Saturday, July 30, 2005
Friday, July 29, 2005
MDE EXCLUSIVE: NEW HATCH FUNDRAISING LETTER
I will be posting a copy of Mike Hatch's most recent fundraising letter within the next few hours.
MDE EXCLUSIVE: HATCH'S FOUL MOUTH #2
According to an unimpeachable source inside the Hennepin County Government Center, Attorney General Mike Hatch just said "do you think I fucking swore?" in the hallway outside the courtroom where he is testifying.
I am starting to like Hatch more and more.
(jk)
I am starting to like Hatch more and more.
(jk)
HATCH'S FOUL MOUTH
Both sides promised fireworks, and both sides delivered on that promise.
In a rare appearance on the witness stand, Attorney General Mike Hatch testified Thursday that his hand-picked board of directors for Medica was seriously "off track" by early 2003, had ignored its mandate to fix the ailing HMO, failed to find a chief executive and seemed more interested in taking care of itself.
Hatch is attempting to remove eight members of Medica's board, claiming they are still under his jurisdiction as special administrators of the company. He appointed the board members in 2001 when Allina Hospitals and Clinics was divesting itself from Medica after an embarrassing disclosure of financial irregularities as a result of a Hatch investigation.
Testifying in Hennepin County District Court in a lawsuit over control of the 1.3-million-member organization, Hatch said he found board Chairman John Buck "arrogant" and said he was surprised when he learned the board's base salary was $50,000 a year, more than the amount paid to directors of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, the state's largest insurer.
"I was flabbergasted. I had a sick feeling about all of this," Hatch said after describing a lunch meeting with Buck at the Lexington in St. Paul that year. "I had a bad feeling this thing was going way off track."
But in her opening statement to Judge Lloyd Zimmerman, Medica attorney Marianne Short said this case is about corporate independence and Hatch's desire to control Medica long after it has been righted by a very capable board of directors.
"This is a story about a leader who has a vision about the health care industry," Short said. "In 2001, he asked a blue-ribbon panel -- he said he didn't want a puppet board -- and when he got his wish, he changed his mind."
Hatch's appointees subsequently were elected to the board by members of Medica. They contend now that they are no longer responsible to Hatch.
The trial that opened Thursday is the latest attempt by Hatch to retain control of the board. Hatch was the first witness and was on the stand for about four hours.
He testified that he was "flabbergasted" when Buck told him at the January lunch that he was thinking of running Medica as a part-time chief executive, that the board had elected itself as directors and there was a multimillion incentive plan for management in the works.
"He was very arrogant," Hatch testified. "He said they were paying themselves $50,000 roughly, which was a surprise to me. The fact that there wasn't a CEO was very bothersome."
Under cross-examination by Short, Hatch acknowledged that he left an irate message on Buck's answering machine a few hours after the lunch meeting.
Hatch said he didn't recall exactly what he said. Short read a transcript of the message which said, "This bonus will undo all that we've accomplished. We would be [expletive] front-page news. It would be a [expletive] scandal. The only thing we can do is lower premiums. I don't want another [expletive] scandal on my hands."
The exchanges between Hatch and Short were often testy. When Short suggested to Hatch there was no language in a September 2001 memorandum of understanding between Hatch and his appointees over their ability to continue on the board, Hatch said, "That was crystal clear. To say they can't hijack an organization without putting in there that they can't hijack it is a stretch."
Animosity surfaced near the end of Hatch's testimony when Short recounted a conversation Hatch had with one of her partners at the law firm of Dorsey & Whitney. Short asked Hatch if he described her with two expletives to her partner and threatened to take state business away from the firm.
Hatch denied using the phrase or making the threat. He said he was only upset that his pretrial deposition could not be conducted at the Capitol where he could be close to his office at a time when state government was shutting down in June.
The nonjury trial continues today and is likely to extend to the middle of next week. Source: Star Tribune, July 29, 2005
In a rare appearance on the witness stand, Attorney General Mike Hatch testified Thursday that his hand-picked board of directors for Medica was seriously "off track" by early 2003, had ignored its mandate to fix the ailing HMO, failed to find a chief executive and seemed more interested in taking care of itself.
Hatch is attempting to remove eight members of Medica's board, claiming they are still under his jurisdiction as special administrators of the company. He appointed the board members in 2001 when Allina Hospitals and Clinics was divesting itself from Medica after an embarrassing disclosure of financial irregularities as a result of a Hatch investigation.
Testifying in Hennepin County District Court in a lawsuit over control of the 1.3-million-member organization, Hatch said he found board Chairman John Buck "arrogant" and said he was surprised when he learned the board's base salary was $50,000 a year, more than the amount paid to directors of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, the state's largest insurer.
"I was flabbergasted. I had a sick feeling about all of this," Hatch said after describing a lunch meeting with Buck at the Lexington in St. Paul that year. "I had a bad feeling this thing was going way off track."
But in her opening statement to Judge Lloyd Zimmerman, Medica attorney Marianne Short said this case is about corporate independence and Hatch's desire to control Medica long after it has been righted by a very capable board of directors.
"This is a story about a leader who has a vision about the health care industry," Short said. "In 2001, he asked a blue-ribbon panel -- he said he didn't want a puppet board -- and when he got his wish, he changed his mind."
Hatch's appointees subsequently were elected to the board by members of Medica. They contend now that they are no longer responsible to Hatch.
The trial that opened Thursday is the latest attempt by Hatch to retain control of the board. Hatch was the first witness and was on the stand for about four hours.
He testified that he was "flabbergasted" when Buck told him at the January lunch that he was thinking of running Medica as a part-time chief executive, that the board had elected itself as directors and there was a multimillion incentive plan for management in the works.
"He was very arrogant," Hatch testified. "He said they were paying themselves $50,000 roughly, which was a surprise to me. The fact that there wasn't a CEO was very bothersome."
Under cross-examination by Short, Hatch acknowledged that he left an irate message on Buck's answering machine a few hours after the lunch meeting.
Hatch said he didn't recall exactly what he said. Short read a transcript of the message which said, "This bonus will undo all that we've accomplished. We would be [expletive] front-page news. It would be a [expletive] scandal. The only thing we can do is lower premiums. I don't want another [expletive] scandal on my hands."
The exchanges between Hatch and Short were often testy. When Short suggested to Hatch there was no language in a September 2001 memorandum of understanding between Hatch and his appointees over their ability to continue on the board, Hatch said, "That was crystal clear. To say they can't hijack an organization without putting in there that they can't hijack it is a stretch."
Animosity surfaced near the end of Hatch's testimony when Short recounted a conversation Hatch had with one of her partners at the law firm of Dorsey & Whitney. Short asked Hatch if he described her with two expletives to her partner and threatened to take state business away from the firm.
Hatch denied using the phrase or making the threat. He said he was only upset that his pretrial deposition could not be conducted at the Capitol where he could be close to his office at a time when state government was shutting down in June.
The nonjury trial continues today and is likely to extend to the middle of next week. Source: Star Tribune, July 29, 2005
Thursday, July 28, 2005
THE ULTIMATE FLIP-FLOP COMPLIMENTS OF PATTY WETTERLING
How can Patty Wetterling state on her campaign website under the headline "Patty Pushes for Bipartisan Sex-Offender Legislation", when she doesn't know if she would support the bill?
"Although Wetterling lent her voice to Tuesday's rally in favor of the bill, she expressed concerns that some of its provisions were too broad and that it wouldn't provide enough funding for local law enforcement agencies. She said she favored Minnesota's tiered classification system for sex offenders over the Children's Safety Act's approach, which wouldn't distinguish between violent and nonviolent offenders.
'The challenge is, you can't treat all sex offenders the same; they're not,' said Wetterling, who added that she needed 'to study every little piece' of the bill before saying whether she would vote for it if she were elected to Congress." Source: Pioneer Press, July 28, 2005
###
"The legislation sends the message, Wetterling said, 'We will not tolerate sexual violence against our children.'
But after the rally, Wetterling said she had misgivings about certain parts of the legislation, particularly those that deal with juvenile offenders.
'All sex offenders are not the same,' said Wetterling, who is running as a Democrat in next year's Senate race." Source: Associated Press, July 28, 2005
###
"Other parents of child victims also spoke in favor of the legislation, including Patty Wetterling, who founded the Jacob Wetterling Foundation after the abduction of her 11-year old son 16 years ago. He has never been found.
The legislation sends the message, Wetterling said, 'We will not tolerate sexual violence against our children.'
But after the rally, Wetterling said she had misgivings about certain parts of the legislation, particularly those that deal with juvenile offenders.
'All sex offenders are not the same,' said Wetterling, a Democrat who is running for U.S. Senate from Minnesota. 'Adding juvenile offenders will need to include some special circumstances.'" Source: Associated Press, July 28, 2005
It use to be difficult for Wetterling to take a position on anything, now she is taking both sides of the same issue!
"Although Wetterling lent her voice to Tuesday's rally in favor of the bill, she expressed concerns that some of its provisions were too broad and that it wouldn't provide enough funding for local law enforcement agencies. She said she favored Minnesota's tiered classification system for sex offenders over the Children's Safety Act's approach, which wouldn't distinguish between violent and nonviolent offenders.
'The challenge is, you can't treat all sex offenders the same; they're not,' said Wetterling, who added that she needed 'to study every little piece' of the bill before saying whether she would vote for it if she were elected to Congress." Source: Pioneer Press, July 28, 2005
###
"The legislation sends the message, Wetterling said, 'We will not tolerate sexual violence against our children.'
But after the rally, Wetterling said she had misgivings about certain parts of the legislation, particularly those that deal with juvenile offenders.
'All sex offenders are not the same,' said Wetterling, who is running as a Democrat in next year's Senate race." Source: Associated Press, July 28, 2005
###
"Other parents of child victims also spoke in favor of the legislation, including Patty Wetterling, who founded the Jacob Wetterling Foundation after the abduction of her 11-year old son 16 years ago. He has never been found.
The legislation sends the message, Wetterling said, 'We will not tolerate sexual violence against our children.'
But after the rally, Wetterling said she had misgivings about certain parts of the legislation, particularly those that deal with juvenile offenders.
'All sex offenders are not the same,' said Wetterling, a Democrat who is running for U.S. Senate from Minnesota. 'Adding juvenile offenders will need to include some special circumstances.'" Source: Associated Press, July 28, 2005
It use to be difficult for Wetterling to take a position on anything, now she is taking both sides of the same issue!
SOMETHING FROM THE RUMOR MILL
I received the information below in an email from an unimpeachable source.
"R.T. Rybak was booed at the Humphrey Institute at the U of M today when he said in front of a crowd largely comprised of Brits, at the 'Symposium on International e-Democracy', that the Iraq War is based on lies being promulgated by the government in the media--something he claimed happened during the Viet Nam era and said he didn't think would be able to happen in the internet age."
##
"I'm sure this will come as no surprise, but according to one of my real DFL insider friends, Patty Wetterling has all but announced that she'll be running for the 6th CD again because Klobuchar has proven to be much stronger than expected. Apparently Tinklenburg has agreed to get out of the 6th if Wetterling gets in, too."
"R.T. Rybak was booed at the Humphrey Institute at the U of M today when he said in front of a crowd largely comprised of Brits, at the 'Symposium on International e-Democracy', that the Iraq War is based on lies being promulgated by the government in the media--something he claimed happened during the Viet Nam era and said he didn't think would be able to happen in the internet age."
##
"I'm sure this will come as no surprise, but according to one of my real DFL insider friends, Patty Wetterling has all but announced that she'll be running for the 6th CD again because Klobuchar has proven to be much stronger than expected. Apparently Tinklenburg has agreed to get out of the 6th if Wetterling gets in, too."
MDE'S ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY: THE TOP-TEN BEST POSTS
#8 Wetterling's campaign says it would be a mistake to turn Wetterling into a policy wonk
#7 If you want a visit from the Kerry-Edwards campaign, add a front porch to your house
#6 THE FIRST PICTURE ON MY BLOG: AN EXAMPLE OF THE POLITICS OF HATE!
#5 This gal is certainly not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree
#7 If you want a visit from the Kerry-Edwards campaign, add a front porch to your house
#6 THE FIRST PICTURE ON MY BLOG: AN EXAMPLE OF THE POLITICS OF HATE!
#5 This gal is certainly not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree
MAKING OF THE BAND
Playing in the Band
So maybe they can’t legislate together, but five bipartisan lawmakers sure can rock and roll.
They’re going to prove it tonight when their newly formed eclectic band performs for the first time ever at the hip waterfront dive, Cantina Marina.
The lead singer of the band is a Democrat, albeit a conservative one: Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota. The rest of the members of Collin Peterson and the Second Amendments, all of them House Members, are Republicans: Jon Porter of Nevada on keyboards; Floridian Dave Weldon on bass; Kenny Hulshof of Missouri on drums and backup vocals; and Michigander Thaddeus McCotter on lead guitar.
The Second Amendments are a reincarnation of a band Peterson put together in 1995 called The Amendments. The short-lived band broke up after gigs turned politically partisan. GOP members of The Amendments, which included former Reps. Joe Scarborough (Fla.), Martin Hoke (Ohio) and Scott Klug (Wis.), decided to play at a big Republican National Committee fundraiser and then at the Republican National Convention in San Diego. Peterson couldn’t play those gigs with them and, he said, "the band fell apart." (Apparently it was just like an episode of VH1’s "Behind the Music.")
This time around, Peterson said, the Second Amendments have a new rule: "We’re not playing for any partisan deals." They should be on safe political ground at "the Cantina," as its known, a harbor for bipartisan boozing and dancing.
So far, there have been no political brawls during band practice. They’ve been practicing pretty diligently in Peterson’s bodacious office, anticipating gigs like tonight’s. And Peterson, who has been playing music for nearly as long as he can remember, 30 of them professionally, is geared up for their debut.
Hinging on classic rock ‘n roll and country and Western, the band plans to cover party favorites such as "Twist and Shout," "Sweet Little Sixteen" by Chuck Berry, Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s "Taking Care of Business," as well as softer tunes like Eric Clapton’s "Wonderful Tonight."
The new keyboardist is psyched. “I just want to make sure everybody has a good time. We’re on a mission!” Porter told HOH.
Groupies, get ready. Next month, the Second Amendments are playing at WE Fest, the huge
country and western festival in Detroit Lakes, Minn., slotted between Sawyer Brown and Sara Evans. Source: Roll Call, July 28, 2005
So maybe they can’t legislate together, but five bipartisan lawmakers sure can rock and roll.
They’re going to prove it tonight when their newly formed eclectic band performs for the first time ever at the hip waterfront dive, Cantina Marina.
The lead singer of the band is a Democrat, albeit a conservative one: Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota. The rest of the members of Collin Peterson and the Second Amendments, all of them House Members, are Republicans: Jon Porter of Nevada on keyboards; Floridian Dave Weldon on bass; Kenny Hulshof of Missouri on drums and backup vocals; and Michigander Thaddeus McCotter on lead guitar.
The Second Amendments are a reincarnation of a band Peterson put together in 1995 called The Amendments. The short-lived band broke up after gigs turned politically partisan. GOP members of The Amendments, which included former Reps. Joe Scarborough (Fla.), Martin Hoke (Ohio) and Scott Klug (Wis.), decided to play at a big Republican National Committee fundraiser and then at the Republican National Convention in San Diego. Peterson couldn’t play those gigs with them and, he said, "the band fell apart." (Apparently it was just like an episode of VH1’s "Behind the Music.")
This time around, Peterson said, the Second Amendments have a new rule: "We’re not playing for any partisan deals." They should be on safe political ground at "the Cantina," as its known, a harbor for bipartisan boozing and dancing.
So far, there have been no political brawls during band practice. They’ve been practicing pretty diligently in Peterson’s bodacious office, anticipating gigs like tonight’s. And Peterson, who has been playing music for nearly as long as he can remember, 30 of them professionally, is geared up for their debut.
Hinging on classic rock ‘n roll and country and Western, the band plans to cover party favorites such as "Twist and Shout," "Sweet Little Sixteen" by Chuck Berry, Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s "Taking Care of Business," as well as softer tunes like Eric Clapton’s "Wonderful Tonight."
The new keyboardist is psyched. “I just want to make sure everybody has a good time. We’re on a mission!” Porter told HOH.
Groupies, get ready. Next month, the Second Amendments are playing at WE Fest, the huge
country and western festival in Detroit Lakes, Minn., slotted between Sawyer Brown and Sara Evans. Source: Roll Call, July 28, 2005
IS BRIAN MELENDEZ QUESTIONING THE FAITH OF REPUBLICANS?
This is from the DFL's website:
"The second reason that I’m a Democrat is because of my faith. The cardinal maxim behind both religion and politics is the Golden Rule: Treat others as we would want to be treated in their circumstances. The Republican Party betrays the Golden Rule: they exalt selfishness over generosity, wealth over merit, power over justice. As Democrats, we fight for social, economic, and environmental justice — values rooted in the Golden Rule."
"The second reason that I’m a Democrat is because of my faith. The cardinal maxim behind both religion and politics is the Golden Rule: Treat others as we would want to be treated in their circumstances. The Republican Party betrays the Golden Rule: they exalt selfishness over generosity, wealth over merit, power over justice. As Democrats, we fight for social, economic, and environmental justice — values rooted in the Golden Rule."
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
I'D LIKE TO BUY MARK DAYTON A CLEAN REFRIGERATOR
This story about missing Diet Cokes from Senator Mark Dayton's office reminded me of Dayton's fetish with clean refrigerators:
"In 1998, he left the farm to run for governor. His campaign was a debacle. Not only did he finish a disappointing fourth in the DFL primary, but his behavior prompted questions about his mental stability. More than 20 members of his campaign staff were either fired or quit.
Several of them, who asked not to be named, said Dayton triggered the departures with angry outbursts over seemingly trivial issues, such as a messy office or a dirty refrigerator.
'Certain relatively trivial instances would trigger extreme reactions and threats of firing. I was personally reamed out for crumbs in the bottom of the refrigerator.' Afterward, Jarvis added, Dayton would apologize for taking out his frustrations on his staff.
Told of the accusation, Dayton winced and shook his head. 'Monte was one of the more dedicated and reliable people in that campaign,' he said. 'Yes, I lost my temper on a half-dozen occasions, after numerous repeated attempts to get some semblance of cleanliness.'" Source: Star Tribune, August 30, 2000
"In 1998, he left the farm to run for governor. His campaign was a debacle. Not only did he finish a disappointing fourth in the DFL primary, but his behavior prompted questions about his mental stability. More than 20 members of his campaign staff were either fired or quit.
Several of them, who asked not to be named, said Dayton triggered the departures with angry outbursts over seemingly trivial issues, such as a messy office or a dirty refrigerator.
Dayton insisted such criticism was unfair. He acknowledged a few outbursts, but said they were caused by the failures of the campaign and having to 'settle for effort, performance and results that were far less than what I was paying for and had a right to expect from professional people.'" Source: Pioneer Press, November 1, 2000
###
'"He [Mark Dayton] had high expectations,' said Monte Jarvis, Dayton's 1998 field director.
###
'"He [Mark Dayton] had high expectations,' said Monte Jarvis, Dayton's 1998 field director.
'Certain relatively trivial instances would trigger extreme reactions and threats of firing. I was personally reamed out for crumbs in the bottom of the refrigerator.' Afterward, Jarvis added, Dayton would apologize for taking out his frustrations on his staff.
Told of the accusation, Dayton winced and shook his head. 'Monte was one of the more dedicated and reliable people in that campaign,' he said. 'Yes, I lost my temper on a half-dozen occasions, after numerous repeated attempts to get some semblance of cleanliness.'" Source: Star Tribune, August 30, 2000
I'D LIKE TO BUY MARK DAYTON A COKE
This is from today's Roll Call:
Let Moderation Be Your Guide. Is a certain soft drink making Sen. Mark Dayton (D-Minn.) and his staff jittery?
Someone, or many people, in Dayton’s office are guzzling Diet Coke by the caseload, and HOH is worried. So is Dayton’s office manager, Kristen Gentile, who sent an e-mail on Tuesday to everyone in the office, including the Senator himself, with the eerie two-word subject line: Diet Coke.
"On Thursday, I bought 18 cases of Diet Coke," Gentile wrote in an e-mail that an anonymous tipster forwarded to HOH. "We are now down to four which, I’m sure you will agree, is ridiculous. After speaking with the front desk staff, it’s my understanding that it is not constituents drinking the Diet Coke like it’s going out of style, but staff & interns. I think we can all agree that 168 cans of Diet Coke should have lasted us far longer than two business days!"
