Meeker County Republican's "hanging chads"

MDE has a post up about a Minnesota Republican Party email claiming "the DFL did not hold a true caucus."

"Our participation represents people who actually caucused and want to be more intimately involved; the DFL conducted a quasi-primary under the broad umbrella of the word 'caucus'. Their 'quantity' is no match for our 'quality' of participation."

Lovely...excpet if you were a Meeker County Minnesota Republican!

Recall my post on the mess created by Meeker County Republican leadership.

I questioned what was going on in Meeker County. When I checked the Secretary of State site this morning, the only precinct that reported numbers was Cedar Mills, where Ron Paul beat Mike Huckabee 83-67. Romney finished with 55 votes, McCain 43, and Alan Keyes 7.

It remains the only precinct in Meeker County to have results posted at the SOS site. Interesting. Ron Paul won Meeker County and the "Republican Leadership" in Meeker County decided to not send in the proper election results? They reported zero's to their party and to the Secretary of State!

It's been said that "the revolution will not be televised". The "Ron Paul Revolution" swept through Meeker County Tuesday night yet the votes weren't even reported properly. It's been reported through the Litchfield Independent Review and other sources that Ron Paul won Litchfield as well, soundly defeating Huckabee, Romney, Keyes, and McCain. Yet, the SOS has no results up?

Isn't this the same party that's looking to change the way Minnesotan's vote? We know these cats are drinking the same kool-aid Tom Emmer and Dean Urdahl are drinking. Yet, they voted and the votes were not recorded?

I'd say integrity of the process was lacking in Meeker County. While the Minnesota Republican Party labels the DFL process as a "quasi-primary" the Meeker County GOP particpated in an attempted coup.