BAKK DROPS FROM RACE
March 20, 2010 2:03 pm
Via MPR’s Polinaut:
Sen. Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook) announced at the St. Louis County DFL Convention in Duluth March 20 that he will end his bid for the DFL endorsement for governor.”I’ve decided to continue to focus my energies on the most immediate needs of the state – namely balancing the state budget in as fair and sensible a way as possible and putting in place policies that will restart our stalled economy,” Bakk said. “Running for the DFL endorsement for governor has been a great experience and I believe meeting so many people from across the state will make me a stronger legislator.”
As he ends his bid for endorsement, Bakk said he hopes his campaign theme of “jobs, jobs, jobs” will stay at the forefront of the gubernatorial race.
“As a carpenter who ran out of unemployment in the 1980s, I understand the stress today’s unemployed Minnesotans face,” he said. “Every Friday in 2010, more than 200,000 Minnesotans received an unemployment check. A state record of 240,398 unemployment checks were issued January 9 and we’ve reached a point where almost 500 people a week are receiving their last check. Many people are losing their homes, health care or their businesses; this is unacceptable.”
by Luke Hellier | Sound the Alarm! »
FREEDOM FOUNDATION ON GOVERNOR’S RADIO SHOW
March 19, 2010 4:00 pm
Earlier today, representatives from the Freedom Foundation of Minnesota were on Governor Pawlenty’s radio show to talk about their recent report on higher education.
Here is the audio:
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Press Release:
Report Card Grades Minnesota Public Universities at Pivotal Time
ST. PAUL, MN (March 18, 2010)—As they prepare for new leaders and contend with continued fiscal challenges, Minnesota’s two public university systems need to focus on controlling costs and raising quality, according to a new report card.
“In an era of state budget shortfalls, higher education leaders in Minnesota are understandably concerned about their bottom line,” said Anne D. Neal, president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, which published the report in conjunction with the Freedom Foundation of Minnesota. “But if they wish to continue to receive generous public subsidies, it is time they renewed their focus on issues of cost and quality. The best way to stay in taxpayers’ good graces is to offer them an excellent product at a low cost.”
by Luke Hellier | 1 Comment »
PAULSEN: WHY ISN’T WASHINGTON LISTENING?
March 19, 2010 1:08 pm
by Luke Hellier | 2 Comments »
WASHINGTON POST WRITES OFF RYBAK
March 19, 2010 1:00 pm
In today’s “The Fix” by Chris Cillizza he writes an update on several governor’s races across the country.
Here’s what he had to say about Minnesota:
12. Minnesota (R): With Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) retiring and former Sen. Norm Coleman (R) not running, Republicans have a low-profile field. Democrats seem headed to a competitive three-way primary between state House Speaker Margaret Kelliher, former Sen. Mark Dayton and former state Rep. Matt Entenza. (Previous ranking: 11)
Cillizza has the field to be Kelliher (presumed DFL endorsee), Entenza, and Dayton. No mention of Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak.
by Luke Hellier | 4 Comments »
SEIFERT RELEASES BUDGET PLAN
March 18, 2010 7:49 pm
Click Here to read the full plan.
Dear Friends,
As I travel across Minnesota, the same theme continues to arise – government spends too much, wastes too much and has too much power. Minnesotans are hungry for real solutions to the pressing issues facing our great state. A fair criticism of the Republican Party in recent years is a reluctance to tackle big issues and enact fundamental reform.
You deserve, and indeed it is my obligation as a candidate for governor, to propose specific, in-depth policy solutions to the challenges facing our state. Among the most pressing concerns is the budget, how it is balanced, and more importantly, how it is reformed to reduce spending, downsize government and help create private sector jobs.
The attached document is a comprehensive budget plan which includes a series of sweeping reforms and structural changes to state government that would save the state over one billion dollars this fiscal period, close the $994 million FY2011 budget deficit and add over $75 million to the state’s budget reserve.
While it is never easy to propose detailed cuts and large-scale budget changes, this is what families across Minnesota have been doing for the past several years during the economic downturn. It is time for state government to do the same. It is one thing to talk in vague terms about cutting government to balance the budget – my proposal shows Minnesotans in specific detail how it can be done.
This proposal abolishes no less than four state cabinet agencies, requires regional consolidation of government service delivery, utilizes the private sector for delivery of certain government services, consolidates the administration of higher education institutions, institutes aggressive welfare and entitlement reform, abolishes outdated boards and commissions, eliminates studies, and impounds millions of dollars in unexpended grants.
This plan does not raise any taxes or fees. It also does not rely on any borrowing, accounting gimmicks or federal stimulus funds. It balances the budget for the current biennium and makes significant progress toward long term fiscal stability. The recommendations include a total savings of $1.072.05 billion in these areas:
by Luke Hellier | 10 Comments »
EMMER V SEIFERT DEBATE LIVE BLOG
March 18, 2010 9:35 am
Tomorrow night, Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert will square off one on one in Plymouth..
