The staff at the 2008 Republican National Convention has organized weekly “Lunchtime Chats” where convention staff are available, via live-video, to answer question about the upcoming convention.

This week’s chat will be with Press Secretary Joanna Burgos, Director of Transportation Dana Sullivan, and Deputy Director of Marketing Will Jamison. I’m posting the live feed, but click here to ask a question and participate in the chat. Don’t scream at your monitor – they won’t be able to hear you.

UPDATE: The chat is over. Check back next week for another chat.

A dedicated reader of Minnesota Democrats Exposed sent me this small video clip of a press conference by  State Senator Kathy Saltzman and DFL Associate Chair Donna Cassutt last week to complain about Senator McCain’s support for a gas-tax holiday.

When asked about Senator Obama’s plan for solving the high gas prices, Saltzman first refused to answer the question and then admitted she didn’t know about Obama’s plan.

"Al Franken now says he will finally pay the $25,000 he owes for breaking the state of New York’s workers' compensation law.  Franken still hasn't given Minnesotans an explanation for his law breaking, and simply writing out a check for $25,000 and hoping the issue goes away isn't going to cut it.  Average Minnesotans who play by the rules, follow the laws and accept responsibility for their actions demand some answers. Given Franken's refusal to address his law breaking, and his efforts to pretend he knew nothing about this issue, today I filed a Freedom of Information request with the state of New York to try and get some answers.”

Please read the complete release after the page break.
 

  March 6, 2008

Records Access Officer

New York State Workers' Compensation Board

20 Park Street, Room 401

Albany, New York 12207

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing to request the following records under New York State’s Freedom of Information Law.  

For the period January 1, 2002 – present, please provide all correspondence, both internal and external (e-mail, fax, letters, copies of registered letter receipts), between the state of New York’s Workers’ Compensation Board and Alan Franken Inc.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter. 

Sincerely,

Ron Carey

Chairman, Republican Party of Minnesota 

###

This post also appears on Blogs for Norm!, an online community and blog covering the 2008 U.S. Senate campaign in Minnesota. The primary goal of Blogs for Norm! is to organize bloggers who support U.S. Senator Norm Coleman.

"Al Franken's story is full of holes.  The truth is clear: Franken willfully violated the law by refusing to pay workers’ compensation to his employees and repeatedly failing to respond to a government agency.  It is past time Franken stopped hiding behind his campaign spin doctors and answer some basic questions for Minnesotans about his own corporation," Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey said.

Chairman Carey called on Franken to answer the following:

1.  According to New York state officials, Franken was repeatedly notified that he was in violation of state law regarding workers’ compensation beginning in April 2005, including notification by certified mail.  Is Franken maintaining that neither he, his family, his attorneys nor other representatives were ever aware of this violation of the law?

2.  These violations occurred when Franken was CEO of Alan Franken Incorporated, not as a candidate for Senate.  Why will Franken not personally answer these charges by the state of New York? 

3.  After leaving Manhattan and beginning his radio in Minnesota in January 2006, did Franken have his mail from New York forwarded his to his home in Minneapolis and who received mail at his residence in New York?

4.  Does Franken really think Minnesotans will believe his story that the Workers Compensation Board was incapable of reaching him to let him know about this violation of New York law?

###

This post also appears on Blogs for Norm!, an online community and blog covering the 2008 U.S. Senate campaign in Minnesota. The primary goal of Blogs for Norm! is to organize bloggers who support U.S. Senator Norm Coleman.

In the letter, Carey calls attention to new numbers released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recognizing the increasing jobs in the state. With several statistics, Carey attempts to discredit Melendez’s recent accusation towards Gov. Pawlenty of 'more job losses and a dimming economic future.'" Source: FOX 9, February 28, 2008

Click here for complete story. 

