How much buyers remorse will there be in the Senate race?

It's a lot like the debate that raged in the late 70's /early 80's.

Betamax or VHS?

Those that reacted early and jumped on the Betamax product would soon be disappointed by the superior VHS tape. Betamax tapes and machines became obsolete quicker than 8 tracks.

I think the same is happening in our US Senate race. People drank the kool aid and jumped on the Al Franken bandwagon quickly. As I worked several conventions around the area, people were sold quickly on Al Franken.

Jack Nelson Pallmeyer was relatively unknown to many of these delegates. After seeing Jack speak and witnessing Jack hold true to his solid progressive convictions, people moved from Franken, Ciresi, and undecided groups to support a strong, proud, and authentic progressive.

Delegates started to officially align behind Franken in February, shortly after the precinct caucuses and have been getting behind their candidates ever since.

A lot of things have happened since February. Beyond the imploding Franken campaign, Jack Nelson Pallmeyer has connected with delegates. He has remained above the fray, always talking about the issues at hand, the issues that matter most to voters across the state.

I'm wondering how much buyers remorse will be out there on Al Franken? I know he's going to probably see a majority on the first ballot, my prediction 54% 43% 3% undecided/no endorsement. The second and subsequent ballots will be very interesting.

I never bought into Betamax and I haven't bought into Franken. I think he's a nice guy and I would vote for him over Norm Coleman, but he does not connect with me.

I tried to have a conversation with Franken about depleted uranium munitions and gulf war syndrome. He appeared to be quite distracted and not interested on the issue. I spoke to Jack at the same event. He knew the same activists that have been fighting this issue for more than a decade.

Jack connects to people like me.

He's no Betamax, Jack's the real deal.

More Calls For Franken To Drop Senate Bid

Read it yesterday while checking out the Sarvi piece over at Twin Cities Daily Planet.

I hadn't planned on posting on this story, until I started to go through the comments. Wow, people just got pretty fired up over Mr. Brodericks opinion.

Franken’s problems don’t stop at opportunism or satirical thrusts at America’s sexual mores or misogyny or the fact that his staff keeps him away from the press for fear that he will indulge in a fit of rage at some poor reporter. He is also a self-absorbed and lackluster candidate who fails to connect with voters. Polls that came out even before Porn-o-Rama showed him running seven points behind Norm Coleman – Norm Coleman, for heaven’s sakes – or just about dead even with Mike Ciresi, who ain’t even in the race anymore, and only a few points ahead of Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, the underfunded DFL-er who happens to possess the integrity, vision, and record of public service that Franken lacks.

Yeah, I've seen the Rasmussen Poll, with Franken down 2 points right now. However, the commenter's at TCDP fail to point out that the poll only provided the person with a Franken or Coleman option. Jack Nelson Pallmeyer was not a part of the poll. Neither was Mike Ciresi, who remains out of the race.

With the DFL State Convention 1 week away, things are really heating up. From what I have heard from some delegates, Team Franken is doing a considerable amount of polling going into next weekends endorsement.

Interesting.

For months and months now, Franken has been the overwhelming favorite, in line for a first ballot endorsement.

Oh have the times changed.

Tax problems, a Playboy scandal, and a growing malaise towards Franken have left the campaign in full on defensive mode with a week left before the convention. Why else would a Franken spokesperson come out so strongly against Congresswoman McCollum?

Dave Mindeman over at mnpACT! introduces an interesting scenario.

The specter of no endorsement grows.

Al Franken is damaged goods. He will not defeat Norm Coleman in November, regardless of whether or not he trails Coleman in a Rasmussen poll 6 months before the election.

There has to be a full and complete vetting of Franken. Didn't he pay someone to do oppo research on himself? He ought to get his money back if he did.

Jack Nelson Pallmeyer is the type of candidate who would unite our party. Despite the Publius theory that JNP would be attacked for his writings on religion.

Jack Nelson Pallmeyer has a BA in Political Science from St Olaf, a Masters of Divinity from the Union Theological Seminary in New York, and has been a professor at the University of St Thomas for 15 years.

Using the Publius argument, would Franken's personal experience with Playboy have led him to his 2000 dirty rant?

Apples and oranges ladies and gentlemen, apples and oranges.

The darkhorse here in Mike Ciresi. I like Mike. He's a great guy who have given tirelessly to his party.

