Capitol View: February 16, 2008 Archive

The Fix drops the 3rd down the line

Posted at 11:36 AM on February 16, 2008 by Tom Scheck

The Fix is now ranking the race to replace GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad at tenth. Here's the dirt:

10. Minnesota's 3rd district: Republicans are extremely high on the chances of state Sen. Erik Paulsen who has cleared the primary field in the race to replace Rep. Jim Ramstad (R). Democrats seem unlikely to do the same as state Sen. Terri Bonoff, Iraq war veteran Ashwin Madia and Edina Mayor Jim Hovland are all seeking their party's nomination. The district is a prime swing area -- President Bush won it with 51 percent in 2004 and 50 percent in 2000 -- and is dominated by the suburbs, a place where Democrats believe they can make serious gains in 2008. (Previous ranking: 8)

A Bear fan gets ripped in Packer Land

Posted at 1:56 PM on February 16, 2008 by Tom Scheck

Not a big deal unless that Bear fan is Barack Obama. He got a little bit of ribbing during his 45 minute speech to about 3,000 people in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Obama noticed that a supporter was getting a bit whoozy during his speech so he asked if they needed some water. He then said he'd toss her a bottle or water and asked a nearby supporter if she could catch. The reply (of course) is "Yes I Can."

The problem is she dropped Obama's toss leading someone in the crowd to yell "She could play for the Bears." Obama, knowing that he's campaigning in Wisconsin and that the Packers had a better year, responded with a smile and a "We'll see next year."