MINNESOTA FOCUS: Blogs, Al Franken, Progressive Candidates, The Minnesota Project, Drinking Liberally
Blogging Minnesota:
Minnesota Campaign Report: Updates on campaigns in Minnesota
MN Blue: Turning Minnesota Bluer
Some Stories of Interest:
Norm Coleman's flip-flopping on Social Security Privatization
Senator Norm Coleman seems to be facing several scandals all at once even as he silps behind in the polls.
And here is Al Franken's ad on Coleman and his Cronies:
DCCC Poll: Madia leading Paulsen by 5. Now that poll is biased and has a large margin of error. But a second poll seems to back it up.
MN-Sen: Star-Tribune poll has Franken leading by 9
Republicans Want to Give the Rich More Money. Well...of course they do. That is ALL they ever have when it comes to economic "policy." Trickle down economics brought us the Great Depression, brought us each of the Bush recessions (father and son), and is bringing us our current economic problems. But the Republicans never learn. And, of course, Norm Coleman is a typical Bush Republican when it comes to the economy.
MN-3: Paulsen vs. Minnesota on Social Security, Medicare
Coleman's out-of-touch record: The worst of the worst
Al Franken, is running for Senate in Minnesota and is one of the key progressives we have to elect. Al Franken has pulled AHEAD of Coleman in three recent polls.
Here is Al Franken speaking on energy policy:
And find out about Norm Coleman's poor job in holding government accountable:
You can go here to learn more about Al Franken for Senate.
Here are some excellent progressive candidates in Minnesota (all endorsed by Progressive Majority):
Kevin Staunton
Candidate for State Representative - District 41A (Challenger)
Edina in Hennepin County
Kevin Staunton is the city attorney for Excelsior and a progressive leader running for the State House in District 41A. We recruited Kevin with the help of the local DFL party unit specifically to run for this seat. District 41A is one of the top pick-up targets in the state. In 2004, John Kerry became the first Democrat to win the district in two generations with 51.5% of the vote. Kevin's Republican opponent is unclear at this time. The nine-term moderate incumbent, Ron Erhardt, lost the GOP endorsement last month to an ultra-conservative challenger. It is unclear whether Erhardt will run in the Republican primary or whether he will run as an Independent. Kevin has been a leading advocate of progressive reforms in Minnesota, particularly through greater investment in our public schools and transportation infrastructure.
Click here to support and learn more about Kevin.
Gail Kulick Jackson
Candidate for State Representative - District 16A (Challenger)
Sherburne, Mille Lacs, Benton and Morrison Counties, including St. Cloud and Little Falls
Gail Kulick Jackson is an attorney in Milaca, running for the Minnesota State House in District 16A. Although Gail has been a candidate for the state House twice before (in 2004 and 2006), we actively recruited Gail to run again because of her strong progressive leadership in her community. The Republican is a six-term incumbent and is one of the most conservative members of the Minnesota House. Gail has been a progressive champion, and if elected, will work to protect civil rights and expand vital investments in the state.
Click here to support and learn more about Gail.
Jim Godfrey
Candidate for State Representative - District 17A (Challenger)
Isanti and Chisago Counties, including Cambridge and North Blanco
Jim Godfrey is a teacher and Education Minnesota member from Cambridge running for the state House in District 17A. We recruited Jim with the help of Education Minnesota leaders. Jim's Republican opponent is four-term incumbent Rob Eastlund, who presents himself as a moderate but has a very conservative voting record. Several neighboring Republican incumbents have lost since 2004, and Eastlund is vulnerable as the district shifts. Jim is running to restore representation for average working Minnesotans, focusing on improving our health care affordability, ensuring high quality public schools, and protecting our environment. If elected, Jim will bring common sense and a strong union background to St. Paul.
Click here to support and learn more about Jim.