While a late bid for the DFL endorsement is highly improbable, what would happen if the delegates decided on "no endorsement" next weekend?

Many shudder at the thought of a US Senate DFL Primary this September.

I'm not one of them.

In 2006, John Tester was locked in a hotly contested US Senate Primary in Montana. After winning the primary, Senator Tester worked to unify the party and went on to defeat Senator Conrad Burns.

The same can happen here. We can send Norm Coleman packing to a cushy K Street lobbying gig, if we get the right candidate. I really do like Al Franken, I think he's a nice guy and a great family man. But I think his baggage makes him a lackluster US Senate candidate.

This race is much too important to have it weighed down with Franken's baggage.

Does Franken Get It?

The past several days have been pretty interesting, watching a lot of traffic come in from Minnesota Democrats Exposed and Christopher Truscott.

Some have chided Chris and I for our posts on Al Franken, asking for a scenario in which another Democrat emerges from Rochester as the DFL endorsed candidate for US Senate to run against Norm Coleman.

So we're looking for a scenario here right? With Franken's baggage, I think the delegates need to see a scenario in which Franken can overcome his self inflicted political wounds to defeat Norm Coleman.

Unfortunately, being DFL Endorsed will not be enough. He'll need to have the ability to reach out to moderate and independent voters. Having called Senator Coleman one of President Bush's "butt boys".

As unpopular as President Bush is here in Minnesota, the name calling doesn't work. Ask Rudy Boschwitz and Mark Kennedy. Minnesotans don't buy that brand of politics.

I spent a lot of time talking to a DFL friend of mine about the Playboy issue.

Blueman is not a prude. Having served 11 years in the Army, I've heard a lot of crazy stories and seen even crazier stuff during my service. Franken's story, while edgy, was not highly offensive to me. Swiftee's comment at MDE, which Brodkorb took down, was more graphic.

Satire or not, the excuse has been overused and frankly, is getting old.

Franken's Playboy mansion fundraiser this week is more problematic. Many have defended Playboy as a fairly non-offensive smut magazine. I thought so too before my friendly discussion. My friend unlocked some parental controls on their television and pulled up Playboy TV.

Apparently, there is some pretty tawdry stuff at Playboy TV, including a "reality TV show" called Foursome in which couples, um...hook up. My friend went on to describe some other explicit programming. We're naive to think that Playboy is merely a magazine now. Look at the TV show "Girls Next Door".

Playboy a pornography empire.

A Franken fundraiser at a Chicago Playboy mansion is tough to swallow for a progressive, feminist Democrat.

How did that discussion go down in the office? Surely they knew this would garner some negative attention.

I don't want to hear the argument that Obama and Clinton did this too. Three wrongs don't make a right. It's absolutely wrong.

Hell, we were up in a tizzy over Governor Pawlenty's sex-less sex scandal!

The Startribune has failed as well, putting the press back in suppression.

While the Franken Playboy story filled the Strib, an equally troubling matter, the story on Coleman's DCI bloodmoney, has died. Coleman should do the right thing, donate the contributions to a charity.

Franken's tax problems, satire, and other political missteps will impact his chances in November. Mike Ciresi, who left the US Senate race 2 months ago, trailed Franken by 1% in a recent poll?

Jack Nelson Pallmeyer is peaking at the right time. Beyond his progressive values and his work in the US Senate race, JNP has dominated in debates. He's fully capable of defeating Norm Coleman in November, if given the opportunity.

This Playboy thing really bugs me. It really makes me question whether or not Franken really "gets it"?

Franken's Sinking Ship

Truscott touched on this last week as well.

The Strib released some polling numbers last night and they have to be troubling for Team Franken.

Franken trails Norm Coleman 51-44.

Interestingly enough, Franken only polls 1 point higher than Mike Ciresi, who has been out of the US Senate race for about 2 months now.

Jack Nelson Pallmeyer trails 53-38.

Franken's tax problems have surely led to his disappointing polling recently. It's a major flaw for the Franken candidacy. Franken speaks regularly on the stump of holding Norm Coleman accountable, especially for his time as the Chair of the OVersight Committee.

Jesse Ventura weighs in on the Franken tax mess.

He says he won't rule out running for U.S. Senate and he repeatedly ripped Franken and Coleman with some very harsh words. He said he lives in Minnesota more than Al Franken and when he wrestled for 30 years in different states he knew he had to pay taxes where he earned the money. He wondered why a Harvard grad like Franken wouldn't know that.

