Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Doors Open - Noon
Rally Begins - 2:00 PM

Minneapolis Convention Center – Hall D
1301 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN

To get tickets, visit http://rally.mngop.com

St. Paul- Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton today announced ticket information for the April 7, 2010 rally with former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and Representative Michele Bachmann at the Minneapolis Convention Center.  The rally is free, open to the public and begins at 2:00 PM.

“The phones have been ringing off the hook here at the Republican Party of Minnesota since we announced that Governor Sarah Palin would be in town for a rally with our great Congresswoman Michele  Bachmann. To get tickets to this event, please visit rally.mngop.com or call 651.222.0022.  These tickets won’t last long,” Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton said.

WJON.Com has the story:

ST. CLOUD — A well known St. Cloud State University Economics Professor is announcing his challenge against St. Cloud Representative Larry Haws.

Local economist King Banaian announced Tuesday morning he will be seeking the Republican nomination to run against Haws for Minnesota House Representative District 15-B.

Banaian is a regular radio commentator on local economic issues.

Banaian’s main focus will be the budget deficit, and reducing government spending.  Banaian took aim at Democrat Larry Haws’ voting record, saying it doesn’t represent the interests of central Minnesota.

Read the rest of the story here.

King will make a great state representative that will help restore fiscal sanity to Saint Paul.

Click Here for the updated endorsements list.

Elected officials:

Tom Emmer – 25

Marty Seifert – 20

*Sen. Pariseau and Rep. Steve Smith have endorsed both candidates and are not on the list.

Stay tuned for a press release from the campaign.

Two of Minnesota’s own have made the list:

84. Scott County, Minn.
Largest city: Shakopee

Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes. It could also be viewed as the state with 10,000(-plus) liberals. This one state produced Hubert H. Humphrey, Eugene McCarthy, Walter Mondale, Paul Wellstone and Al Franken. However, growth in the suburban Twin Cities has shifted Minnesota to the right. The fastest-growing places are like Scott County, a county south of Minneapolis that has doubled in population in the last 20 years. It is not overwhelmingly Republican, but it has the single highest rate of home ownership on this list.  Minnesota has become a swing state in large part due to a series of counties like this.

75. Wright County, Minn.
Largest city: St. Michael

Here is another of the newly developing suburban Twin Cities counties showing up on the list. These exurban pioneers are also changing the political climate of their state, giving George W. Bush more than 60 percent of the vote in 2004. More than 85 percent of the county consists of home owners, among the highest in the nation. The former tracts devoted to farming have been transformed only in the past two decades, and more growth promises to be forthcoming.

Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2010/03/15/americas-100-most-conservative-friendly-counties-numbers-81-100/2/#ixzz0iLQfmNhg

Click Here for the most updated list of legislative endorsements.

Stay tuned for more…

Update: Full Release from Emmer for Governor Campaign

Saint Paul — Senator Geoff Michel and Representative Keith Downey, who represent Edina and Bloomington in the legislature, endorsed Tom Emmer for Governor today, adding to the list of suburban and greater Minnesota legislators backing Emmer’s campaign. Twenty-six current state legislators and Lt. Governor Molnau are backing Emmer, more than any other Republican campaign.

“Tom has a strong and appealing message for suburban voters who are focused on deficits and the economy,” said Michel. “Beyond that, I believe the Emmer campaign can pull together a broad spectrum of Minnesotans, from Republicans to Independents and conservative Democrats, to focus on fundamentally reforming state government and making Minnesota an attractive place to raise a family and create jobs.”

“I am pleased to endorse Tom Emmer for Governor,” said Rep. Downey. “As a new legislator and non-career politician, I have always appreciated Tom’s straightforward approach. Minnesotans are looking for someone they can trust to say what he believes and do what he says – Tom is that person. Tom’s commitment to common-sense deficit reduction and economic recovery through the private sector is exactly what Minnesota needs right now. We know he will focus on our priorities.”

“It’s nice to have the support of my hometown legislators and I know my friends and family in Edina are well served by their strong leadership,” said Emmer.