If attending, please use Twitter hash tag #1on1 or #TEvMS.
Check back to MDE with live blog coverage:
by Luke Hellier | 1 Comment »
FREEDOM FOUNDATION’S REPORT ON HIGHER EDUCATION
March 18, 2010 9:16 am
Improve Quality, Control Costs
Report Card Grades Minnesota Public Universities at Pivotal Time
St. Paul, MN—As they prepare for new leaders and contend with continued fiscal challenges, Minnesota’s two public university systems need to focus on controlling costs and raising quality, according to a new report card.
“In an era of state budget shortfalls, higher education leaders in Minnesota are understandably concerned about their bottom line,” said Anne D. Neal, president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, which published the report in conjunction with the Freedom Foundation of Minnesota.
“But if they wish to continue to receive generous public subsidies, it is time they renewed their focus on issues of cost and quality. The best way to stay in taxpayers’ good graces is to offer them an excellent product at a low cost.”
The report card, entitled At a Crossroads, surveys the two major public higher education systems in Minnesota.
It offers a Pass or Fail grade in four key areas: what a college education costs (cost and effectiveness), how the universities are governed (governance), what students are learning (general education), and whether the marketplace of ideas is vibrant (intellectual diversity). Relying on the most recently available data, the report finds that:
· Tuition and fees are eating up an ever-increasing share of the average family’s income—35 percent more than five years ago, even after accounting for inflation.
· At seven universities, increases in administrative spending are outpacing increases in instructional spending. At five of these, administrative spending has increased by more than 30 percent in five years.
· On no campus do even half of students earn their degrees in four years.
· Most institutions require their students to take courses in composition and college-level math and science. But none require broad coursework in two areas essential to good citizenship: U.S. history/government and economics.
· In the wake of a First Amendment controversy at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, students there and at St. Cloud State University report a troubled intellectual climate yet exhibit an unsettling lack of awareness of how to ensure their free-speech rights are respected.
Overall, the state receives failing grades in cost and effectiveness, general education, and intellectual diversity.
For governance, both the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities systems receive passing grades for board structure and transparency of operations.
The U of M system receives an F for board accomplishments, whereas MnSCU receives a P. A detailed breakdown of the grades is available in the executive summary.
by Luke Hellier | Sound the Alarm! »
KOHLER THE “FACTCHECKER”
March 18, 2010 9:04 am
Kohler fact checks MN GOP: Doesn’t dispute Rybak broke promise to hold line on property taxes
You gotta hand it Ed Kohler over at the Deets. His analysis is showing that the RPM criticisms of Rybak are fact based and accurate. Thanks, Ed!
Can’t wait to read the rest of your critique.
http://www.thedeets.com/2010/03/18/mngops-anti-rybak-1-taxes-duh/
by Luke Hellier | Sound the Alarm! »
PAULSEN: HEALTH CARE AT TIPPING POINT
March 17, 2010 2:35 pm
by Luke Hellier | Sound the Alarm! »
EMMER ADDS VETERAN FINANCE DIRECTOR TO CAMPAIGN
March 17, 2010 1:58 pm
Per release:
Saint Paul — The Emmer for Governor Campaign scored another major step in building a winning campaign team for November. Veteran fundraiser and long-time political strategist Jan Unstad joined the campaign today as the chief financial consultant.
“This is a huge sign of the success of our campaign to date,” said Emmer campaign manager David FitzSimmons. “Jan joining our team says we are not only going to have the resources to win this endorsement but we will have enough resources to defeat the multi-millionaire, self-funding Democrats we will be running against in November.”
Jan Unstad is a long time veteran of Minnesota politics and has worked on many of the statewide victories for Republicans in Minnesota. “Being able to fundraise and get elected as a Republican statewide in Minnesota takes a special person,” said Unstad. “I have been fortunate to work for a few of them and I am confident Tom Emmer has those qualities to make him successful.”
Jan Unstad joining the campaign adds to a growing list of high profile Republicans from across the party spectrum that have endorsed Tom Emmer for Governor.
“Our team continues to grow, our campaign continues to gain momentum and we are confident we are building a winning campaign,” said FitzSimmons.
Jan will build and launch the finance committee for the Emmer for Governor Campaign and will serve as a financial consultant through the Republican Party endorsement.
by Luke Hellier | Sound the Alarm! »
CANDIDATES TO HOLD POST DEBATE EVENTS
March 17, 2010 1:34 pm
Marty Seifert & Tom Emmer will hold a campaign rallys tomorrow night in Plymouth after the first ever One on One debate.