Personally, I thought Franken's tax problem excuse was pretty weak. It seemed to be more passing the buck than anything else.

If delegates are smart, they will realize this tax problem would take Al Franken down in the General Election.

Heck, if Al Franken really wants to see Norm Coleman defeated and "Paul Wellstone's seat" back in the hands of a Democrat, he'll step aside and help a suitable replacement.

Jack Nelson Pallmeyer is that man.

Trailing Norm Coleman by 15 points at this point is not a serious issue. JNP simply does not have the name recognition of Franken or Ciresi. He is well spoken and passionate on the stump. He would give Norm Coleman a run for the money.

Favorable/Unfavorable rating:

Coleman: 53% fav 33% unfav 14% DK
Franken: 33% fav 39% unfav 29% DK
JNP: 8% fav 6% unfav 85% DK
Ciresi: 25% fav 15% unfav 54% UK

It's an interesting poll, but a lot of bad news for Al Franken.

Ciresi on Candidate Qualifications

Mike Ciresi has a letter in the Strib today talking about his qualification for office, and takes a few shots as well.

His qualifications:

•Building an internationally recognized organization that is known for leveling the playing field for those who do not have a voice against powerful interests.

•Meeting a payroll and budget of $100 million and making sure that all within our organization have health insurance and that their workers compensation is paid.

•Advising the world's largest democracy, the government of India, regarding the Bhopal disaster and establishing new international law regarding multinational corporations' liability.

•Representing individuals, unions and corporations and guiding them to resolution of personal injury, business and intellectual-property issues.

•Negotiating hundreds of settlements in which, in most instances, it was necessary to persuade and motivate the other side to compromise.

•Providing members of Congress with the information they needed to frame laws and conduct hearings that benefited the common good.

•Establishing and chairing a foundation that has invested millions of dollars addressing issues of immigration, tolerance for diversity, education, housing and other timely issues facing our state and nation.

•Cochairing the Hennepin County Commission on Homelessness.

•Serving on the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation Board and many other charitable organizations.

•Taking internationally recognized action to remove defective products from the marketplace.

•Defeating the tobacco industry and bringing, to date, almost $3 billion to Minnesota, with continuing payments of up to $200 million per year for as long as the industry exists. This money has bailed us out of a budget deficit and has paid for roads, education, health care, social services and other obligations of government.

Note the workers comp/Al Franken shot.

It's an impressive list and I do agree with his statements about his work in Minnesota over the past 30 years.

I believe these qualifications and others made me ready to serve our state and country in the Senate. I am comfortable comparing them against those of any other candidate in recent memory. Jacobs' commentary article reminded me of Theodore Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" quote. To paraphrase: It is not the critic who counts. The credit belongs to the man who has actually been in the arena and who spends himself for a worthy cause. His place will never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.

I'd seen Mike speak at several events across Wright County and SD 18 over the past 6 months. His message resonated with me. While I strongly support Jack Nelson Pallmeyer for US Senate, Mike Ciresi was always a strong consideration for me.

Thanks for all you've done for this state Mike!

Jack Nelson Pallmeyer in the news

The Duluth Budgeteer News has an interview with JNP up.

Jack was missed at the SD 42 Convention yesterday. Everytime he gets up in front of delegates and talks about core progressive issues, he wins delegates over. He's truly the most progressive candidate in the US Senate race and has, in my humble opinion, the best shot of all the candidates in unseating Norm Coleman.

I did give Al Franken some praise yesterday. I saw some fire in him yesterday, the first time out of seven for Franken, that I witnessed.

Steve Kelley was the surrogate for Mike Ciresi at the SD 42 convention. Although I am a strong Steve Kelley guy, I will vote my conscience at the convention. I will support Jack Nelson Pallmeyer.

Check out the interview. Here's one of the questions.

What separates you from your DFL opponents: Mike Ciresi and Al Franken (Note: Jim Cohen dropped out of the race)?

Nelson-Pallmeyer: There are four or five big differences.

One: We all care about global warming, but I understand that issue in a more complex way. I’m saying, this is what we’re going to have to do if we listen to what the scientists are saying. Jim Hansen said (previously) if we could keep carbon emissions below 450 parts per million, we’d have a decent chance. But looking at how things changed just in the last year, with the ice shelf collapsing, etc., now he says that number needs to be closer to 350 ppm. Well, we’re at 383 now.It’s not hopeless, but it is absolutely urgent. I’m the only one calling for actions that the scientists (would advocate).

