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LIVE-BLOGGING 3RD CD DFL CONVENTION
By Michael B. Brodkorb | April 12, 2008
I’m at Wayzata Middle School to live-blog the 3rd CD DFL Convention. Please check back to Minnesota Democrats Exposed for updates.
4:57 P.M.: I’m done with live-blog, but check back to Minnesota Democrats Exposed for more updates tonight.
4:56 P.M.: MN GOP communications director Mark Drake is handing out a press release which reads “3rd CD DEMOCRATS ENDORSE FAR-LEFT MADIA”
4:54 P.M.: Bonoff has dropped out and is asking the convention to support/endorse Madia.
4:38 P.M.: The rumors are flying around that Bonoff is withdrawing.
4:37 P.M.: The eight ballot results: 65 votes or 41.5% for Bonoff, 90.5 votes or 57.8% for Madia. 93 votes are needed for endorsement. Bonoff lost three votes, Madia picked-up five votes. The ninth ballot is about to begin.
4:26 P.M.: Matt from MN Publius just wrote “Please Endorse Madia for the Party’s Sake”
4:23 P.M.: The rumors of a 6:00 P.M. deadline has just been cleared-up. We can be here all night – there is no time limit.
4:08 P.M.: The seventh ballot results: 68 votes or 44% for Bonoff, 85.5 votes or 55.3% for Madia. 93 votes are needed for endorsement. Bonoff lost four votes, Madia picked-up one vote. The eight ballot is about to begin.
3:52 P.M.: The rumors of no endorsement today has Zack at MN Publius upset. No endorsement today will be a huge setback for Democrats.
3:32 P.M.: Key Democrats at the convention are now admitting that there may be no endorsement today.
3:30 P.M.: The sixth ballot results: 72 votes or 46% for Bonoff, 84.5 votes or 54% for Madia. 93 votes are needed for endorsement. Madia picked-up one vote. The seventh ballot is about to begin.
3:20 P.M.: While I was on the radio, Bonoff and Madia both addressed the convention. From what I heard, Bonoff have the better speech. We’ll see if she picks up any votes.
2:55 P.M.: The fifth ballot results: 72 votes or 46.3% for Bonoff, 83.5 votes or 53.7% for Madia. 93 votes are needed for endorsement. Bonoff loss one vote, Madia picked-up one vote. The sixth ballot is about to begin.
2:50 P.M.: King will be doing the radio show by himself for at least the first hour. I’m not leaving this convention, but I’ll be calling in at 3:05 P.M.
2:31 P.M.: The fourth ballot results: 73 votes or 46.9% for Bonoff, 82.5 votes or 53.1% for Madia. 93 votes are needed for endorsement. Bonoff picked-up one vote, Madia lost one vote. The fifth ballot is about to begin.
2:15 P.M.: I’m still waiting for the results from the 4th ballot. The campaigns are still fired up and ready for a long day.
2:07 The third ballot results: 72 votes or 46% for Bonoff, 84.5 votes or 54% for Madia. 93 votes are needed for endorsement. Madia picked up two votes. The fourth ballot is about to begin.
1:42 P.M.: The second ballot results: 74 votes or 47.3% for Bonoff, 82.5 votes or 52.7% for Madia. 93 votes are needed for endorsement. The third ballot is about to begin.
1:35 P.M.: MN GOP Communications director Mark Drake is here to provide comment to the media after the DFL endorses a candidate. In the picture below, Drake is talking with a dedicated reader of Minnesota Democrats Exposed, Two Putt Tommy
1:29 P.M.: Some of the people/bloggers that I have spoke to about the 1st ballot results are surprised that the margin between Bonoff and Madia was so close. While most people didn’t think Madia would win on the 1st ballot, I think they were generally surprised that he didn’t have more votes.
1:20 P.M. First ballot results: 70 votes or 45.3% for Bonoff, 82.5 votes or 53.4% for Madia. 93 votes are needed for endorsement. The second ballot is about to begin.
1:04 P.M.: The first ballot is being counted.
12:58 P.M.: The rules for balloting contain in an interesting twist: ballots must be signed. This is different than Republican conventions.
12:50 P.M.: I just spoke with Elizabeth Levang to get her reaction to Bonoff’s speech. Levang was angered by Bonoff’s speech as she thinks Bonoff is perpetuating the lie that she can work across party lines. Levang thinks Bonoff has duped the people wearing the red-shirts for Bonoff. Maclean added that she and Elizabeth counted on Bonoff to keep her promises and work on an issue that effects families across Minnesota. She failed.
12:47 P.M.: The balloting is about to start. This is when the fun begins.