Grace Baltich
Candidate for State Representative - District 32A (Challenger)
Dayton, Maple Grove and Rogers in Hennepin County
Grace Baltich is an accomplished social worker and AFSCME Council 65 member running for the state House in District 32A. Grace ran unsuccessfully in 2006. We have been working with Grace to help her create a campaign plan, a fundraising strategy and a message that will allow her to stress her strong progressive vision. Grace is committed to running a progressive campaign focused on building a strong, socially-just community for all children and families.
Click here to support and learn more about Grace.
Mike Obermueller
Candidate for State Representative - District 38B (Challenger)
Farmington and Hastings in Dakota County
Mike Obermueller is an attorney from Eagan, running for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 38B. Although Mike ran in 2006 (and lost by just 163 votes), we actively recruited him to run again, this time emphasizing his core, progressive values. We have worked with him to develop a comprehensive campaign plan, a detailed financial strategy, and a progressive message. Eagan is the home of Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty, and has been trending Democratic over the past three election cycles. The Republican three-term incumbent is increasingly vulnerable as his voting record diverges from the needs of the District, especially on education and transportation. Mike is running to help rebuild the Minnesota miracle, to ensure the economic, educational, and civic success of our state.
Click here to support and learn more about Mike.
Jerry Pitzrick
Candidate for State Representative - District 42B (Challenger)
Eden Prairie in Hennepin County
Jerry Pitzrick is a civil engineer from Eden Prairie running for in District 42B. We recruited Jerry based on his active role (with his wife Deb) in the local DFL and his commitment to progressive values. With seven-term incumbent Erik Paulson running for U.S. House this year, the seat has recently become an open seat. There are two Republican challengers, neither of whom has held elective office. If elected, Jerry will be a leading voice for infrastructure investments and a progressive tax system. Fielding a candidate in this race continues our work in Eden Prairie - we successfully ran Kim Ross in 2007, who is now a leading member of the Eden Prairie School Board.
Click here to support and learn more about Jerry.
Ted Butler
Candidate for State Representative - District 49A (Open Seat)
Andover and Ham Lake in Anoka County
Ted Butler works at the University of Minnesota managing the finances of its self-insured employee health plan, and is running for the open seat in District 49A. During the buildup of his campaign, the Republican incumbent decided not to run for re-election, creating an open seat. The Republican candidate to succeed the incumbent is ultra-conservative Peggy Scott, who is running as a self-described tax watchdog. Ted has already been debating her for several years - they both serve on the Andover Parks Commission. Ted will be a champion for progressive values, working to ensure that all families are treated fairly and that the time tax caused by failing roads and bridges is properly mitigated.
Click here to support and learn more about Ted.
Danna Elling-Schultz
Candidate for Hastings City Council - Ward 4 (Incumbent)
Danna Elling-Schultz is a DFL researcher in the Minnesota Senate and a candidate for re-election to the City Council of Hastings. Danna has been a long-standing champion for public education funding and smart investment in suburban communities. If re-elected, she will continue to work against unfettered development and ensure fair and equal treatment of families in Hastings.
And here is another site that discusses candidates in Minnesota (I do not necessarily endorse all their candidates, but urge you to take a look).
The Minnesota Project is a nonprofit organization that connects people with policy to nurture collaborations that build strong local economies, vibrant communities and a healthy environment.
Our programs are focused on clean renewable energy and efficient use of energy; farm practice and policy that promote profitable farms that protect the environment; and the production and consumption of local and sustainably-produced foods.
The Minnesota Project works in ways that emphasize collaboration, community building, and capacity building. For over twenty-five years we have fostered local empowerment, bridged diverse interests, encouraged shared values, and initiated working dialogues that create positive action and policy.
Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agricultre Newsletter: A Partnership between the University of Minnesota and the Sustainer's Coalition.
Alternative Energy Resources in Minnesota: a short summary of alternative energy resources for Minnesota. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.