Two: I am calling for a redefinition of security and helping our country transition to being a good global partner. There are pressing needs at home and we can’t take care of those while we’re spending half the world’s money on military needs and research. You know, Bush doubled (military) spending and I think we’re less secure now.

Three: I do support at national single-payer health care system. You still choose your doctor, your hospital, but it means saving a huge amount of money that’s now going into paperwork. (Nelson-Pallmeyer has lots more to say on health care; check out our Web site next week for more.)

Four: The other candidates support nuclear power. I think that’s a mistake. It’s a mistake because of proliferation, cost, waste issues.

Last, ... sometimes I think the other candidates think the way to beat Norm Coleman is to run on how bad the Bush administration is. But the way to move forward is by offering a compelling vision of what our country could be, to invite people to be hopeful. Stylistically, that’s a very important difference.

To be fair, I do not completely agree with Jack on his nuclear energy policy, but understand and respect his perspective.

I will be looking forward to other parts of this interview. I would urge Blueman readers to check out Jack's website. Watch his speeches on You Tube, take a chance and try to get to know this strong progressive Democrat. If you're a delegate, it's your duty to investigate all the candidates.

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.

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?

MinnPost on Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer

Once again, it's a bit older, but very good.

The DFL is understandably gun-shy about backing statewide candidates solely on the basis of their popularity within the party itself. It is also understandably leery of endorsing candidates whose weakness among the general electorate enhances the likelihood of a bruising primary challenge in which the officially endorsed candidate is dumped in favor of a better-known and funded figure. But in the case of Nelson-Pallmeyer, I think the party finds itself with a new kind of dilemma on its hands, one that it cannot solve by looking to the past for answers.

This year, the DFL candidate with the worst chances of gaining the party endorsement for Senate is the candidate with the best chance of winning the general election.

If the DFL runs Nelson-Pallmeyer against Coleman, he'll win in a rout. If they run Mike Ciresi, it's at best a toss-up. If the party chooses Franken — the candidate who, to date, has the best shot at winning the endorsement — Coleman wins and we get to spend another six years being represented by the political equivalent of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion, with a dash of Guiliani-esque family values all wrapped up in one unsavory package.

Indeed, Franken does not move me one way or the other. Ciresi is good, but Jack has a message of hope. "Idealism" trumped "electability" with Paul Wellstone.

It can happen again...

Nelson-Pallmeyer wins TakeAction straw poll

Bluewoman pointed this out to me last night.

Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer - 54.1%
Al Franken - 41%
Ciresi - 4%
None of the above - 1%

JNP has had a strong base of progressives behind him. This straw poll must be a pretty significant disappointment for Ciresi, who I would label as more progressive than Franken.

Nonetheless, it's a great showing for Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer as we move closer and closer to precinct caucuses and our local unit conventions!

Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer for Senate

I've seen all the candidates.

I chatted with Al Franken in Monticello at the VFW. Spoke to Frannie in Biscay and Darwin.

Spent some great time with Mike Ciresi in Monticello and Otsego. Spoke to one of his sons in Biscay and Darwin as well.

Talked with Jim Cohen in Otsego, Biscay and Darwin, as well as sitting with him at the Founder's Day dinner in St Paul.

I'd been leaning Mike Ciresi for quite some time. I really like Mike. I think he would make a great US Senator.

I have reservations about Al Franken and simply put, can't support Jim Cohen.

I'm a liberal.

I'm a liberal who was proud of the work of Paul Wellstone. I believe in "Stand Up, Keep Fighting!"

Bluewoman and I first met Jack at the CD 6 Garden Party in Otsego this summer. He had not officially announced his candidacy yet, but we both walked away pretty impressed with Jack.

We checked out the other candidates as they came through the area. Neither of us felt a strong connection to Franken or Cohen, although we both know they would be a vast improvement over Senator Oversight, Norm Coleman.

And while Ciresi connected with me, Jack connected with both Bluewoman and I. After meeting us in Otsego, he remembered who we were quite some time later in Biscay, for the McLeod County Hog Roast fundraiser.

I brought back memories of my meetings with Paul Wellstone, powerful meetings that have formed my political identity.