                                                                                               February 27, 2008

Chair Brian Melendez

Minnesota DFL Party Headquarters

255 East Plato Blvd

St. Paul, MN 55107-1623        

Dear Chair Melendez:

I am writing to share with you new job numbers released this morning by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). 

According to DEED, employers in our state added 8,500 jobs last month.  Our unemployment rate dipped to 4.5 percent, 0.4 percent below the national rate of 4.9 percent.

“Over the past 12 months, the state has gained 15,323 jobs – an over-the-year growth rate of 0.6 percent.  The state now outpaces the nation in over-the-year growth in six of 11 major industrial sectors.  The U.S. over-the-year growth rate is 0.7 percent,” DEED further reported.

On February 8, you issued a blistering personal attack against Governor Pawlenty accusing him of “more job losses and a dimming economic future.” In light of today's news, it is my hope that you will now update your talking points regarding Minnesota's employment picture.  

To strengthen our economy, Republicans believe we must take measures that reward hard work and investment.  Now is not the time to be punishing Minnesotans with gas tax increases, sales tax increases, license tab fee increases, and other fee increases.  While Democrats passed nearly $6.6 billion in tax increases on hard-working Minnesotans this week, Governor Pawlenty and Republicans from all over our state remain united against these onerous tax hikes. 

As chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota, I propose that you and I hold a series of eight debates (one per congressional district) to discuss the Democrats' transportation bill and how to deal with the budget deficit in a fiscally responsible manner.   I believe that it is important that Minnesotans have a clear understanding of where the two major political parties stand on these crucial issues.  It is my goal that we can hold this series of debates during the month of March. 

I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Sincerely,

Ron Carey

Chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota

"By raising the gas tax, the metro wide sales tax and license tab fees by billions of dollars, Democrats hurt Minnesota families and damage our economy.  In November, Minnesotans will have a clear choice between the Republicans who oppose these massive tax increases and the Democrats who are adding billions to the tax burden of hard-working Minnesotans.  At a time when many Minnesotans are anxious about their economic well being, the last thing we should be doing is raising taxes on already overburdened taxpayers."

To:    Republican State Representatives
From:    Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey
Date:    2/25/08
Re:    Democrat Transportation Plan

The Republican Party of Minnesota went into the field this weekend polling the views of likely voters regarding the Democrat transportation bill.  The polling was conducted in House District 22B, 48B and 49B.  

The results were nearly identical in all three districts:  given seven choices of what is the important issue facing Minnesota, likely voters in all three districts ranked transportation sixth out of seven choices, with fewer than five percent choosing transportation in each district.  

The issues were education, economy/jobs, environment, health care, illegal immigration, taxes, and transportation.

•    In 22B, transportation was sixth of out seven in importance, with 4.9% identifying it as the most important issue.  
•    In 48B, transportation was sixth out of seven in importance, with 4.8% identifying it as the most important issue.  
•    In 49B, transportation was sixth out of seven in importance, with 2.8% identifying it as the most important issue.

When asked which issue will most influence their choice for state representative, transportation ranked number five out of six in all three districts.

•    In 22B, 6.5% choose transportation as the issue which would most influence their vote.
•    In 48B, 8.5% choose transportation as the issue which would most influence their vote.
•    In 49B, 7.7% choose transportation as the issue which would most influence their vote.

Finally, when asked whether they approved of the proposals of the Democrat transportation bill, likely voters in all three districts overwhelmingly opposed it.   

•    In 22B, 28.4% approved and 58.0% opposed the Democrat plan.
•    In 48B, 30.5% approved and 59.8% opposed the Democrat plan.
•    In 49B, 29.0% approved and 59.3% opposed the Democrat plan.

The survey makeup included roughly equal number of Republicans and Democrats, with the remaining 25% identifying themselves as politically independent.  

Since Republicans hold all three of these seats, it is noteworthy that the sample did not include a disproportionate number of Republicans.  