— 30 —

Somehow, I think people will miss this man more than the one featured in the “Miss Me Yet?” billboard that appeared outside the Twin Cities in Minnesota last month.  Another anonymous advertisement has appeared on the roadside of a major interstate freeway in the outer-ring suburbs of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolis area, on I-94 just outside of Albertville on the way from St. Cloud to Minneapolis.  This ad recalls a President that never got his due in Minnesota:

Who paid for this ad?  There are no indications on the sign itself, just as with the previous “Miss Me Yet?” sign with George W. Bush.  Ronald Reagan never won Minnesota in either of his two national elections, but clearly someone recalls him fondly.  It’s not cheap to pay for this kind of advertising, and it would be interesting to discover who’s behind this one.

I’ve got a hunch on who paid for the Reagan billboard.

That area of I94 has a considerable amount of advertising space for Franklin Outdoor Advertising. As the picture shows, Franklin is the company who owns the billboard.

Dan Franklin, owner of Franklin Outdoor Advertising is a long time donor/activist to Republican causes and I would be shocked if he wasn’t involved somehow.

Check back with MDE as more details become available.

Update:

Governor Pawlenty sent a letter to Speaker Kelliher to outline his line item vetoes.

Click Here to read the entire letter including which items were cut out of the bloated $1b bonding bill.

per release-

St. Paul- Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton and Deputy Chairman Michael Brodkorb today announced that former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will appear at an April 7, 2010 rally with Representative  Michele Bachmann at the Minneapolis Convention Center.  The rally will be free and open to the public.  Details on how to obtain tickets will be forthcoming from the Republican Party of Minnesota.

“The Republican Party of Minnesota is thrilled to be hosting this one of a kind rally with Governor Sarah Palin and Representative Michele Bachmann.  Governor Palin and Representative Bachmann are two of the most dynamic and impressive conservative leaders in the nation.  This exciting event will be a great way for Minnesotans to get involved in what promises to be a terrific year for Republicans,” said Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton.

“For the millions of Minnesotans who have had enough of the out of control spending and tax increases coming out of Washington, this is one event they will absolutely not want to miss.  Governor Palin and Representative Bachmann will make sure everyone is fired up and ready to go for November,” said Deputy Chairman Michael Brodkorb.

Please visit www.mngop.com for updates regarding this event.

Howard Dean, the former Vermont governor turned presidential candidate turned head of the Democratic National Committee, announced today that he’s supporting Democrat R.T. Rybak’s campaign for governor. Rybak’s campaign manager, Tina Smith, said Dean contacted Rybak’s campaign to see how he could help. Rybak, the mayor of Minneapolis, was chair of Dean for president campaign in Minnesota.

Rybak supported Dean in 2004 after backing Ralph Nader in 2000.

Does anyone actually believe the Uptake is objective?

]]> http://www.minnesotademocratsexposed.com/2010/03/13/the-uptakes-journalist/feed/ 2 http://www.minnesotademocratsexposed.com/2010/03/13/kill-the-bill-rally/ http://www.minnesotademocratsexposed.com/2010/03/13/kill-the-bill-rally/#comments Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:05:08 +0000 Luke Hellier http://www.minnesotademocratsexposed.com/?p=11867 Below are the details to today’s Rally at the Minnesota Capitol to “Kill the Bill.  To read more about today’s rally click here.

Congresswoman Bachmann was on the Sean Hannity show this week to promote the rally.  You can listen to that below:

Interesting considering in the poll Kelliher is losing to Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert.  The poll also shows her with the third highest unfavorable rating behind Sen. Franken and Mark Dayton.

Here is the letter:

I’d be worried as to what an email with her actually leading a poll would sound like.

To read the rest of the letter click here (h/t Holly Cairns)

Interesting numbers:

46% of Minnesotans disapprove of the job that Sen. Franken is doing while only 30% disapprove of Sen. Klobuchar.

Obviously, Sen. Franken’s negatives continue to be quite high in the Gopher state.

Tim Pawlenty’s job numbers have remained steady.  In this poll 50% of voters approve of the job that Governor Pawlenty is doing as chief executive.

To read the results from part two click here.

Per Release:

(Saint Paul, MN)  Representative Marty Seifert announced new additions to his campaign staff today.

Seifert stated, “I am very excited to work with such an enthusiastic and hard working group of people.  While much work lies ahead, I believe our team is well prepared to win the endorsement for governor at the State GOP Convention.”

The Seifert team includes:

Kurt Daudt, Campaign Manager. Kurt will oversee day-to-day operations of the campaign.  Kurt is a longtime Republican activist and an Isanti County Commissioner.  Kurt grew up in Princeton and is a graduate of the University of North Dakota.