Jack does that for me. While he is not the favorite in this race, neither was Paul Wellstone, he is better aligned with what I stand for as a liberal, socially progressive Democrat.

He does not support NAFTA nor CAFTA.

Like another candidate I strongly support, Bob Olson, he has strong positions on the environment and sustainable / renewable energy.

He understands the tragedy that has become the Iraq War.

It's much deeper than issues though. A recent story in Labor World says it more eloquently than Blueman ever could.

The second reason I am supporting Jack is deeply personal. I, like many folks, still consider this seat Paul’s seat. And I, like many, want to defeat Norm Coleman so badly I can taste it. Maybe Al or Mike can win. And if either of them do win, they will cast a decent vote, most of the time. But for me, it is not enough to settle for just a decent vote in Paul Wellstone’s seat. I want more than a vote – I want a voice that speaks out, is never silenced, and is always courageous, always pushing for what is necessary and in doing so is redefining what is possible. That’s what Paul did so eloquently and effectively. There will be compromises, of course. That is simply part of getting things done. But like Paul Wellstone, Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer will never sacrifice his principles, or his ideals.

Can Jack ultimately win? I don’t know. I gave up predicting that a long time ago. Paul and Jesse Ventura were never supposed to win and they did. Few would have predicted that Skip Humphrey – the most popular Attorney General in Minnesota history – would come in a distant third. What I do know is that Jack offers a true difference and a real choice of authentic and principled leadership, and we desperately need that in Washington now more than ever.

Authentic and principled leadership.

That's why I support Bob Olson.

That's why I support Ashwin Madia.

And that is why both Bluewoman and I support Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.

Senator Coleman blows off Minnesota Farmers Union?

Ollie Ox over at Bluestem Prairie has the scoop!

Senator Coleman addressed a Saturday Farm Bureau convention lunch, but his staff apparently blew off repeated invitations by government relations director Thom Peterson to speak to MFU members.

Now, this wouldn't be much of an issue for the delegates since Coleman hasn't been to a MFU convention since he was elected to the Senate.

Except for one thing: a "Coleman for Senate" placard posted by the Four Points Sheraton on the Memphis meeting room, which is right across the hall from the large salon where hundreds of delegates met all day and where their banquet would be held that night. Delegates hoped that was a sign that Coleman would be speaking to them, but no. Coleman would be in the hotel for a fundraiser associated with another group (more on this in another post).

It's one of those campaign scheduling boo-boos that squanders an opportunity to create good will and to build upon work Coleman has done in the Senate.

So, Senator Coleman blows off one of most important advocacy groups in Minnesota for one of his fundraisers? I can't wait to see what Jack Nelson Pallmeyer and Mike Ciresi have to say about this one! Check out the rest of what Ollie Ox reports about the convention and Congressman Walz!

Founders Day fun! (Updated)

Bluewoman and I were able to attend the DFL Founders Day festivities in St Paul last night. Needless to say, it was a great time.

Bob Olson attended the reception event before the dinner before heading over to Minneapolis for the Human Rights event, where Congressman Tim Walz was a keynote speaker as well.

El Tinklenberg was surrounded by Janet Roberts and Bill Luther at the event. I never saw El in the reception area, but he was at the dinner.

Walz and Ellison delivered short speeches before the dinner and it was great to have spent a few minutes talking to the Congressman!

Senator Klobuchar introduced Senator Tester from Montana. The Senator rocked the house! Having ran in a primary in Montana, the Senator implored the Senate candidates and their supporters to unite behind the DFL candidate for US Senate in 08. If Tester can beat Burns in Montana, Ciresi or Franken can beat Coleman here!

Senator Tester repeated a quote from Senator Wellstone's famous 20o2 speech in opposition to military action in Iraq.

This debate must include all Americans, because our decisions finally must have the informed consent of the American people, who will be asked to bear the costs, in blood and treasure, of our decisions. When the lives of the sons and daughters of average Americans could be risked and lost, their voices must be heard by Congress before we make decisions about military action.

Senator Dayton was highly animated at this event. I must say, the last several dinners Senator Dayton has spoken at, the more animated he is getting. Dayton spoke of Senator Wellstone and his vote in opposition to the war in Iraq. He praised Wellstone as the only incumbent Senator to oppose the vote. He also praised the wisdom of Betty McCollum, Martin Sabo, and Jim Oberstar on their votes against the war as well.

I did ponder how that sat with Tinklenberg, as his position on Iraq has been "I would have supported the decision based on the information available at the time."

