Capitol View: September 16, 2010 Archive

NRCC putting Demmer's seat "in play."

Posted at 10:12 AM on September 16, 2010 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

The National Republican Congressional Committee announced today that it's put Republican Randy Demmer in the top tier of "Young Gun status." Demmer is challenging DFL Rep. Tim Walz in Minnesota's 1st Congressional District.

"Randy Demmer has proven that he's ready to take on incumbent Tim Walz, an out-of-touch Democrat who has blindly supported his party's failed agenda of job-killing policies and reckless spending," said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). "Randy's campaign is a symbol of the growing momentum behind Republican candidates in Minnesota and across the country. As Democrats and their party bosses continue to force their big-government, big-spending policies onto the backs of hard-working families, Republicans like Randy Demmer will continue to present a clear alternative to a Democrat majority that unapologetically spends too much, borrows too much and taxes too much."

Demmer's promotion to the top level of "Young Gun status" is a signal that the NRCC is keeping an eye on Minnesota's 1st. But it's not a solid guarantee that it will deliver national party money on Demmer's behalf. When asked to explain what this promotion meant in real terms, NRCC spokesman Tom Erickson replied:

"It's our policy not to comment on specific strategy, but it means that this seat is most certainly "in play" as voters in southern Minnesota have grow tired of Congressman Walz's support for a reckless agenda that has driven our economy off a cliff."

For a closer look at the race in Minnesota's 1st, check out this story from MPR's Mark Zdechlik.

Update: Here's a response from Walz campaign spokeswoman Sara Severs:

"Representative Demmer may be a "young gun", but he can't shoot straight. He's a typical, career politician whose record proves he has no new ideas, only the same failed policies of the past. There is a clear choice in this campaign and we're confident southern Minnesota voters will recognize his pitiful record for what it is."

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Horner pitches jobs plan to business group

Posted at 12:05 PM on September 16, 2010 by Mark Zdechlik
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Speaking at a South Lake-Excelsior Chamber of Commerce meeting over the noon hour Thursday, Tom Horner reiterated proposals he says could help turnaround the bleak jobs picture in Minnesota.

Here are the key points of Horner's five-point 'Minnesota Works' job plan:

--Phase out the corporate tax. (He would cut it by 20 percent starting in the 2012-13 biennium).

--Spend $120 million more on education, from early childhood to post-secondary.

--Spend $30 million more in state funds for research at post-secondary schools and create $145 million "Innovation Fund"

--Streamline regulations

--Enact a $400 million bonding bill to improve roads and bridges.

Horner, Democrat Mark Dayton and Republican Tom Emmer meet for their 12th debate Friday night on Twin Cities Public Television.

Bachman hits the silver screen

Posted at 12:57 PM on September 16, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann will be the subject of a new documentary. The 6th District Republican will be the focus of a documentary that examines three conservative Congresswoman from "the heartland." The film also focuses on a "reawakening of conservative women."

The documentary is produced by Citizens United, the group that won a U.S. Supreme Court challenge that allowed businesses to spend corporate money on politics (but not give to candidates directly).

Slate's David Wiegel says the film will be released next Wednesday.

Here's the trailer for the documentary.

Clinton raised money for Clark too

Posted at 2:01 PM on September 16, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

It appears that former President Bill Clinton was in Minnesota to raise money just for Mark Dayton's campaign for governor. Salon is reporting that Clinton held a fundraiser for Democrat Tarryl Clark's congressional campaign. The campaign did not tell reporters about the private fundraiser.

Clinton reportedly took aim at Clark's Republican opponent, GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann:

At a late-night fundraiser for state Sen. Tarryl Clark, Clinton described Bachmann as the epitome of a trend he regards as profoundly dangerous to the nation's future. "Your opponent," he told Clark, "is the ultimate example of putting ideology over evidence."

"I respect people with a conservative philosophy," he continued. "This country has been well-served by having two broad traditions within which people can operate. If you have a philosophy, it means you're generally inclined one way or the other but you're open to evidence. If you have an ideology, it means everything is determined by dogma and you're impervious to evidence. Evidence is irrelevant.

"That's how I see Rep. Bachmann. She's very attractive in saying all these things she says, but it's pretty stupid."

Last night's debate

Posted at 4:22 PM on September 16, 2010 by Mike Mulcahy
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

If you missed the gubernatorial debate sponsored by the Citizens League, the LEAD Project and BringMeTheNews and have been kicking yourself all day, here it is:

And more debates

Posted at 5:30 PM on September 16, 2010 by Mike Mulcahy
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The candidates for governor meet again Friday night to debate live on Twin Cities Public Television at 8 p.m. in a forum sponsored by AARP.

And on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. they'll debate again at the Radisson Hotel in St. Cloud, in a forum sponsored by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. The St. Cloud Times reports the debate will be during a regular meeting of St. Cloud Rotary Club, which starts at noon.

It's getting a little hard to keep track of all these, so if you know of any others that are scheduled let us know.