And for those who like mixing fun and politics, here are a couple of Drinking Liberally groups in Minnesota:
Minneapolis
Every Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm
331 Club, 331 13th Ave NE (13th and University in Northeast Minneapolis)
Hosted by Robin Marty
Morris
First and Third Thursday of each month, 8:00 pm
Old #1, 412 Atlantic Avenue
Hosted by Jeff Lamberty
Minnesota Campaign Report: Updates on campaigns in Minnesota
MN Blue: Turning Minnesota Bluer
Some Stories of Interest:
Norm Coleman's flip-flopping on Social Security Privatization
Senator Norm Coleman seems to be facing several scandals all at once even as he silps behind in the polls.
And here is Al Franken's ad on Coleman and his Cronies:
DCCC Poll: Madia leading Paulsen by 5. Now that poll is biased and has a large margin of error. But a second poll seems to back it up.
MN-Sen: Star-Tribune poll has Franken leading by 9
Republicans Want to Give the Rich More Money. Well...of course they do. That is ALL they ever have when it comes to economic "policy." Trickle down economics brought us the Great Depression, brought us each of the Bush recessions (father and son), and is bringing us our current economic problems. But the Republicans never learn. And, of course, Norm Coleman is a typical Bush Republican when it comes to the economy.
MN-3: Paulsen vs. Minnesota on Social Security, Medicare
Coleman's out-of-touch record: The worst of the worst
Al Franken, is running for Senate in Minnesota and is one of the key progressives we have to elect. Al Franken has pulled AHEAD of Coleman in three recent polls.
Here is Al Franken speaking on energy policy:
And find out about Norm Coleman's poor job in holding government accountable:
You can go here to learn more about Al Franken for Senate.
Here are some excellent progressive candidates in Minnesota (all endorsed by Progressive Majority):
Kevin Staunton
Candidate for State Representative - District 41A (Challenger)
Edina in Hennepin County
Kevin Staunton is the city attorney for Excelsior and a progressive leader running for the State House in District 41A. We recruited Kevin with the help of the local DFL party unit specifically to run for this seat. District 41A is one of the top pick-up targets in the state. In 2004, John Kerry became the first Democrat to win the district in two generations with 51.5% of the vote. Kevin's Republican opponent is unclear at this time. The nine-term moderate incumbent, Ron Erhardt, lost the GOP endorsement last month to an ultra-conservative challenger. It is unclear whether Erhardt will run in the Republican primary or whether he will run as an Independent. Kevin has been a leading advocate of progressive reforms in Minnesota, particularly through greater investment in our public schools and transportation infrastructure.
Click here to support and learn more about Kevin.
Gail Kulick Jackson
Candidate for State Representative - District 16A (Challenger)
Sherburne, Mille Lacs, Benton and Morrison Counties, including St. Cloud and Little Falls
Gail Kulick Jackson is an attorney in Milaca, running for the Minnesota State House in District 16A. Although Gail has been a candidate for the state House twice before (in 2004 and 2006), we actively recruited Gail to run again because of her strong progressive leadership in her community. The Republican is a six-term incumbent and is one of the most conservative members of the Minnesota House. Gail has been a progressive champion, and if elected, will work to protect civil rights and expand vital investments in the state.
Click here to support and learn more about Gail.
Jim Godfrey
Candidate for State Representative - District 17A (Challenger)
Isanti and Chisago Counties, including Cambridge and North Blanco
Jim Godfrey is a teacher and Education Minnesota member from Cambridge running for the state House in District 17A. We recruited Jim with the help of Education Minnesota leaders. Jim's Republican opponent is four-term incumbent Rob Eastlund, who presents himself as a moderate but has a very conservative voting record. Several neighboring Republican incumbents have lost since 2004, and Eastlund is vulnerable as the district shifts. Jim is running to restore representation for average working Minnesotans, focusing on improving our health care affordability, ensuring high quality public schools, and protecting our environment. If elected, Jim will bring common sense and a strong union background to St. Paul.
Click here to support and learn more about Jim.
Grace Baltich
Candidate for State Representative - District 32A (Challenger)
Dayton, Maple Grove and Rogers in Hennepin County
Grace Baltich is an accomplished social worker and AFSCME Council 65 member running for the state House in District 32A. Grace ran unsuccessfully in 2006. We have been working with Grace to help her create a campaign plan, a fundraising strategy and a message that will allow her to stress her strong progressive vision. Grace is committed to running a progressive campaign focused on building a strong, socially-just community for all children and families.
