Polinaut: August 10, 2006 Archive

Busy day

Posted at 9:59 AM on August 10, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy

No sooner does Mr. Scheck take off than we have this London terrorism story break. Covering that has taken me out of the blogosphere for most of the morning.

Which makes this a good time to put in a plug for MPR's newest blog the News Grid.

And if you think this terrorism story won't have a political impact it's time to think again.

Gov. Pawlenty has already scheduled a news conference for this afternoon with the chief of police from the Twin Cities airport. Amy Klobuchar has a previously scheduled rally with John Edwards, and I'm thinking the topic just changed to terrorism.

First Minnesota politician to weigh in...

Posted at 10:55 AM on August 10, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy

...is Michele Bachmann. Here's her release:

(Woodbury, MN) – State Senator Michele Bachmann, Republican candidate for Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District, commented today that news of a thwarted 9/11 type commercial airlines hijacking plan is a chilling reminder that the world democracies must still be ever vigilant.

“The fight against global terrorism is never-ending,” said Bachmann. “Today's events in Great Britain demonstrate our need for continued vigilance and the need to win the War on Terror at home and aboard. I believe the terrorists. They say they are committed to doing harm to the United States and this plot further reveals their goal.

The necessary safeguards need to be in place to keep our citizens safe here and abroad. The discovery and arrest of the terror suspects validates our need to be vigilant everyday.

This is a victory for the intelligence community and the watchful citizens who were on high alert for patterns of suspicious behavior. Our goal must be to catch those who plot against us before they can implement their dastardly acts. We need to track down these people and in due process, deliver the ultimate penalty our society can place on them.

“If elected to Congress, I will work non-stop to assist in strengthening our homeland security needs and support military action that needs to be taken in other parts of the world to fight terrorism,” stated Bachmann. “It is imperative we give our intelligence agencies the tools they need to fight terrorism wherever it exists. We must continue to support the Patriot Act and strengthen our borders to help keep a protective shield around our citizens.”

Kennedy supports Lieberman

Posted at 12:23 PM on August 10, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy

Here's a release from the Mark Kennedy campaign:

(St. Paul, Minnesota) – U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kennedy released the following statement this morning:

“At times like these, when our country is fighting a global War against radical jihadists, and there is so much at stake for our nation’s security, we must put politics aside. The arrests this morning in Great Britain make it clear that now, more than ever, this is an on-going battle and we need leaders in Washington who remain committed to doing what is right instead of what may be seen as politically advantageous.

“It’s in that spirit that I would like to offer my support for Sen. Joe Lieberman’s bid for the U.S. Senate from Connecticut. There are many things the Senator and I disagree on. In fact, I doubt he wants many Republican endorsements, given that millions of dollars have been spent attacking him for being too close to Republicans in fighting terrorism.

“But I have tremendous respect for Sen. Lieberman’s courage and his character. In the face of blistering negative attacks, he didn’t waffle, he didn’t back down from what he knew was right.

“Senator Lieberman put principle ahead of politics, which in these days is all too rare among Democrats in Washington.

“While very liberal Democrats have decided that they don’t want Joe Lieberman in their party, America definitely needs men of Joe Lieberman’s stature in the United States Senate.

“It’s time for those who would put principle ahead of party to show leadership and support Joe Lieberman.”

Mike Erlandson weighs in

Posted at 1:39 PM on August 10, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy

Mike Erlandson, long-time Chief of Staff for Representative Martin Olav Sabo, former DFL Party Chair and candidate for Minnesota's Fifth Congressional District seat released the following statement on the situation surrounding the averted terrorist bomb plot in Great Britain:

"Today's developments are yet another reminder of how our continued combat presence in Iraq has fueled anti-American hatred in individuals across the globe. Our troops in Iraq have become a target, and the President's inability to outline a clear strategy for rebuilding that nation has destroyed America's reputation in the world community. We must begin serious discussions in Washington about a troop reduction that should begin within six to nine months.

President Bush told us that he began the War in Iraq so we could take the fight to the terrorists, instead of fighting them here at home. The news from London today that British authorities have stopped the latest large-scale plot against our nation is yet another reminder of the fact that this Administration's failed policy in the Middle East have not made Americans safe from terror at home. Our continued presence in Iraq has, in fact, made our nation less secure. It is time for real leadership in Washington. It is time for us to end our combat operations in Iraq."

The latest from the governor

Posted at 2:17 PM on August 10, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy

This is from the Associated Press:

ST. PAUL (AP) - Governor Pawlenty says National Guard soldiers may be used to screen passengers at Minneapolis-St. Paul
International Airport.

Pawlenty says he'll have more details after a call this
afternoon with the Transportation Security Administration.

He says passengers will face a second level of screening at the
gates starting at 4 a.m. Friday. Details are still being worked
out.

Pawlenty says it will take about 150 additional screeners in two
shifts to staff the additional security for carry-on baggage. The
Metropolitan Airports Commission, airlines and local law
enforcement are expected to contribute workers.

The London terror plot arrests have caused delays at the
international airport since early today, but the GOP governor says security systems worked and there's no evidence any flights to
Minnesota were targeted.