In summary, while Minnesotans support better transportation, they do not want to see billions in tax increases to reach this goal.  The survey results reaffirm the House Republican position to invest in transportation without raising taxes.  

Click here for the complete story. 

"By repeatedly voting to block a vote on the Senate's bipartisan FISA legislation, Tim Walz again serves as a rubber stamp for national liberals and once more demonstrates just how out of touch he is with the voters of the First District.  With the current FISA law set to expire this Saturday, February 16, Walz's votes are all the more unconscionable.  Walz promised to be an 'independent leader,' but has become one of the most partisan and hard-left members in all of Congress."

Walz: Out Of Touch On National Security

Walz Blocks Bipartisan FISA Legislation.  (House Roll Call Votes #48 and #53, February 13, 2008)

Unfortunately for Franken, I don’t think most Minnesotans are going to respond well to his unprecedented history of extreme and mean-spirited name calling. In his many writings and media appearances, Franken has called Republicans every name in the book, including 'shameless [expletive deleted],' 'right-wing mother[expletive deleted]' and '[expletive deleted] morons.' Franken has also referred to former Secretary of State James Baker as a 'lying scumbag' and mocked World War II veteran Bob Dole over his war wounds by likening him to the one-armed murderer in the movie, 'The Fugitive.' In addition, Franken has expressed 'hate' for President Bush and joked about executing members of his administration.

With that kind of harsh track record, Minnesotans should not be surprised that Franken's vitriolic personal attacks have continued during his campaign for the U.S. Senate.

Most recently, the Star Tribune reported that Franken mocked a conservative college student at Northfield’s Carleton College over the student’s manner of speaking and nervous habits. Most damaging for Franken, the conservative student's account of Franken’s behavior was verified by the chair of the Carleton College Democrats. Given Franken's complete inability to interact in a cordial way with a college student, Minnesotans may rightly wonder how such an individual will be able to work across party lines for the good of the state.

Even Democrats have taken note of Franken’s penchant for slash and burn politics, negative personal attacks and tendency to go too far with his strident rhetoric. DFL State Sen. Tom Bakk has called Franken 'too negative.' Democrat U.S. Senate candidate Mike Ciresi has noted that, 'Al Franken has made a living calling people names.'

Former Democratic State Senate Leader Allan Spear has said, 'I just think there are a lot of things Al Franken has said over the years that are going to sound harsh and they're going to sound in some cases outrageous.' Source: Hutchinson Leader, February 14, 2008

Click here for the complete commentary from MN GOP Chairman Ron Carey. 

###

This post also appears on Blogs for Norm!, an online community and blog covering the 2008 U.S. Senate campaign in Minnesota. The primary goal of Blogs for Norm! is to organize bloggers who support U.S. Senator Norm Coleman.

Franken Last Night:

"Anyone who tells you that he knows how we're going to get out [of Iraq], exactly how, is either kidding you or kidding themselves.”   (International Falls DFL Senate Candidate Forum, February 11, 2008)

Franken Last Week:

"There's no great way out of Iraq, we know that.  And anyone who tells you that they know exactly how we're going to do this, is either lying to themselves, or to you.” (Al Franken in Park Rapids, February 1, 2008)

WATCH VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc0dh4wwCAg

Flashback: Franken Acknowledged Supporting The War “Because Of The WMDs”:

"Franken said the Bush administration misled the country when they argued Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. 'I supported the war when we went because of the WMDs," he said. "It is one thing for a president to lie about sex — it is another thing to lie about why we are sending our men and women in harm's way. This administration failed in so many ways on this war.'" (Mathew Sanders, "Franken shares political perspective at LSU," The Reveille, March 10, 2004)

Franken Has Also Claimed He Was "Agnostic On The War" Before It Started:

"I was agnostic on the war. I was convinced from Colin Powell’s testimony they did have weapons of mass destruction. But since then obviously we’ve learned that that isn't, wasn't, what’s the word? True.  It wasn’t true. Looking at it, I think it’s actually clear that we were misled."    ("Hardball," MSNBC, February 20, 2004)

