Capitol View: October 19, 2009 Archive

Kelley makes campaign for governor official

Posted at 12:09 PM on October 19, 2009 by Tim Pugmire

Former DFL state Sen. Steve Kelley of Hopkins kicked off his 2010 campaign for governor today saying he's in the best position to get work done for Minnesota.

Kelley highlighted his commitment to public education by making the announcement in a classroom at Mahtomedi High School. Kelley ran for governor in 2006 but lost the DFL endorsement to Mike Hatch. He later jumped into that year's attorney general race with the party's backing, but he lost in the primary. For now, Kelley says he hasn't decided whether to abide by the endorsement for governor.

"I've committed to abiding by the endorsement twice," Kelley said. "In fact, I'm the only candidate in the race who has been through that experience and actually kept that commitment. But I'm a little bit more cautious this time about when to make that commitment."

Kelley also said new tax revenue is needed to balance the state budget, but he provided few specifics. He said he would support a measure legalizing same-sex marriage. But he would not support public money for a new Vikings stadium. There are nine other Democrats running for governor.

Listen to Kelley's announcement here: Listen

Breakfast!

Posted at 2:19 PM on October 19, 2009 by Tom Scheck (4 Comments)

Gov. Pawlenty and DFL legislative leaders are scheduled to meet tomorrow morning to discuss the upcoming legislative session. Pawlenty's spokesman announced the meeting in an e-mail to reporters:

TO: Capitol Press Corps

FROM: Brian McClung

RE: Governor hosting meeting with DFL Legislative Leaders tomorrow morning

Governor Pawlenty has invited DFL legislative leaders to meet with him for breakfast tomorrow morning at the Governor's Residence to touch base in advance of the 2010 legislative session.

Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, and House Majority Leader Tony Sertich are planning to attend. Minnesota Management & Budget Commissioner Tom Hanson and the Governor's Director of Legislative and Cabinet Affairs Chris DeLaForest will also be at the meeting.

The breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. and is expected to last an hour or so.

This will be the first time Pawlenty and DFL legislative leaders will meet since May 18th. That was the last day of the 2009 legislative session.

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Bonoff "open" to another run for Congress

Posted at 6:31 PM on October 19, 2009 by Tom Scheck

DFL state Sen. Terri Bonoff told me today that she's open to making another run for Congress in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District:

"Right now, I'm not in that race. I am hard at work on these issues confronting us in our state. I am deeply concerned about these issues. Is the door closed? No it's not. But it's not what I'm focused on right now."

Bonoff lost the DFL endorsement to Ashwin Madia in 2008. She is one of several DFLers who are considering a run for Congress against GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen. Jim Meffert said he's thinking about a run for the seat. Another candidate, Maureen Hackett, is also reportedly considering it.

Paulsen, who is currently in his first-term in Congress, appears to be preparing for another slugfest. On Thursday, his campaign reported having $725k in the bank.

Do you mind if we dance with your dates?

Posted at 11:17 PM on October 19, 2009 by Tom Scheck

The candidates for governor will have their respective "date nights" this week. They'll get their chance to court party activists at two separate "speed dating" events this week.

Nine of the Republican candidates will attend a Senate District GOP 51 "speed dating" forum in Mounds View on Tuesday night. The forum said the "candidates will speak one at a time to each group for 10 minutes. After their 10 minutes are up, the candidates will all rotate between each of the groups."

Meanwhile, the Olmsted County DFL will hold a speed dating forum of its own on Wednesday night. Ten of the DFL candidates or possible candidates for governor will attend that event. You can read about the event here.