Details:
by Luke Hellier | 1 Comment »
UPDATE: VANDEVEER ENDORSES SEIFERT
March 17, 2010 11:23 am
As reported yesterday, Sen. Ray Vandeveer endorsed Marty Seifert for Governor.
Here is the release:
ST PAUL – Marty Seifert’s campaign for Governor announced the endorsement of State Senator Ray Vandeveer (Forest Lake) today. Vandeveer joins his Senate colleagues David Hann (Eden Prairie) and Dave Senjem (Rochester) in endorsing Seifert recently.
“Marty is a rock solid conservative who matches up best against the potential Democrat candidates,” Vandeveer said. “Marty can take our conservative message to the people of Minnesota and get results, something we absolutely need in the next Governor. When delegates ask me why I think Marty would make the best Governor, I tell them that he has the message and the ability to implement conservative reform on a statewide level.”
##
by Luke Hellier | Sound the Alarm! »
SEN. JULIANNE ORTMAN AND SENATE REPUBLICANS INTRODUCING FORMAL RESOLUTION TO REJECT FEDERAL HEALTH CARE BILL
March 17, 2010 11:22 am
Click Here for the full resolution.
(ST. Paul) — Minnesota Senate Republicans today took a stand against
the impending federal health care overhaul moving through Congress.
Senator Julianne Ortman of Chanhassen introduced a legislative
resolution that would formally request Minnesota’s congressional
delegation to stop the passage of the federal health care reform bill,
HR 3590.The resolution also engages Minnesota’s Attorney General in preparing
to file a lawsuit to protect and defend the residents of the State of
Minnesota from an abuse of constitutional power or illegal action by the
federal government upon the passage of this bill.“The legislation being considered by Congress is unconstitutional and
threatens the rights of Minnesotan citizens,” Ortman said. “The
State of Minnesota has a responsibility to act now to protect and defend
itself and its residents from an abuse of power by the federal
government.”
by Luke Hellier | 7 Comments »
LIEBLING’S DISRESPECTFUL RESPONSE
March 17, 2010 11:03 am
Rep. Tina Liebling, State Legislator from Rochester, sent the below email to a constituent after being contacted. This is a completely disrespectful response.
This is nothing new for Liebling, who has a history of brash behavior at the Capitol.
Is that the kind of behavior we want from our elected officials?
by Luke Hellier | 1 Comment »
UPDATED: MINNESOTA’S CONSERVATIVE COUNTIES
March 17, 2010 5:06 am
The Daily Caller is in the process of naming the 100 Most Conservative Counties in America.
Four of Minnesota’s own have made the list:
84. Scott County, Minn.
Largest city: ShakopeeMinnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes. It could also be viewed as the state with 10,000(-plus) liberals. This one state produced Hubert H. Humphrey, Eugene McCarthy, Walter Mondale, Paul Wellstone and Al Franken. However, growth in the suburban Twin Cities has shifted Minnesota to the right. The fastest-growing places are like Scott County, a county south of Minneapolis that has doubled in population in the last 20 years. It is not overwhelmingly Republican, but it has the single highest rate of home ownership on this list. Minnesota has become a swing state in large part due to a series of counties like this.
75. Wright County, Minn.
Largest city: St. MichaelHere is another of the newly developing suburban Twin Cities counties showing up on the list. These exurban pioneers are also changing the political climate of their state, giving George W. Bush more than 60 percent of the vote in 2004. More than 85 percent of the county consists of home owners, among the highest in the nation. The former tracts devoted to farming have been transformed only in the past two decades, and more growth promises to be forthcoming.
58. Carver County, Minn.
Largest city: ChanhassenSouthwest of Minneapolis is Carver County. Its German heritage is apparent, as it features cities called Cologne, Hamburg and New Germany. It has developed into some of the area’s richest suburbs. The most famous resident is Prince. The Purple One long maintained an estate in Chanhassen. Politically, it is about 60 percent Republican.
57. Sherburne County, Minn.Largest city: Elk River
Sherburne is the highest-ranking Minnesota county. It has one of the highest standards of living of any American county. It is the most consistently Republican of the suburban Twin City counties. Minnesota is a middling state for conservatives. It is a strong union state, but is generally pro-gun. Religiously, it is about right in the middle. Tax rates are higher than average.
by Luke Hellier | 2 Comments »
TICKET INFORMATION FOR PALIN RALLY
March 16, 2010 11:01 am
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Doors Open - Noon
Rally Begins - 2:00 PM
Minneapolis Convention Center – Hall D
1301 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN
To get tickets, visit http://rally.mngop.com
St. Paul- Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton today announced ticket information for the April 7, 2010 rally with former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and Representative Michele Bachmann at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The rally is free, open to the public and begins at 2:00 PM.