Flashback: Franken Spoke Out Against Cutting Off Funds:

Franken: "We'll cut funds is the bluntest instrument, where you are undercutting our troops in the field, no one is going to do that."  "(Al Franken Show," Air America Radio, November 29, 2006)

Franken Now For Cutting Off Funds:

Franken: "I think you make the President cutoff funding for the troops. I mean, I think…you see, I think that…" Question: "There's definitely a lot of Democrats that are just not willing to bite that bullet, so to speak." Franken: "I think by then they will be. I think they heard."  (Talking Points Memo Website, June 14, 2007, http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/014615.php)

###

This post also appears on Blogs for Norm!, an online community and blog covering the 2008 U.S. Senate campaign in Minnesota. The primary goal of Blogs for Norm! is to organize bloggers who support U.S. Senator Norm Coleman.

Day 1: Democrats Call For Higher Gas Taxes, Metrowide Sales Tax Increase & License Tab Hikes

"Under the proposal, a 7 1/2-cent gas tax increase would be phased in, starting with a 2-cent hike immediately and another 3-cent increase this fall. The remaining 2 1/2-cent increase would go into effect in 2010, but would gradually be reduced as state bonds that are part of the DFL transportation package are retired." (Mike Kaszuba, "DFLers Offer Sweeping Transportation Initiative," Star Tribune, February 12, 2008)

"A half-cent metrowide sales tax — which would not be subject to a voter referendum — would go to transit projects…"  (Mike Kaszuba, “DFLers Offer Sweeping Transportation Initiative,” Star Tribune, February 12, 2008)

"But the bill, which is many ways similar to a proposal that stalled last year, would also boost license tabs on luxury cars, usher in the first state gas tax increases in two decades and levy a half-cent sales tax in the Twin Cities metro area for transit."  (Mike Kaszuba, "DFLers Offer Sweeping Transportation Initiative," Star Tribune, February 12, 2008)

The Enterprise’s editors are right: comedian Al Franken's 'candidacy (is) nothing to laugh at.' In fact, Minnesotans should be downright concerned that Franken wants to represent them in Washington (editorial, Feb. 7).

Al Franken has made millions of dollars by spewing hateful and divisive rhetoric against his political opponents. The book deals and radio show may be on hold, but the mean-spirited behavior remains the same.

Just last month, Franken berated a conservative student at Carleton College with whom he disagreed. After taunting the student for his manner of speaking and his nervous habits, Franken would not even accept a friendly handshake from the student.

Perhaps Franken left his Minnesota Nice manners back in New York City, where he lived for the past 30 years, before moving to Minnesota for his Senate bid.

The comedian hides behind the term 'satirist,' using it as a shield when Minnesotans are offended. You really can’t blame him. Franken’s ugly, profanity- laced attacks aren’t fit to be printed in a newspaper and his jokes about rape and abortion go beyond what most people consider to be funny, let alone fitting behavior for a senator." Source: Park Rapids Enterprise, February 9, 2008

Click here for the complete letter. 

###

This post also appears on Blogs for Norm!, an online community and blog covering the 2008 U.S. Senate campaign in Minnesota. The primary goal of Blogs for Norm! is to organize bloggers who support U.S. Senator Norm Coleman.

"Minnesota Public Radio should be demanding its money back for such an incredibly flawed poll.  It’s clear from the numbers that MPR and the Humphrey Institute over sampled Democrats in Minnesota, claiming that a whopping 52% of Minnesotans now claim to be members of the DFL Party. Despite the obvious over sampling of Democrats and the failed methodology of the poll, it’s encouraging to see Sen. Coleman’s approval ratings at 50%, with the overwhelming support of independents."