The understandable lecture continued, "I realize that it’s been oppressively hot recently and I certainly understand the impulse to consume fluids, however, there has to be a reasonable limit."
For one thing, no one should be drinking so much soda pop. And two, guess who’s footing the bill for this expensive little caffeine habit? Yep, you guessed it.
"Unlike the water supply, which is paid for out of the office’s official budget, the Coke is paid for by Mark personally," Gentile wrote. "Please, please, please be respectful of his money (and my time & energy) and limit the amount of Coke you consume to a reasonable one or two cans."
Dayton, the man who drew snickers for his decision to shutter his Senate office last fall and, together with this staff, nervously fled Capitol Hill for fear of a terrorist attack, had no comment on who the Diet Cokehead or Cokeheads may be.
His spokeswoman, Chris Lisi, did not find the e-mail as amusing as HOH did. "Usually reporters call me about stories that make sense," she said rather testily when we contacted her. "Why are you calling me about Diet Coke?"
OK — just lay off the Diet Cokes, give us a call back, and we’ll be happy to explain!
##
You couldn't make this stuff up because nobody would believe it.
Let Moderation Be Your Guide. Is a certain soft drink making Sen. Mark Dayton (D-Minn.) and his staff jittery?
Someone, or many people, in Dayton’s office are guzzling Diet Coke by the caseload, and HOH is worried. So is Dayton’s office manager, Kristen Gentile, who sent an e-mail on Tuesday to everyone in the office, including the Senator himself, with the eerie two-word subject line: Diet Coke.
"On Thursday, I bought 18 cases of Diet Coke," Gentile wrote in an e-mail that an anonymous tipster forwarded to HOH. "We are now down to four which, I’m sure you will agree, is ridiculous. After speaking with the front desk staff, it’s my understanding that it is not constituents drinking the Diet Coke like it’s going out of style, but staff & interns. I think we can all agree that 168 cans of Diet Coke should have lasted us far longer than two business days!"
The understandable lecture continued, "I realize that it’s been oppressively hot recently and I certainly understand the impulse to consume fluids, however, there has to be a reasonable limit."
For one thing, no one should be drinking so much soda pop. And two, guess who’s footing the bill for this expensive little caffeine habit? Yep, you guessed it.
"Unlike the water supply, which is paid for out of the office’s official budget, the Coke is paid for by Mark personally," Gentile wrote. "Please, please, please be respectful of his money (and my time & energy) and limit the amount of Coke you consume to a reasonable one or two cans."
Dayton, the man who drew snickers for his decision to shutter his Senate office last fall and, together with this staff, nervously fled Capitol Hill for fear of a terrorist attack, had no comment on who the Diet Cokehead or Cokeheads may be.
His spokeswoman, Chris Lisi, did not find the e-mail as amusing as HOH did. "Usually reporters call me about stories that make sense," she said rather testily when we contacted her. "Why are you calling me about Diet Coke?"
OK — just lay off the Diet Cokes, give us a call back, and we’ll be happy to explain!
##
You couldn't make this stuff up because nobody would believe it.
RUN, LOREN, RUN!
The "Forest Gump" defense didn't work for Jennings.
##
Former Rep. Jennings convicted of fraud
Former state Rep. Loren Jennings, accused of using his office to financially benefit a firm in which he had a financial stake, was convicted Tuesday of two counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering.
A federal court jury in St. Paul acquitted him of four other charges following a nine-day trial.
Jennings, 54, a Harris DFLer, represented the Chisago County area for 18 years before losing a reelection bid in 2002. He declined to comment as he left court after the verdicts Tuesday afternoon.
Defense attorney Doug Kelley said the convictions will be appealed.
"Obviously, we're disappointed. We thought we had demonstrated that Loren Jennings had complied with all the requirements of state law," Kelley said.
U.S. Attorney Tom Heffelfinger called the verdicts "a just decision under the law."
"Any public official who violates a public trust is subject to consideration by us for possible prosecution," he said.
No date has been set for Jennings' sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard Kyle. Kelley said he expects prosecutors to seek a six- to seven-year prison term, which he would oppose.
Prosecutors alleged that Jennings used his influence as a one-time chairman of the House Regulated Industries Committee to push for a law change in the late 1990s that benefited Northern Pole Inc. Jennings and some business partners had lent the company hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Jennings then used his political clout to pressure power companies to give money to the power pole recycling firm, prosecutors charged.
Northern Pole collected $650,000 in state-mandated conservation money from energy companies. About $284,000 of that money was used to pay off loans that Jennings and his business partners had given to the company.
A federal grand jury indictment accused Jennings of purposely not disclosing that he had a $670,000 interest in a power pole recycling company.
In closing arguments Monday, Kelley told jurors that what prosecutors claimed were Jennings' investments in Northern Pole were simply "bridge loans" intended to help his friend, banker John C. James.
But James deceived Jennings and his business associates in an elaborate financial scheme intended to cover up irregularities at James' bank, Kelley said.
After pleading guilty to bank fraud charges, James became a government witness against Jennings, trying to avoid a federal prison sentence, Kelley charged.
Changes in state law pushed by Jennings that mandated large power companies to spend money on conservation programs were "wide open" and afforded business opportunities to many companies, not just Northern Pole, Kelley said. He said that Jennings also did not believe that he had a business interest in Northern Pole that state law required him to disclose.
"There was no fraud. He followed the only law that he knew," Kelley told jurors. "He acted in good faith and therefore you should find him not guilty."
But Republican House Speaker Steve Sviggum, called as a prosecution witness, testified that most legislators disclose a possible conflict or ask to be excused from a vote "even if there is a remote question."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Dixon asked jurors why Jennings would lie to officials of Northern States Power (now Xcel Energy) about having a financial stake in Northern Pole if he believed he had complied with state disclosure laws.
"There's no explanation other than the intention to deceive," Dixon said. "This is a case where a legislator used his office for personal benefit by making false statements." Source: Star Tribune, July 27, 2005
##
Former Rep. Jennings convicted of fraud
Former state Rep. Loren Jennings, accused of using his office to financially benefit a firm in which he had a financial stake, was convicted Tuesday of two counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering.
A federal court jury in St. Paul acquitted him of four other charges following a nine-day trial.
Jennings, 54, a Harris DFLer, represented the Chisago County area for 18 years before losing a reelection bid in 2002. He declined to comment as he left court after the verdicts Tuesday afternoon.
Defense attorney Doug Kelley said the convictions will be appealed.
"Obviously, we're disappointed. We thought we had demonstrated that Loren Jennings had complied with all the requirements of state law," Kelley said.
U.S. Attorney Tom Heffelfinger called the verdicts "a just decision under the law."
"Any public official who violates a public trust is subject to consideration by us for possible prosecution," he said.
No date has been set for Jennings' sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard Kyle. Kelley said he expects prosecutors to seek a six- to seven-year prison term, which he would oppose.
Prosecutors alleged that Jennings used his influence as a one-time chairman of the House Regulated Industries Committee to push for a law change in the late 1990s that benefited Northern Pole Inc. Jennings and some business partners had lent the company hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Jennings then used his political clout to pressure power companies to give money to the power pole recycling firm, prosecutors charged.
Northern Pole collected $650,000 in state-mandated conservation money from energy companies. About $284,000 of that money was used to pay off loans that Jennings and his business partners had given to the company.
A federal grand jury indictment accused Jennings of purposely not disclosing that he had a $670,000 interest in a power pole recycling company.
In closing arguments Monday, Kelley told jurors that what prosecutors claimed were Jennings' investments in Northern Pole were simply "bridge loans" intended to help his friend, banker John C. James.
But James deceived Jennings and his business associates in an elaborate financial scheme intended to cover up irregularities at James' bank, Kelley said.
After pleading guilty to bank fraud charges, James became a government witness against Jennings, trying to avoid a federal prison sentence, Kelley charged.
Changes in state law pushed by Jennings that mandated large power companies to spend money on conservation programs were "wide open" and afforded business opportunities to many companies, not just Northern Pole, Kelley said. He said that Jennings also did not believe that he had a business interest in Northern Pole that state law required him to disclose.
"There was no fraud. He followed the only law that he knew," Kelley told jurors. "He acted in good faith and therefore you should find him not guilty."
But Republican House Speaker Steve Sviggum, called as a prosecution witness, testified that most legislators disclose a possible conflict or ask to be excused from a vote "even if there is a remote question."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Dixon asked jurors why Jennings would lie to officials of Northern States Power (now Xcel Energy) about having a financial stake in Northern Pole if he believed he had complied with state disclosure laws.
"There's no explanation other than the intention to deceive," Dixon said. "This is a case where a legislator used his office for personal benefit by making false statements." Source: Star Tribune, July 27, 2005
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
MORE NAZI COMPARISONS FROM THE LEFT
Click here for a post on Democratic Undergound that compares College Republicans to Nazis.
If you follow the links for the pcitures, you end up at a website for Dodger Digital Design. I 'm no Donald Trump, but I think it could be bad for business if you compare College Republicans to Nazis.
If you are offended, call (651) 592-1061 or email to complain.
If you follow the links for the pcitures, you end up at a website for Dodger Digital Design. I 'm no Donald Trump, but I think it could be bad for business if you compare College Republicans to Nazis.
If you are offended, call (651) 592-1061 or email to complain.
BREAKING NEWS: JENNINGS FOUND GUILTY
Rep. Jennings convicted
Former state Rep. Loren Jennings, accused of using his office to financially benefit a firm in which he had a financial stake, was convicted Tuesday of two counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering by a federal court jury in St. Paul.
A federal court jury in St. Paul acquitted him of four other charges following a nine-day trial. No date has been set for his sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard Kyle.
Jennings, 54, of Harris, declined to comment as he left court after the verdicts Tuesday afternoon. But defense attorney Doug Kelley said Jennings will appeal his convictions.
A federal grand jury indictment accused Jennings of violating state law by failing to disclose a $670,00 interest he had in a power pole recycling company.
Prosecutors alleged that Jennings used his influence as a one-time chairman of the House Regulated Industries Committee to push for a law change in the late -1990s that benefited the beleaguered company, Northern Pole Inc.
It collected $650,000 in state-mandated conservation money from energy companies. About $284,000 of that money was used to pay off loans that Jennings and his business partners had given to Northern Pole, prosecutors alleged.
Kelley argued that what prosecutors construed as investments by Jennings in the firm were bridge loans made to help out a friend, banker John C. James, who took advantage of Jennings.
Jennings and Kelley also maintained that the 18-year legislator, who was defeated in a 2002 reelection bid, did not have an obligation to disclose the loans as a conflict of interest under state law. Source: Star Tribune, July 26, 2005
Former state Rep. Loren Jennings, accused of using his office to financially benefit a firm in which he had a financial stake, was convicted Tuesday of two counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering by a federal court jury in St. Paul.
A federal court jury in St. Paul acquitted him of four other charges following a nine-day trial. No date has been set for his sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard Kyle.
Jennings, 54, of Harris, declined to comment as he left court after the verdicts Tuesday afternoon. But defense attorney Doug Kelley said Jennings will appeal his convictions.
A federal grand jury indictment accused Jennings of violating state law by failing to disclose a $670,00 interest he had in a power pole recycling company.
Prosecutors alleged that Jennings used his influence as a one-time chairman of the House Regulated Industries Committee to push for a law change in the late -1990s that benefited the beleaguered company, Northern Pole Inc.
It collected $650,000 in state-mandated conservation money from energy companies. About $284,000 of that money was used to pay off loans that Jennings and his business partners had given to Northern Pole, prosecutors alleged.
Kelley argued that what prosecutors construed as investments by Jennings in the firm were bridge loans made to help out a friend, banker John C. James, who took advantage of Jennings.
Jennings and Kelley also maintained that the 18-year legislator, who was defeated in a 2002 reelection bid, did not have an obligation to disclose the loans as a conflict of interest under state law. Source: Star Tribune, July 26, 2005
MORE COMENTARY ON FORD BELL
Dog, Pony and Veterinarian Show
His grandfather founded General Mills, his father founded the Red Owl grocery chain. Imagine the disappointment, then, of Minnesota's Democratic/Farm-Labor Party when political novice Ford Bell, who announced for the U.S. Senate on Friday, nonetheless said he won't be financing his own campaign. Democrats who find something particularly appealing about his clotted portfolio of liberal talking points -- in favor of abortion rights and national health care, opposed to the Iraq war -- would have to reach into their own pockets, already stretched by an army of unfunded unknowns seeking the seat of retiring DFL Senator and department store heir Mark Dayton.
Mr. Bell, who sits on the boards of several charitable foundations, is a veterinarian by training, which might be helpful given the zoo he will encounter in his chase for the nomination. Of the numerous candidates who've entered the race or are contemplating doing so, only Amy Klobuchar, a Hennepin County attorney, holds public office. Patty Wetterling claims political experience based on her failed House race last year and her lobbying for child-protection laws after her son was kidnapped 16 years ago. Real estate developer Kelly Dornan, worth a reported $50 million, is a complete neophyte. Waiting in the wings is the undecided Mike Ciresi, a millionaire trial lawyer and tobacco beneficiary, who failed to win the DFL nomination in a previous run in 2000. He's said to be still reviewing his options and interviewing political consultants.
Minnesota is a swing state, all the more significant because of the purpling of its neighboring region, including Wisconsin and Iowa. Last year, John Kerry squeaked past President Bush by fewer than 100,000 votes. Democrats claim their hotly contested nomination will be a sign of strength and "diversity" compared to the GOP's regimented unity behind Rep. Mark Kennedy. A wildcard is the partial government shutdown in the continuing budget battle between GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Democrats in the state Senate. If the controversy drags on, voters may have had their fill with shouting and chaos by next year, in which case Mr. Kennedy may continue his smooth sailing right into the Senate. -- Holman W. Jenkins Jr Sourc: Wall Street Journal, July 26, 2005
His grandfather founded General Mills, his father founded the Red Owl grocery chain. Imagine the disappointment, then, of Minnesota's Democratic/Farm-Labor Party when political novice Ford Bell, who announced for the U.S. Senate on Friday, nonetheless said he won't be financing his own campaign. Democrats who find something particularly appealing about his clotted portfolio of liberal talking points -- in favor of abortion rights and national health care, opposed to the Iraq war -- would have to reach into their own pockets, already stretched by an army of unfunded unknowns seeking the seat of retiring DFL Senator and department store heir Mark Dayton.
Mr. Bell, who sits on the boards of several charitable foundations, is a veterinarian by training, which might be helpful given the zoo he will encounter in his chase for the nomination. Of the numerous candidates who've entered the race or are contemplating doing so, only Amy Klobuchar, a Hennepin County attorney, holds public office. Patty Wetterling claims political experience based on her failed House race last year and her lobbying for child-protection laws after her son was kidnapped 16 years ago. Real estate developer Kelly Dornan, worth a reported $50 million, is a complete neophyte. Waiting in the wings is the undecided Mike Ciresi, a millionaire trial lawyer and tobacco beneficiary, who failed to win the DFL nomination in a previous run in 2000. He's said to be still reviewing his options and interviewing political consultants.
Minnesota is a swing state, all the more significant because of the purpling of its neighboring region, including Wisconsin and Iowa. Last year, John Kerry squeaked past President Bush by fewer than 100,000 votes. Democrats claim their hotly contested nomination will be a sign of strength and "diversity" compared to the GOP's regimented unity behind Rep. Mark Kennedy. A wildcard is the partial government shutdown in the continuing budget battle between GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Democrats in the state Senate. If the controversy drags on, voters may have had their fill with shouting and chaos by next year, in which case Mr. Kennedy may continue his smooth sailing right into the Senate. -- Holman W. Jenkins Jr Sourc: Wall Street Journal, July 26, 2005
Monday, July 25, 2005
JOHNSON FOR GOVERNOR?
The idea of running for governor has floated around Dean Johnson for the last decade.
The talk has heated up this year, as the Senate majority leader faced off with Gov. Tim Pawlenty over the state budget in a session that just ended a week ago.
But if Johnson is planning to run for governor in 2006, he’s keeping it to himself, at least for now. In fact, he’s become an expert at avoiding the question.
Asked if he would like to sit in the governor’s chair, he chuckled last week and said, "I took a couple twirls around in it the last couple weeks when he wasn’t looking."
The chair was comfortable, but he’d need to lower the seat a bit, because Pawlenty is taller, he said. When the Capitol press corps asks him about running, he tells them, "I’m too short."
If you can get him to speak seriously about the idea, he will admit that “I think there’s some things that can be offered to the public.”
Johnson said he believes the state needs a more moderate governor who could “bring Minnesota together” and build consensus.
“It doesn’t have to be Dean Johnson, it could be anybody,” he said. However if it were to be him, “I would not have to change my political stripes.”
Johnson quickly turned the talk of running for governor to talk about Senate District 15.
At this point, he said, he’s not sure he’ll run for re-election to the Senate next year, either, but there’s still one legislative session left before the election.
Johnson enjoys being majority leader and believes a district can be aided by a lawmaker in a leadership role.
When he looks at the development of Ridgewater College over the past 25 years, for example, he’s proud of the role he’s played in that at the Legislature, he said.
“I’m still challenged by the job,” he said. Source: West-Central Tribune, July 25, 2005
The talk has heated up this year, as the Senate majority leader faced off with Gov. Tim Pawlenty over the state budget in a session that just ended a week ago.
But if Johnson is planning to run for governor in 2006, he’s keeping it to himself, at least for now. In fact, he’s become an expert at avoiding the question.
Asked if he would like to sit in the governor’s chair, he chuckled last week and said, "I took a couple twirls around in it the last couple weeks when he wasn’t looking."
The chair was comfortable, but he’d need to lower the seat a bit, because Pawlenty is taller, he said. When the Capitol press corps asks him about running, he tells them, "I’m too short."
If you can get him to speak seriously about the idea, he will admit that “I think there’s some things that can be offered to the public.”
Johnson said he believes the state needs a more moderate governor who could “bring Minnesota together” and build consensus.
“It doesn’t have to be Dean Johnson, it could be anybody,” he said. However if it were to be him, “I would not have to change my political stripes.”
Johnson quickly turned the talk of running for governor to talk about Senate District 15.
At this point, he said, he’s not sure he’ll run for re-election to the Senate next year, either, but there’s still one legislative session left before the election.
Johnson enjoys being majority leader and believes a district can be aided by a lawmaker in a leadership role.
When he looks at the development of Ridgewater College over the past 25 years, for example, he’s proud of the role he’s played in that at the Legislature, he said.
“I’m still challenged by the job,” he said. Source: West-Central Tribune, July 25, 2005
MDE'S ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY: THE TOP-TEN BEST POSTS
#10 - My Exercise of Free Speech
This post explains why I purchased the domain names of DFL candidates and why I blog.
#9 - Union Thugs Attack College Republicans at Minnesota State Fair
This post highlights that unions are fillied with thugs who like to beat-up kids attending the Minnesota State Fair. I would rather join the French Foreign Legion than join a union.
This post explains why I purchased the domain names of DFL candidates and why I blog.
#9 - Union Thugs Attack College Republicans at Minnesota State Fair
This post highlights that unions are fillied with thugs who like to beat-up kids attending the Minnesota State Fair. I would rather join the French Foreign Legion than join a union.
ALMOST 20 YEARS
Since a candidate from the DFL Party hasn't been elected governor since 1986, I am sure it is difficult for bloggers like North Star Politics to talk about the successes of a Republican governor.
That has to hurt. Not like landing on a bike with no seat, but it still hurts. (I think this is from "The Naked Gun")
That has to hurt. Not like landing on a bike with no seat, but it still hurts. (I think this is from "The Naked Gun")
HATCH GETS THE CHAIR!
HATCH IN THE WITNESS CHAIR: The long-anticipated trial between Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch and the Medica board of directors is expected to commence this week after a brief delay.
The non-jury trial before Hennepin County District Judge Lloyd Zimmerman is likely to feature the testimony of Hatch early in the case, to the delight and interest of legal and political observers alike. Hatch is first on the state's witness list. Hatch's ongoing skirmishes with big health care in the state give him some populist cachet should he run for governor next year.