Ben Zierke, Political Director. Ben will oversee the field staff and manage the political operation.  Ben was the campaign’s first staffer and has served on a number of campaigns in Minnesota and South Dakota over the past eight years.  Ben grew up in the Forest Lake area and graduated from Augustana College in South Dakota.

Andy Eilers, Field Staff. Most recently, Andy served as a staffer for Senator David Hann’s gubernatorial campaign.  In the 2008 cycle, Andy worked in southern Minnesota as a field staff for the Brian Davis for Congress campaign.  Andy is from East Bethel and a graduate of Minnesota State-Mankato.

Abdul Rahman Magba-Kamara, Field Staff. Abdul just completed a two year term as Chairman of the Minnesota College Republicans.  Abdul grew up in Devils Lake, North Dakota and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota.

Brittni Palke, Scheduler/Finance Assistant . Brittni most recently interned in the U.S. Senate office of John Thune in Washington, DC.  Prior to that, she served as the Office Manager for the McCain campaign in Minnesota.  Brittni grew up in Clara City and is a graduate of Nova University in Florida.

Andy Post, Field Staff. Andy has held internships with the Republican Party of Minnesota, the office of the minority leader in the Legislature, and worked as field staff for the House Republican Caucus in the 2008 cycle.  Andy grew up in Lakeville and is a student at the University of Minnesota.

Nick Sherlock, Field Staff. In the 2008 cycle, Nick served as a field staffer with the House Republican Campaign Committee.  Nick has also worked in state legislature.  Nick grew up in Anoka and is working on finishing up his political science degree at the University of Minnesota.

Andy Stakston, Field Staff. Most recently, Andy served as a research and communications intern at the State Republican Party.  Andy grew up in Woodbury and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota.

Ben Golnik, General Consultant. Ben will oversee communications and overall campaign strategy.  Over the last five years, Ben has held a variety of leadership positions with Republican campaigns and committees.

##

53% of Minnesotans oppose the Health Care Reform plan in Congress.

49% of Minnesotans disapprove of the job of President Obama.  Obama received 54% of the vote in the 2008 election.

30% of Minnesotans have an unfavorable opinion of Mark Dayton

Margaret Anderson Kelliher’s unfavorable rating is 6% higher than her favorable rating.

Both Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert are either in a statistical dead heat with Democratic opponents or outright beating them

Kurt Daudt, Campaign Manager Seifert for Governor commented on today’s results:

“We are very pleased with the results of the Rasmussen gubernatorial poll.  This poll shows that Marty Seifert is the strongest Republican candidate for Governor when matched up against all DFL opponents. Seifert leads a former U.S. Senator, the Speaker of the House in Minnesota, and is tied with the Mayor of Minneapolis.

While there’s much work to be done, Marty is excited to take his positive message around the state, meeting with delegates to explain why he gives Republicans the best chance of a victory in November.”

Read the full report from Rasmussen below:

The only thing it’s safe to say about this year’s governor’s race in Minnesota is that both parties will pick their candidates in primaries on August 10. Other than that, the race is a free-for-all.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of likely voters in the state shows the top Republican candidates, former Minnesota House Minority Leader Marty Seifert and State Representative Tom Emmer, running essentially even with the top three Democratic contenders in match-ups that also include Independence Party contender Tom Horner.

But at least 10 candidates are seeking the nomination of Minnesota’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. Some of the lesser-known candidates don’t fare quite as well against the GOP hopefuls.

Read the rest here.

As written on MDE before here, here, and here this bonding bill is quite bloated and well outside the guidelines of an affordable solution.

The Star Tribune has the story:

The Minnesota Legislature on Thursday passed a $1 billion package of public works projects, touting them as necessary to maintain and expand state buildings and parks and to create jobs in a time of high unemployment.

House members voted 89-44 for the bill, brushing aside objections to its cost and priorities. The Senate passed it 49-17, and Republicans later balked that they didn’t have time to discuss it before passage, a claim DFLers disputed.

Read the rest here.