Seems like most of Minnesota's leaders in Washington knew 5 years ago this war was wrong.

Congressman Oberstar ended the night with a great speech on the GOP transportation obsructionists who have opposed him at every step of the way.

But...Congressman Oberstar is the chair now, those bills got hearings and were passed!

He did take a good shot at the Carlson, Ventura, and Pawlenty administrations for underfunding transportation. Who served as Ventura's Transportation Commissioner?

Finally, while on the subject of Minnesota transportation commissioners, one of the lowlights this past week was former Jesse Ventura Administration Commissioner of Transportation Elwyn Tinklenberg. Mere hours after the bridge went down, he was being interviewed on KARE-11 TV (our local NBC affiliate) standing in front of the dark Capitol building blathering (there is no better word) about MnDOT's "constant deterioration of the budget, constant layoffs, failure to replace people," etc. Most of what he said was not only not true, but it was crass in the immediate aftermath of the bridge falling down. And for the record, the collective opinion on Tinklenberg in the transportation job was much worse than Molnau's.

I must say, it was a really fun night. I was able to talk to a few Klobuchar staffers I had not seen since the last election, talked to Senator Klobuchar for a few minutes as well as Congressman Walz.

We'll be sure to attend the second annual Founders Day event as well!

BTW, it was great seeing liberal bloggers Beyond Sound Bites and Headlines and Bluestem Prairie there as well.

Mike Ciresi in Monticello today

Senate District 19 had an event for Mike Ciresi today in Monticello.

It was a very well attended event, as 30 Democrats braved the great weather to hit a few golf balls and have a conversation with US Senate Candidate, Mike Ciresi. Two representatives of the Bob Olson campaign were in attendance, no one from the Hill or Tinklenberg camps.

Olson's people appear to be at every function throughout the 6th!

Mike took questions for over an hour, and not softball questions either! Party insiders wanted some real answers, and Mike delivered.

I was able to have a conversation with Mike as well, and having spoken to him on numerous occasions now, walked away from today's event impressed with Mr. Ciresi.

When I think of Mike Ciresi, one word comes to mind.

Leadership.

Mike has an impressive bio, in which he has been a leader at every level. He has also been a loyal supporter of Democrats for the past 30+ years.

Similar to my post about Bob Olson, I think Mike Ciresi is the right candidate at the right time for the US Senate race.

Don't believe me? Check out the debate between Mike Ciresi, Al Franken and Jim Cohen, decide for yourself who the true leader in the group is.

CD 6 Garden Party Fund Raiser

Yesterday, the 6th CD DFL had a fundraiser / garden party at the home of Mick Raeker and Gabe Davis, in Otsego.

What an amazing place! More than 500,000 day lillies and a wide assortment of other flowers and plants.

Hats off to all those in CD 6 and SD 19 who worked so hard putting that event together. The event ranks highly as one of the funnest DFL events of the year!

Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Bob Hill, Al Franken, and Mike Ciresi had tables at the event.

The Wellstone bus was also at the event. I gotta say I had some major goosebumps walking through that bus and taking some pictures!

Stump speeches were delivered by candidates for the US Senate and Congress, as well as some local candidates as well.

Bob Olson delivered a speech about his run against Michele Bachmann and issues around energy independence.

Franken delivered a shorter version of a speech he gave in Monticello. He nailed it once again!

Jim Cohen delivered a speech in which he spoke of not being beholden to special interests, after he spoke of his time as a lawyer for the Sierra Club. He appeared a bit irritated as well that he would not be given as much time as he had wanted for his stump speech.

Jack Nelson Pallymeyer was very impressive. He delivered a very impassioned speech and was right on time! He stopped Bluewoman and I as we walked around the cozy confines and engaged us in a 15 minute conversation, asking us what the most important issues were in our opinion. Bluewoman cited education and I, of course, cited Veterans issues and the quagmire in Iraq. He was very engaging and I was absolutely impressed!

I had also not had the opportunity to see Mike Ciresi speak before this event. Ciresi gave the most interactive and impassioned speech of the day. I also had an opportunity to speak to him before the end of the event as well.

With all of the passionate speeches I witnessed, no one was able to top Congressman Tim Walz, the keynote speaker for the event.

Congressman Walz did not speak to us or at us, which is significantly different than most other politicians. The Congressman engaged us in a conversation. It was a conversation about Iraq, Healthcare, earmarks, Transportation, and many other issues.