But Medica will put up a spirited defense that its board is legitimate and caring of the insurer's 1.3 million members. Source: Star Tribune, July 25, 2005
The non-jury trial before Hennepin County District Judge Lloyd Zimmerman is likely to feature the testimony of Hatch early in the case, to the delight and interest of legal and political observers alike. Hatch is first on the state's witness list. Hatch's ongoing skirmishes with big health care in the state give him some populist cachet should he run for governor next year.
But Medica will put up a spirited defense that its board is legitimate and caring of the insurer's 1.3 million members. Source: Star Tribune, July 25, 2005
Sunday, July 24, 2005
MDE'S ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY: THE TOP-TEN BEST POSTS
I am working on a top-ten list of the best post in the short history of Minnesota Democrats Exposed.
Mike Hatch will be mentioned quite a bit
Mike Hatch will be mentioned quite a bit
Saturday, July 23, 2005
IF THIS IS WRONG, I DON'T WANT TO BE RIGHT
My friend at North Star Politics is calling me names. Again.
My comments are in yellow.
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What a Jackass
MDE is just on fire today, [just today?] with a pair of posts attacking Ford Bell for having some money, yet not enough to self-finance his campaign for U.S. Senate. You can read here and here.
You have to understand that Senate campaigns are really expensive [thanks for the tip]. Now, NSP has no idea how much money Mr. Bell has. The man could have $50 million sitting around and just doesn't want to spend it.
But to question Mr. Bell's ability to pay for a Senate campaign on the basis of the value of his house (which may have been in the family for several generations or something like that) just isn't right, isn't smart, isn't fair.
I invite MDE to consider the value of his own home the next time he has any cash flow problems [I am a Republican; I don't have cash flow problems]. NSP has posted about MDE before, most recently here. This stuff continues to lower the bar.
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I didn't say Bell needed to finance the whole campaign, but maybe he could throw in some cash to pay for pizza for his volunteers, or some t-shirts.
Since the campaign will end soon, the t-shirts will be collectables.
My comments are in yellow.
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What a Jackass
MDE is just on fire today, [just today?] with a pair of posts attacking Ford Bell for having some money, yet not enough to self-finance his campaign for U.S. Senate. You can read here and here.
You have to understand that Senate campaigns are really expensive [thanks for the tip]. Now, NSP has no idea how much money Mr. Bell has. The man could have $50 million sitting around and just doesn't want to spend it.
But to question Mr. Bell's ability to pay for a Senate campaign on the basis of the value of his house (which may have been in the family for several generations or something like that) just isn't right, isn't smart, isn't fair.
I invite MDE to consider the value of his own home the next time he has any cash flow problems [I am a Republican; I don't have cash flow problems]. NSP has posted about MDE before, most recently here. This stuff continues to lower the bar.
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I didn't say Bell needed to finance the whole campaign, but maybe he could throw in some cash to pay for pizza for his volunteers, or some t-shirts.
Since the campaign will end soon, the t-shirts will be collectables.
NEW LINK ON MDE: WIND BENEATH THE RIGHT WING
I added a link on MDE to Wind Beneath the Right Wing:
"A blog dedicated to promoting conservatism, exposing the hypocrisy of liberalism, and working to elect more conservatives to public office. This blog will focus on the issues and events that affect the great state of Minnesota and our great nation."
Welcome aboard!
"A blog dedicated to promoting conservatism, exposing the hypocrisy of liberalism, and working to elect more conservatives to public office. This blog will focus on the issues and events that affect the great state of Minnesota and our great nation."
Welcome aboard!
MDE'S ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY: MY FAVORITE LIBERAL COMMENT
This comment is compliments of redhairblueface:
"Did you know that everytime someone in Mexico flushes the toilet, a blog like this one ends up in America?"
After reading this comment, I laughed so hard I cried.
"Did you know that everytime someone in Mexico flushes the toilet, a blog like this one ends up in America?"
After reading this comment, I laughed so hard I cried.
MDE'S ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY: THE FIRST POST ON MDE
I need to thank DFL State Representative Phyllis Kahn for stealing the campaign literature of then GOP State Representative Lynne Osterman.
This is the post that started Minnesota Democrats Exposed.
This is the post that started Minnesota Democrats Exposed.
MDE'S ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Today is the one-year anniversary of the start of Minnesota Democrats Exposed.
Let me begin by thanking the numerous people who read my blog. There are so many blogs with better writing and more thoughtful analysis, but for some reason people keep visiting my blog. To quote Homer Simpson: "I'm no super genius, or are I?"
I appreciate all of the comments and emails, both negative and positive, I have received since I started this blog.
For the next week, aside from my regular posts, I will be taking a walk down memory lane and highlighting the best and worst of Minnesota Democrats Exposed.
I see no end in sight for Minnesota Democrats Exposed and I hope you continue to visit.
Minnesota Democrat Exposer.
Let me begin by thanking the numerous people who read my blog. There are so many blogs with better writing and more thoughtful analysis, but for some reason people keep visiting my blog. To quote Homer Simpson: "I'm no super genius, or are I?"
I appreciate all of the comments and emails, both negative and positive, I have received since I started this blog.
For the next week, aside from my regular posts, I will be taking a walk down memory lane and highlighting the best and worst of Minnesota Democrats Exposed.
I see no end in sight for Minnesota Democrats Exposed and I hope you continue to visit.
Minnesota Democrat Exposer.
Friday, July 22, 2005
POOR FORD BELL, HE WAS BORN WITH A SILVER FOOT IN HIS MOUTH
According to Hennepin County, Ford Bell's house in Wayzata is worth over $1.8 million, yet he claims he has no money to spend on his campaign.
FORD CAMPAIGN HIRES FORMER DEAN STAFFER
Ford Bell has apparently hired Laura Nevitt. You may remember her from the Minnesota for Dean team as well as the Patty Wetterling campaign for House (she was the political director).
GRANDSON OF THE FOUNDER OF GENERAL MILLS HAS NO MONEY FOR HIS CAMPAIGN
Ford Bell announces Senate bid
Democrat Ford Bell, a veterinarian by training, announced Friday he will join the field of candidates running for the open U.S. Senate seat in 2006.
"It is time for us to take back our government," said Bell, in his announcement in front of Minneapolis' Westminster Presbyterian Church where he is an elder.
Bell, who is on the board of several non-profit organizations and is president the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, said he was elected to the Senate he would push a universal single payer health plan, a sustainable energy plan and peace.
"When I go to Washington, I will be a strong voice for peace," said Bell.
Bell is the grandson of James Ford Bell, founder of General Mills, and son of Ford Bell, founder of the Red Owl grocery chain, but he said Friday that he could not self-finance a multi-million dollar Senate race. "I don't have any money to throw in," he said.
Bell said he supports abortion rights, banning assault weapons and is against constitutional amendments to ban same-sex marriage. He is a lifelong Democratic-Farmer-Laborite but he had not yet decided if he will abide by the DFL endorsement.
Although Election Day is more than 15 months away, at least seven people have already declared their intent to run for the Senate seat being vacated by DFL U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton.
They include Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy, DFLers Amy Klobuchar, Hennepin County Attorney, Patty Wetterling, public safety advocate, Kelly Doran, real estate developer, Jerry Janezick, former state Senator and former Independence Party chair Jack Uldrich. Source: Pioneer Press, July 22, 2005
Democrat Ford Bell, a veterinarian by training, announced Friday he will join the field of candidates running for the open U.S. Senate seat in 2006.
"It is time for us to take back our government," said Bell, in his announcement in front of Minneapolis' Westminster Presbyterian Church where he is an elder.
Bell, who is on the board of several non-profit organizations and is president the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, said he was elected to the Senate he would push a universal single payer health plan, a sustainable energy plan and peace.
"When I go to Washington, I will be a strong voice for peace," said Bell.
Bell is the grandson of James Ford Bell, founder of General Mills, and son of Ford Bell, founder of the Red Owl grocery chain, but he said Friday that he could not self-finance a multi-million dollar Senate race. "I don't have any money to throw in," he said.
Bell said he supports abortion rights, banning assault weapons and is against constitutional amendments to ban same-sex marriage. He is a lifelong Democratic-Farmer-Laborite but he had not yet decided if he will abide by the DFL endorsement.
Although Election Day is more than 15 months away, at least seven people have already declared their intent to run for the Senate seat being vacated by DFL U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton.
They include Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy, DFLers Amy Klobuchar, Hennepin County Attorney, Patty Wetterling, public safety advocate, Kelly Doran, real estate developer, Jerry Janezick, former state Senator and former Independence Party chair Jack Uldrich. Source: Pioneer Press, July 22, 2005
THE ANSWER IS "YES"
Is the Left Really This Predictable?
Extreme Groups Follow "Tar & Feather" to a T (And F)
WASHINGTON – As Progress for America forecasted in "Tar & Feather, Inc.: The Liberal’s 10-Step Plan for Judicial Character Assassination" – incredibly predictable liberal special interest groups launched their premeditated character assassination campaign within minutes of the nomination of Judge John Roberts to the Supreme Court:
Step 1: Before (and after) a vacancy is announced – whip your membership into a frenzy with over blown rhetoric...
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, said confirmation of Roberts would set "the court back half a century. ... He will roll back workers’ rights, women’s rights and civil rights." (Chicago Tribune: Interest groups get busy after president announces court nominee, 7/20/05)
From NARAL: "By nominating John Roberts, George Bush has issued a slap in the face to every American who values personal privacy and a woman’s right to choose." (ABC News’ ‘The Note’ calls this one of the "most apocalyptic" press releases, 7/20/05)
Step 2: …while preparing for battle.
"President Bush has consciously chosen the path of confrontation, and he should know that we, and the 65 percent of Americans who support Roe, are ready for the battle ahead," Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said in a statement. (Chicago Tribune: Interest groups get busy after president announces court nominee, 7/20/05)
Step 3: Once a nominee is named, immediately announce that the nominee’s record "raises more questions than it answers."
"At first blush, John Roberts may not appear to be an ultra-right judicial activist, but his approach to issues of protecting the rights and freedoms of individual Americans is, at best, unclear and, in some instances, deeply troubling," said Wade Henderson of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. (Baltimore Sun: Roberts chosen for court, 7/20/05)
Step 4: Plead for a slower pace.
Nan Aron, the organization's president, said in a statement, "While we will be conducting a complete analysis of his record on and off the bench, an initial review has led to serious concerns about whether he will be fair, independent and will protect the rights and freedoms of all Americans." (Chicago Tribune: Interest groups get busy after president announces court nominee, 7/20/05) Source: Progress for America (www.JudgeRoberts.com)
Extreme Groups Follow "Tar & Feather" to a T (And F)
WASHINGTON – As Progress for America forecasted in "Tar & Feather, Inc.: The Liberal’s 10-Step Plan for Judicial Character Assassination" – incredibly predictable liberal special interest groups launched their premeditated character assassination campaign within minutes of the nomination of Judge John Roberts to the Supreme Court:
Step 1: Before (and after) a vacancy is announced – whip your membership into a frenzy with over blown rhetoric...
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, said confirmation of Roberts would set "the court back half a century. ... He will roll back workers’ rights, women’s rights and civil rights." (Chicago Tribune: Interest groups get busy after president announces court nominee, 7/20/05)
From NARAL: "By nominating John Roberts, George Bush has issued a slap in the face to every American who values personal privacy and a woman’s right to choose." (ABC News’ ‘The Note’ calls this one of the "most apocalyptic" press releases, 7/20/05)
Step 2: …while preparing for battle.
"President Bush has consciously chosen the path of confrontation, and he should know that we, and the 65 percent of Americans who support Roe, are ready for the battle ahead," Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said in a statement. (Chicago Tribune: Interest groups get busy after president announces court nominee, 7/20/05)
Step 3: Once a nominee is named, immediately announce that the nominee’s record "raises more questions than it answers."
"At first blush, John Roberts may not appear to be an ultra-right judicial activist, but his approach to issues of protecting the rights and freedoms of individual Americans is, at best, unclear and, in some instances, deeply troubling," said Wade Henderson of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. (Baltimore Sun: Roberts chosen for court, 7/20/05)
Step 4: Plead for a slower pace.
Nan Aron, the organization's president, said in a statement, "While we will be conducting a complete analysis of his record on and off the bench, an initial review has led to serious concerns about whether he will be fair, independent and will protect the rights and freedoms of all Americans." (Chicago Tribune: Interest groups get busy after president announces court nominee, 7/20/05) Source: Progress for America (www.JudgeRoberts.com)
Thursday, July 21, 2005
FORD BELL FOR U.S. SENATE CAMPAIGN KICKOFF
Another DFL millionaire will announce their candidacy for the U.S. Senate. It's a smart move to announce on the same day Vice-President Cheney is visiting Minnesota on behalf of Congressman Mark Kennedy.
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Greetings DFLers,
Please join us this Friday, July 22nd for a pair of events officially launching the Ford Bell for U.S. Senate Campaign!
As chair of the Minneapolis Heart Institute for the past 10 years, clinician and researcher at the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine and longtime board member & chair-elect of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, Ford has committed his life to serving Minnesota's many communities.
As chair of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, an elder in the Presbyterian Church and an educator, sportsman & volunteer with more than 25 organizations, Ford's experiences are unmatched by any other candidate.
Minneapolis Announcement
What: Ford Bell for U.S. Senate Campaign Kickoff Announcement!
When: Friday, July 22nd 2005 - 8:45AM
Where: Westminster Presbyterian Church 1200 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Info: For Transit Information – Click Here
Directions: For Directions & Free Parking Information – Click Here
Yellow Medicine County Fair Announcement
What: Ford Bell for U.S. Senate Campaign Kickoff Announcement!
When: Friday, July 22nd 2005 - 2:00PM
Where: Yellow Medicine County Fairgrounds Highway 3 / Fair Grounds Road, Canby, MN 56220
Info: More information about the County Fair is available at the Canby City Hall at (507) 223-7295
Directions: From Hwy 75 South turn right onto Fair Grounds Road/Hwy 3 in Canby. The Fair Grounds are located at Ring Avenue & Fair Grounds Road in Canby, MN.
For More information about Ford Bell for U.S. Senate or to volunteer on our campaign, please visit us at http://www.fordbell.com/ or contact our office at (612) 339-3798.
"I have worked my entire adult life to better our community, and now I want to bring that same commitment to a new challenge, to bringing our country back to a great vision, and back to those principles of fairness and generosity and of commitment to helping those who are working to create a better life for themselves and their families." Ford Bell - 2005
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Greetings DFLers,
Please join us this Friday, July 22nd for a pair of events officially launching the Ford Bell for U.S. Senate Campaign!
As chair of the Minneapolis Heart Institute for the past 10 years, clinician and researcher at the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine and longtime board member & chair-elect of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, Ford has committed his life to serving Minnesota's many communities.
As chair of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, an elder in the Presbyterian Church and an educator, sportsman & volunteer with more than 25 organizations, Ford's experiences are unmatched by any other candidate.
Minneapolis Announcement
What: Ford Bell for U.S. Senate Campaign Kickoff Announcement!
When: Friday, July 22nd 2005 - 8:45AM
Where: Westminster Presbyterian Church 1200 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Info: For Transit Information – Click Here
Directions: For Directions & Free Parking Information – Click Here
Yellow Medicine County Fair Announcement
What: Ford Bell for U.S. Senate Campaign Kickoff Announcement!
When: Friday, July 22nd 2005 - 2:00PM
Where: Yellow Medicine County Fairgrounds Highway 3 / Fair Grounds Road, Canby, MN 56220
Info: More information about the County Fair is available at the Canby City Hall at (507) 223-7295
Directions: From Hwy 75 South turn right onto Fair Grounds Road/Hwy 3 in Canby. The Fair Grounds are located at Ring Avenue & Fair Grounds Road in Canby, MN.
For More information about Ford Bell for U.S. Senate or to volunteer on our campaign, please visit us at http://www.fordbell.com/ or contact our office at (612) 339-3798.
"I have worked my entire adult life to better our community, and now I want to bring that same commitment to a new challenge, to bringing our country back to a great vision, and back to those principles of fairness and generosity and of commitment to helping those who are working to create a better life for themselves and their families." Ford Bell - 2005
ROWLEY INTERVIEW ON CNN TONIGHT
Coleen Rowley will be on CNN tonight to talk about terrorism and her candidacy for Congress. My sources in Rowley's campaign tell me she will be on around 9:00 p.m.
The more Rowley talks about terrorism, the better it is for Kline.
The more Rowley talks about terrorism, the better it is for Kline.
HOW LOW WILL THE LEFT GO?
Wife of Nominee Holds Strong Antiabortion Views
WASHINGTON - While Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts Jr.'s views on abortion triggered intense debate on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, there is no mistaking where his wife stands: Jane Sullivan Roberts, a lawyer, is ardently against abortion.
A Roman Catholic like her husband, Jane Roberts has been deeply involved in the antiabortion movement. She provides her name, money and professional advice to a small Washington organization - Feminists for Life of America - that offers counseling and educational programs.
The group has filed legal briefs before the high court challenging the constitutionality of abortion.
A spouse's views normally are not considered relevant in weighing someone's job suitability. But abortion is likely to figure prominently in the Senate debate over John Roberts' nomination. And with his position on the issue unclear, abortion rights supporters expressed concern Wednesday that his wife's views might suggest he also embraced efforts to overturn Roe vs. Wade.
"It's unclear how all this will affect her husband," said Jennifer Palmieri, a spokeswoman with the Center for American Progress, a liberal public policy group. "It's possible that he would have a different view than her. It's just that in the absence of information about this guy, people are looking at her and trying to read the tea leaves."
Asked to discuss her role with Feminists for Life, Jane Roberts said in an e-mail to the Los Angeles Times: "Thanks for your inquiry. At this time, however, I would like to decline your invitation to talk."
Advocacy groups on both sides of the issue were reacting strongly Wednesday to President Bush's first Supreme Court nomination.
The president of the antiabortion group Operation Rescue, Troy Newman, said: "We pray that Roberts will be swiftly confirmed."
The president of the National Organization for Women, Kim Gandy, warned that of the high court candidates considered by Bush, Roberts was one of the most extreme when it came to the question of overturning the Roe vs. Wade ruling, which legalized abortion.
Feminists for Life has sponsored a national advertising campaign aimed at ending abortion in America. One of its mission statements proclaims: "Abortion is a reflection that we have not met the needs of women. Women deserve better than abortion."
Jane Roberts was a volunteer member of Feminists for Life's board of directors from 1995 to
1999. She has provided legal assistance to the group and been recognized as a contributor who donated from $1,000 to $2,500.
The president of Feminists for Life, Serrin M. Foster, said Roberts maintained her ties by advising the group on how to draw up incorporation and not-for-profit papers. She also has written for the group's newsletter, Foster said, including an article about adoption. Roberts and her husband have adopted two children.
"She's a brilliant attorney, and we're really proud that she lent her legal services to us to help serve the needs of women," Foster said. "She was a very good board member. She was
invaluable as an attorney for us."
Foster said that she had met John Roberts, who now sits on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, but that the judge had not been involved with Feminists for Life.
Judge Roberts' public positions on abortion and Roe vs. Wade appear to be inconsistent.
In 1990, as the principal deputy solicitor general in President George H.W. Bush's administration, Roberts wrote a legal brief for the Supreme Court in a case regarding federal funding for abortion providers. "We continue to believe that Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided and should be overruled," Roberts wrote.
His brief added: "The [Supreme] Court's conclusion in Roe that there is a fundamental right to an abortion ... finds no support in the text, structure or history of the Constitution."
But during the 2003 Senate confirmation hearings on his appellate court nomination, Roberts took the position that abortion rights were no longer debatable.
"Roe vs. Wade is the settled law of the land," he told lawmakers. "There's nothing in my personal views that would prevent me from fully and faithfully applying that precedent."
But abortion rights groups are convinced that Roberts is opposed to abortion.
"He's absolutely anti-Roe," Gandy said. "He believes it was wrongly decided and should be reversed." Asked then why Roberts two years ago proclaimed Roe vs. Wade a "settled" issue,
Gandy responded: "You have to say that. You can't get on the court without saying you will follow legal precedent. All the most extreme nominees say that. You can't even take the oath of office [unless] you say that."
Jane Roberts graduated magna cum laude from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., in 1976. In 1984, she graduated cum laude from the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington.
She practices and is a partner with the Washington firm of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw and Pittman, mostly concentrating on the firm's communications and global sourcing groups.
