Capitol View: December 3, 2009 Archive

Reed going to a primary

Posted at 7:23 AM on December 3, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

On the same day that DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar endorsed DFL state Sen. Tarryl Clark for Congress in Minnesota's 6th District, Maureen Reed announced that she's running in the primary. Here's part of the e-mail she sent to supporters:

With this in mind, I want to address the question about the DFL endorsement. After fully analyzing the situation, I have decided that if I do not receive the endorsement at the convention this spring, we will proceed to the DFL primary election.

We used thoughtful consideration to reach this conclusion since I have such a great deal of respect for the dedicated individuals in the DFL who generously give their time working to improve our state and nation. However, the Sixth District is unique in that it is more moderate and independently minded in its political leanings than the state as a whole. In fact, we conducted a poll which showed that the profile of the Democratic primary voter is more diverse in political philosophy than those who participate in the conventions.

Recent campaign results in the Sixth District show that a big-tent Democrat who appeals to independent voters has the best chance to defeat Michele Bachmann. For example, last year, President Obama won Minnesota by double digits but lost to John McCain 53% to 45% in our district. That same year in the Sixth District, Norm Coleman beat Al Franken by 16 points, and Dean Barkley ended up with 17% of the vote.

Democracy works best when more people are involved. We feel that the most democratic action we can take is to let Democrats of all stripes choose their general election candidate in a primary.

Dayton to embark on statewide tour

Posted at 9:46 AM on December 3, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Mark Dayton's campaign for governor says the former U.S. Senator will visit Minnesota 87 counties in 87 days starting in January. Here's the release:

On January 20, 2010 we will officially launch our "Mark Dayton for a Better Minnesota" campaign, with a public announcement at the State Capitol.

That day will also begin our "87 Counties in 87 Days" tour throughout Minnesota. During the 87 days after January 20th, Mark will drive to every one of our state's 87 counties. He will focus on critical challenges confronting Minnesota: jobs, economic growth, education, health care, and seniors' services.

Mark will also be holding "Meet and Greet" get-togethers throughout our state. Starting next year, we will provide advance notices of these events on our website: www.markdayton.org. We invite you to stop by a location convenient for you.

Conservative group says Palin will raise money for them during Minnesota visit.

Posted at 10:20 AM on December 3, 2009 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Tim Pawlenty

An invitation has gone out saying Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will be the headliner at a big dollar private fundraiser for a Minnesota conservative group when she comes to the Twin Cities next week to promote her book.

Minnesota Public Radio News has obtained a fundraising letter that says Palin will appear at the fundraiser for a group called the Freedom Club. The invitation says the fundraiser will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Bloomington after Palin's book signing at the Mall of America on Monday.

The fundraising letter says couples and individuals are asked to contribute $5,000 to attend the event. An e-mail that accompanied the fundraising letter said the event is "an opportunity to personally meet Sarah Palin, get a personal photo and get a personally signed book." The e-mail also said "fewer than 100 people will attend the event."

Midge Dean, the contact on the fundraising invitation, declined comment when asked to confirm Palin's appearance.

"I can't tell you right now, " Dean said.

Palin, who was John McCain's running mate in 2008, has been touring the country to promote her book "Going Rogue." She has been holding private events in addition to the public book signings. Several reports say she's asking for speaking fees of upwards of $100,000 to appear at the events. No word on whether the Freedom Club is paying a fee.

The Freedom Club invitation says all proceeds from the fundraiser will be dedicated to its state Political Action Committee which is geared towards helping elect Republicans to the Minnesota House.

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Building and Construction Trades Council backs Bakk

Posted at 1:33 PM on December 3, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

A source with the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council says they will announce later today that the union is backing DFL State Sen. Tom Bakk for governor. The source asked to remain anonymous because the news release hasn't been issued yet. The union is the voice for unionized construction workers in Minnesota. It has fifty thousand members.

This is Bakk's second endorsement. The Northern Central State Regional Carpenters Council are also backing him.

Update:

Here's the release:

Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council endorses Bakk for governor

The Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents 50,000 construction members across the state, has endorsed Sen. Tom Bakk for governor.

Council President Harry Melander said Bakk is hitting the nail on the head with what's happening in the economy and what's on the minds of voters with his campaign message of "jobs, jobs, jobs".

"More than any other industry in this state, construction is experiencing brutal unemployment," Melander said. "Tom knows firsthand what our members are going through, and will fight for jobs for them and their families."

A carpenter for 34 years and a former union leader, Bakk said this endorsement is very personal to him. Bakk has worked with union members and their employers to build Minnesota's homes, businesses, schools, churches, roads, and bridges all across the state.

"My Brothers and Sisters have seen how hard I've worked to improve their standard of living and allow them to retire with dignity," Bakk said. "They know I have a passion for putting people to work and understand our state needs a governor who will make job creation the top priority.

"This is a huge endorsement from a powerhouse of an organization."

Bakk said he looks forward to the Council's help in getting the word out about his experience and determination to get Minnesotans back to work. With unemployment reaching 50 percent for the construction industry, Bakk said many have a front-row seat to what is happening to Minnesota's deteriorating economy.

"I have been unemployed, and I understand that the most important thing to workers is that on Friday they have a paycheck to take care of their families' needs," Bakk said. "As chair of the Senate Tax Committee I know we need jobs to create the revenue needed so we can invest in education, health care and priorities that provide long-term prosperity. As a candidate I know we need jobs because that's what's on voters' minds. The person who connects with voters on this issue will be the next governor."

The Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council is the third union endorsement for Bakk; he was endorsed by the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters and Duluth Building and Construction Trades Council earlier this year.

Who are the unions backing? A checklist.

Posted at 2:29 PM on December 3, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Here's a rundown of which unions are backing the candidates for governor.

Tom Bakk - Northern Central State Regional Carpenters Council, The Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council, Duluth Building and Construction Trades Council

Mark Dayton - The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 5

Margaret Anderson Kelliher - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49, Greater Minnesota AFSCME Council 65

Tom Rukavina - Four local steelworkers unions

R.T. Rybak - Local 120, Teamsters

Paul Thissen - Minnesota Nurses Association

Education Minnesota

SEIU

IBEW

Walz to hold 2nd Townhall on Afghanistan

Posted at 3:15 PM on December 3, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

DFL Rep. Tim Walz will hold another townhall on Afghanistan. Here are the details from Walz's office:

Today, Congressman Walz announced he will host his second townhall to discuss the US strategy in Afghanistan with southern Minnesotans in Mankato on Monday night. Walz, a retired Army National Guard Command Sgt Major, held his first Afghanistan townhall in Winona this October.

Who: Congressman Walz, members of the public and media

What: Townhall discussion on US strategy in Afghanistan

When: Monday, December 7th, 5:30-7pm

Where: South Central College
Conference Center B

1920 Lee Boulevard

North Mankato, MN

Big name politicos raise money for Entenza

Posted at 4:28 PM on December 3, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Several well known politicians, including Senators Evan Bayh (IN), Tim Johnson (SD), Byron Dorgan (ND) and Kent Conrad (ND), hosted a fundraiser for Matt Entenza's campaign for governor last night in Washington D.C.

The host list also included DFL Rep. Keith Ellison, Rep. Earl Pomeroy, Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, Rep. Ron Kind and former DNC Chairs Terry McAuliffe and Joe Andrew.

Entenza spokeswoman Bridget Cusick said about eighty people attended the event.

Here's the invite.