Capitol View: September 20, 2010 Archive

Clinton writes letter for Clark

Posted at 11:22 AM on September 20, 2010 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Campaign 2010, U.S. House

Former President Bill Clinton is providing some support for DFL congressional candidate Tarryl Clark.

Clinton wrote a fundraising appeal for Clark, who's trying to unseat incumbent 6th District Republican Michele Bachmann. In the letter, Clinton said the district deserves "a leader who will deliver results instead of divisive partisan rhetoric."

Here's the letter:

Dear ______,

To renew the American promise and make our government actually work for people, especially during these difficult times, we need the best public servants to step forward and lead.

That's why I support Minnesota State Senator Tarryl Clark for Congress, and hope you will, too.

Tarryl is running against Congresswoman Michele Bachmann in Minnesota's 6th Congressional District. The people of the 6th District deserve a leader who will deliver results instead of divisive partisan rhetoric; who will roll up her sleeves and get to work on the critical issues instead of just getting people wound up about them.

Tarryl Clark is the leader Minnesota's 6th District needs in Congress. This race is a truly unique opportunity to change Washington for the better. It will mean a lot to families - in Minnesota and across America -- to have Tarryl Clark working in Congress for the causes that matter to all of us.

As a State Senator, Tarryl has been a voice for common sense, and for the kind of positive change we still so desperately need. She's worked to create jobs and help small businesses expand. She has led efforts to protect senior citizens, to bolster early childhood education, and to invest in critical infrastructure projects. She's worked to make college affordable and health care accessible. She's been a leader on veterans' issues, particularly in helping veterans returning from combat duty transition into to civilian life.

From her accomplishments representing Central Minnesota in the State Senate, to her leadership in heading organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Community Action Partnership, Tarryl Clark has dedicated her life to making Minnesota better. And she's delivered results.

Tarryl is a friend and ally we can count on, who will make a real difference for Minnesota's families in Congress. But first, she needs our help to win this election.

Join me by making a secure online contribution of $25, $50, $100 or more to Tarryl Clark's campaign today. I'm proud to support Tarryl Clark, and I hope I can count on you to do the same.

Personally,

Bill Clinton

p.s. Tarryl is running a campaign in the Minnesota tradition: with a vast coalition of grassroots supporters, energetic volunteers, and a commitment to common sense values that Minnesotans expect from their leaders. That's how she's going to win. But to do it, she needs your support today. Please join me by making a contribution now.

Dayton to release updated budget plan tomorrow

Posted at 12:05 PM on September 20, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Democrat Mark Dayton's campaign spokeswoman says the campaign will release an updated budget plan tomorrow morning. The campaign has been crunching the numbers after the MN Department of Revenue released an analysis that Dayton's proposed income tax hike on Minnesota's top earners wouldn't generate the money he predicted.

Republican Tom Emmer released a budget plan that relies on spending cuts to erase a $5.8 billion budget deficit. Emmer is also advocating for business tax cuts. Emmer has released a list of targets but hasn't specified which programs he would cut.

The Independence Party's Tom Horner says he would reduce the state's sales tax rate by a percent but would expand the sales tax to clothing and unspecified services. Horner is also calling for billions of dollars in spending cuts.

Rep. Buesgens arrested for DWI

Posted at 2:14 PM on September 20, 2010 by Tim Pugmire (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, MN Legislature

State Rep. Mark Buesgens, R-Jordan, was arrested over the weekend for allegedly driving drunk.

WCCO TV reports that a Wright County deputy stopped Buesgens Saturday night after seeing the six-term legislator driving in a ditch near Maple Lake. The report said Buesgens' blood alcohol content was 0.16, twice the legal limit.

Buesgens confirmed the arrest, but he told MPR News that he could not comment further until after a meeting with his lawyer.

Buesgens is running for re-election in House District 35B. He also serves served as chairman of Republican candidate Tom Emmer's gubernatorial campaign.

UPDATE 1
A spokesman for Emmer says Buesgens' last day employed by the campaign was September 12, when moved over to the state party.

UPDATE 2
Tom Emmer released this statement:

"Mark made a serious mistake in judgment. I am thankful that he did not hurt others or himself. Driving under the influence is not acceptable. Mark is a friend. He is a good man. We will help him and his family in any way possible. They are in my thoughts and prayers."

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Horner: K-12 reform "essential"

Posted at 3:33 PM on September 20, 2010 by Mark Zdechlik
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Over the noon hour Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Tom Horner was at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute, delivering a speech about education reform and then answering questions on the topic.

Horner called for more spending on early childhood education, and more accountability for students, teachers and administrators. Horner said the current model for public education is out-of-date and not as effective as it should be.

MPR will broadcast Horner's entire conversation with Larry Jacobs tomorrow at noon on Midday, but if you want to hear it sooner here it is.

Durenberger endorses Walz

Posted at 4:30 PM on September 20, 2010 by Mark Zdechlik (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

Former Republican Sen. Dave Durenberger endorsed two-term 1st District DFL Congressman Tim Walz at a news conference this afternoon in Rochester.

"Tim Walz knows how to put partisan politics aside and get the job done. He listens, and he brings people together to solve the challenges we face," Durenberger said. "I support Tim because we need more representatives in Washington who approach problem solving like Tim does."

Republicans are hoping Rep. Randy Demmer, R-Hayfield, will be able to pick off Walz. They're targeting the race and say they see big opportunity in the 1st District, which has traditionally leaned toward the GOP.

In addition to endorsing Walz, months ago Durenberger endorsed the IP's candidate for governor Tom Horner. Horner served as Durenberger's spokesman and his chief of staff when Durenberger was in the Senate.

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Another DWI with Emmer campaign ties

Posted at 6:31 PM on September 20, 2010 by Tim Pugmire (20 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The Associated Press is reporting that the former manager of Republican Tom Emmer's gubernatorial campaign, David Fitzsimmons, was arrested for drunk driving shortly after stepping down from that job back in May.

Fitzsimmons was arrested for DWI in Hennepin County on May 16, but he was not convicted. The revelation about Fitzsimmons followed today's earlier news that state Rep. Mark Buesgens, R-Jordan, was arrested for DWI Saturday in Wright County. Buesgens was Emmer's campaign chairman until about a week ago.

Emmer had his own DWI issues in 1981 and 1991.

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Buesgens statement on DWI arrest

Posted at 8:21 PM on September 20, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, MN Legislature

GOP Rep. Mark Buesgens released this statement today after reports surfaced today that Wright County Sheriffs deputy arrested Buesgens on Saturday night for allegedly driving drunk.

Here's the statement:

"On September 18 I was arrested in Wright County on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. I fully cooperated with law enforcement in every respect. Tests revealed my blood alcohol content was over the legal limit, and I've been charged with a misdemeanor impaired driving offense. Because the legal case is pending, I've been advised to not comment further on the incident's specifics.

"However, I do want to say that I am very sorry and that I greatly regret my actions and how they have disappointed my family, friends and constituents. I have taken immediate, pro-active steps to address this issue, including scheduling a chemical health evaluation with a certified professional. I will immediately undertake any recommendations made in the evaluation, and I have already made arrangements to start a recovery program.

"I am fully and completely committed to doing everything possible to ensure that these serious issues are addressed appropriately and effectively. I cannot overstate my gratitude for the public's understanding, support and prayers during this difficult time for me and
my family."

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