12:44 P.M.: Wow, I just had a great lunch from Subway. For $6 you get a sandwich, bag of chips, cookie and soda. The DFL sure knows how to run a convention, as I didn’t need to leave the building.
12:25 P.M.: The candidates are now doing a Q & A. It’s tough to hear the answers, so I’ll pass on transcribing.
12:06 P.M.: Bonoff’s presentation has just started. Her son is introducing Bonoff. In an interesting developing, Sandy Maclean and Elizabeth Lavang are at the convention. I’ve been asked by a few delegates about my posts regarding Bonoff’s mismanagement of the Grieving Parents Act in the Minnesota Senate.
11:53 A.M.: Madia’s campaign is going first…he has a total of ten minutes.
11:50 A.M.: The campaign presentations are about to begin…I don’t know who is speaking first, but the Bonoff people are getting ready.
11:40 A.M.: Representative Ron Erhadt just arrived at the convention. He received a warm response as the chair recognized him.
11:37 A.M.: The UpTake and MN Publius are also live-blogging today’s convention.
11:36 A.M.: A picture of a divided crowd at today’s convention.
11:13 A.M.: Al Franken is about to speak…actually, Mrs. Molin is on stage with Franken. No mention of his workers’ compensation insurance problems that are mentioned in today’s newspapers
11:03 A.M.: Former U.S. Senator Mark Dayton is now speaking on behalf of Senator Hillary Clinton, but mentioned Obama. Dayton is claiming that McCain wants another “100 years” of war in Iraq. I’ll have a response post about Dayton’s speech later this week.
11:00 A.M.: During a restroom break, I missed Jack Nelson-Pallymeyer’s speech.
10:25 A.M.: Chairman Melendez just delivered a great message that I will remember for Republican conventions. Here’s a summary: If you are a Bonoff supporter, and Bonoff get is endorsed, the last thing you want to do today is tick off a Madia supporter because you will need their help . Chairman Melendez than switched the roles and said that Madia supporters shouldn’t tick off Bonoff supporters. It was a good message.
10:24 A.M.: This is picture from a Madia rally held before the convention.
10:22 A.M.: DFL Party chairman Brian Melendez is speaking…he asked the candidates to “play nice” at today’s convention.
10:14 A.M.: The Madia supporters are shouting because Ashwin just walked in to the convention hall. They are chanting “WIN ASHWIN!”
10:11 A.M.: My wireless connection isn’t very strong, so I don’t think I will post many videos while I am at the convention.
9:45 A.M.: Non-partisan Secretary of State Mark Ritchie is here – not a big surprise. He’s likely signing people up on new e-mail list. Just kidding. Attorney General Lori Swanson just walked in to the auditorium. I’ll be interested to see the reaction from the crowd if she speaks. Swanson has been battling unions over efforts to unionize attorneys in Swanson office.
9:34 A.M.: During breaks in the convention business, I’ll be posting video clips. I’m loading a video clip of DFL candidate Ashwin Madia and his supporters walking through the gauntlet of Terri Bonoff supporters. The video will give you an idea of the intensity level today.
9:25 A.M.: The turnout is huge. Bonoff’s supporters are wearing red-shirts and Madia supporters are wearing blue shirts. The place is buzzing with activity. I love political conventions.
9:20 A.M.: I want to thank the 3rd CD DFL and also John Stiles and Kelly Schwinghammer at the Minnesota DFL for providing me with blog credentials for today’s convention.
Topics: Ashwin Madia, Uncategorized | 27 Comments »
27 Responses to “LIVE-BLOGGING 3RD CD DFL CONVENTION”
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April 12th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Assuming that Madia does get the nomination what drove his victory? Was it because everybody realized in ten seconds that Bonoff wasn’t qualified and looked for a candidate that appeared to be another Obama on the Congressional race.
Walter Hanson
Minneapolis, MN
April 12th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Michael, I’m glad that it seems that DFLers ALWAYS find it in their agenda to be sure you get credentials. When are the Republicans going to be as open with their conventions? When are they going to be open with the people? In the Sixth CD, no bloggers allowed and the real press were not allowed to bring in any recording photos devices.
Why are you guys so secretive?
April 12th, 2008 at 11:31 am
“Dayton is claiming that McCain wants another “100 years†of war in Iraq. ”
Madia’s published position on Iraq calls for 10,000 to 20,000 US troops to be in Iraq indefinitely with no time table for their complete removal.
April 12th, 2008 at 11:35 am
If Madia wins, I think it will be because he is a better communicator and conducted a much better campaign.