A close friend characterized her as an "extremely, extremely devout Catholic" who had enjoyed her antiabortion advocacy.
The Catholic News Service in Washington, which praised Judge Roberts and cited his government brief in 1990 challenging Roe vs. Wade, also spoke kindly of Jane Roberts.
"She has been active in Feminists for Life, and is a member of the board of governors of the John Carroll Society, a Catholic lay organization that sponsors the annual Washington archdiocesan Red Mass before the opening of the Supreme Court term," the news service said.
It also pointed out that if John Rogers were to be elevated to the Supreme Court, he would be the fourth Catholic justice on the current court, along with Clarence Thomas, Anthony M. Kennedy and Antonin Scalia.
Before Jane Roberts joined the board of Feminists for Life, the organization filed amicus briefs on abortion with the Supreme Court. Records show that the group filed briefs supporting the Pennsylvania Abortion Control Act, a law aimed at limiting the right to abortions, particularly for minors.
Several antiabortion groups including Feminists for Life also filed a brief in support of the right of abortion protesters to picket a Virginia women's health clinic. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court said the courts did not have the authority to limit protesters' access to such clinics.
And Feminists for Life filed amicus briefs in the Supreme Court in support of laws in Ohio and Missouri that attempted to limit the rights to an abortion under Roe vs. Wade. Source: Los Angeles Times, July 21, 2005
WASHINGTON - While Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts Jr.'s views on abortion triggered intense debate on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, there is no mistaking where his wife stands: Jane Sullivan Roberts, a lawyer, is ardently against abortion.
A Roman Catholic like her husband, Jane Roberts has been deeply involved in the antiabortion movement. She provides her name, money and professional advice to a small Washington organization - Feminists for Life of America - that offers counseling and educational programs.
The group has filed legal briefs before the high court challenging the constitutionality of abortion.
A spouse's views normally are not considered relevant in weighing someone's job suitability. But abortion is likely to figure prominently in the Senate debate over John Roberts' nomination. And with his position on the issue unclear, abortion rights supporters expressed concern Wednesday that his wife's views might suggest he also embraced efforts to overturn Roe vs. Wade.
"It's unclear how all this will affect her husband," said Jennifer Palmieri, a spokeswoman with the Center for American Progress, a liberal public policy group. "It's possible that he would have a different view than her. It's just that in the absence of information about this guy, people are looking at her and trying to read the tea leaves."
Asked to discuss her role with Feminists for Life, Jane Roberts said in an e-mail to the Los Angeles Times: "Thanks for your inquiry. At this time, however, I would like to decline your invitation to talk."
Advocacy groups on both sides of the issue were reacting strongly Wednesday to President Bush's first Supreme Court nomination.
The president of the antiabortion group Operation Rescue, Troy Newman, said: "We pray that Roberts will be swiftly confirmed."
The president of the National Organization for Women, Kim Gandy, warned that of the high court candidates considered by Bush, Roberts was one of the most extreme when it came to the question of overturning the Roe vs. Wade ruling, which legalized abortion.
Feminists for Life has sponsored a national advertising campaign aimed at ending abortion in America. One of its mission statements proclaims: "Abortion is a reflection that we have not met the needs of women. Women deserve better than abortion."
Jane Roberts was a volunteer member of Feminists for Life's board of directors from 1995 to
1999. She has provided legal assistance to the group and been recognized as a contributor who donated from $1,000 to $2,500.
The president of Feminists for Life, Serrin M. Foster, said Roberts maintained her ties by advising the group on how to draw up incorporation and not-for-profit papers. She also has written for the group's newsletter, Foster said, including an article about adoption. Roberts and her husband have adopted two children.
"She's a brilliant attorney, and we're really proud that she lent her legal services to us to help serve the needs of women," Foster said. "She was a very good board member. She was
invaluable as an attorney for us."
Foster said that she had met John Roberts, who now sits on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, but that the judge had not been involved with Feminists for Life.
Judge Roberts' public positions on abortion and Roe vs. Wade appear to be inconsistent.
In 1990, as the principal deputy solicitor general in President George H.W. Bush's administration, Roberts wrote a legal brief for the Supreme Court in a case regarding federal funding for abortion providers. "We continue to believe that Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided and should be overruled," Roberts wrote.
His brief added: "The [Supreme] Court's conclusion in Roe that there is a fundamental right to an abortion ... finds no support in the text, structure or history of the Constitution."
But during the 2003 Senate confirmation hearings on his appellate court nomination, Roberts took the position that abortion rights were no longer debatable.
"Roe vs. Wade is the settled law of the land," he told lawmakers. "There's nothing in my personal views that would prevent me from fully and faithfully applying that precedent."
But abortion rights groups are convinced that Roberts is opposed to abortion.
"He's absolutely anti-Roe," Gandy said. "He believes it was wrongly decided and should be reversed." Asked then why Roberts two years ago proclaimed Roe vs. Wade a "settled" issue,
Gandy responded: "You have to say that. You can't get on the court without saying you will follow legal precedent. All the most extreme nominees say that. You can't even take the oath of office [unless] you say that."
Jane Roberts graduated magna cum laude from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., in 1976. In 1984, she graduated cum laude from the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington.
She practices and is a partner with the Washington firm of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw and Pittman, mostly concentrating on the firm's communications and global sourcing groups.
A close friend characterized her as an "extremely, extremely devout Catholic" who had enjoyed her antiabortion advocacy.
The Catholic News Service in Washington, which praised Judge Roberts and cited his government brief in 1990 challenging Roe vs. Wade, also spoke kindly of Jane Roberts.
"She has been active in Feminists for Life, and is a member of the board of governors of the John Carroll Society, a Catholic lay organization that sponsors the annual Washington archdiocesan Red Mass before the opening of the Supreme Court term," the news service said.
It also pointed out that if John Rogers were to be elevated to the Supreme Court, he would be the fourth Catholic justice on the current court, along with Clarence Thomas, Anthony M. Kennedy and Antonin Scalia.
Before Jane Roberts joined the board of Feminists for Life, the organization filed amicus briefs on abortion with the Supreme Court. Records show that the group filed briefs supporting the Pennsylvania Abortion Control Act, a law aimed at limiting the right to abortions, particularly for minors.
Several antiabortion groups including Feminists for Life also filed a brief in support of the right of abortion protesters to picket a Virginia women's health clinic. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court said the courts did not have the authority to limit protesters' access to such clinics.
And Feminists for Life filed amicus briefs in the Supreme Court in support of laws in Ohio and Missouri that attempted to limit the rights to an abortion under Roe vs. Wade. Source: Los Angeles Times, July 21, 2005
DFL TO PROTEST CHENEY VISIT
Dear DFL'ers,
Tomorrow, Vice President Dick Cheney is holding a $4,200 per couple fundraiser for his hand-picked Senate candidate Mark Kennedy.
For five years, Mark Kennedy has taken his orders from Dick Cheney and George W. Bush. He even boasts about voting for their extreme agenda more than 98% of the time! We think a Minnesota Senator should take orders from Minnesota citizens. Join us to send Mark Kennedy a message:
Minnesota wants a strong, independent voice in the United States Senate, not a lapdog for Dick Cheney.
While Mark Kennedy serves as Dick Cheney and Karl Rove's lapdog, Minnesotans have more important needs: Good schools. Decent health care. Better roads and transit. Good jobs that pay decent wages. A clean environment. And real national security.
The 2006 Senate election comes down to one important issue: Will our next U.S. Senator represent Minnesota, or will our Senator be a lapdog for Dick Cheney, Karl Rove and George W. Bush?
Join other DFLers to send Dick Cheney and Mark Kennedy a message!
Where: Shaver Park,
Corner of Ferndale Rd S and Grove Lane E, Wayzata.
Note: This location is South of Lake Street, but Ferndale Rd S on the North side of Lake Street is under construction, so plan for an alternate route. Attendees should park on Lake Street (a half-block away) and walk south on Ferndale Rd S because parking next to the park is permit-only.
Click here for a map of the location: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=Ferndale+Rd+S+an... <http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=Ferndale+Rd+S+and+Grove+Ln+E&csz=Wayzata%2C+MN&country=us&new=1&name=&qty>
When: 10 a.m. Tomorrow (Friday, July 22)
Why: Keep our U.S. Senate seat in the DFL column!
Who: You and your DFL friends, and invited television and print media.
What to bring: Your family dog, lapdog, or stuffed animal dog. (Get the message? Kennedy's a lapdog...)
RSVP: Please RSVP to let us know you're coming!
E-mail ccintern@dfl.org <mailto: ccintern@dfl.org> or call 651-251-6313 with your name and how many people you're bringing.
We hope to see you there!
Donna Cassutt
Minnesota DFL Party Associate Chair
Tomorrow, Vice President Dick Cheney is holding a $4,200 per couple fundraiser for his hand-picked Senate candidate Mark Kennedy.
For five years, Mark Kennedy has taken his orders from Dick Cheney and George W. Bush. He even boasts about voting for their extreme agenda more than 98% of the time! We think a Minnesota Senator should take orders from Minnesota citizens. Join us to send Mark Kennedy a message:
Minnesota wants a strong, independent voice in the United States Senate, not a lapdog for Dick Cheney.
While Mark Kennedy serves as Dick Cheney and Karl Rove's lapdog, Minnesotans have more important needs: Good schools. Decent health care. Better roads and transit. Good jobs that pay decent wages. A clean environment. And real national security.
The 2006 Senate election comes down to one important issue: Will our next U.S. Senator represent Minnesota, or will our Senator be a lapdog for Dick Cheney, Karl Rove and George W. Bush?
Join other DFLers to send Dick Cheney and Mark Kennedy a message!
Where: Shaver Park,
Corner of Ferndale Rd S and Grove Lane E, Wayzata.
Note: This location is South of Lake Street, but Ferndale Rd S on the North side of Lake Street is under construction, so plan for an alternate route. Attendees should park on Lake Street (a half-block away) and walk south on Ferndale Rd S because parking next to the park is permit-only.
Click here for a map of the location: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=Ferndale+Rd+S+an... <http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=Ferndale+Rd+S+and+Grove+Ln+E&csz=Wayzata%2C+MN&country=us&new=1&name=&qty>
When: 10 a.m. Tomorrow (Friday, July 22)
Why: Keep our U.S. Senate seat in the DFL column!
Who: You and your DFL friends, and invited television and print media.
What to bring: Your family dog, lapdog, or stuffed animal dog. (Get the message? Kennedy's a lapdog...)
RSVP: Please RSVP to let us know you're coming!
E-mail ccintern@dfl.org <mailto: ccintern@dfl.org> or call 651-251-6313 with your name and how many people you're bringing.
We hope to see you there!
Donna Cassutt
Minnesota DFL Party Associate Chair
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
THE REACTION TO ROBERTS #3
NPR's Nina Totenberg: "But John Roberts Is One Of These Extraordinary Men Who Combines An Incredible Degree Of Brilliance, In A Room Of Smart People, As [Former White House Counsel] Brad [Berenson] Said To Me Earlier Tonight, He's The Smartest Guy In The Room, But You Don't Feel Like It." (ABC's "Nightline," 7/19/05)
Totenberg: "When You Combine That Kind Of Just Niceness, With That Kind Of Intellectual Rigor, You're Talking About A Potential For Enormous Influence." (ABC's "Nightline," 7/19/05)
Totenberg: "[T]his Is A Very Shrewd Pick Because John Roberts Has A Huge Number Of Powerful Democratic, Establishment, Legal Friends, Who Will Go To Bat For Him." (ABC's "Nightline," 7/19/05)
Totenberg: "And There Are Already Key Senators Who Have Mentioned [Robert's] Name As The Kind Of Person They Could Vote For." (ABC's "Nightline," 7/19/05)
Totenberg: "And As I Said, I Would - I Couldn't Imagine, Right Now, That He - That John Roberts Won't Be On The Bench On The First Monday In October." (ABC's "Nightline," 7/19/05)
CNN's John King: "The President Sees In John Roberts A Man With The Poise And Political Skills, First, To Handle The Tough Confirmation Fight Just Ahead, And Then To Emerge As An Influential And Conservative Voice On The High Court For A Quarter Century To Come."
(CNN's "American Morning," 7/20/05)
New York Times' David Brooks: "I'm In Love With John Roberts Now ... I Think It's A Great Pick ... I Think He's Sort Of Like The Joe DiMaggio Of The Courts. He's A Modest Guy. He's A Nice Guy. ... He's A Substantive Guy." (MSNBC's "Imus In The Morning," 7/20/05)
Brooks: "Roberts Is Someone Who Has Friends Who Are Liberals, Democrats. I've Never Met Anybody Who Doesn't Like The Guy. So, I Can't Imagine He Won't Get Confirmed." (MSNBC's "Imus In The Morning," 7/20/05)
Sen. Jon Corzine (D-NJ): "I Think It's Going To Be Calm Because I Think The Personality Of Judge Roberts Is Pretty Calm In And Of Itself." (Fox News' "Fox & Friends," 7/20/05)
Corzine: "[Roberts Is A] Man Of High Character, He's Got A Good Judicial Temperament. He's An Outstanding Litigator, So I Think He Will Keep The Challenges, The Thrust And Parry That Goes On In The Judiciary Committee On A Calm Level." (Fox News' "Fox & Friends," 7/20/05)
Corzine: "[Roberts Is] Not A Very Confrontational Man, He's A Very Smart Individual And So I Think On The Basis Of Confrontation, There Won't Be Too Much Of That." (Fox News' "Fox & Friends," 7/20/05)
Dean Colson, Former Rehnquist Clerk, Lawyer And Friend Of John Roberts: "[Roberts], Over The Last Two Decades, Has Become Probably The Premier Supreme Court Litigator Of Our Generation. It's A Very Elite Field, And He's The Very Best Of The Best." (CNN's "American Morning," 7/20/05)
Colson: "He Is An Extraordinary Intellect. And He Is Noted For His Preparation. He Is Very Careful In His Deliberations And How He Arrives At His Decisions." (Fox News' "Fox & Friends," 7/20/05)
Colson: "I Think Roberts Is Where Most Of America Is." (Fox News' "Fox & Friends," 7/20/05)
Fox News' Peter Johnson Jr.: "I Don't Think The President Could Have Picked A Better Candidate In Terms Of Legal Acumen And Legal Experience." (Fox News' "Fox & Friends," 7/20/05)
Totenberg: "When You Combine That Kind Of Just Niceness, With That Kind Of Intellectual Rigor, You're Talking About A Potential For Enormous Influence." (ABC's "Nightline," 7/19/05)
Totenberg: "[T]his Is A Very Shrewd Pick Because John Roberts Has A Huge Number Of Powerful Democratic, Establishment, Legal Friends, Who Will Go To Bat For Him." (ABC's "Nightline," 7/19/05)
Totenberg: "And There Are Already Key Senators Who Have Mentioned [Robert's] Name As The Kind Of Person They Could Vote For." (ABC's "Nightline," 7/19/05)
Totenberg: "And As I Said, I Would - I Couldn't Imagine, Right Now, That He - That John Roberts Won't Be On The Bench On The First Monday In October." (ABC's "Nightline," 7/19/05)
CNN's John King: "The President Sees In John Roberts A Man With The Poise And Political Skills, First, To Handle The Tough Confirmation Fight Just Ahead, And Then To Emerge As An Influential And Conservative Voice On The High Court For A Quarter Century To Come."
(CNN's "American Morning," 7/20/05)
New York Times' David Brooks: "I'm In Love With John Roberts Now ... I Think It's A Great Pick ... I Think He's Sort Of Like The Joe DiMaggio Of The Courts. He's A Modest Guy. He's A Nice Guy. ... He's A Substantive Guy." (MSNBC's "Imus In The Morning," 7/20/05)
Brooks: "Roberts Is Someone Who Has Friends Who Are Liberals, Democrats. I've Never Met Anybody Who Doesn't Like The Guy. So, I Can't Imagine He Won't Get Confirmed." (MSNBC's "Imus In The Morning," 7/20/05)
Sen. Jon Corzine (D-NJ): "I Think It's Going To Be Calm Because I Think The Personality Of Judge Roberts Is Pretty Calm In And Of Itself." (Fox News' "Fox & Friends," 7/20/05)
Corzine: "[Roberts Is A] Man Of High Character, He's Got A Good Judicial Temperament. He's An Outstanding Litigator, So I Think He Will Keep The Challenges, The Thrust And Parry That Goes On In The Judiciary Committee On A Calm Level." (Fox News' "Fox & Friends," 7/20/05)
Corzine: "[Roberts Is] Not A Very Confrontational Man, He's A Very Smart Individual And So I Think On The Basis Of Confrontation, There Won't Be Too Much Of That." (Fox News' "Fox & Friends," 7/20/05)
Dean Colson, Former Rehnquist Clerk, Lawyer And Friend Of John Roberts: "[Roberts], Over The Last Two Decades, Has Become Probably The Premier Supreme Court Litigator Of Our Generation. It's A Very Elite Field, And He's The Very Best Of The Best." (CNN's "American Morning," 7/20/05)
Colson: "He Is An Extraordinary Intellect. And He Is Noted For His Preparation. He Is Very Careful In His Deliberations And How He Arrives At His Decisions." (Fox News' "Fox & Friends," 7/20/05)
Colson: "I Think Roberts Is Where Most Of America Is." (Fox News' "Fox & Friends," 7/20/05)
Fox News' Peter Johnson Jr.: "I Don't Think The President Could Have Picked A Better Candidate In Terms Of Legal Acumen And Legal Experience." (Fox News' "Fox & Friends," 7/20/05)
JENNINGS GOES TO COURT #3
The trial for former DFL state Rep. Loren Jennings is underway.
Jennings, 54, is on trial in U.S. District Court in St. Paul for mail fraud, conspiracy and money laundering. The Harrisman was a nine-term (18 years) member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Jennings was a former chairman of the House Regulated Industries Committee, which oversaw regulation of utility companies.
Federal prosecutors accuse Jennings of using the power of his legislative office to steer $650,000 in state grant money to Northern Pole, a telephone pole recycling business in which he was reported to have had a $670,000 stake.
The government alleges that Jennings used his influence to enact legislation that would include recycling of telephone poles to be funded by the state Conservation Improvement Program. After legislation was passed, the indictment says that Jennings “used his position and influence” to persuade utility companies to provide conservation funds to Northern Pole, a company owned by a friend of his, George Vitalis.
The indictment says that Jennings loaned about $670,000 to Northern Pole and he also had an equity interest in the company. It is also alleged that $273,000 in loans the company paid to Jennings came from the $650,000 in conservation funds paid to Vitalis and Northern Pole by utility companies.
The indictment says Jennings concealed his interest in Northern Pole through businesses he owned and the Town and Country Bank of Almelund. The bank, in his district, later failed.
Jennings has categorically denied the charges. Source: ECM Publishing, July 20, 2005
Jennings, 54, is on trial in U.S. District Court in St. Paul for mail fraud, conspiracy and money laundering. The Harrisman was a nine-term (18 years) member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Jennings was a former chairman of the House Regulated Industries Committee, which oversaw regulation of utility companies.
Federal prosecutors accuse Jennings of using the power of his legislative office to steer $650,000 in state grant money to Northern Pole, a telephone pole recycling business in which he was reported to have had a $670,000 stake.
The government alleges that Jennings used his influence to enact legislation that would include recycling of telephone poles to be funded by the state Conservation Improvement Program. After legislation was passed, the indictment says that Jennings “used his position and influence” to persuade utility companies to provide conservation funds to Northern Pole, a company owned by a friend of his, George Vitalis.
The indictment says that Jennings loaned about $670,000 to Northern Pole and he also had an equity interest in the company. It is also alleged that $273,000 in loans the company paid to Jennings came from the $650,000 in conservation funds paid to Vitalis and Northern Pole by utility companies.
The indictment says Jennings concealed his interest in Northern Pole through businesses he owned and the Town and Country Bank of Almelund. The bank, in his district, later failed.
Jennings has categorically denied the charges. Source: ECM Publishing, July 20, 2005
THE REACTION TO ROBERTS #2
A good friend of mine always says "it's all about abortion" when refering to political battles. He certainly is right about Roberts' nomination to the Supreme Court.
##
"John Roberts' record raises serious concerns as well as questions about where he stands on crucial legal and constitutional issues. Replacing O'Connor with someone who is not committed to upholding Americans' rights, liberties and legal protections would be a constitutional catastrophe." Source: Ralph Neas, president of the liberal People for the American Way.
