Capitol View: July 14, 2006 Archive

More from the (hot) bunker

Posted at 7:13 AM on July 14, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy (1 Comments)

As we now see Matt Entenza's decision not to answer questions about his research into Mike Hatch's office turned what could have been a one day story into a two day story. Did his original choice not to answer reporter questions help him or hurt him?

Mike Hatch still is relying on written statements. I guess we'll have to wait to see whether this turns into a three day story.

As long as we're on the general subject of the media, did anyone think it was too hot yesterday? I mean, really, really hot? I turned on the sprinkler for the kids to run through, but it did not seem that bad. In fact, it was a rather pleasant July evening in St. Paul. To watch TV you would think the sidewalks are melting.

Actually it wasn't the heat, but the rain that caused problems in some parts of Minnesota.

One of the advantages of working early Friday mornings at MPR is you get to talk to Mark Seeley as he comes in to do his weekly chat with Cathy Wurzer. He says it will be hot this weekend, but he doubts it will hit 100 degrees in the Twin Cities.

I certainly believe people should take care in extreme weather, but this weekend watch out for the hype along with the heat.

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Ellison promises news

Posted at 7:27 AM on July 14, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy

Just got this release from the Keith Ellison campaign about a press conference he will hold today:

Recording Captures Illegal Campaign Plot in 5th Dist

What: Recording of candid conversation after speakerphone accidentally left on will be played and distributed.

We'll let you know what he has to say.

Other stuff happening today: IP candidates file for office, federal candidates rush to complete fundraising reports by tomorrow's deadline, 5th District DFL candidates debate on Almanac.

Here's that Entenza audio

Posted at 7:58 AM on July 14, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy

Here's the full audio of both of Matt Entenza's news conferences yesterday.

Here's the first.

And here's the second one, which occurred about two hours later.

Hmmm...I wonder who they'll pick...

Posted at 9:03 AM on July 14, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy

Who: DFL State Central Committee

Where: Eden Prairie High School 17185 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN

This just in...

Posted at 9:47 AM on July 14, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy

Ellison announcement postponed. More as we get it...

Lourey scheduled to file on Monday

Posted at 10:13 AM on July 14, 2006 by Tom Scheck

Sen. Becky Lourey knocks down the blog rumors that she won't challenge Mike Hatch in the DFL primary with this news release...
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MEDIA ADVISORY

Lourey-Baylor Ticket to Officially File Candidacy Monday

Candidate for Governor Becky Lourey and her running mate for Lieutenant Governor Tim Baylor will officially file their candidacy on Monday, July 17. The filing is expected at 10 a.m. at the Secretary of State's Office in the State Office Building in Saint Paul.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 11:50 AM on July 14, 2006 by Tom Scheck

The Entenza story leads the digest today. MPR, the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press all have stories on yesterday's events. We're all still waiting to talk to the head of the Chicago research firm that did the work for Entenza.

The Strib has a story on the money raised in the 5th Congressional District. Ember Reichgott Junge's campaign sent out a news release this morning correcting the story. They say she actually raised $233,000 in the 2nd quarter with $138,000 cash on hand as of 6/30/06.

The Senate campaigns have not released their reports yet. Amy Klobuchar's campaign said they may not have it done until tomorrow's deadline. Mark Kennedy's spokeswoman said they hope to have it out the door today.

The National Journal writes that the Twin Cities is getting some rave reviews from the Democrats who visited the cities.

"Minnesota's Twin Cities -- which last hosted a major-party national convention in 1892 -- have gotten strong reviews from the Democratic convention operatives who visited."

Even so, they write that Denver is working hard to woo the Dems while Tampa Bay is working to woo the GOP.

The Washington Post has a story on the Voting Rights Act vote that occurrred in the U.S. House.

Chris Cillizza with Washington Post's the Fix also details the Top Ten Governor's races (Minnesota doesn't make the cut)

The New York Times David Sanger writes that Congress and the Courts are working to bring back the balance of power in Washington.

The paper also writes about a clash over a tv ad showing the troop coffins...

MSNBC has an AP story on a poll saying the GOP is vulnerable in November.

Finally, Happy Birthday Gerald Ford. 93!

The call from Gragert's office

Posted at 12:18 PM on July 14, 2006 by Tom Scheck

We just got a call from Will Caskey, who says he's a spokesman for Dennis Gragert. Gragert owns the Chicago based private research firm that Entenza hired to look into Attorney General Mike Hatch's office. Here's Caskey's comment:

"Mr. Gragert stands by the statement he released yesterday regarding his work that he did for Matt Enteza relative to the attorney general's office. He stands by that statement and he has no further comment on the matter."