MPR Poll Obviously Slanted Towards The Democratic Party:

The MPR/Humphrey Institute Poll sample was made up of a majority, 52%, of Democrats.   (Complete Senate Poll Results,February 1, 2008) 

In Spite of Slant, Senator Coleman Enjoys Overwhelming Support Among Independents:

Sen. Coleman leads comedian Al Franken among independents 45% to 29%.   (Complete Senate Poll Results, February 1, 2008) 

###

This release was sent out on Friday afternoon. 

###

This post also appears on Blogs for Norm!, an online community and blog covering the 2008 U.S. Senate campaign in Minnesota. The primary goal of Blogs for Norm! is to organize bloggers who support U.S. Senator Norm Coleman.

"In spite of all the feel good rhetoric, Barack Obama fundamentally lacks the experience, leadership and accomplishments necessary to be commander in chief.  Given his extreme partisanship, status as the candidate of MoveOn.org and his position as the nation’s most liberal senator, Minnesotans won't be fooled by Obama."

Ciresi Breaks Promise Not To Self-Fund:

MPR: "Attorney Mike Ciresi Spent More Than $500,000 On His DFL Senate Campaign During The Last Quarter Of 2007, Despite Saying He Would Not Self-Finance His Senate Bid.”  (Mark Zdechlik, "Ciresi Pours $516,000 Of Own Money Into Senate Race," Minnesota Public Radio,  January 31, 2008)

Flashback Headline:  "Ciresi: Won't Self-Fund Senate Campaign."  "Attorney Mike Ciresi, who put nearly $5 million of his own money into his 2000 U.S. Senate race, said Monday he wasn't planning to self-fund again in his 2008 bid. 'No, we'll raise the money,' Ciresi said in a telephone interview. 'I  think it's a better way to go.'"  (Frederic J. Frommer, "Ciresi: Won't Self-Fund Senate Campaign," The Associated Press, February 12, 2007)

###

This release was sent out yesterday afternoon. 

###

This post also appears on Blogs for Norm!, an online community and blog covering the 2008 U.S. Senate campaign in Minnesota. The primary goal of Blogs for Norm! is to organize bloggers who support U.S. Senator Norm Coleman.

"As his angry message of class warfare continues to fail, John Edwards today brings his fading campaign to Minnesota.  Unfortunately for Edwards, Minnesotans aren’t going to support a desperate candidate who will say anything to stay relevant."

The podcast of Saturday's show is available at Townhall.com. Peter Fritz, the college student ridiculed by Al Franken earlier this month, was a guest from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m.  I appreciate Peter being a guest, as he was very upset about his interaction with Al Franken. The discussion was great radio.

Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey was a guest from 4:00 to 4:15 p.m. to talk about Minnesota's upcoming precinct caucuses.

I'll be on the radio today for a two-hour program from 3-5 p.m. with King Banaian of SCSU Scholars on AM 1280 The Patriot. Peter Fritz, the Carleton College student ridiculed by Al Franken will be a guest starting at 3:15 p.m. Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey will be a guest at 4:00 p.m. to talk about precinct caucuses.

Before you listen to King and me, make sure you listen to the first four hours of the Northern Alliance Radio Network. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. you can hear Power Line's John Hinderaker and Chad and Brian from Fraters Libertas. Mitch Berg and Captain Ed are on the air from 1-3 pm.

I encourage you to all to listen.  Broadcasts can be heard on AM 1280 The Patriot, which has an Internet stream for those outside the Twin Cities. Brave Democrats and proud Republicans can join the conversation at (651) 289-4488.

UPDATE: Peter Fritz, the college student ridiculed by Al Franken earlier this month, was a guest from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m.  I appreciate Peter being a guest, as he was very upset about his interaction with Al Franken.

UPDATE #2: Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey was a guest from 4:00 to 4:15 p.m. to talk about Minnesota's upcoming precinct caucuses.