April 12th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Isn’t it refreshing to see a Congressional District convention that allows the media to take pictures and video, unlike the Republican CD6 convention last weekend.
April 12th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Twobit is there? Are they serving alcohol?
April 12th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Looks the Bonoff startegy is to force a primary and hope to get the primary endorsement. If she does have a hard 70 votes the DFL won’t get an endorsement at all.
Walter Hanson
Minneapolis, MN
April 12th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Mikey, you forgot this part (from MnPublius):
Rep. Ron Erhardt (R-Edina), one of the override six, is at the DFL Convention!!! Erhardt was recognized by the Chair and thanked for his leadership on the transportation bill. He was asked if he planned to run for reelection and he said “Yes.†He was asked if he would join the DFL Caucus if reelected and he said “I’m thinking about it.â€
It is interesting to note the differences between media access at the 6th CD GOP coronation and the 3rd CD DFL convention. It’s like the difference between the United States and China. Or the old Soviet Union.
April 12th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Hey Michael –
In talking to GOP representation there, is there any preference as to who they would like Paulsen to go up against?
April 12th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
MDE Exposer: Please read my live blog…I noted that Erhardt was in attendance.
April 12th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Twobit is there? Are they serving alcohol?
Looking at his photo, sure looks like it.
April 12th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Welcome, “Progessive” DFLers to the wonderful world of RICH LIBERAL politics! You can say so long to your boy Madia after Bonoff gets through slugging him with her MONEY!
April 12th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Ok,
How do you get .5 votes?
April 12th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Just got back from the tax rally– the turn out was bigger then the year before!!
The surge is coming and the silent majority are no more!
April 12th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Let me be the first to congratulate Congressman elect Paulsen on his victory.
April 12th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I had a prior commitment today, but next year will be attending the tax cut rally. Wish I could’ve been there.
NrthWester, I hope you are correct. I’ll be voting at the 3rd CD GOP convention next weekend.
Twopud looks like maybe he has short man syndrome? I mean, he’s such a jerk here.
April 12th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Great to see Bonoff fail. I worked with her years ago, and was very unimpressed by her then as I am now.
I must give kudos to MDE for the yeoman’s work exposing her idiocy.
April 12th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Madia is not a name you can trust.
April 12th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
I just saw the newscast in KSTP channel 5. They were covering the tax rally.
They say, according to Minnesota 2020 (chaired/founded by Matt Entenza), that Minnesota is 31st in the nation for high taxes.
Does anyone have a more accurate tax ranking for Minnesota?
April 12th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Now that Bonoff lost this contest, I can focus my attention on making sure she doesn’t get re-elected State Senator in my district. I know it’s a long way off, but you can never start to early.
April 12th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Nice seeing you there. Was a bit too busy to chat, but it was good seeing you there.
April 12th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
red girl I heard that 31st comment also. Yet in the Star Tribune Entenza is quoted as 32nd. Is making up different lies for different reporters.
Master: Lets focus on getting Davis in the first, having Paulsen elected in the third, and getting the state House back under Republican control. Look at one of the turncoat six looking for DFL votes because he can’t count on Republican votes.
Walter Hanson
Minneapolis, MN
April 12th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
MDE Exposer: Please read my live blog…I noted that Erhardt was in attendance.
Yes, but you didn’t note that he was open to the DFLers’ suggestion that he jump from that sinking barge known as the GOP.
April 12th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
“I’ll be voting at the 3rd CD GOP convention next weekend.”
Well, I’ll be playin’ golf. Otherwise, I’d join you.
Well, maybe not – the GOP isn’t noted for extending hospitality to Democrats, even though Democrats appreciated having Mark Drake and Michael observe our convention.
At any rate, enjoy Paulsen winning the endorsement – it’s the last political thing he’ll ever win.
Once the convention is over, butter him; he’s toast.
April 14th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Puddles, all the tough guy talk and that is what you look like!
Pretty sure I have a daughter who could physically out match you.
can you even golf with that fat out of shape body? Looks to me like the biggest muscle you have is your mouth.
Now I think it will just be a giggle when we meet and I ask about you having me lick jumpboots.
What are those like a size 8 boot? 
April 14th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Minnesota rank 8th highest according to the this site:
http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxfreedomday/
here is another interesting
http://www.taxpayersnetwork.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=6&tabid=3402
April 17th, 2008 at 5:20 am
[...] and easy way to get started. …http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,143690-c,internet/article.htmlLIVE-BLOGGING 3RD CD DFL CONVENTION I??m at Wayzata Middle School to live-blog the 3rd CD DFL Convention. Please check back to [...]