Click here to support and learn more about Grace.
Mike Obermueller
Candidate for State Representative - District 38B (Challenger)
Farmington and Hastings in Dakota County
Mike Obermueller is an attorney from Eagan, running for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 38B. Although Mike ran in 2006 (and lost by just 163 votes), we actively recruited him to run again, this time emphasizing his core, progressive values. We have worked with him to develop a comprehensive campaign plan, a detailed financial strategy, and a progressive message. Eagan is the home of Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty, and has been trending Democratic over the past three election cycles. The Republican three-term incumbent is increasingly vulnerable as his voting record diverges from the needs of the District, especially on education and transportation. Mike is running to help rebuild the Minnesota miracle, to ensure the economic, educational, and civic success of our state.
Click here to support and learn more about Mike.
Jerry Pitzrick
Candidate for State Representative - District 42B (Challenger)
Eden Prairie in Hennepin County
Jerry Pitzrick is a civil engineer from Eden Prairie running for in District 42B. We recruited Jerry based on his active role (with his wife Deb) in the local DFL and his commitment to progressive values. With seven-term incumbent Erik Paulson running for U.S. House this year, the seat has recently become an open seat. There are two Republican challengers, neither of whom has held elective office. If elected, Jerry will be a leading voice for infrastructure investments and a progressive tax system. Fielding a candidate in this race continues our work in Eden Prairie - we successfully ran Kim Ross in 2007, who is now a leading member of the Eden Prairie School Board.
Click here to support and learn more about Jerry.
Ted Butler
Candidate for State Representative - District 49A (Open Seat)
Andover and Ham Lake in Anoka County
Ted Butler works at the University of Minnesota managing the finances of its self-insured employee health plan, and is running for the open seat in District 49A. During the buildup of his campaign, the Republican incumbent decided not to run for re-election, creating an open seat. The Republican candidate to succeed the incumbent is ultra-conservative Peggy Scott, who is running as a self-described tax watchdog. Ted has already been debating her for several years - they both serve on the Andover Parks Commission. Ted will be a champion for progressive values, working to ensure that all families are treated fairly and that the time tax caused by failing roads and bridges is properly mitigated.
Click here to support and learn more about Ted.
Danna Elling-Schultz
Candidate for Hastings City Council - Ward 4 (Incumbent)
Danna Elling-Schultz is a DFL researcher in the Minnesota Senate and a candidate for re-election to the City Council of Hastings. Danna has been a long-standing champion for public education funding and smart investment in suburban communities. If re-elected, she will continue to work against unfettered development and ensure fair and equal treatment of families in Hastings.
And here is another site that discusses candidates in Minnesota (I do not necessarily endorse all their candidates, but urge you to take a look).
The Minnesota Project is a nonprofit organization that connects people with policy to nurture collaborations that build strong local economies, vibrant communities and a healthy environment.
Our programs are focused on clean renewable energy and efficient use of energy; farm practice and policy that promote profitable farms that protect the environment; and the production and consumption of local and sustainably-produced foods.
The Minnesota Project works in ways that emphasize collaboration, community building, and capacity building. For over twenty-five years we have fostered local empowerment, bridged diverse interests, encouraged shared values, and initiated working dialogues that create positive action and policy.
Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agricultre Newsletter: A Partnership between the University of Minnesota and the Sustainer's Coalition.
Alternative Energy Resources in Minnesota: a short summary of alternative energy resources for Minnesota. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.
And for those who like mixing fun and politics, here are a couple of Drinking Liberally groups in Minnesota:
Minneapolis
Every Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm
331 Club, 331 13th Ave NE (13th and University in Northeast Minneapolis)
Hosted by Robin Marty
Morris
First and Third Thursday of each month, 8:00 pm
Old #1, 412 Atlantic Avenue
Hosted by Jeff Lamberty
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