I'll be on the radio this Saturday for a two-hour program from 3-5 p.m. with King Banaian of SCSU Scholars on AM 1280 The Patriot. Peter Fritz, the Carleton College student ridiculed by Al Franken will be a guest starting at 3:15 p.m. Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey will be a guest at 4:00 p.m. to talk about precinct caucuses.

Before you listen to King and me, make sure you listen to the first four hours of the Northern Alliance Radio Network. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. you can hear Power Line's John Hinderaker and Chad and Brian from Fraters Libertas. Mitch Berg and Captain Ed are on the air from 1-3 pm.

I encourage you to all to listen.  Broadcasts can be heard on AM 1280 The Patriot, which has an Internet stream for those outside the Twin Cities. Brave Democrats and proud Republicans can join the conversation at (651) 289-4488.

"After burning through $1.2 million to raise $1.9 million, Minnesotans shudder to think what kind of senator Franken would make handling other people’s money.  Unfortunately for Franken, all the money in the world won’t stop his old style politics of slash and burn and partisanship from being rejected.  Minnesotans want someone who can work across the aisle to get things done – not just launch vicious negative personal attacks."

Slash & Burn Franken Planning Extreme Makeover In TV Ads:

"DFL Senate candidate Al Franken says he raised about $7 million last year, after pulling in almost $1.9 million in the last three months of the year. …  He ended the year with nearly $3.1 million in the bank.”  (“Franken Raised $7 Million Last Year,” The Associated Press, January 7, 2008)

Polarizing Franken Planning Extreme Makeover With TV Ads.  "In a video sent to supporters, Franken says he will start running television ads soon."  ("Franken Raised $7 Million Last Year," The Associated Press, January 7, 2008)

###

This post also appears on Blogs for Norm!, an online community and blog covering the 2008 U.S. Senate campaign in Minnesota. The primary goal of Blogs for Norm! is to organize bloggers who support U.S. Senator Norm Coleman.

## 

St. Paul – Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey today released the following statement regarding Mike Hatch's selection of Judi Dutcher as a running mate.

"Having been rebuffed by Patty Wetterling, Mike Hatch's selection of Howard Dean Democrat Judi Dutcher as his running mate cements Hatch's position as a big-spending, soft on illegal immigration liberal.

"It comes as no surprise that a man whom his fellow DFLers call a 'chameleon' who would 'sell his soul' to get elected would select a running mate who amounts to his ultimate chameleon soul mate. Given Hatch and Dutcher's politically opportunistic records, there is no way that Minnesotans can trust them to keep a lid on taxes and crack down on illegal immigration."

"As Mike Hatch continues to propose massive new government spending while claiming he won't raise taxes, Peter Hutchinson is an honest, tax-and-spend liberal who is committed to hiking taxes on gasoline, clothing and internet purchases."

Klobuchar Rails Against "Washington Celebrities." "I would like to send a heartfelt thank you to our entire grassroots network of contributors and volunteers. Your energy and dedication will help us succeed against the big money behind the Republican machine. … Our efforts have proven that those Washington 'celebrities' are no match for the homegrown celebrities supporting our campaign, including the Gear Daddies band from Austin, Minnesota." (Amy Klobuchar For US Senate Website, Accessed April 7, 2006)

Klobuchar Campaigns With "Washington Celebrity" Barack Obama. ("Minnesota; Obama to Attend Rally For Klobuchar Saturday," Roll Call, April 5, 2006)

Klobuchar Raises Campaign Cash With "Washington Celebrity" Tom Harkin And "Hero" Mark Dayton.  (Klobuchar Campaign Fundraising Email, June 20, 2006)

"With her twelve year career as a corporate lobbyist now firmly established, Amy Klobuchar's attempts to portray herself as a straight-talking candidate of change are destroyed.

"Amy Klobuchar has said she can't hide behind rhetoric, but she is now. The defensive and flailing attacks by the Klobuchar campaign against Mark Kennedy are typical of a campaign with a growing credibility problem."