“The phones have been ringing off the hook here at the Republican Party of Minnesota since we announced that Governor Sarah Palin would be in town for a rally with our great Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. To get tickets to this event, please visit rally.mngop.com or call 651.222.0022. These tickets won’t last long,” Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton said.
by Luke Hellier | Sound the Alarm! »
BANAIAN TO CHALLENGE HAWS
March 16, 2010 10:28 am
King Banaian, professor of Economics at St. Cloud State University will run for the Republican endorsement to challenge DFL Rep. Larry Haws.
WJON.Com has the story:
ST. CLOUD — A well known St. Cloud State University Economics Professor is announcing his challenge against St. Cloud Representative Larry Haws.
Local economist King Banaian announced Tuesday morning he will be seeking the Republican nomination to run against Haws for Minnesota House Representative District 15-B.
Banaian is a regular radio commentator on local economic issues.
Banaian’s main focus will be the budget deficit, and reducing government spending. Banaian took aim at Democrat Larry Haws’ voting record, saying it doesn’t represent the interests of central Minnesota.
Read the rest of the story here.
King will make a great state representative that will help restore fiscal sanity to Saint Paul.
by Luke Hellier | 1 Comment »
SEN. RAY VANDEVEER ENDORSES SEIFERT FOR GOVERNOR
March 16, 2010 8:40 am
This morning at an event with delegates in Forest Lake, State Senator Ray Vandeveer endorsed Marty Seifert for Governor.
Click Here for the updated endorsements list.
Elected officials:
Tom Emmer – 25
Marty Seifert – 20
*Sen. Pariseau and Rep. Steve Smith have endorsed both candidates and are not on the list.
Stay tuned for a press release from the campaign.
by Luke Hellier | Sound the Alarm! »
MORE EMMER ENDORSEMENTS
March 15, 2010 1:13 pm
MPR’s Tom Scheck is reporting that Edina Representative Keith Downey and Edina Senator Geoff Michel will be endorsing Tom Emmer for Governor today.
Click Here for the most updated list of legislative endorsements.
Stay tuned for more…
Update: Full Release from Emmer for Governor Campaign
Saint Paul — Senator Geoff Michel and Representative Keith Downey, who represent Edina and Bloomington in the legislature, endorsed Tom Emmer for Governor today, adding to the list of suburban and greater Minnesota legislators backing Emmer’s campaign. Twenty-six current state legislators and Lt. Governor Molnau are backing Emmer, more than any other Republican campaign.
“Tom has a strong and appealing message for suburban voters who are focused on deficits and the economy,” said Michel. “Beyond that, I believe the Emmer campaign can pull together a broad spectrum of Minnesotans, from Republicans to Independents and conservative Democrats, to focus on fundamentally reforming state government and making Minnesota an attractive place to raise a family and create jobs.”
“I am pleased to endorse Tom Emmer for Governor,” said Rep. Downey. “As a new legislator and non-career politician, I have always appreciated Tom’s straightforward approach. Minnesotans are looking for someone they can trust to say what he believes and do what he says – Tom is that person. Tom’s commitment to common-sense deficit reduction and economic recovery through the private sector is exactly what Minnesota needs right now. We know he will focus on our priorities.”
“It’s nice to have the support of my hometown legislators and I know my friends and family in Edina are well served by their strong leadership,” said Emmer.
— 30 —
by Luke Hellier | Sound the Alarm! »
REAGAN BILLBOARD – REAL HOPE AND CHANGE
March 15, 2010 10:00 am
Ed Morrissey over at Hot Air has a post up today about another Republican billboard in Minnesota. This time for President Reagan on I94:
Somehow, I think people will miss this man more than the one featured in the “Miss Me Yet?” billboard that appeared outside the Twin Cities in Minnesota last month. Another anonymous advertisement has appeared on the roadside of a major interstate freeway in the outer-ring suburbs of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolis area, on I-94 just outside of Albertville on the way from St. Cloud to Minneapolis. This ad recalls a President that never got his due in Minnesota:
Who paid for this ad? There are no indications on the sign itself, just as with the previous “Miss Me Yet?” sign with George W. Bush. Ronald Reagan never won Minnesota in either of his two national elections, but clearly someone recalls him fondly. It’s not cheap to pay for this kind of advertising, and it would be interesting to discover who’s behind this one.
I’ve got a hunch on who paid for the Reagan billboard.
That area of I94 has a considerable amount of advertising space for Franklin Outdoor Advertising. As the picture shows, Franklin is the company who owns the billboard.
Dan Franklin, owner of Franklin Outdoor Advertising is a long time donor/activist to Republican causes and I would be shocked if he wasn’t involved somehow.
by Luke Hellier | 1 Comment »