The Dirty Fingernail Coalition

Posted at 1:24 PM on April 19, 2006 by Bob Collins

Truth be told, we don't really know how "average" many of our politicians are. But we can tell a little by what they do in "real life." Call it the "Dirty Fingernail Coalition," the brainchild of someone with way too much time on his hands today, and a browser connected to the House member biographies.

First, we get rid of the lawyers (14), the educators (22), the realtors (4), doctors (including chiropractors) (4) people who list their occupation as "legislator" (16), and people who list their occupation as "business" (18), and, of course, consultants (7), and we're left with this year's Dirty Fingernail Coalition.

Bruce Anderson -- Listed as "agribusiness." I think that means farming or something having to do with farming. You're in.
Greg Blaine - Farmer
Rep. Tony Cornish - He's a retired cop. That qualifies.
Greg Davids - Farmer
David Dill - Aircraft and powerplant mechanic
Rod Hamilton -- Says "pork producer," which I think means hog farmer.
Lyle Koenen - Farmer
Doug Magnus - Farmer
Tim Mahoney - Pipefitter
Michael Nelson - Tradesman
Mark Olson - Carpenter
Mary Ellen Otremba -- Farmer (and substitute teacher. Yeah, that counts too!)
Duke Powell - Paramedic
Maria Ruud - Nurse
Steve Sviggum - Farmer

That's 9 Republicans and 6 DFLers if you're counting. And I know you are.

Now I have to come up with a logo and secret handshake. Oh and T-shirts. Gotta have T-shirts.

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