"While our friends in the DFL will be throwing a lot of mud during their convention, Republicans will continue to highlight our accomplishments for Southeastern Minnesota in the areas of bioscience, transportation and higher education," Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey said.

In addition to spotlighting GOP accomplishments for Southeastern Minnesota, the new website will also feature a poll asking visitors to choose which DFLer will launch the most negative personal attack on a Republican over the course of the DFL State Convention.

"I hope Republicans and Democrats will check out this website and see for themselves what Republican leadership has meant for Rochester and all of Southeastern Minnesota," Carey concluded.

"With today’s coloring book gimmick, Team Klobuchar has once again demonstrated that they have no serious plan to help Minnesotans reduce pain at the pump. 

"Coloring books and carefully scripted gas station photo-ops won’t reduce gas prices for anyone.  "While Team Klobuchar clearly has nothing serious to say about a comprehensive national energy policy, Mark Kennedy will continue to lead the way toward bipartisan legislation which will increase tax incentives for producers of hydrogen, hybrid and E85 technologies." 

Republican support is holding steady, while DFL is down despite dissatisfaction with Washington.

A new Minnesota Poll shows that Minnesota's political landscape is almost equally divided between Republican and Democratic voters.

In the poll, conducted last week, 29 percent identified themselves as Republicans, exactly the same percentage as a year ago, despite President Bush's record-low approval ratings and the conventional wisdom that Republicans are likely to suffer net losses in this fall's election.

Those who identified themselves as Democrats stood at 25 percent, close enough to be considered even, given the margin of sampling error, but down from 31 percent a year ago.

"While people are upset with issues on the national front," those with core beliefs are still aligned with a party that hasn't changed," said Republican Party chairman Ron Carey. "The conventional wisdom says we're way down, but Democrats better keep the corks in their champagne bottles." Read more: Star Tribune, May 16, 2006

Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey today announced a new website, www.amysrecord.com, to provide Minnesotans with information about Amy Klobuchar's real record and agenda.

"I am excited to launch www.amysrecord.com. Whether you are interested in reading about Amy Klobuchar's 'hostile work environment,' her praise for her political 'hero' Mark Dayton or Minneapolis' soaring crime rate, www.amysrecord.com is the place to be.

"While Amy Klobuchar continues her campaign of platitudes and photo-ops, we hope Minnesotans will check out this website for information about her real record and agenda."

"Given her many failures as Hennepin County Attorney, it's clear why Amy Klobuchar and her liberal allies are so committed to running a negative campaign against Mark Kennedy. 

"Amy Klobuchar’s photo-ops at gas stations will do nothing to reduce gas prices.  Mark Kennedy provided the deciding vote last fall to increase oil-refining capacity in the U.S. and is dedicated to working in a bipartisan fashion to increase tax incentives for producers of hydrogen, hybrid and ethanol technologies.

"While Amy Klobuchar and her liberal allies continue their relentlessly negative campaign, Mark Kennedy will continue to work with members from both sides of the aisle to reduce pain at the pump for Minnesota families."

## 

From: Michael B. Brodkorb [mailto:michaelbrodkorb@hotmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2006 3:55 PM
Cc: dan@jdcolemanassociates.com; Sue Jeffers
Subject: Open Letter to Republicans From a Republican
Importance: High Dear fellow Republican activists: 

Many of you know me from my previous employment at the Republican Party of Minnesota.  I am also a BPOU chair, state convention delegate, and state-central committee delegate.   

Recently you received an email from Sue Jeffers' campaign manager, Dan Coleman, comparing the procedures of the Republican Party of Minnesota to a tactic used to disenfranchise African Americans, Native Americans, and select whites from voting.  

“The 10 or 20 percent delegate signature petition smacks of the poll tax of old, which the Democrats used as a discrimination tactic.” Source: Dan Coleman email 

As many of you know, Ms. Jeffers is a Libertarian Party candidate for governor and Mr. Coleman is a Democratic operative from Tennessee hired to manage Jeffers’ campaign. 