"We are extremely disappointed that President Bush has chosen such a divisive nominee for the highest court in the nation, rather than a consensus nominee who would protect individual liberty and uphold Roe v. Wade." Source: NARAL Pro-Choice America.
"The president had an opportunity to unite the country with his Supreme Court nomination, to nominate an individual in the image of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Instead, by putting forward John Roberts' name, President Bush has chosen a more controversial nominee and guaranteed a more controversial confirmation process." Source: Senator "Dick" Durbin
"The president has chosen someone with suitable legal credentials, but that is not the end of our inquiry. The Senate must review Judge Roberts' record to determine if he has a demonstrated commitment to the core American values of freedom, equality and fairness." Source: Senate minority leader Harry Reid
##
"John Roberts' record raises serious concerns as well as questions about where he stands on crucial legal and constitutional issues. Replacing O'Connor with someone who is not committed to upholding Americans' rights, liberties and legal protections would be a constitutional catastrophe." Source: Ralph Neas, president of the liberal People for the American Way.
"We are extremely disappointed that President Bush has chosen such a divisive nominee for the highest court in the nation, rather than a consensus nominee who would protect individual liberty and uphold Roe v. Wade." Source: NARAL Pro-Choice America.
"The president had an opportunity to unite the country with his Supreme Court nomination, to nominate an individual in the image of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Instead, by putting forward John Roberts' name, President Bush has chosen a more controversial nominee and guaranteed a more controversial confirmation process." Source: Senator "Dick" Durbin
"The president has chosen someone with suitable legal credentials, but that is not the end of our inquiry. The Senate must review Judge Roberts' record to determine if he has a demonstrated commitment to the core American values of freedom, equality and fairness." Source: Senate minority leader Harry Reid
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
THE REACTION TO ROBERTS
This is from the RNC.
##
What They're Saying: Judge John G. Roberts
"Another Member Of The 'Gang Of 14', Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., Told The Hartford Courant Last Thursday That Roberts Would Be One Of Three Picks He Thought Would Not Spark A Talk-A-Thon, Or A Filibuster." (Jesse J. Holland, "Roberts Pick Draws Praise From Senate Republicans, A Few Democrats," The Associated Press, 7/19/05)
Wall Street Journal: "[M]r. Roberts May Be Difficult For The Democrats To Attack As Being An Extremist. Those Who Have Worked With Him Say He Is A Likeable, Gracious Judge Who Will Play Well To The Broader Public Audience During His Hearings." (John Harwood and Jess Bravin, "Bush Picks Appeals Judge John Roberts Jr. For Supreme Court," The Wall Street Journal, 7/19/05)
Wall Street Journal: "The Business Community Is Certain To Hail His Selection. ... In Addition, He Was Among The Finalists' Who Had Recent Experience In The Global Markets Of Today - A Perspective Corporate Leaders Say Is Sorely Missing On The Court." (John Harwood and Jess Bravin, "Bush Picks Appeals Judge John Roberts Jr. For Supreme Court," The Wall Street Journal, 7/19/05)
MSNBC's Dan Abrams: "[John Roberts Has] Actually Been Supported By Many Prominent Democrats When He Was Up For The Federal Court Of Appeals. In Fact, Senate Judiciary Committee Confirmed Him By A 14-3 Voice Vote." (MSNBC's "Hardball," 7/19/05)
MSNBC'S David Gregory: "It Should Be Known That Roberts Is Known As A Pretty Serious Conservative Legal Scholar With A Good Judicial Temperament." (MSNBC's ""Live Coverage Of Supreme Court Pick,"" 7/19/05)
MSNBC's Brian Williams: "John Roberts Is An Upstanding Member Of The Federal Bar." (MSNBC's "Live Coverage Of Supreme Court Pick," 7/19/05)
Williams: John Roberts "Has Been Able To Reach Across Those Kinds Of Ideological Lines." (MSNBC's ""Live Coverage Of Supreme Court Pick," 7/19/05)
Fox News' Shephard Smith: "If I Recall Correctly, [Roberts] Had A Rather Noncontroversial Confirmation Hearing. [He] Went Through The Process Rather Rapidly With A Little Bit Of Confirmation Difficulty From Democrats, But Nowhere Near As Much As Some Of The Other Presidential Nominees That Received The Filibuster Treatment." (Fox News' "The Fox Report," 7/19/05)
Smith: "He Clerked For Then-Associate Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist Back In 1981 And 1982, So He Has A Very Good Pedigree There In Terms Of Experience, At Least In And Around The High Court." (Fox News' "The Fox Report," 7/19/05)
Smith: "This Is Someone Major With Staunch Republican Credentials, And As Far As The President Is Concerned, It Gives Him The Ability To Stick To That Promise That He Made To Nominate A Conservative." (Fox News' "The Fox Report," 7/19/05)
Fox News' Major Garrett: "The President Said All Along That What He Wants Is A Strict Constructionist. Someone On The High Court Who Will Interpret The Constitution And Then Decide The Facts Of The Case Presented To Him Or Her Based On Not Only The Facts But On The Underlying Interpretation Of The Constitution." (Fox News' "The Fox Report," 7/19/05)
Garrett: "This Is A More Conventional Pick In That Sense. Does It Necessarily Mean It Is Someone Who Will Cause A Confirmation Problem? I Don't Have A Sense On That Yet. The Democratic Reaction Will Be Crucial." (Fox News' "The Fox Report," 7/19/05)
Garrett: "The Confirmation Process Went Relatively Quickly. It Only Took About Six Months From Nomination To Confirmation For John Roberts. Which Means He Has Not Only A Legal Track Record But A Senatorial Confirmation Track Record And It's To A Very Important Federal Appeals Court." (Fox News' "The Fox Report," 7/19/05)
Garrett: "Democrats Often Say The Court Of Appeals For The DC Circuit Is The Second Most Powerful Court In The Land So It Will Be Very Hard For Senate Democrats To Say 'Well This Nominee Was Not Given Sufficient Scrutiny When He Was Before The Senate Before,' Because They Say They By Definition Say They Heavily Scrutinize Anyone Nominated For This Particular Court." (Fox News' "The Fox Report," 7/19/05)
CNN's Jeffrey Toobin: "[Roberts] Is A Very Smart Guy. He's Argued In Front Of The U.S. Supreme Court, Which Is Awfully Good Practice." (CNN's "Paula Zahn Live," 7/19/05)
Toobin: "[Roberts] Is A Very Distinguished Lawyer. This Is The Kind Of Lawyer That People Have Been Talking About For 20 Years, About Being On The Supreme Court. He Is Someone Who Has A -- Who Has The Experience That Makes Him A Plausible Candidate." (CNN's "Paula Zahn Live," 7/19/05)
Toobin: "When It Comes To Credentials, There Can't Be Any Argument That John Roberts Isn't Qualified." (CNN, "Paula Zahn Live," 7/19/05)
Toobin: "Harry Reid Has To Bow To Reality. He Does Have Suitable Credentials." (CNN, 7/19/05)
MSNBC Analyst Jonathan Turley: John Roberts "Is Someone Who Is Extremely Smart. ... He Is A Very Talented Man. ... You Would Have To Give Him Very High Scores For Intelligence." (MSNBC's "Countdown With Keith Olbermann," 7/19/05)
Gregory Garre, Former Colleague Of Roberts: "He Has A Friendly, Down-To-Earth Demeanor That Puts Others At Ease And Fosters Consensus." (Gina Holland, "Former Rehnquist Clerk Picked For Supreme Court Vacancy," The Associated Press, 7/19/05)
The Assocated Press Called Roberts A "Likeable Lawyer." (Gina Holland, "Former Rehnquist Clerk Picked For Supreme Court Vacancy," The Associated Press, 7/19/05)
##
What They're Saying: Judge John G. Roberts
"Another Member Of The 'Gang Of 14', Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., Told The Hartford Courant Last Thursday That Roberts Would Be One Of Three Picks He Thought Would Not Spark A Talk-A-Thon, Or A Filibuster." (Jesse J. Holland, "Roberts Pick Draws Praise From Senate Republicans, A Few Democrats," The Associated Press, 7/19/05)
Wall Street Journal: "[M]r. Roberts May Be Difficult For The Democrats To Attack As Being An Extremist. Those Who Have Worked With Him Say He Is A Likeable, Gracious Judge Who Will Play Well To The Broader Public Audience During His Hearings." (John Harwood and Jess Bravin, "Bush Picks Appeals Judge John Roberts Jr. For Supreme Court," The Wall Street Journal, 7/19/05)
Wall Street Journal: "The Business Community Is Certain To Hail His Selection. ... In Addition, He Was Among The Finalists' Who Had Recent Experience In The Global Markets Of Today - A Perspective Corporate Leaders Say Is Sorely Missing On The Court." (John Harwood and Jess Bravin, "Bush Picks Appeals Judge John Roberts Jr. For Supreme Court," The Wall Street Journal, 7/19/05)
MSNBC's Dan Abrams: "[John Roberts Has] Actually Been Supported By Many Prominent Democrats When He Was Up For The Federal Court Of Appeals. In Fact, Senate Judiciary Committee Confirmed Him By A 14-3 Voice Vote." (MSNBC's "Hardball," 7/19/05)
MSNBC'S David Gregory: "It Should Be Known That Roberts Is Known As A Pretty Serious Conservative Legal Scholar With A Good Judicial Temperament." (MSNBC's ""Live Coverage Of Supreme Court Pick,"" 7/19/05)
MSNBC's Brian Williams: "John Roberts Is An Upstanding Member Of The Federal Bar." (MSNBC's "Live Coverage Of Supreme Court Pick," 7/19/05)
Williams: John Roberts "Has Been Able To Reach Across Those Kinds Of Ideological Lines." (MSNBC's ""Live Coverage Of Supreme Court Pick," 7/19/05)
Fox News' Shephard Smith: "If I Recall Correctly, [Roberts] Had A Rather Noncontroversial Confirmation Hearing. [He] Went Through The Process Rather Rapidly With A Little Bit Of Confirmation Difficulty From Democrats, But Nowhere Near As Much As Some Of The Other Presidential Nominees That Received The Filibuster Treatment." (Fox News' "The Fox Report," 7/19/05)
Smith: "He Clerked For Then-Associate Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist Back In 1981 And 1982, So He Has A Very Good Pedigree There In Terms Of Experience, At Least In And Around The High Court." (Fox News' "The Fox Report," 7/19/05)
Smith: "This Is Someone Major With Staunch Republican Credentials, And As Far As The President Is Concerned, It Gives Him The Ability To Stick To That Promise That He Made To Nominate A Conservative." (Fox News' "The Fox Report," 7/19/05)
Fox News' Major Garrett: "The President Said All Along That What He Wants Is A Strict Constructionist. Someone On The High Court Who Will Interpret The Constitution And Then Decide The Facts Of The Case Presented To Him Or Her Based On Not Only The Facts But On The Underlying Interpretation Of The Constitution." (Fox News' "The Fox Report," 7/19/05)
Garrett: "This Is A More Conventional Pick In That Sense. Does It Necessarily Mean It Is Someone Who Will Cause A Confirmation Problem? I Don't Have A Sense On That Yet. The Democratic Reaction Will Be Crucial." (Fox News' "The Fox Report," 7/19/05)
Garrett: "The Confirmation Process Went Relatively Quickly. It Only Took About Six Months From Nomination To Confirmation For John Roberts. Which Means He Has Not Only A Legal Track Record But A Senatorial Confirmation Track Record And It's To A Very Important Federal Appeals Court." (Fox News' "The Fox Report," 7/19/05)
Garrett: "Democrats Often Say The Court Of Appeals For The DC Circuit Is The Second Most Powerful Court In The Land So It Will Be Very Hard For Senate Democrats To Say 'Well This Nominee Was Not Given Sufficient Scrutiny When He Was Before The Senate Before,' Because They Say They By Definition Say They Heavily Scrutinize Anyone Nominated For This Particular Court." (Fox News' "The Fox Report," 7/19/05)
CNN's Jeffrey Toobin: "[Roberts] Is A Very Smart Guy. He's Argued In Front Of The U.S. Supreme Court, Which Is Awfully Good Practice." (CNN's "Paula Zahn Live," 7/19/05)
Toobin: "[Roberts] Is A Very Distinguished Lawyer. This Is The Kind Of Lawyer That People Have Been Talking About For 20 Years, About Being On The Supreme Court. He Is Someone Who Has A -- Who Has The Experience That Makes Him A Plausible Candidate." (CNN's "Paula Zahn Live," 7/19/05)
Toobin: "When It Comes To Credentials, There Can't Be Any Argument That John Roberts Isn't Qualified." (CNN, "Paula Zahn Live," 7/19/05)
Toobin: "Harry Reid Has To Bow To Reality. He Does Have Suitable Credentials." (CNN, 7/19/05)
MSNBC Analyst Jonathan Turley: John Roberts "Is Someone Who Is Extremely Smart. ... He Is A Very Talented Man. ... You Would Have To Give Him Very High Scores For Intelligence." (MSNBC's "Countdown With Keith Olbermann," 7/19/05)
Gregory Garre, Former Colleague Of Roberts: "He Has A Friendly, Down-To-Earth Demeanor That Puts Others At Ease And Fosters Consensus." (Gina Holland, "Former Rehnquist Clerk Picked For Supreme Court Vacancy," The Associated Press, 7/19/05)
The Assocated Press Called Roberts A "Likeable Lawyer." (Gina Holland, "Former Rehnquist Clerk Picked For Supreme Court Vacancy," The Associated Press, 7/19/05)
LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!
IF YOU WANTED CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM THIS SESSION, BLAME THE DFL
This is a great story. It shows how Entenza was grandstanding about campaign finance reform after he got caught with his hand in his wife's cookie jar. Plus, it shows that the DFL is to blame for no meaningful campaign finance reform.
##
Dough Boys
On January 21, Hamline University political science and law professor David Schultz met with House Minority Leader Matt Entenza. The reason for their meeting was to discuss possible changes to Minnesota's campaign finance laws. At Entenza's behest, Schultz had drafted a series of suggestions for tightening contribution limits and broadening disclosure requirements.
At the time, Entenza was facing intense scrutiny for pouring money into DFL-affiliated organizations in the final weeks of the 2004 election campaign. The St. Paul lawmaker and his wife, Lois Quam, an executive with UnitedHealth Group, donated some $600,000 to DFL causes during the election cycle. The scope of the couple's political benevolence, however, was not disclosed until after the election--when the Democrats picked up 13 seats in the House and came within one victory of toppling the Republican majority.
Schultz laid out eight suggested changes to Minnesota's campaign finance laws. Under his proposal, all political donations--whether to so-called 527 groups such as 21st Century Democrats (the organization that received much of Entenza's support last year) or directly to campaigns--would have to be disclosed within 48 hours. In addition, all contributions would be limited to $1,000. There were also measures designed to curb attack ads in the final weeks of campaigns. Many of the changes mimic those implemented in 2002 at the federal level through the McCain-Feingold bill.
"It was basically my dream bill," says Schultz, a past head of Common Cause Minnesota. "If we passed this bill we'd have had the best campaign finance laws in the country."
Entenza apparently lost interest in reforming the state's campaign finance laws once the furor over his personal contributions died down. But Schultz's proposal was eventually picked up by Rep. Tom Emmer, an eccentric freshman Republican from Delano. Emmer has made waves this year by championing chemical castration of sex offenders and attempting to strip Minnesota AIDS Project of all state funding.
He was motivated, in part, by disgust at Entenza's underhanded DFL financial support. "What he did in my estimation was unethical and it was clearly a way to bend the rules, but it wasn't illegal," says Emmer. However, he also makes it clear that financial shenanigans are endemic to both major parties. "It's driven by special interest groups giving donations, tons of money to both caucuses," Emmer says.
There are dollar figures to back Emmer's assertion. In 2004, according to a study recently completed by Schultz, large donors, lobbyists, and political action committees spent $94,821 per legislator to influence state legislative races and policy decisions.
In March Emmer's bill passed out of the House Civil Law and Elections Committee intact. While in a second committee, the provision limiting the size of contributions was stripped out. The disclosure requirements, which Emmer deemed the most important element of the bill, however, passed to the house floor in April. "I want total transparency," he says.
Initially, Emmer was optimistic that the bill would be passed, but once it got to the floor, support suddenly dissipated. Various interest groups, most notably Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, stepped up their attacks on the measure. The anti-choice nonprofit group passed out literature condemning the bill and told house members that the vote would be counted in the organization's influential legislative scorecards, even though the issue has nothing to do with abortion.
"What a crock of crap that is," says Emmer, who is pro-life and was endorsed by the MCCL in 2004. He's now disgusted by the group's high-handed tactics: "I've told them to knock it off. I don't ever want to hear from them again. I don't appreciate people passing me notes while I'm in committee telling me how to vote."
The measure never made it to a full House vote. Schultz says that he called Entenza--a potential candidate for attorney general next year--to try to spur some action on it, but got no response. Emmer also believes that the DFL leader didn't want the bill to pass. "This is extensive and important reform and Matt could have had his name all over it, and he just disappeared," Emmer says.
(Entenza did not return a call seeking comment.)
A companion bill in the Senate was originally championed by John Hottinger, the veteran St. Peter DFLer. According to three different people who met with him on the matter, Hottinger initially expressed enthusiasm for the bill and promised to push it through the Senate. The measure, however, never even got a hearing in committee.
"There's two reasons you carry a bill: to support it or kill it," says Schultz. "I'm fundamentally convinced that Hottinger does not support campaign finance reform."
"He had no intention of doing anything with that bill," says Joe Marble, co-founder of the advocacy group Minnesotans for Responsible Government. "He just basically stuffed it in the drawer."
Hottinger, not surprisingly, disputes this assessment. He blames the MCCL for the inability to pass campaign finance reform and says that the only way to fix the system is to introduce full public financing--a remote prospect at best. (Such a measure failed in a Senate committee this year.) "It's not so much that I don't support it," Hottinger says of the Emmer bill. "It's that it's an incomplete proposal."
Emmer attempted to reintroduce the campaign finance bill at the start of the special session, but it went nowhere. And he's not optimistic about the prospects for reform any time soon: "The big money over there is just sick." Source: City Pages, July 19, 2005
##
Dough Boys
On January 21, Hamline University political science and law professor David Schultz met with House Minority Leader Matt Entenza. The reason for their meeting was to discuss possible changes to Minnesota's campaign finance laws. At Entenza's behest, Schultz had drafted a series of suggestions for tightening contribution limits and broadening disclosure requirements.
At the time, Entenza was facing intense scrutiny for pouring money into DFL-affiliated organizations in the final weeks of the 2004 election campaign. The St. Paul lawmaker and his wife, Lois Quam, an executive with UnitedHealth Group, donated some $600,000 to DFL causes during the election cycle. The scope of the couple's political benevolence, however, was not disclosed until after the election--when the Democrats picked up 13 seats in the House and came within one victory of toppling the Republican majority.
Schultz laid out eight suggested changes to Minnesota's campaign finance laws. Under his proposal, all political donations--whether to so-called 527 groups such as 21st Century Democrats (the organization that received much of Entenza's support last year) or directly to campaigns--would have to be disclosed within 48 hours. In addition, all contributions would be limited to $1,000. There were also measures designed to curb attack ads in the final weeks of campaigns. Many of the changes mimic those implemented in 2002 at the federal level through the McCain-Feingold bill.
"It was basically my dream bill," says Schultz, a past head of Common Cause Minnesota. "If we passed this bill we'd have had the best campaign finance laws in the country."
Entenza apparently lost interest in reforming the state's campaign finance laws once the furor over his personal contributions died down. But Schultz's proposal was eventually picked up by Rep. Tom Emmer, an eccentric freshman Republican from Delano. Emmer has made waves this year by championing chemical castration of sex offenders and attempting to strip Minnesota AIDS Project of all state funding.
He was motivated, in part, by disgust at Entenza's underhanded DFL financial support. "What he did in my estimation was unethical and it was clearly a way to bend the rules, but it wasn't illegal," says Emmer. However, he also makes it clear that financial shenanigans are endemic to both major parties. "It's driven by special interest groups giving donations, tons of money to both caucuses," Emmer says.
There are dollar figures to back Emmer's assertion. In 2004, according to a study recently completed by Schultz, large donors, lobbyists, and political action committees spent $94,821 per legislator to influence state legislative races and policy decisions.
