MDE FROM THE ARCHIVES: DAVID RUTH'S DOUBLE STANDARD ON GOVERNOR'S RADIO PROGRAM

David Ruth, the current communications director at the Minnesota DFL, worked for Independence Party candidate Tim Penny's 2002 gubernatorial campaign.

Governor Ventura supported Tim Penny for governor and he did everything he could to help Penny's candidacy. It is a fact that Ventura used taxpayer-resources to boost Penny's (David Ruth's boss) doomed candidacy. (see above)

The DFL's complaints against Governor Pawlenty's radio program are baseless. Since the last DFL governor was elected almost 20 years ago, I know it's tough for the DFL to understand that a governor needs to communicate to Minnesotans.

Since their candidates haven't been able to win at the ballot box, the DFL now wants to prevent Governor Pawlenty from performing duties he was elected to perform.

But something else stinks about the DFL's complaints againt Pawlenty's radio program.

In 2002, did David Ruth ever publically complain when his former boss and 2002 Independence Party candidate for governor, Tim Penny, was repeatedly mentioned on Governor Ventura's radio program while he was a candidate for governor?

"Last Friday, Ventura said on the [radio] program: 'Vote for Tim Penny. I would ask you to do that, personally. Vote for Tim Penny. He's who I'm supporting. I am voting for him. He will make the best governor for the state of Minnesota.'" Source: Star Tribune, August 1, 2002

"The weekly show will give the governor [Ventura] an uncontested shot at the big-party candidates, Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe, DFL-Erskine, and House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty, R-Eagan. And if Penny becomes a candidate, Ventura could do his part for the cause from the broadcast booth." Source: Pioneer Press, June 20, 2002

The answer is no.

In 2002, did David Ruth demand that Senator Roger Moe and Representative Tim Pawlenty receive equal time on Governor Ventura's radio program?

The answer is no.

Did David Ruth ever publically complain about Governor Ventura placing a "Tim Penny for Governor" sticker on his official state vehicle? (see above)

"Honk if you can find IP sticker

The state-leased Lincoln Navigator that's used to transport Gov. Jesse Ventura has sported some of the governor's personal views from time to time. There has been a Navy SEAL bumper sticker on the back window for some time. In March, a new sticker was seen: 'Politicians are like diapers. Both need to be changed often and for the same reason.'

Little has been made of the vehicular expressions until last week, when a sticker promoting Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Tim Penny was seen on a passenger window. The state's Republican Party objected, saying it violated state law. 'If this is being disseminated on state vehicles, what is happening with state resources behind closed doors?' state GOP Chairman Ron Eibensteiner said. On Friday, the sticker was removed. Or was it? Ventura, on his weekly radio show, hinted that it might have returned. But he would not say where it might be . ." Source: Star Tribune, September 22, 2002

The answer is no.

Tags: Brian Melendez, David Ruth, DFL, Donna Cassutt