Caskey wouldn't answer any questions. His call comes one day after Entenza said Gragert would talk to the press corps about his investigation. Entenza says he asked Gragert to only do a search into the AG's office so he could learn the inner workings of the office. He says Gragert went above and beyond that investigation when he examined a Mike Hatch parking ticket in Dakota County...

Ember tries to catch Emily's eye

Posted at 12:40 PM on July 14, 2006 by Tom Scheck

Ember Reichgott Junge said yesterday that she'll be speaking with EMILY's List next week to talk about the campaign and a possible endorsement. EMILY's List is a Democratic women's fund-raising organization which works to elect pro-choice Democratic women to federal, state and local offices. The group brings in some serious campaign cash for candidates. They are already backing Amy Klobuchar for U.S. Senate.

Reichgott Junge is running for Congress in Minnesota's Fifth Congressional District. She's running in the September DFL primary against six other candidates. State Representative Keith Ellison has the DFL endorsement.

Reichgott Junge wouldn't say when she's talking to the organization. She said it would be a phone conversation.

League of Conservation Voters endorses Klobuchar

Posted at 12:54 PM on July 14, 2006 by Tom Scheck

The environmental group says they endorsed the DFLer because she's committed to renewable energy and is dedicated to protecting the environment:

"LCV is proud to endorse Amy Klobuchar because she understands that energy independence will create the economy of the future by creating jobs and assuring America's rightful place as the world's leading innovator," said LCV Senior Vice President for Political Affairs Tony Massaro. "She also understands that the best way to energy independence is to grow this new economy by developing new and improved energy resources, counting on American ingenuity, American know-how and the American work ethic to reach our goals."

Klobuchar has the DFL endorsement for the U.S. Senate. She's running to succeed retiring Senator Mark Dayton. Republican Congressman Mark Kennedy has the GOP endorsement. There are several members of the Independence Party running in the September primary.

Pawlenty to hold fundraiser for Grams

Posted at 1:16 PM on July 14, 2006 by Tom Scheck

I found this on the Minnesota Young Republicans website.

------------------

SPECIAL EVENT WITH GOVERNOR PAWLENTY/ROD GRAMS
Tuesday, July 25, 2006, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Mancini's Char House, St. Paul

MNYRs are invited to a reception honoring

HONORABLE ROD GRAMS (candidate for 8th District Congress)

With Special Guest

GOVERNOR TIM PAWLENTY (CONFIRMED)

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

5:00-8:00 PM

Mancini's Char House
531 W. 7th St., St. Paul

SPECIAL YOUNG REPUBLICAN RATE: $35.00 (Requested Contribution $100)

To RSVP, please contact Dave Ladd via email at dave3737@...
or Linda Runbeck at (612) 296-3595 or ( 651) 275-1767 (Fax).

Please make checks payable to: Rod Grams for Congress, PO Box 16070,
Duluth, MN 55816

Prepared and paid for by Rod Grams for Congress.

Contributions to Rod Grams for Congress are not deductible for
federal income tax purposes. Federal Law requires us to use our best
efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation,
and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200
in an election cycle. Corporate contributions are prohibited. Not
paid for at government expense.

A pint of ginger ale?

Posted at 1:42 PM on July 14, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy

Bob Collins said he wasn't going to write about politics while he was on a break from MPR. Liar!

Team Minnesota files

Posted at 1:52 PM on July 14, 2006 by Tom Scheck

The Independence Party members who are running for the five constitutional offices in Minnesota filed their official paperwork today. Peter Hutchinson and Maureen Reed filed to run for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Minneapolis Police officer Lucy Gerold filed for State Auditor. John James filed for state attorney general and Joel Spoonheim filed for Secretary of State. Hutchinson says the Independence Party is a good alternative for voters who are not happy with the partisan politics they see occurring in the DFL and Republican parties:

"I'm sure that when Minnesotans pick up the paper and they read about the shenanigans in the Democratic Party, they're just shaking their heads. But they know what they're reading today in that party could just as well be true in the other. What they're looking for is a positive alternative. They're really looking for a way to think about their government that restores trust and integrity."

Another Entenza apology, this time to the AARP

Posted at 4:26 PM on July 14, 2006 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)

WASHINGTON, July 14 /U.S. Newswire/ -- AARP Spokesman Mark Kitchens made the following statement today in response to the July 12 Matt Entenza campaign statement.

On July 12, the Matt Entenza campaign issued a statement to the press which incorrectly declared:

"Despite the fact that AARP is reporting that United Health Group has issued a report, based on an independent, internal investigation, unequivocally stating that my wife, Lois Quam, has never had anything to do with granting stock options or setting compensation policy, my opponent and the State GOP leadership, continue to insinuate otherwise."

In no way, and at no time, did AARP issue a report, receive a UnitedHealth Group report, or conduct an investigation relating to Lois Quam or the granting of stock options or setting of compensation policy by UnitedHealth Group. This fact was communicated to Matt Entenza's campaign immediately upon AARP learning of the false Entenza statement.