In March Emmer's bill passed out of the House Civil Law and Elections Committee intact. While in a second committee, the provision limiting the size of contributions was stripped out. The disclosure requirements, which Emmer deemed the most important element of the bill, however, passed to the house floor in April. "I want total transparency," he says.
Initially, Emmer was optimistic that the bill would be passed, but once it got to the floor, support suddenly dissipated. Various interest groups, most notably Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, stepped up their attacks on the measure. The anti-choice nonprofit group passed out literature condemning the bill and told house members that the vote would be counted in the organization's influential legislative scorecards, even though the issue has nothing to do with abortion.
"What a crock of crap that is," says Emmer, who is pro-life and was endorsed by the MCCL in 2004. He's now disgusted by the group's high-handed tactics: "I've told them to knock it off. I don't ever want to hear from them again. I don't appreciate people passing me notes while I'm in committee telling me how to vote."
The measure never made it to a full House vote. Schultz says that he called Entenza--a potential candidate for attorney general next year--to try to spur some action on it, but got no response. Emmer also believes that the DFL leader didn't want the bill to pass. "This is extensive and important reform and Matt could have had his name all over it, and he just disappeared," Emmer says.
(Entenza did not return a call seeking comment.)
A companion bill in the Senate was originally championed by John Hottinger, the veteran St. Peter DFLer. According to three different people who met with him on the matter, Hottinger initially expressed enthusiasm for the bill and promised to push it through the Senate. The measure, however, never even got a hearing in committee.
"There's two reasons you carry a bill: to support it or kill it," says Schultz. "I'm fundamentally convinced that Hottinger does not support campaign finance reform."
"He had no intention of doing anything with that bill," says Joe Marble, co-founder of the advocacy group Minnesotans for Responsible Government. "He just basically stuffed it in the drawer."
Hottinger, not surprisingly, disputes this assessment. He blames the MCCL for the inability to pass campaign finance reform and says that the only way to fix the system is to introduce full public financing--a remote prospect at best. (Such a measure failed in a Senate committee this year.) "It's not so much that I don't support it," Hottinger says of the Emmer bill. "It's that it's an incomplete proposal."
Emmer attempted to reintroduce the campaign finance bill at the start of the special session, but it went nowhere. And he's not optimistic about the prospects for reform any time soon: "The big money over there is just sick." Source: City Pages, July 19, 2005
SUPREME COURT POLL
I just received this from Progress for America.
##
Large Majority of Americans Reject Liberal Attempts to Inject Ideology into Court Battle
FOX NEWS/OPINION DYNAMICS POLL: The Supreme Court Conducted July 12-13, 2005; surveyed 900 registered voters nationwide; margin of error +/-3% (release, 7/14)
Do you think it is acceptable or unacceptable for a U.S. Senator to base his or her vote on a Supreme Court nominee solely on thenominee’s political ideology -- that is, solely because the nominee is a conservative or a liberal?
Acceptable - 19%
Unacceptable - 69%
(Not sure)- 12%
If Senate Democrats strongly oppose the person President Bush nominates to be the next Supreme Court justice, do you think they should:
Allow an up or down vote on the nominee, even if they might lose - 51%
Draw out the debate to prevent a vote and keep the nominee from being confirmed? - 24%
Not sure - 26%
If the person President Bush nominates to the U.S. Supreme Court is a well-qualified strong conservative, do you think Senate Democrats should vote to confirm the nominee?
Yes - 62%
No - 22%
Not sure - 16%
For the complete poll, go to: http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/poll_071405.pdf.
##
Large Majority of Americans Reject Liberal Attempts to Inject Ideology into Court Battle
FOX NEWS/OPINION DYNAMICS POLL: The Supreme Court Conducted July 12-13, 2005; surveyed 900 registered voters nationwide; margin of error +/-3% (release, 7/14)
Do you think it is acceptable or unacceptable for a U.S. Senator to base his or her vote on a Supreme Court nominee solely on thenominee’s political ideology -- that is, solely because the nominee is a conservative or a liberal?
Acceptable - 19%
Unacceptable - 69%
(Not sure)- 12%
If Senate Democrats strongly oppose the person President Bush nominates to be the next Supreme Court justice, do you think they should:
Allow an up or down vote on the nominee, even if they might lose - 51%
Draw out the debate to prevent a vote and keep the nominee from being confirmed? - 24%
Not sure - 26%
If the person President Bush nominates to the U.S. Supreme Court is a well-qualified strong conservative, do you think Senate Democrats should vote to confirm the nominee?
Yes - 62%
No - 22%
Not sure - 16%
For the complete poll, go to: http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/poll_071405.pdf.
MDE ONE-YEAR OLD ON SATURDAY
Minnesota Democrats Exposed will be one-year old on Saturday. In celebration, I will be posting the top-ten stories in the short history of my blog.
Monday, July 18, 2005
TROUBLE ON THE HOME-FRONT FOR JOHNSON
NEW BLOG: REPUBLICAN MINNESOTA
"Here at Republican Minnesota, you will find all the news that's fit to blog on the 2006 elections in Minnesota." Source: Republican Minnesota
Republican Minnesota posted on my blog this past weekend. It is a new blog and after reading it I expect good things from this blogger.
I would recommend bloggers post a link.
Republican Minnesota posted on my blog this past weekend. It is a new blog and after reading it I expect good things from this blogger.
I would recommend bloggers post a link.
JOHNSON HAS BEEN WARNED BY PAWLENTY
Political notebook: Pawlenty warns Johnson
Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson called Tim Pawlenty "Governor Shutdown" minutes after Minnesota senators went home for the year late Wednesday.
Not a good idea, Pawlenty said the next morning. The Republican governor hinted the DFL senator could find himself in hot water if he is blamed for the eight-day partial government shutdown.
After being locked in a room with the four legislative leaders negotiating the budget, Pawlenty apparently has a lot of tales he could tell, including some about Johnson, DFL-Willmar.
"It would be in his best interest to be productive," not political, Pawlenty said as Johnson made the rounds promoting the Democratic spin on the just-completed special legislative session. Source: Fargo Forum, July 18, 2005
Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson called Tim Pawlenty "Governor Shutdown" minutes after Minnesota senators went home for the year late Wednesday.
Not a good idea, Pawlenty said the next morning. The Republican governor hinted the DFL senator could find himself in hot water if he is blamed for the eight-day partial government shutdown.
After being locked in a room with the four legislative leaders negotiating the budget, Pawlenty apparently has a lot of tales he could tell, including some about Johnson, DFL-Willmar.
"It would be in his best interest to be productive," not political, Pawlenty said as Johnson made the rounds promoting the Democratic spin on the just-completed special legislative session. Source: Fargo Forum, July 18, 2005
MIKE HATCH HAS CREATED A MESS AT MEDICA
Today's Star Tribune has a story on the legal mess at Medica created by Mike Hatch.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
IS RYBAK PLAYING POLITICS WITH PUBLIC SAFETY?
Police hiring plan is cheered; Rybak isn't
As word spread Friday about Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak's plan to hire 60 new police officers, critics accused him of playing politics with public safety in an election year and merely cleaning up a staffing mess he created.
DFL Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, Rybak's main mayoral opponent, accused him of being a latecomer to public safety. And at least two City Council members were happy about the hires but upset they weren't in the loop. Others accused the mayor of taking credit for something the Legislature had done.
Rybak didn't hesitate to fight back, saying he needed to take decisive action to "get more officers on the streets now" as soon as a substantial portion of local government aid from the state was restored in this week's special legislative session.
He also said the City Council overwhelmingly approved his past five budgets, which increased Police Department funding more than any other department during difficult fiscal times.
"Taking quick action may have hurt a few feelings in City Hall, but it's better than having people getting hurt in neighborhoods," Rybak said.
To pay for the officers, Rybak said he will use most of the $6.2 million in restored aid and $1.5 million freed up by paying down police pension debt.
State Sen. Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, said the DFL-controlled Senate was insistent on putting in money for local government aid.
"I think the entire Minneapolis delegation is concerned about the public safety issue. I think that's why we were insistent," he said.
McLaughlin has insisted that if the city had taken a deal on the police pension fund last year, the city would have had cash available earlier. The city disliked certain elements of that plan, and the Legislature passed a slightly different bill this year.
"I've been saying that we need more police officers on the streets of Minneapolis for six months," he said. Rybak has "been inept at dealing with this issue, and it's put the city at risk. I frankly take some credit for moving the mayor on this."
How to fill the ranks
With an eye toward diversity, the department hopes to have 20 new officers assigned to do patrol work in the precincts by Aug. 1. The remaining officers will be hired by the end of 2006.
Deputy Chief Don Harris said the department plans to rehire four experienced officers who left for other careers and bring back an additional 10 officers who voluntarily took unpaid leaves during the year to help relieve budget constraints.
The department also hopes to hire 10 officers from other law enforcement agencies who have already passed background checks and testing. They've been on hold until openings were available, Harris said. Five more officers will come out of the department's community service officer program, which trains officers and pays for their schooling. They will initially replace more experienced officers who answer telephones in the precincts, and in turn allow them to do patrol duty, he said.
In a recent job review, Police Chief Bill McManus received low marks for his efforts at diversifying the lower ranks of the department. He said they will be "very picky" to make sure future lists have diverse candidates.
That effort will be helped by the current group of 30 community service officers, the majority of whom are men of color. Harris said competing for experienced officers is difficult nationwide. And when the department hasn't been able to make significant hires for the past several years, the word gets out to not apply in Minneapolis, he said.
"But now we have a real good shot at it," he said.
With the new hires, the department will have 855 licensed officers by the end of 2006. Four years ago, there were 896 sworn officers.
Cheers and criticism
Sgt. John Delmonico, president of the Police Federation, said that Rybak promised public safety would be a priority and that the hiring of 60 officers proves it.
"What I hear all the time from cops is that it now takes them longer to respond to calls and they can't do proactive, community-based policing," he said.
Council Member Dan Niziolek was told it takes officers 45 more seconds to respond to priority calls in the city's Third and Fifth police precincts. He accused the mayor of hitting "a new low in playing politics with public safety," and that hiring 60 cops should only be a starting point.
Council Member Scott Benson said he's happy about the results and scoffed at his colleagues who were upset about being out of the loop.
"Where did they think he was going to spend it, and what kind of loop is there to be in?" he said.
Not surprisingly, community reaction was varied. Activist Ron Edwards, a member of the Police Community Relations Council, wants to know how the department will be held accountable if it doesn't reach diversity goals. The department also needs to follow diversity hiring guidelines detailed in a federal mediation agreement that created the Relations Council.
While the hiring of more officers is long overdue, V.J. Smith, president of MAD DADS (Men Against Destruction/Defending Against Drugs and Social Disorder) said he didn't know whether politics had anything to do with Rybak's announcement. But "anything anybody can do to take a little stress off the city is good," he said.
Roberta Englund, executive director of the Folwell Neighborhood Association, was more blunt. The increasing level of crime in the city is clearly tied to diminishing resources, she said. No matter what financial problems were happening at the state level, this administration and others have ignored the damage that was being done, she said.
As far as the criticism goes, Rybak said, "people will throw out whatever they want."
"I'm not surprised by it. This is part of the job," he said. "But it's time to act. And that's what we're doing." Source: Star Tribune, July 16, 2005
As word spread Friday about Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak's plan to hire 60 new police officers, critics accused him of playing politics with public safety in an election year and merely cleaning up a staffing mess he created.
DFL Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, Rybak's main mayoral opponent, accused him of being a latecomer to public safety. And at least two City Council members were happy about the hires but upset they weren't in the loop. Others accused the mayor of taking credit for something the Legislature had done.
Rybak didn't hesitate to fight back, saying he needed to take decisive action to "get more officers on the streets now" as soon as a substantial portion of local government aid from the state was restored in this week's special legislative session.
He also said the City Council overwhelmingly approved his past five budgets, which increased Police Department funding more than any other department during difficult fiscal times.
"Taking quick action may have hurt a few feelings in City Hall, but it's better than having people getting hurt in neighborhoods," Rybak said.
To pay for the officers, Rybak said he will use most of the $6.2 million in restored aid and $1.5 million freed up by paying down police pension debt.
State Sen. Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, said the DFL-controlled Senate was insistent on putting in money for local government aid.
"I think the entire Minneapolis delegation is concerned about the public safety issue. I think that's why we were insistent," he said.
McLaughlin has insisted that if the city had taken a deal on the police pension fund last year, the city would have had cash available earlier. The city disliked certain elements of that plan, and the Legislature passed a slightly different bill this year.
"I've been saying that we need more police officers on the streets of Minneapolis for six months," he said. Rybak has "been inept at dealing with this issue, and it's put the city at risk. I frankly take some credit for moving the mayor on this."
How to fill the ranks
With an eye toward diversity, the department hopes to have 20 new officers assigned to do patrol work in the precincts by Aug. 1. The remaining officers will be hired by the end of 2006.
Deputy Chief Don Harris said the department plans to rehire four experienced officers who left for other careers and bring back an additional 10 officers who voluntarily took unpaid leaves during the year to help relieve budget constraints.
The department also hopes to hire 10 officers from other law enforcement agencies who have already passed background checks and testing. They've been on hold until openings were available, Harris said. Five more officers will come out of the department's community service officer program, which trains officers and pays for their schooling. They will initially replace more experienced officers who answer telephones in the precincts, and in turn allow them to do patrol duty, he said.
In a recent job review, Police Chief Bill McManus received low marks for his efforts at diversifying the lower ranks of the department. He said they will be "very picky" to make sure future lists have diverse candidates.
That effort will be helped by the current group of 30 community service officers, the majority of whom are men of color. Harris said competing for experienced officers is difficult nationwide. And when the department hasn't been able to make significant hires for the past several years, the word gets out to not apply in Minneapolis, he said.
"But now we have a real good shot at it," he said.
With the new hires, the department will have 855 licensed officers by the end of 2006. Four years ago, there were 896 sworn officers.
Cheers and criticism
Sgt. John Delmonico, president of the Police Federation, said that Rybak promised public safety would be a priority and that the hiring of 60 officers proves it.
"What I hear all the time from cops is that it now takes them longer to respond to calls and they can't do proactive, community-based policing," he said.
Council Member Dan Niziolek was told it takes officers 45 more seconds to respond to priority calls in the city's Third and Fifth police precincts. He accused the mayor of hitting "a new low in playing politics with public safety," and that hiring 60 cops should only be a starting point.
Council Member Scott Benson said he's happy about the results and scoffed at his colleagues who were upset about being out of the loop.
"Where did they think he was going to spend it, and what kind of loop is there to be in?" he said.
Not surprisingly, community reaction was varied. Activist Ron Edwards, a member of the Police Community Relations Council, wants to know how the department will be held accountable if it doesn't reach diversity goals. The department also needs to follow diversity hiring guidelines detailed in a federal mediation agreement that created the Relations Council.
While the hiring of more officers is long overdue, V.J. Smith, president of MAD DADS (Men Against Destruction/Defending Against Drugs and Social Disorder) said he didn't know whether politics had anything to do with Rybak's announcement. But "anything anybody can do to take a little stress off the city is good," he said.
Roberta Englund, executive director of the Folwell Neighborhood Association, was more blunt. The increasing level of crime in the city is clearly tied to diminishing resources, she said. No matter what financial problems were happening at the state level, this administration and others have ignored the damage that was being done, she said.
As far as the criticism goes, Rybak said, "people will throw out whatever they want."
"I'm not surprised by it. This is part of the job," he said. "But it's time to act. And that's what we're doing." Source: Star Tribune, July 16, 2005
Friday, July 15, 2005
MOVEON.ORG SHOULD APOLOGIZE TO ROVE
As more evidence comes out that proves the allegations about Karl Rove are false, it is becoming clear that MoveOn.org should apologize.
BTW: Did you notice the signs say "Fire Karl Rove", but the caption from the photo says that demonstrators "demand the resignation of ...Karl Rove." There is a big difference between getting fired and submitting your resignation.
FACTS ARE TOUGH THINGS #2
Rove e-mailed White House security official about reporter conversation
After mentioning a CIA operative to a reporter, Bush confidant Karl Rove alerted the president's No. 2 security adviser about the interview and said he tried to steer the journalist away from allegations the operative's husband was making about faulty Iraq intelligence.
The July 11, 2003, e-mail between Rove and then-Deputy National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley is the first showing an intelligence official knew Rove had talked to Matthew Cooper just days before the Time magazine reporter divulged CIA officer Valerie Plame's secret identity.
"I didn't take the bait,'' Rove wrote in an e-mail obtained by The Associated Press, recounting how Cooper tried to question him about whether President Bush had been hurt by the new allegations.
The White House turned the e-mail over to prosecutors, and Rove testified to a grand jury about it last year.
Earlier in the week before the e-mail, Plame's husband, former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, had written a newspaper opinion piece accusing the Bush administration of twisting prewar intelligence, including a "highly doubtful'' report that Iraq bought nuclear materials from Niger.
"Matt Cooper called to give me a heads-up that he's got a welfare reform story coming,'' Rove wrote in the e-mail to Hadley.
"When he finished his brief heads-up he immediately launched into Niger. Isn't this damaging? Hasn't the president been hurt? I didn't take the bait, but I said if I were him I wouldn't get Time far out in front on this.''
Hadley, now Bush's national security adviser, didn't immediately return a call seeking comment Friday. Rove's attorney, Robert Luskin, said his client answered all the questions prosecutors asked during three grand jury appearances, never invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination or the president's executive privilege guaranteeing confidential advice from aides.
Rove, Bush's closest adviser, turned over the e-mail as soon as prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into who leaked Plame's covert work for the CIA.
He later told a grand jury the e-mail was consistent with his recollection that his intention in talking with Cooper that Friday in July 2003 wasn't to divulge Plame's identity but to caution Cooper against certain allegations Plame's husband was making, according to legal professionals familiar with Rove's testimony.
They spoke only on condition of anonymity because of the secrecy of the grand jury investigation.
Rove sent the e-mail shortly before leaving the White House early for a family vacation that weekend, already aware that another journalist he had talked with, syndicated columnist Robert Novak, was planning an article about Plame and Wilson.
Rove also knew that then-CIA Director George Tenet planned later that same day to issue a dramatic statement that took responsibility for some bad Iraq intelligence but that also called into question some of Wilson's assertions, the legal sources said.
The AP reported Thursday that Rove acknowledged to the grand jury that he talked about Plame with both Cooper and Novak before they published their stories but that he originally learned about the operative's identity from the news media, not government sources.
Republicans cheered the latest revelations Friday, saying they showed Rove wasn't trying to hurt Plame but instead was trying to informally warn reporters to be cautious about some of Wilson's claims.
"What it says is, Karl Rove wasn't the leaker, he was actually the recipient of the information not the provider,'' Republican National Committee chairman Ken Mehlman said on Fox News.
"So there are probably a lot of folks in Washington who have prejudged this, who have rushed to judgment who are trying to smear Karl Rove.''
Democrats, however, said that even if Rove wasn't the leaker, someone still divulged Plame's identity and possibly violated the law.
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and other party leaders asked Speaker Dennis Hastert on Friday to let Congress hold hearings into the controversy regardless of the criminal probe now under way.
"In previous Republican Congresses the fact that a criminal investigation was under way did not prevent extensive hearings from being held on other, much less significant matters,'' Pelosi wrote.
Federal law prohibits government officials from divulging the identity of an undercover intelligence officer. But in order to bring charges, prosecutors must prove the official knew the officer was covert and nonetheless knowingly outed his or her identity.
Rove's conversations with Novak and Cooper took place just days after Wilson suggested in his opinion piece in The New York Times that some of the intelligence related to Iraq's nuclear weapons program was used to exaggerate the Iraqi threat.
Summarizing a trip he made to Africa on behalf of the CIA, Wilson wrote that he'd concluded it was highly doubtful the nation of Niger had sold uranium yellowcake to Iraq. Tenet issued a lengthy statement five days later saying that he never should have allowed Bush to use the Niger information in his State of the Union address but that Wilson's report did not resolve whether Iraq was seeking uranium from abroad. Source: Associated Press, July 15, 2005
After mentioning a CIA operative to a reporter, Bush confidant Karl Rove alerted the president's No. 2 security adviser about the interview and said he tried to steer the journalist away from allegations the operative's husband was making about faulty Iraq intelligence.