Since deciding to seek the GOP endorsement for governor (while still running as a Libertarian), Ms. Jeffers has attacked the leadership of the Republican Party of Minnesota and Governor Tim Pawlenty.  These misguided attacks have generally focused on perceived differences of fiscal policy between Ms. Jeffers and Governor Pawlenty. 

Unfortunately, Ms. Jeffers and her campaign manager have now resorted to using incendiary statements and racists comparisons in an attempt to garner an additional 15 minutes of fame for her failed campaign for governor. 

Mr. Coleman and I spoke earlier today and he informed me that Ms. Jeffers personally approved the email message sent out comparing Republican Party of Minnesota procedures to a poll tax. 

Both Ms. Jeffers and Mr. Coleman should apologize to Chairman Ron Carey, the entire Republican Party of Minnesota leadership, and party staff for the inappropriate and insensitive comments contained in Mr. Coleman’s email. 

Chairman Carey and other party leaders have acted in a completely appropriate manner in preventing our state convention from being used as a campaign prop for a candidate not even running as a Republican. 

I find it outlandish that a Democrat operative from Tennessee, who ran for Congress as a Democrat in Florida, would challenge Chairman Carey and other party activists’ dedication to upholding the principles of the Republican Party of Minnesota. As party activists, we should be proud of Chairman Carey’s leadership. 

Ms. Jeffers, through her campaign manager, has once again shown her true colors.   

Ms. Jeffers filed to run for governor as a Libertarian.  Ms. Jeffers sought and received the endorsement of the Libertarian Party.   

It should be clear to everyone after reading Mr. Coleman’s email, that neither he nor Ms. Jeffers have any long-term interest in the success of the Republican Party of Minnesota.   

I appreciate you taking the time to read this email and if you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. 

Respectfully, 

Michael Brodkorb

## 

Endorsement Question
As you may know, Sue Jeffers recently announced that she will seek the Republican endorsement for Governor. Since announcing her campaign for Governor in January, Jeffers had consistently stated she is a Libertarian.

Her campaign activities have consistently emphasized her Libertarian credentials:

• On April 15, Jeffers addressed the Libertarian Party of Minnesota State Convention, where the Libertarian Party endorsed her gubernatorial candidacy.
• Jeffers' campaign website only provides a link to one party's web site, the Libertarian Party.
• In filing her candidacy for Governor with the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Elections Board earlier this year, Jeffers listed her party affiliation as Libertarian.

Recently, Jeffers requested lists of Republican Party delegates and alternates from the State Party. Last week, the State Party Executive Committee unanimously agreed that this request should be denied. The Executive Committee's opinion is that Jeffers' actions are a publicity stunt to draw attention to her floundering Libertarian candidacy. The State Party leadership is united in protecting your endorsement process from being manipulated by opportunistic political opponents who will be on the ballot in November representing an opposition party. Source: Republican Party of Minnesota Political Update, April 26, 2006

Sue Jeffers has not switch to run as a Republican.  For those keeping track at home, please read this list. 

1. Sue Jeffers has filed to run for governor as a Libertarian.

2. Sue Jeffers was endorsed by the Libertarian Party of Minnesota.

3. Sue Jeffers couldn't have been endorsed by the Libertarian Party of Minnesota unless she was a member of their party.

4. Sue Jeffers said a "Republican is the worst of two evils."

5. Sue Jeffers’ supporters have promoted a President Bush - Nazi comparison.

6. Sue Jeffers gave money to a DFL candidate.

7. Sue Jeffers' campaign manager is a Democrat.

8. Sue Jeffers' campaign manager ran for congress as a Democrat.

9. Sue Jeffers' campaign website was registered by a Libertarian Party official.

Chairman Carey is doing the right thing by preventing a non-Republican from having access to party lists and party events.