Saint Paul – Mike Wigley, the founder of the Taxpayers League of Minnesota announced today he is supporting Tom Emmer for Governor. Wigley cited Rep. Emmer’s strong track record as an advocate for lowering taxes and reducing government spending as the main reason for his endorsement.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of elected officials and I know Tom Emmer is a man who will never waver in his support of Minnesota’s families and taxpayers,” said Wigley. “As a small business owner, Tom Emmer is the unique politician who understands what it is like to sign the front of a paycheck, not just the back. Tom is exactly the person with the vision and leadership to bring Minnesota back to prosperity, by creating an environment that lets Minnesotans create jobs.”

“Mike is the gold standard in our state when it comes to fiscal responsibility,” said Emmer. “He helped create a new era of accountability for elected officials when it comes to taxes and spending and I’m very proud to have his support.”

Rep. Emmer has represented Wright County in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2005 and has a 92% lifetime rating with the Taxpayers League of Minnesota.

— 30 —

Press Release forthcoming.

This gives MDE a chance to list all legislative endorsements here.

In the past, this list included seats the Congressional Democrats would be spending heavily to try and win.

This year’s list includes 13 races.   Most notably MN3 and MN6 are left off the list.

Representatives Bachmann and Paulsen have been targets of national Democrats but now are off their radar.

Read an excerpt below:

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, facing a tough political environment and the prospect of defending dozens of competitive seats, will announce today the first round of candidates selected for the “Red to Blue” program that targets GOP-held districts.

The rollout is the latest signal that the DCCC is still trying to play offense in open seats and challenger races in competitive areas, even though the party is expected to lose seats in November….

he 13 candidates include Ami Bera in California’s 3rd district; Paula Brooks in Ohio’s 12th district; John Callahan in Pennsylvania’s 15th district; John Carney in Delaware’s at-large district; Suzan DelBene in Washington’s 8th district; Raj Goyle in Kansas’ 4th district; Roy Herron in Tennessee’s 8th district; Bryan Lentz in Pennsylvania’s 7th district; Rob Miller in South Carolina’s 2nd district; Steve Pougnet in California’s 45th district; Dan Seals in Illinois’ 10th district; Tom White in Nebraska’s 2nd district; and Lori Edwards in Florida’s 12th district.

Read the rest of the story here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ST PAUL – Marty Seifert will hold a press conference today at 11:00am in room 181 at the State Office Building to unveil an important campaign endorsement.

WHEN: 11:00am Wednesday, March 10th

WHERE: State Office Building, Room 181

WHAT: Campaign Endorsement

First Oberstar was leaning yes, then leaning no, and then undecided.

Well, according to published reports in The Hill, ABCnews.com and Minnesota Public Radio, the correct answer is that he is all three.

As Minnesota Public Radio’s Tom Scheck writes in today’s Daily Digest, Oberstar is all over the map when it comes to how he’ll vote:

Reports of how DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar will vote on the bill are all over the place.

ABC says Oberstar will reportedly vote on the health care bill without anti-abortion language included in it.

But his spokesman told MPR that Oberstar will look at the bill first and then decide.

Now, The Hill is reporting he’s leaning yes (this story also says DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is a “firm no”).

(Tom Scheck, “The Daily Digest,” Minnesota Public Radio, March 9, 2010)

Tom Erickson, spokesman for the the NRCC has weighed in:

“Jim Oberstar may not be able to give a definitive answer whether or not he’ll help Nancy Pelosi ram this healthcare bill through Congress, but he should at least let northern Minnesotans know if he’ll lend his support the ‘Cornhusker Kickback’ and the ‘Louisiana Purchase.’ Will Oberstar stand up for the hard-working middle-class American families that have already rejected this bill or will he work hand-in-glove with Pelosi and help ram this bill through Congress?”

So which one is it Mr. Oberstar?

After learning last week that a sheriff’s deputy was about to serve him a lawsuit in Minneapolis City Hall, a North Side activist slipped out through a back office — accompanied by an aide to Mayor R.T. Rybak.

The “great escape,” as blogger John Hoff refers to the episode in the City Council chambers, was inadvertently broadcast on the city’s cable network during its coverage of Police Chief Tim Dolan’s reappointment hearings.

Read the rest of the story here.

In the next 68 days both candidates will work to persuade more delegates to come to their sides.  The totals below include information on 90% (116/130 district conventions) of all elected delegates.

More information will be posted when available.  To send any feedback please comment or email MDE.

Also, later this week we will be hosting a live chat to talk about the race for Governor.

Finally, as stated before these results come from a variety of areas so be careful to draw any conclusions.