The July 11, 2003, e-mail between Rove and then-Deputy National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley is the first showing an intelligence official knew Rove had talked to Matthew Cooper just days before the Time magazine reporter divulged CIA officer Valerie Plame's secret identity.
"I didn't take the bait,'' Rove wrote in an e-mail obtained by The Associated Press, recounting how Cooper tried to question him about whether President Bush had been hurt by the new allegations.
The White House turned the e-mail over to prosecutors, and Rove testified to a grand jury about it last year.
Earlier in the week before the e-mail, Plame's husband, former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, had written a newspaper opinion piece accusing the Bush administration of twisting prewar intelligence, including a "highly doubtful'' report that Iraq bought nuclear materials from Niger.
"Matt Cooper called to give me a heads-up that he's got a welfare reform story coming,'' Rove wrote in the e-mail to Hadley.
"When he finished his brief heads-up he immediately launched into Niger. Isn't this damaging? Hasn't the president been hurt? I didn't take the bait, but I said if I were him I wouldn't get Time far out in front on this.''
Hadley, now Bush's national security adviser, didn't immediately return a call seeking comment Friday. Rove's attorney, Robert Luskin, said his client answered all the questions prosecutors asked during three grand jury appearances, never invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination or the president's executive privilege guaranteeing confidential advice from aides.
Rove, Bush's closest adviser, turned over the e-mail as soon as prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into who leaked Plame's covert work for the CIA.
He later told a grand jury the e-mail was consistent with his recollection that his intention in talking with Cooper that Friday in July 2003 wasn't to divulge Plame's identity but to caution Cooper against certain allegations Plame's husband was making, according to legal professionals familiar with Rove's testimony.
They spoke only on condition of anonymity because of the secrecy of the grand jury investigation.
Rove sent the e-mail shortly before leaving the White House early for a family vacation that weekend, already aware that another journalist he had talked with, syndicated columnist Robert Novak, was planning an article about Plame and Wilson.
Rove also knew that then-CIA Director George Tenet planned later that same day to issue a dramatic statement that took responsibility for some bad Iraq intelligence but that also called into question some of Wilson's assertions, the legal sources said.
The AP reported Thursday that Rove acknowledged to the grand jury that he talked about Plame with both Cooper and Novak before they published their stories but that he originally learned about the operative's identity from the news media, not government sources.
Republicans cheered the latest revelations Friday, saying they showed Rove wasn't trying to hurt Plame but instead was trying to informally warn reporters to be cautious about some of Wilson's claims.
"What it says is, Karl Rove wasn't the leaker, he was actually the recipient of the information not the provider,'' Republican National Committee chairman Ken Mehlman said on Fox News.
"So there are probably a lot of folks in Washington who have prejudged this, who have rushed to judgment who are trying to smear Karl Rove.''
Democrats, however, said that even if Rove wasn't the leaker, someone still divulged Plame's identity and possibly violated the law.
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and other party leaders asked Speaker Dennis Hastert on Friday to let Congress hold hearings into the controversy regardless of the criminal probe now under way.
"In previous Republican Congresses the fact that a criminal investigation was under way did not prevent extensive hearings from being held on other, much less significant matters,'' Pelosi wrote.
Federal law prohibits government officials from divulging the identity of an undercover intelligence officer. But in order to bring charges, prosecutors must prove the official knew the officer was covert and nonetheless knowingly outed his or her identity.
Rove's conversations with Novak and Cooper took place just days after Wilson suggested in his opinion piece in The New York Times that some of the intelligence related to Iraq's nuclear weapons program was used to exaggerate the Iraqi threat.
Summarizing a trip he made to Africa on behalf of the CIA, Wilson wrote that he'd concluded it was highly doubtful the nation of Niger had sold uranium yellowcake to Iraq. Tenet issued a lengthy statement five days later saying that he never should have allowed Bush to use the Niger information in his State of the Union address but that Wilson's report did not resolve whether Iraq was seeking uranium from abroad. Source: Associated Press, July 15, 2005
FACTS ARE TOUGH THINGS
It seems that Joe Wilson's wife was not an "undercover agent" for the CIA at the time her identity was revealed, nor was she living a secret life. The facts never stand in the way of Democrat posturing.
"A former CIA covert agent who supervised Mrs. Plame early in her career yesterday took issue with her identification as an 'undercover agent,' saying that she worked for more than five years at the agency's headquarters in Langley and that most of her neighbors and friends knew that she was a CIA employee.
'She made no bones about the fact that she was an agency employee and her husband was a diplomat,' Fred Rustmann, a covert agent from 1966 to 1990, told The Washington Times." Source: Washington Times, July 15, 2005
and
"Wilson also said 'my wife was not a clandestine officer the day that Bob Novak blew her identity.'" Source: NYNewsday.com, July 15, 2005
"A former CIA covert agent who supervised Mrs. Plame early in her career yesterday took issue with her identification as an 'undercover agent,' saying that she worked for more than five years at the agency's headquarters in Langley and that most of her neighbors and friends knew that she was a CIA employee.
'She made no bones about the fact that she was an agency employee and her husband was a diplomat,' Fred Rustmann, a covert agent from 1966 to 1990, told The Washington Times." Source: Washington Times, July 15, 2005
and
"Wilson also said 'my wife was not a clandestine officer the day that Bob Novak blew her identity.'" Source: NYNewsday.com, July 15, 2005
Thursday, July 14, 2005
WORSE THAN WATERGATE? GIVE ME A BREAK
On the front page of the DFL's website under the headline "WORSE THAN WATERGATE" there is a story about Karl Rove and Joe Wilson.
My friends at the DFL have always had a love for the dramatics, but this just silly. I would think they would know the story of Watergate by heart.
BTW: The RNC just released a great fact sheet on Joe Wilson's inaccuracies and misstatements.
My friends at the DFL have always had a love for the dramatics, but this just silly. I would think they would know the story of Watergate by heart.
BTW: The RNC just released a great fact sheet on Joe Wilson's inaccuracies and misstatements.
KENNEDY OUTRAISES DFL CANDIDATES FOR U.S. SENATE
"U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy, raised $758,410 for his Republican Senate campaign in the quarter ended June 30, bringing his total for the first half of the year to more than $1.3 million, his campaign said Thursday.
Kennedy raised the most of six figures vying to succeed retiring Sen. Mark Dayton, D-Minn. But Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar, who had a six-month total of $1.24 million, ended with more money in the bank. Klobuchar says her report to the Federal Election Commission will show $1.1 million in cash as of June 30, while Kennedy's campaign said he had $965,648." Source: Star Tribune, July 14, 2005
Kennedy raised the most of six figures vying to succeed retiring Sen. Mark Dayton, D-Minn. But Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar, who had a six-month total of $1.24 million, ended with more money in the bank. Klobuchar says her report to the Federal Election Commission will show $1.1 million in cash as of June 30, while Kennedy's campaign said he had $965,648." Source: Star Tribune, July 14, 2005
WHY DEAN JOHNSON CAN'T BE TRUSTED #231
This must be what it is like to negotiate with Senator Dean Johnson:
"I want to express the fact to you, you are a statesman." Source: Senator Dean Johnson, ECM Publications, July 9, 2005
But this is Johnson today:
"He will have the trademark of Governor Shutdown for some time." Source: Senator Dean Johnson, Associated Press, July 14, 2005
"I want to express the fact to you, you are a statesman." Source: Senator Dean Johnson, ECM Publications, July 9, 2005
But this is Johnson today:
"He will have the trademark of Governor Shutdown for some time." Source: Senator Dean Johnson, Associated Press, July 14, 2005
COLEMAN DEFENDS ROVE
"We have enough to do in the Senate in minding our own business than to be sticking our noses into someone else's business...Everyone needs to cool the rhetoric, focus on the business of the people, and allow the investigation to run its course."
This is my favorate line:
"My Democratic friends would be doing the nation a great service if they spent half as much time getting legislation passed that will benefit the country as they do in attacking Karl Rove." Source: Associated Press, July 14, 2005
This is my favorate line:
"My Democratic friends would be doing the nation a great service if they spent half as much time getting legislation passed that will benefit the country as they do in attacking Karl Rove." Source: Associated Press, July 14, 2005
GOVERNOR PAWLENTY'S LEADERSHIP BRINGS SESSION TO A CLOSE
"While the 2005 legislative session may be most remembered for going into a long overtime, it also included a number of important achievements..." Governor Tim Pawlenty
Among the highlights of the 2005 legislative session cited by Pawlenty were:
- An historic $800 million increase for K-12 education, the largest two-year increase in the state's history
- Major education reforms – performance pay for teachers (QComp) and additional college credits in high school classrooms (Get Ready, Get Credit)
- Nation-leading proposal to double the amount of ethanol used in gasoline
- Tough new penalties for sex offenders, including life in prison without parole and a new indeterminate life sentence that will keep offenders locked up as long as they remain dangerous
- Aggressive restrictions on the sale of methamphetamine precursors like pseudoephedrine
- Enhanced penalties for those who manufacture or sell meth
- New benefits and incentives for military members including 100% tuition reimbursement for National Guard members, reenlistment bonuses and “Support our Troops” license plates
- A $945 million bonding bill that included money for the Northstar commuter rail line, $322 million for higher education, the Faribault prison expansion and the Minnesota Zoo
- $23 million for the Conservation Reserve and Enhancement Program (CREP). These dollars plus future state funding will trigger approximately $200 million in federal funds to fund the largest CREP program ever
- Passage of the Governor’s proposal for a constitutional amendment to dedicate 100% of the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax to transportation
For more details on Governor Pawlenty's 2005 Session achievements, click here.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
CARTOONS AND THE BATTLE FOR THE SUPREME COURT
HELL HAS FROZEN OVER AND THE PIGS ARE FLYING
In conjunction with MN Lefty Liberal…yes, you heard me right…(hat-tip to Trillian) I would like to announce a new blog to run in conjunction with Minnesota Democrats Exposed.
MN Left and Right is a point-counterpoint blog offering you both sides of the issue. We will strive to offer you news and discussions from the left and from the right. Point counterpoint on issues affecting Minnesota in local state and national politics.
We are really excited about this new venture and we encourage you to check it out.
MN Left and Right is a point-counterpoint blog offering you both sides of the issue. We will strive to offer you news and discussions from the left and from the right. Point counterpoint on issues affecting Minnesota in local state and national politics.
We are really excited about this new venture and we encourage you to check it out.
JENNINGS GOES TO COURT #2
It seems that Jennings' attorney is using the Forest Gump defense. Jennings was a legislator for 18 years, but according to his lawyer he is a "simple guy."
##
Trial begins for ex-Rep. Loren Jennings
Former state Rep. Loren Jennings deceived Minnesota citizens by pushing through legislation to help a utility pole recycling business he was deeply involved in, a federal prosecutor told jurors as his fraud trial opened Tuesday in St. Paul.
Jennings, 54, a DFLer from Harris, spent 18 years representing the Chisago County area in the Minnesota House, including a stint as the chairman of the Regulated Industries and Energy Committee. He lost a 2002 reelection bid and then was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of mail fraud, money laundering and conspiracy.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Dixon said Jennings authored bills, lobbied for legislation and used his influence with regulators at the state Commerce Department. "And he did all this ... and never told anyone of his personal interest" in a company called Northern Pole Inc.
Jennings' attorney, Douglas Kelley, told jurors that Jennings acted out of "false and misplaced loyalty" and was fooled in an elaborate scheme by banker John C. James, who has since pleaded guilty to federal bank fraud charges.
"Loren Jennings is a simple guy, not a bean counter," Kelly said. "He'd just as soon be on his tractor, but he's loyal and stands by a friend, keeps promises, trusts and respects people. The trouble is when you expect that in return, you can be fooled, and that's what happened."
The complicated case will center on a law change Jennings helped steer through the Legislature in the late 1990s. It expanded the so-called Conservation Improvement Program that mandates large power companies to charge customers and spend that money on conservation programs.
The change Jennings pushed through opened the way for some of that money to go to Northern Pole, a company Jennings and his partners lent $670,000, according to the indictment. After the change took effect, Northern States Power (now Xcel Energy) and Minnesota Power, the state's two power giants, earmarked $650,000 of those state-mandated conservation funds to Northern Pole. The company used about $284,000 to pay off 40 percent of Jennings' loans, Dixon said.
Kelley said Jennings was merely one of dozens of people duped by James, who was in an alcoholic "fog" and fooled state and federal regulators for more than six years before his Town & Country Bank in Almelund, Minn., was closed by regulators. James is now cooperating and, in his opening statement, Kelley accused the FBI of pressuring a man with terminal cancer to secretly videotape a meeting with Jennings, or else federal authorities would go after the man's son.
The trial, presided over by U.S. District Judge Richard Kyle, is expected to last three weeks. Source: Star Tribune, July 13, 2005
##
Trial begins for ex-Rep. Loren Jennings
Former state Rep. Loren Jennings deceived Minnesota citizens by pushing through legislation to help a utility pole recycling business he was deeply involved in, a federal prosecutor told jurors as his fraud trial opened Tuesday in St. Paul.
Jennings, 54, a DFLer from Harris, spent 18 years representing the Chisago County area in the Minnesota House, including a stint as the chairman of the Regulated Industries and Energy Committee. He lost a 2002 reelection bid and then was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of mail fraud, money laundering and conspiracy.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Dixon said Jennings authored bills, lobbied for legislation and used his influence with regulators at the state Commerce Department. "And he did all this ... and never told anyone of his personal interest" in a company called Northern Pole Inc.
Jennings' attorney, Douglas Kelley, told jurors that Jennings acted out of "false and misplaced loyalty" and was fooled in an elaborate scheme by banker John C. James, who has since pleaded guilty to federal bank fraud charges.
"Loren Jennings is a simple guy, not a bean counter," Kelly said. "He'd just as soon be on his tractor, but he's loyal and stands by a friend, keeps promises, trusts and respects people. The trouble is when you expect that in return, you can be fooled, and that's what happened."
The complicated case will center on a law change Jennings helped steer through the Legislature in the late 1990s. It expanded the so-called Conservation Improvement Program that mandates large power companies to charge customers and spend that money on conservation programs.
The change Jennings pushed through opened the way for some of that money to go to Northern Pole, a company Jennings and his partners lent $670,000, according to the indictment. After the change took effect, Northern States Power (now Xcel Energy) and Minnesota Power, the state's two power giants, earmarked $650,000 of those state-mandated conservation funds to Northern Pole. The company used about $284,000 to pay off 40 percent of Jennings' loans, Dixon said.
Kelley said Jennings was merely one of dozens of people duped by James, who was in an alcoholic "fog" and fooled state and federal regulators for more than six years before his Town & Country Bank in Almelund, Minn., was closed by regulators. James is now cooperating and, in his opening statement, Kelley accused the FBI of pressuring a man with terminal cancer to secretly videotape a meeting with Jennings, or else federal authorities would go after the man's son.
The trial, presided over by U.S. District Judge Richard Kyle, is expected to last three weeks. Source: Star Tribune, July 13, 2005
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
IS KLOBUCHAR THE NEXT SMOKEY THE BEAR?
Hennepin County Attorney and U.S. Senate candidate Amy Klobuchar is nowhere to be found when crime is on the rise in Minneapolis, but she's front and center when someone in Eden Prairie is cutting down trees on public property.
Monday, July 11, 2005
JENNINGS GOES TO COURT
Former Rep. on trial in alleged fraud, conspiracy
Former state Rep. Loren Jennings is set to go on trial Tuesday on charges he used his office to funnel money into a company in which he had invested.
The trial will take place in federal court in St. Paul.
Jennings, 54, was indicted in October and charged with four counts of mail fraud, one count of conspiracy and two counts of money laundering.
The DFLer from Harris served in the House of Representatives from 1985 to 2002. That included a stint as chairman of the House Regulated Industries Committee, which dealt with utilities.
The charges say Jennings solicited over $650,000 in payments from power companies to Northern Pole, Inc.
Jennings' attorney said his client denies the charges and looks forward to his day in court. Source: Associated Press, July 11, 2005
Former state Rep. Loren Jennings is set to go on trial Tuesday on charges he used his office to funnel money into a company in which he had invested.
The trial will take place in federal court in St. Paul.
Jennings, 54, was indicted in October and charged with four counts of mail fraud, one count of conspiracy and two counts of money laundering.
The DFLer from Harris served in the House of Representatives from 1985 to 2002. That included a stint as chairman of the House Regulated Industries Committee, which dealt with utilities.
The charges say Jennings solicited over $650,000 in payments from power companies to Northern Pole, Inc.
Jennings' attorney said his client denies the charges and looks forward to his day in court. Source: Associated Press, July 11, 2005
CNN POLL: 58% THINK DEMOCRATS WILL ATTEMPT TO BLOCK BUSH NOMINEE
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: CNN/GALLUP/USA TODAY POLL on The Supreme Court
July 11, 2005
Conducted 6/24-26/05; surveyed 1,009 adults; margin of error +/-3% (release, 7/5)
How likely do you think it is that the Democrats in the Senate would attempt to block Bush's nominee for inappropriate political reasons -- very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, or not at all likely?
Very likely - 58%
Somewhat likely - 28
Not too likely - 6
Not at all likely - 6
No opinion - 2
National Journal's Hotline, 7/7: Though Bush hasn't yet picked his SCOTUS nominee, "he's already won Round 1 of the fight." A CNN poll found "an extraordinary 86 percent of Americans expect Democrats to use 'inappropriate political reasons' to oppose Bush's nominee." And Dems do seem to "have come on way too strong and sound as if they're spoiling for a fight" regardless of who the nominee is.
They "attacked immediately" says a "senior" GOP strategist, "they were too hot and too shrill." GOP commentary has Dems backtracking "because they're suddenly doing a hasty course correction -- and insisting they don't really want war after all" (Orin, New York Post, 7/7).
Progress for America, Inc. ("PFA") has pledged an initial $18 million to combat dishonest attacks on any U.S. Supreme Court nominee. Source: Progress for America, July 11, 2005
July 11, 2005
Conducted 6/24-26/05; surveyed 1,009 adults; margin of error +/-3% (release, 7/5)
How likely do you think it is that the Democrats in the Senate would attempt to block Bush's nominee for inappropriate political reasons -- very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, or not at all likely?
Very likely - 58%
Somewhat likely - 28
Not too likely - 6
Not at all likely - 6
No opinion - 2
National Journal's Hotline, 7/7: Though Bush hasn't yet picked his SCOTUS nominee, "he's already won Round 1 of the fight." A CNN poll found "an extraordinary 86 percent of Americans expect Democrats to use 'inappropriate political reasons' to oppose Bush's nominee." And Dems do seem to "have come on way too strong and sound as if they're spoiling for a fight" regardless of who the nominee is.
They "attacked immediately" says a "senior" GOP strategist, "they were too hot and too shrill." GOP commentary has Dems backtracking "because they're suddenly doing a hasty course correction -- and insisting they don't really want war after all" (Orin, New York Post, 7/7).
Progress for America, Inc. ("PFA") has pledged an initial $18 million to combat dishonest attacks on any U.S. Supreme Court nominee. Source: Progress for America, July 11, 2005
SCHUMER DECLARES WAR
Schumer's Agenda
From The New York Post
Editorial 7/10/05
With rumors rife of an imminent second vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court, the question at week's end was: Will President Bush get his wish that the coming replacement debate be a "dignified process"? ...
So what happens next?
Fireworks, given the rather foreboding words uttered last week by New York's senior senator.
"We are contemplating how we are going to go to war over this," Chuck Schumer was overheard saying into his cellphone on a[n]... Amtrak trip. ...
As the senior Democrat on the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on the courts, Schumer is the Democrats' point man on Bush's bench picks. ....
Yes, Chuck Schumer is a leader of what in more civil times was known as the loyal opposition.
But don't forget his other agenda.
Schumer has a political job: He's chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, tasked with raising money and recruiting candidates for next year's elections.
Thus, the confirmation hearings give him a unique and convenient platform.
The more Schumer demonizes Bush and Senate Republicans -- especially on Supreme Court nominees, the easier it is for him to fundraise and recruit.
With all that at stake, a "dignified process" is the last thing Schumer wants. He benefits from a partisan foodfight -- as do his fellow Democrats.
And who suffers?
Well, the nominee, obviously -- one more Robert Bork or Clarence Thomas gets his name dragged through the mud.