All parties contacted by AARP were apologetic and recognized the error in Matt Entenza's campaign statement to the press on July 12. AARP asked for and received: 1) a copy of a revised statement omitting the incorrect assertion; 2) a written personal apology from the campaign; and 3) an assurance that due diligence would be done to ensure that members of the press were reporting based on facts and not on the incorrect statement issued by the Entenza campaign.

AARP has a long history of non-partisanship and does not support or oppose candidates for office or political parties. As it does with all political parties, candidates and incumbents during an election cycle, it asks that the Entenza campaign cease using AARP's name in any manner.

Following is a copy of the written apology from Entenza campaign manager John Van Henke:

July 13, 2006

Dear Mr Kitchens,

Attached, please find a revised and reissued press statement from Matt Entenza. Hard copies will follow.

I apologize for suggesting that AARP had issued a report regarding United Health Group. It was certainly not my intent and I regret any such inference.

I have taken steps to correct this perception among the reporters covering this story, including providing them with a revised statement.

Again, please accept my apology.

Best regards,

John Van Hecke

Campaign Manager

Minnesotans for Matt

651-523-0912

www.entenza.com

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Entenza profile and possible opponent

Posted at 5:02 PM on July 14, 2006 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)

Brian Bakst and Martiga Lohn, with the Associated Press, show that they can turn it with the best of them by burning out a Matt Entenza profile today.

Bakst also has a few interesting nuggets in his update on the Entenza flap. Apparently two domain names involving Bill Luther for Attorney General have been reserved by Luther's former chief of staff. He says it's only precautionary. Let the speculating begin.

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GOP endorsed Mark Kennedy raised 1.6 million for Senate campaign

Posted at 5:25 PM on July 14, 2006 by Tom Scheck

Here's the release:
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Kennedy Raises Over $1.6 Million in 2nd Quarter

(St. Paul, Minnesota) – U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kennedy released his fundraising numbers for the 2nd quarter today reporting over $1. 6 million raised through the June 30th deadline. To date, Kennedy has raised a total of approximately $6.7 million for his Senate campaign with just over $4 million cash-on hand.

“The continued outpouring of support for my campaign makes it clear that voters in Minnesota are tired of the partisan grandstanding that has become all too familiar in Washington,” said Mark Kennedy. “I’m confident that my campaign will have the resources necessary to share my record of common sense solutions with voters across the state.”

“The dollars we have raised has allowed us to continue to build the largest volunteer organization Minnesota has ever seen. We’re making critical investments that will really pay off in November,” concluded Kennedy.

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DFL endorsed Amy Klobuchar has not released her numbers yet. Independence Party candidate Robert Fitzgerald told me earlier that he hasn't broken the $5,000 threshold yet. Fitzgerald has the I-P endorsement but faces a primary challenge from two others.

Klobuchar raises $1.8 million for quarter

Posted at 5:54 PM on July 14, 2006 by Tom Scheck

DFL Senate candidate Amy Klobuchar's campaign says they raised $1.8 million this quarter. The campaign raised a total of $5.6 million to date and has $3.5 million left in the bank (I'm attaching the Klobuchar press release at the bottom of the message to be fair).

GOP Congressman Mark Kennedy's campaign says they raised $1.6 million for the quarter between April 1st and June 30th. He raised a total of $6.7 million and has $4 million left in the bank.

The two candidates are running to replace Senator Mark Dayton, who is retiring. There are three Independence Party members who are also in the race.

Here's the Klobuchar release:

Klobuchar Outraises Kennedy With Strongest Fundraising Quarter To Date

Campaign announces $1.83 million fundraising quarter, launches first TV ad of Senate race and heads unchallenged to general election

In a week of growing momentum, U.S. Senate candidate Amy Klobuchar’s campaign announced it raised $1.83 million in the last three months, significantly outpacing Mark Kennedy’s campaign.

Earlier this week the Klobuchar campaign also launched the first TV ads of the Minnesota Senate race. The ad, focused on Klobuchar’s approach to public service without fear or favor, is running statewide.

“The Klobuchar campaign is powered by Minnesotans who want to see change in the direction of the country,” said Klobuchar spokeswoman Tara McGuinness. “Mark Kennedy’s corporate special interest high rollers are clearly no match for nearly 25,000 individual contributors dedicated to bringing new leadership to Washington.”

Klobuchar's donations have come from Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike, with over 92 percent coming from individuals. The Klobuchar campaign has raised a total of $5.6 million to date and will report $3.5 million cash-on-hand. The campaign’s detailed report will be filed July 15 as required by federal law.

Klobuchar will likely be uncontested in the September 12th Primary as her remaining opponent, Ford Bell, left the race and endorsed her on Tuesday.

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