DFL STRATEGIST: LIBERAL LOUREY HAS CHANCE AT NOMINATION

"Democrat Wy Spano, director of the Center for Advocacy and Political Leadership at the University of Minnesota Duluth, thinks Lourey has a serious shot at winning the DFL endorsement.

'With all of Bush's troubles, it's easier to be a liberal now.' said Spano, a former lobbyist and editor of the newsletter 'Politics in Minnesota.'

'The rap on Becky by a lot of people before was: 'She's a wonderful person, and we all love her dearly, but she's just too liberal to sell to the general public.' I think that argument has less cachet now. That makes a larger opening for her than there was last time,' he said." Source: Pioneer Press, Novemner 16, 2005