But when Schumer & Co. declare "war" -- strictly for partisan gain -- to prevent the president from fulfilling his constitutional duty to select judges, it's the country that'll suffer.
And the responsibility would be at Chuck Schumer's feet.
For Entire Article Please Visit: http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/editorial/49547.htm
From The New York Post
Editorial 7/10/05
With rumors rife of an imminent second vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court, the question at week's end was: Will President Bush get his wish that the coming replacement debate be a "dignified process"? ...
So what happens next?
Fireworks, given the rather foreboding words uttered last week by New York's senior senator.
"We are contemplating how we are going to go to war over this," Chuck Schumer was overheard saying into his cellphone on a[n]... Amtrak trip. ...
As the senior Democrat on the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on the courts, Schumer is the Democrats' point man on Bush's bench picks. ....
Yes, Chuck Schumer is a leader of what in more civil times was known as the loyal opposition.
But don't forget his other agenda.
Schumer has a political job: He's chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, tasked with raising money and recruiting candidates for next year's elections.
Thus, the confirmation hearings give him a unique and convenient platform.
The more Schumer demonizes Bush and Senate Republicans -- especially on Supreme Court nominees, the easier it is for him to fundraise and recruit.
With all that at stake, a "dignified process" is the last thing Schumer wants. He benefits from a partisan foodfight -- as do his fellow Democrats.
And who suffers?
Well, the nominee, obviously -- one more Robert Bork or Clarence Thomas gets his name dragged through the mud.
But when Schumer & Co. declare "war" -- strictly for partisan gain -- to prevent the president from fulfilling his constitutional duty to select judges, it's the country that'll suffer.
And the responsibility would be at Chuck Schumer's feet.
For Entire Article Please Visit: http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/editorial/49547.htm
INSIDE A MOVEON SUPREME COURT HOUSE PARTY; TAKE 'BUSH LIAR' T-SHIRTS OFF
This is from Drudge Report:
Over the weekend, the liberal activist group MOVEON.ORG hosted over house parties across the nation to stop President Bush from nominating a "radical right judge" -- and the DRUDGE REPORT obtained an exclusive invite to one of their hottest parties!
Charles Fazio of Alexandria, VA was the host of one of the most widely attended MOVEON parties in the Washington, DC area. The DRUDGE REPORT has learned because of Fazio’s registration success, his party was chosen to be a finalist on the WASHINGTON POST’s list of house party events it would use in an upcoming edition to cover MOVEON’s weekend efforts.
In a desperate bid to sanitize his gathering and control how its attendees would be perceived by the POST, the MOVEON host emailed talking points to his guests. A copy of those talking points was obtained by the DRUDGE REPORT.
Fazio warned his guests: "Its very important that if you talk to the reporter, you stay on message. Remember, it is quite possible that our event will be the one the POST uses to represent the entire MoveOnPac effort this weekend."
The key message for the event: "The momentum is finally shifting away from extremism. We will not accept a extremist nominee. This is not about conservatism vs liberalism or Republicans vs Democrats, this is all about extremism vs moderation and we're on the side of moderation."
The MOVEON host reminded his guests: "We don't want to come across as leftist, liberal activists. We want to come across as we are - regular folks who are finally saying enough is enough to the extremists; that we're not falling for their extremist rhetoric anymore and we're finally going to expend the effort necessary to get our country back."
Fazio: "Please stay on message and just know that ANYTHING you say can be taken out of context and used against the effort." One last suggestion from Fazio to his liberal MOVEON party-goers: "Oh, because a photographer will be here, might I suggest we put away our ‘Bush is a Liar’ t-shirts. Let's look like they do."
Developing...
Over the weekend, the liberal activist group MOVEON.ORG hosted over house parties across the nation to stop President Bush from nominating a "radical right judge" -- and the DRUDGE REPORT obtained an exclusive invite to one of their hottest parties!
Charles Fazio of Alexandria, VA was the host of one of the most widely attended MOVEON parties in the Washington, DC area. The DRUDGE REPORT has learned because of Fazio’s registration success, his party was chosen to be a finalist on the WASHINGTON POST’s list of house party events it would use in an upcoming edition to cover MOVEON’s weekend efforts.
In a desperate bid to sanitize his gathering and control how its attendees would be perceived by the POST, the MOVEON host emailed talking points to his guests. A copy of those talking points was obtained by the DRUDGE REPORT.
Fazio warned his guests: "Its very important that if you talk to the reporter, you stay on message. Remember, it is quite possible that our event will be the one the POST uses to represent the entire MoveOnPac effort this weekend."
The key message for the event: "The momentum is finally shifting away from extremism. We will not accept a extremist nominee. This is not about conservatism vs liberalism or Republicans vs Democrats, this is all about extremism vs moderation and we're on the side of moderation."
The MOVEON host reminded his guests: "We don't want to come across as leftist, liberal activists. We want to come across as we are - regular folks who are finally saying enough is enough to the extremists; that we're not falling for their extremist rhetoric anymore and we're finally going to expend the effort necessary to get our country back."
Fazio: "Please stay on message and just know that ANYTHING you say can be taken out of context and used against the effort." One last suggestion from Fazio to his liberal MOVEON party-goers: "Oh, because a photographer will be here, might I suggest we put away our ‘Bush is a Liar’ t-shirts. Let's look like they do."
Developing...
Sunday, July 10, 2005
BLOGS WILL HAVE ACTIVE ROLE IN BATTLE FOR THE SUPREME COURT
Blogs seen as powerful new tool in U.S. court fight
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Political groups preparing to battle over the first U.S. Supreme Court nomination in 11 years have a powerful new tool -- Internet blogs -- to spread information quickly and influence decision makers without relying on traditional media. Source: Reuters, July 10, 2005
MDE will have up to the minute updates on the battle for the Supreme Court so please check back.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Political groups preparing to battle over the first U.S. Supreme Court nomination in 11 years have a powerful new tool -- Internet blogs -- to spread information quickly and influence decision makers without relying on traditional media. Source: Reuters, July 10, 2005
MDE will have up to the minute updates on the battle for the Supreme Court so please check back.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
TAR & FEATHER, INC.: A LIBERAL 10-STEP PLAN FOR JUDICIAL CHARACTER ASSASSINATION
"With the same liberal extremists in leadership since 1987, we can predict the 10 steps that People for the American Way, Alliance for Justice, National Organization for Women, NAACP, and the others will take to smear President Bush’s Supreme Court nominees. The 10 steps will be a carbon copy of the campaigns against Judges Bork, Souter, and Thomas." Source: UporDownVote.com
MDE will have up to the minute updates on the battle for the Supreme Court so please check back.
MDE will have up to the minute updates on the battle for the Supreme Court so please check back.
ROWLEY INTERVIEW ON AIR AMERICA
Speed Gibson has a partial transcript of Wendy Wilde's interview with Coleen Rowley.
Friday, July 08, 2005
AL GORE TO VISIT MINNESOTA TO DISCUSS GLOBAL WARMING
I received this information in an email from MoveOn.org.
Global Climate Change
A Multimedia Presentation with Al Gore
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Science Museum of Minnesota
Science Museum of Minnesota
Discovery Hall
120 West Kellogg Boulevard
Saint Paul
5:30 p.m. Reception
6:30 p.m. Presentation
I may rent a Hummer and drive to Gore's speech.
THE BATTLE FOR THE SUPREME COURT
Click on the picture above for the most recent ad from Progress for America.
SEPERATED AT BIRTH?
Source: Star Tribune
Two of my dedicated readers noticed Senator Johnson's strong leadership must have influenced this young girl.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
FUNDRAISER TONIGHT FOR SOLDIERS' ANGELS
I received this information from the gents at Fraters Libertas.
Where: Keegan's on Hennepin and University
When: 8pm-???
What: All American Trivia Night and fundraiser for Soldiers' Angels. Reps from SA will be on hand to collect donations and a portion of the night's drink specials will go toward the cause. You can find more info on Soldiers' Angels here:
http://soldiersangels.homestead.com/index.html
Where: Keegan's on Hennepin and University
When: 8pm-???
What: All American Trivia Night and fundraiser for Soldiers' Angels. Reps from SA will be on hand to collect donations and a portion of the night's drink specials will go toward the cause. You can find more info on Soldiers' Angels here:
http://soldiersangels.homestead.com/index.html
HONEY, I ANGERED THE KID
Source: Star TribuneROWLEY'S STANCE ON TERRORISM DRAWS FIRE FROM MN GOP
"State Republican Party officials said Rowley was out of touch with voters in the Second District on fighting terrorism. The district is fairly reliable GOP territory and includes southern Twin Cities suburbs and farmland reaching almost to Owatonna and Rochester.
'It's incredible that Coleen Rowley criticized the Bush administration for taking a 'no-holds-barred' approach to fighting terrorism,' said state GOP chairman Ron Carey in an e-mail. 'Voters in the Second District expect nothing less than a no-holds-barred approach to fighting terrorism.'" Source: Star Tribune, July 7, 2005
'It's incredible that Coleen Rowley criticized the Bush administration for taking a 'no-holds-barred' approach to fighting terrorism,' said state GOP chairman Ron Carey in an e-mail. 'Voters in the Second District expect nothing less than a no-holds-barred approach to fighting terrorism.'" Source: Star Tribune, July 7, 2005
IS ROWLEY ANOTHER WETTERLING?
It seems Rowley '06 is turning into Wetterling '04. It took months for Wetterling to articulate anything other than her message of "hope."
"But on Wednesday, Rowley seemed less prepared to deal with other traditional electoral requirements. She seemed uncomfortable addressing wedge issues like abortion, gay rights and gun issues. She said she was anti-abortion, a position she extends beyond the question of when life begins, and added that she did not believe in criminalizing abortion. She did not answer the questions about gay rights and the 2nd Amendment." Source: Pioneer Press, July 7, 2005
"But on Wednesday, Rowley seemed less prepared to deal with other traditional electoral requirements. She seemed uncomfortable addressing wedge issues like abortion, gay rights and gun issues. She said she was anti-abortion, a position she extends beyond the question of when life begins, and added that she did not believe in criminalizing abortion. She did not answer the questions about gay rights and the 2nd Amendment." Source: Pioneer Press, July 7, 2005
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
COLEEN ROWLEY'S ANNOUNCEMENT SPEECH PROVES ROVE WAS RIGHT
This is from Rowley's announcement speech:
"AG Ashcroft’s decision to seek the death penalty for Moussaoui also set a 'no holds barred' tone. But such draconian charges were accompanied by a significant cost to law enforcement and the effort to prevent further acts of terrorism. It made it impossible to attempt to interrogate and seek the suspect’s cooperation, something that would otherwise be standard operating procedure and which proved successful in most other terrorist cases – for example the 1993 WTC bombing, the African embassy bombings and the case against the millennium Al Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Ressam."
and
"I will do everything in my power to get our country back on a judicious course of action with domestic investigations of international terrorism."
I am appalled Rowley called the investigations into the 1993 WTC bombing, the African embassy bombings and the case against the millennium Al Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Ressam "successful."
Instead of defeating terrorists, Rowley would seek their "cooperation" in investigations.
It's clear Rowley believes terrorism is a criminal act rather than an act of war.
Rowley's approach to terrorism would make America less safe.
"AG Ashcroft’s decision to seek the death penalty for Moussaoui also set a 'no holds barred' tone. But such draconian charges were accompanied by a significant cost to law enforcement and the effort to prevent further acts of terrorism. It made it impossible to attempt to interrogate and seek the suspect’s cooperation, something that would otherwise be standard operating procedure and which proved successful in most other terrorist cases – for example the 1993 WTC bombing, the African embassy bombings and the case against the millennium Al Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Ressam."
and
"I will do everything in my power to get our country back on a judicious course of action with domestic investigations of international terrorism."
I am appalled Rowley called the investigations into the 1993 WTC bombing, the African embassy bombings and the case against the millennium Al Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Ressam "successful."
Instead of defeating terrorists, Rowley would seek their "cooperation" in investigations.
It's clear Rowley believes terrorism is a criminal act rather than an act of war.
Rowley's approach to terrorism would make America less safe.
JOHNSON'S I & R STRATEGY
I just received this from one of my unimpeachable sources:
How Dean Johnson sees a way for the DFL to have its cake and eat it, too.
On Friday's edition of "Almanac" Dean Johnson suggested to Matt Entenza that the DFL might have to give the governor one of the reforms he'd proposed (merit pay for teachers, unicameral, Initiative & Referendum, etc.). When asked which of the reforms he preferred, Johnson said he would not want to say on camera, but that he definitely had a favorite.
After a little investigation with friends who work in the DFL caucus, I have learned that his preferred reform to use as a bargaining chip is Initiative & Referendum. Apparently Johnson has never felt strongly against it and in fact has at times been lukewarm in favor of it. Now, he apparently thinks that using it as a bargaining chip would be the least expensive politically because in order for I & R to become reality in Minnesota, it must pass as a constitutional amendment.
Johnson reportedly believes there is enough public sentiment against I & R, or that enough public sentiment could be drummed up against it, so that the amendment would fail. So, the governor ultimately would be found unable to cash in on this bargaining chip.
How Dean Johnson sees a way for the DFL to have its cake and eat it, too.
On Friday's edition of "Almanac" Dean Johnson suggested to Matt Entenza that the DFL might have to give the governor one of the reforms he'd proposed (merit pay for teachers, unicameral, Initiative & Referendum, etc.). When asked which of the reforms he preferred, Johnson said he would not want to say on camera, but that he definitely had a favorite.
After a little investigation with friends who work in the DFL caucus, I have learned that his preferred reform to use as a bargaining chip is Initiative & Referendum. Apparently Johnson has never felt strongly against it and in fact has at times been lukewarm in favor of it. Now, he apparently thinks that using it as a bargaining chip would be the least expensive politically because in order for I & R to become reality in Minnesota, it must pass as a constitutional amendment.
Johnson reportedly believes there is enough public sentiment against I & R, or that enough public sentiment could be drummed up against it, so that the amendment would fail. So, the governor ultimately would be found unable to cash in on this bargaining chip.
ROWLEY ANNOUNCES HER CAMPAIGN TODAY
Coleen Rowley makes her campaign for Congress official this morning. She has scheduled a 10:30 press conference at her home in Apple Valley.
Rowley is ready to take her marching orders from the World community.
Rowley is ready to take her marching orders from the World community.
...AND THE WORLD?
"Coleen Rowley will work to change Congress for Minnesota, the United States and the World"
If Coleen Rowley thinks independent Minnesotans want her changing Congress to appease the World Community, she's in for a rude awakening. Someone needs to inform Ms. Rowley that she takes orders from our families, not French aristocrats.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
JOHNSON USES KIDS TO PROVIDE COVER FROM ANGER OVER SHUTDOWN
"[State Senator Ellen] Anderson knows some people might be unhappy about the shutdown. She tells a story of how Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson recently fended off criticism at a parade; he brought some neighbor kids along with him.
'He spent the whole day with them,' she says. 'And he said it was great. Not one person yelled at him. He figured nobody could get mad at him if he had four little children walking around with him.'
Anderson insists her young sons, Nick and Jake, are not tagging along today for her protection." Source: Minnesota Public Radio, July 5, 2005
'He spent the whole day with them,' she says. 'And he said it was great. Not one person yelled at him. He figured nobody could get mad at him if he had four little children walking around with him.'
Anderson insists her young sons, Nick and Jake, are not tagging along today for her protection." Source: Minnesota Public Radio, July 5, 2005
JOHNSON'S LEGISLATIVE TACTICS CRITICIZED
DEMOCRATIC SECOND-GUESSING
The surprise decision by Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson to adjourn the Senate a few hours before midnight, when a deal looked close, was roundly criticized the next day, even by some traditional Democratic allies.
Johnson himself, while defending the maneuver, was expressing hope that it wouldn't slow the pace of further work.
"Yesterday was yesterday," Johnson said. "Today is today."
But Democrats could come to regret spurning Pawlenty's offer granting many of their demands — he's not likely to go that far again, and can be expected to now renew his call for government reforms that many Democrats find distasteful. Source: Associated Press, July 5, 2005
The surprise decision by Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson to adjourn the Senate a few hours before midnight, when a deal looked close, was roundly criticized the next day, even by some traditional Democratic allies.
Johnson himself, while defending the maneuver, was expressing hope that it wouldn't slow the pace of further work.
"Yesterday was yesterday," Johnson said. "Today is today."
But Democrats could come to regret spurning Pawlenty's offer granting many of their demands — he's not likely to go that far again, and can be expected to now renew his call for government reforms that many Democrats find distasteful. Source: Associated Press, July 5, 2005
DAMN MNGOP WATCH
Blogs are abuzz over Minnesota shutdown
The blogosphere has been humming since a budget impasse shut down parts of the state government on Friday for the first time in state history.
Unsurprisingly, blogs from the right and left blamed their ideological opponents for the shutdown, which idled about 9,000 state employees, closed driver's license exam stations and barricaded highway rest stops over the July Fourth weekend.
Top legislative leaders met late Monday afternoon to try to reach a budget deal, but no resolution was reached. Leaders were expected to meet again today.
For right-leaning blogs, the DFL-controlled Senate forced the shutdown to politically damage Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a popular Republican.
"Political insiders here in Minnesota told me some time ago that the Democrats were maneuvering to try to achieve a shutdown of the state government," John Hinderaker wrote on Power Line. "Their strategy was to refuse to agree on a budget, hold out until there was no alternative to a shutdown, and then blame Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty. The Democrats have been frustrated by Pawlenty's strong popularity throughout the state -- his high approval ratings include many Democrats -- and a shutdown was viewed as a means of denting the governor's popularity."
In a spring Minnesota Poll for the Star Tribune newspaper, Pawlenty earned a 56 percent approval rating while the Legislature received a 40 percent approval rating.
Pawlenty and the Republican-controlled House were the villains, according to some left-leaning blogs.
"Our Minnesota Republicans are so stubborn, so obsessed with playing politics instead of getting the job done that they're even threatening to go back on earlier compromises," Minnesota Republican Watch writes on its Web site.
Some blogs pointed accusing fingers not at the politicians, but to the voters who elected a government with deep ideological splits. Source: Associated Press, July 5, 2005
The blogosphere has been humming since a budget impasse shut down parts of the state government on Friday for the first time in state history.
Unsurprisingly, blogs from the right and left blamed their ideological opponents for the shutdown, which idled about 9,000 state employees, closed driver's license exam stations and barricaded highway rest stops over the July Fourth weekend.
Top legislative leaders met late Monday afternoon to try to reach a budget deal, but no resolution was reached. Leaders were expected to meet again today.
For right-leaning blogs, the DFL-controlled Senate forced the shutdown to politically damage Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a popular Republican.
"Political insiders here in Minnesota told me some time ago that the Democrats were maneuvering to try to achieve a shutdown of the state government," John Hinderaker wrote on Power Line. "Their strategy was to refuse to agree on a budget, hold out until there was no alternative to a shutdown, and then blame Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty. The Democrats have been frustrated by Pawlenty's strong popularity throughout the state -- his high approval ratings include many Democrats -- and a shutdown was viewed as a means of denting the governor's popularity."
In a spring Minnesota Poll for the Star Tribune newspaper, Pawlenty earned a 56 percent approval rating while the Legislature received a 40 percent approval rating.
Pawlenty and the Republican-controlled House were the villains, according to some left-leaning blogs.
"Our Minnesota Republicans are so stubborn, so obsessed with playing politics instead of getting the job done that they're even threatening to go back on earlier compromises," Minnesota Republican Watch writes on its Web site.
Some blogs pointed accusing fingers not at the politicians, but to the voters who elected a government with deep ideological splits. Source: Associated Press, July 5, 2005
Friday, July 01, 2005
GOVERNOR PAWLENTY CALLS IT RIGHT
"I am stunned by the naked cynicism of the Democratic strategy...When it came to crunch time, they left." Governor Tim Pawlenty.
UNION LEADER BLASTS DFL
"Eliot Seide, executive director of AFSCME Council 5, a public employee union that aligns closely with DFL candidates, heaped blame on both parties for the failure to agree on a lights-on deal.
'This is an outrageous failure of government and we do not accept it,' he said. "And it is a bipartisan, nonpartisan, fully partisan failure.'" Source: Star Tribune, July 1, 2005
'This is an outrageous failure of government and we do not accept it,' he said. "And it is a bipartisan, nonpartisan, fully partisan failure.'" Source: Star Tribune, July 1, 2005
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