Polinaut: August 14, 2006 Archive

Green Party in trouble after Zimmermann verdict?

Posted at 7:12 AM on August 14, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy

As I'm sure you know former Green Party Minneapolis City Council member Dean Zimmermann was found guilty last week of taking a $7,200 bribe and could face up to five years in prison. Zimmermann has been unapologetic, at one point comparing himself to Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Greens and to some extent the Independence Party have always used their moral superiority to the GOP and DFL as a campaign issue. They say the campaign finance system corrupts the other parties. They're still saying that even after the Zimmerman verdict as evidenced by this release from the Green Party this weekend:

The Green Party of Minnesota reaffirms its belief that Dean Zimmermann had no intention to solicit or take bribes. We base this on his record of more than half a century of service to his community and active work for justice. We recognize that he has made serious mistakes in the handling of funds, and we do not condone or excuse those mistakes. Nevertheless, we believe that he was never motivated by personal gain.

Our hearts go out to Dean and his family in what is clearly a tragic situation. We have serious concerns about what appears to have been questionable investigative practices by federal authorities.

As a party we believe that the root of the problem is the vast sums of money being poured into politics and the climate of widespread suspicion and corruption that it creates. We are concerned about the legal bribery inherent in the existing political system.

The Green Party continues to stand, as it always has, for clean and fair elections, public funding of campaigns, and strict regulation of lobbying.

Are they in denial?

The Star Tribune also has a piece on the issue today.

XFL fans will get this

Posted at 10:08 AM on August 14, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy (1 Comments)

Almost lost in the coverage of the return of Randy Moss to the Metrodome tonight was this line on the Strib sports page:

The Raiders also added Rod (He Hate Me) Smart as a kick returner.

Which brings up a question: Is there any such thing as an XFL fan?

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Doings in the 5th

Posted at 10:10 AM on August 14, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy (3 Comments)

Mike Erlandson is announcing a plan to fund early childhood education:

Erlandson will detail the six main points of the act, which will provide access to quality Pre-Kindergarten education for every American three- and four-year old child. The press event will take place at the Bethune School, which houses a Pre-K program that provides services similar to those that the Act will provide funding for.

And Keith Ellison will announce support from “Pro Choice Progressive Women for Ellison”.

They will be there to show their for support Rep. Keith Ellison, DFL/Labor endorsed candidate for Congress, for his proven progressive values, including his support for reproductive healthcare for women as well as his support of the progressive values of the 5th District.

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Pawlenty gets endorsement

Posted at 10:16 AM on August 14, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy

The Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters endorsed Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Here's what he had to say about it:

"Ensuring public safety is one of most important functions of government. Fire fighters are one of the most respected professions in our society and I¹m honored to have their endorsement. I look forward to working with them in my second term to advance public safety even further."

Pawlenty will be on Midday at 11 today with Gary Eichten.

Papa John and the AG's office

Posted at 1:59 PM on August 14, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy (9 Comments)

I just talked to the Green Party's candidate for Attorney General John Kolstad, better known as Papa John Kolstad. He and his campaign are concerned that MPR isn't mentioning him along with the other candidates for AG in our newscasts.

We have a general policy of covering the major party candidates, and the Green Party lost that designation in the last election. Kolstad makes the case that he is well known outside of the political realm because of his career as a musician, and that he is making a serious run at the office even though he is not a lawyer (the Ag isn't required to be).

Kolstad was a longtime active DFLer, but he says he broke with the party and accepted what he called a Green Party draft over the stadium issue. He says he's disillusioned with the Democrats' support of public money for the new Twins ballpark.

"Somebody's got to stand up to this," he said. "These people are so totally out of touch with reality."

Kolstad has already won the first showdown of his campaign. He got Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer to back down from her opposition to allowing him to appear as "Papa" John Kolstad on the ballot.

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