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BREAKING NEWS: SENATOR MICHEL DECIDES AGAINST RUN FOR CONGRESS IN 3RD CD
By Michael B. Brodkorb | September 26, 2007
I just received a phone call from Senator Geoff Michel and he informed me that he will not be a candidate for Congress in the 3rd CD in 2008. I will be receiving a formal statement from Senator Michel in the next hour.
Please check back to Minnesota Democrats Exposed for more information.
UPDATE: I just received the below statement from Senator Michel. Please leave your thoughts about his statement in the comment section.
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STATEMENT FROM STATE SENATOR GEOFF MICHEL (R-EDINA –WEST BLOOMINGTON)
Last week a great Congressman announced that he would not run for reelection next year. Jim Ramstad has been a role model public servant. Minnesota and the Third Congressional District are fortunate to have benefited from more than two decades of his time and energy. Jim had big shoes to fill: he took the torch passed to him by Bill Frenzel and served with skill and grace. I’m proud to have worked closely with both Frenzel and Ramstad and consider each of them a mentor.
Today I am sharing with friends and supporters that I will not seek the 3rd District Congressional seat next year. After giving this serious thought, I have concluded that Congress is broken and the lifestyle of a member of Congress is unappealing.
It would be worth the effort if Congress was an institution that was working well. It is not. The life of a member of Congress is now perpetual campaigning, countless hours on the phone raising money, and incessant travel. Members of Congress seem very busy doing everything but the actual work of the people. I have four young daughters and a wonderful wife. Trading soccer games, piano recitals and dinners at home for frequent flyer miles and long distance phone cards feels selfish to me.
Congress is even less popular than the President. Spending and earmarks are out of control. We see no solutions and very little debate about the important issues of today, including health care, immigration, and the environment. Is Congress preparing us for the retirement of the baby boomers and the need for entitlement reforms? Clearly the answer is no.
In contrast, state governments, governors and legislatures are moving on all of these issues. I am much more optimistic that Minnesota will be engaged and lead on these issues – even with our divided government. The issues that I have a passion for, lower taxes and efficient spending, education, the University of Minnesota, transportation and the environment are getting attention and action right here in Saint Paul. I want to focus my time and energy where government and elected officials can get things done.
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20 Responses to “BREAKING NEWS: SENATOR MICHEL DECIDES AGAINST RUN FOR CONGRESS IN 3RD CD”
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September 26th, 2007 at 1:25 PM
Another great scoop, MDE! Way to go.
September 26th, 2007 at 1:38 PM
He’s probably right. And if he doesn’t have the will or strength to go try to change things, he’s better off staying home.
I can’t imagine that rats nest of Corrupocrats occupying the House and Senate right now inspires much faith from anyone that Congress can be fixed.
September 26th, 2007 at 2:18 PM
{closed circuit to Andy Aplikowski — in about two days, post “breaking” news that Michel will NOT be running}
September 26th, 2007 at 2:57 PM
It seems that the Clinton, Reid and Pelosi public
service discouragement system is working to perfection ! That is except if you’re Keith Ellison.
September 26th, 2007 at 3:08 PM
Andy, are you going to go to da cabin to think about why you never get any scoops like this?
You should bring Sue Jeffers along and you can talk about emboldening the Libertarian party.
On September 30th, AAA’s site will read, “breaking news, AAA can now confirm that Michel will not run for Congress”
September 26th, 2007 at 3:10 PM
I have got eyes only numbers that says AAA will post this as breaking news!
September 26th, 2007 at 3:48 PM
I think Sen. Michel dropping out of the race speaks to the cluster fuck that is Washington DC. It’s a wonder we end up with the self preservationist nut job we have on both sides of the aisle. Why would you want to run for this seat?
September 26th, 2007 at 3:53 PM
And this guy’s a Republican?
September 26th, 2007 at 4:07 PM
Wouldn’t these be the reasons to run and change things.
I cannot help but look at this and laugh as it could easily be a repudiation of Michele Bachmann. She is in Congress only because of the fame and power, not to do anything, evident by the fact she has not done a thing, except embarrass Minnesotans.
Erik Paulsen looks to be the guy, I think he can win. Hopefully!
September 26th, 2007 at 4:18 PM
Paulsen is the guy and he will win.
September 26th, 2007 at 4:18 PM
Did Senator Michel just annouce for Governor?
September 26th, 2007 at 4:44 PM
Bachmann’s doing a fine job of representing Minnesota. We’re blessed to have her.
September 26th, 2007 at 4:50 PM
… there’s nothing liberals hate more than strong, independent women with faith.
September 26th, 2007 at 5:36 PM
Matt Entenza,
The thing I love about Bachmann is that she’s not afraid to speak her mind about being a conservative!!! Out of our entire state of “Republican” politicians…she’s about the only one that actually votes like one!!! Plus, she keeps on winning:)
September 26th, 2007 at 5:58 PM
It’s super early. Paulsen very well may end up being the guy but there is no way you can tell at this point.
Brian Sullivan was supposed to be a shoe in for the GOP nomination in 2002 and that didn’t happen. He started running a year before anybody else. He had millions spent and millions more to go. Hell, even gave out hot dogs!
John McCain was supposed to be the guy. He was the heir apparent. The great white haired hope. Yet, look at him now.
It may not be wise to go with the guy who’s turn it appears to be. We did that with Bob Dole in 1996 and look where it got us.
Paulsen was not elected to leadership this year. There may be a ton of state legislators that endorse someone else. He’s got the former chair that these very same delegates kicked out not so long ago.
There’s nothing wrong with a little healthy competition. Let’s have our endorsement battle.
September 26th, 2007 at 6:36 PM
I agree! Let’s have a good old fashioned debate about ideas and principle! After getting whacked in the last election, it may be a good time to look/discuss the ideals on which we won elections!
September 26th, 2007 at 7:32 PM
Paulsen will do a great job earning delegate support one at a time. The same work ethic and fundraising ability he has used to elect house members will serve him well to earn the endorsement and beat the Democrats.
September 26th, 2007 at 9:38 PM
I like Paulsen, but then, he’s a second cousin.
September 28th, 2007 at 9:38 AM
“I agree! Let’s have a good old fashioned debate about ideas and principle! After getting whacked in the last election, it may be a good time to look/discuss the ideals on which we won elections!”
I couldn’t agree more. Let’s get a healthy field of candidates, vet them against each other, and see who emerges as the best one. Paulsen may very well be a great guy, but at this stage in the came he should be one of several candidates we are talking about.
October 5th, 2007 at 7:59 PM
It would be good to see a new face, with a conservative message that won’t put us to sleep.
Alot of conservative money is out there waiting for a conservative candidate that can be trusted to stand up for small/restrained gov.
We’re tired of being lemmings.