The audience was engaged throughout. I guess it's because our elected representative in Washington is AWOL. People wanted to engage with our elected leaders and get hear a frank discussion of what is really going on. Something we rarely get here from Congresswoman Bachmann.

Does Congresswoman Bachmann hold high quality townhall meetings like Congressman Walz, where your party affiliation determines whether or not you will get in?

Does Congresswoman Bachmann hold "office hours" in which anyone can see her?

Congressman Walz does. In fact, he did so earlier Saturday morning.

If she really cared about what constituents in the 6th thought, she'd hold at least one of these sorts of forums in the district. In stead, she holds phone teleconferences.

Congressman Walz was very frank and candid about what's going on in Washington. That's why I have a great deal of respect for the man.

Hands down, the line of the day was stated by Congressman Walz.

When talking about the culture shock of being a member of Congress he stated, "After the first couple of days you wonder 'How'd I get here', but after a few weeks, I started to wonder 'How'd they get here!'"

Indeed Congressman Walz...we're still trying to figure it out here too!

Since Bluestem Prairie asked the question, I'll answer it.

Rumor has it that in DC, Congresswoman Bachmann asked Walz what he was doing in her district. Perhaps he'll share the story in his remarks.

Congressman Walz did note that decorum normally dictates that members of Congress don't spend a lot of time at events outside of their district, fundraising against other candidates.

The 1st and the 6th have a lot in common. Most pundits would predict that a Democrat couldn't win in either area. They were proven wrong this past November.

With those commonalities, the Congressmen stated that he wasn't sure that our current elected official represented the district in the most effective manner. He did not agree with many of her votes in Congress. He said so, with the caveat that Bachmann would surely say the same about himself.

Another rumor was that since Walz had travelled into the 6th to fundraise for Democrats, that Bachmann would travel into the Fighting 1st to fundraise for Republicans.

It brought a great deal of laughter.

Please do Congresswoman Bachmann...please do.

Wake Up Wright County: Post Game!

Well over a hundred progressive Democrats met for a buffet breakfast at the Monticello VFW today in the first Wake Up Wright County event.

I must say, the bacon was pretty good.

Al Franken was the show today! I found his mix of humor and policy to be refreshing. As a Veteran, I appreciate Franken's work on USO tours. Since 1999 Franken has been on 9 USO tours. He was quick to point out that these tours are not simply a fly in and fly out kind of gig. He would go to Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan for weeks at a time, talking to the troops.

Senator Coleman goes on the "dog and pony shows" to Iraq. On the 2007 Armed Forces Day, Franken made it crystal clear for those that do not know Coleman's record on Veterans issues...

The Senator sucks on Veterans issues. He earned a D from IAVA and a low rating of 40 by the Disabled American Veterans group.

And Coleman had the audacity to attack Senator Wellstone on Veterans issues.

Which brings me to another excellent point, that Bluewoman pointed out to me as we were drving back from the event.

Franken never mentioned Wellstone until the Q&A session where he received a question about the Iraq War.

I found that to be interesting. He's a guy who is passionate about restoring honor to "Wellstone's seat". Yet, he is working hard to create his own niche in politics. Bluewoman is right...and I liked that aspect of the speech.

It seems it took Franken a bit longer to create his 48 state map today. I had heard through the grapevine that he could do it in under 3 minutes. Lots of heckling going on though...

"Iowa's too big"

"Texas is too big"

It was an excellent map and brought Wright County Democrats nearly $200 in the auction.

Franken did well today. I can't wait to see Mike Ciresi out here as well.

I was also able to talk to Bob Hill today, the only announced candidate versus Congresswoman Bachmann. I did not know a lot about Mr Hill until today and I did walk away impressed. He has a firm handle on the issues that matter most to those of us in Greater Minnesota, is well spoken, and has energy. I could feel the passion coming from him and walked away very impressed.

Otherwise, it was a great day in Monticello for Democrats. The Wright County Convention went very well, we have new officers for the coming 2 years, including myself as the County secretary.

I'm excited to work with the Democrats in 19 to help organize Delano, Buffalo, Monticello, Rockford and other towns to fire Tom Emmer, Bruce Anderson, Amy Koch, Dean Urdahl, and others.

BTW, anyone wanna bet Senator Coleman has no idea what a DFAC is?