Count 1:

Marty Seifert – 886

Tom Emmer – 822

Undecided – 199

Count 2:

Marty Seifert – 819

Tom Emmer – 912

Undecided –  176

To view the complete results click here.

We want to hear your reaction to the latest delegate count between Rep. Tom Emmer & Rep. Marty Seifert.

Sign into the MDE Live Chat and give your feedback on the race.

Former Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer adds significant conservative and Greater Minnesota credentials

Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer (R-Big Lake), the two-term Minnesota Secretary of State and influential conservative leader announced today she is supporting Tom Emmer for Governor. Rep. Tony Cornish (R-Good Thunder) also announced his support, adding two more important names to a growing list of Greater Minnesota legislators behind Tom Emmer. Kiffmeyer and Cornish join the list that includes Rep. Rod Hamilton, Rep. Steve Drazkowski, Rep. Laura Brod, Rep. Dean Urdahl, Rep. Tim Kelly, Rep. Bruce Anderson, Sen. Amy Koch, Sen. Mike Parry and Lt. Governor Carol Molnau.

Today’s endorsements add to the list of elected officials already supporting Emmer which now totals twenty-four current state legislators and the Lt. Governor.

“I served as a statewide elected official and I know Tom Emmer has the strength of character to make the right decisions for our families,” said Kiffmeyer. “We need Tom’s energy and passion at the top of our ticket this fall.”

“Tom is a team player and has been an important part of the House Republican Caucus strategy of showing the citizens of Minnesota there is a better way to govern our state,” added Rep. Cornish.

“Once again, I am proud to receive these endorsements from the people who know me best – my colleagues in the House,” said Emmer. “With the convention season winding down, our momentum continues. I am confident we will surprise people with our strength at the state convention on April 30th”

— 30 —

The margin of victory for the Democrats was only five votes.  This time, 11 Democrats led but Rep. Stupak and the sole Republican Rep. Cao who had previously voted yes will be voting no.

Republicans contend that Congress should start with a clean slate on healthcare reform.  Many of those ideas were presented last week.  Congressman John Kline was at the President’s healthcare panel held in Blair House.

Needless to say, the President didn’t offer much that House Republicans thought offered true reform.

The Star Tribune wrote a piece about Kline’s remarks:

He spoke up twice to argue for a GOP alternative to new insurance marketplaces, of “exchanges,” that would be set up under Obama’s plan for people without employer-based coverage.

Kline argued instead for a Republican plan to allow small businesses and other groups to join together to buy more affordable group insurance through “association health plans.”

“We think it’s a far better way to get these economies of scale than the exchange thing that’s in this huge bill,” Kline said.

You can watch Congressman Kline’s full remarks in the video below:

(St. Paul) – In response to the release of Senator Tom Bakk’s (DFL
– Cook) proposal to raise taxes on Minnesota families to solve the
budget deficit, Senate Republican Leader David Senjem (R – Rochester)
released the following statement:

“Minnesota families are currently overburdened with excessive taxes
and Senator Bakk’s call for new tax increases is simply the wrong
approach to jump-starting Minnesota’s economy. Helping to create a
business-friendly environment that will stimulate the creation of
private sector jobs is the best solution to solving this budget
deficit.

Minnesota’s government has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.
The Senate Republican Caucus proudly stands with Governor Pawlenty in
working with DFL leadership to solve the budget deficit without raising
taxes.”

###

With the House now the last line of defense to stop a government takeover of healthcare, Project Code Red is a multi-front effort to force Democrats to make a choice – either vote “NO” on this unpopular bill, or face the electoral consequences in November. Using various forms of traditional and direct media, Code Red will put pressure on these lawmakers to answer a simple question – will they support a job-killing government takeover of health care or will they stand with the American people who want Congress to scrap the bill and start over with reforms that will lower costs?

You can help, too. We’re asking doctors, small businessmen, and grassroots supporters to let their voices be heard about their support for common-sense health care reforms that lower costs. Visit this site for new information on the Democrats’ efforts to ram this bill through Congress, or sign up for our email alerts for the latest updates on Democrats who are switching their votes.

Today, the Code Red program ran a series of phone calls to voters in the first district to call Congressman Walz.

Listen to the audio from the calls  here.

The White House released a press advisory yesterday announcing the appointment of Scott Matheson brother of Congressman Jim Matheson.  Congressman Matheson had previously voted against Obamacare but is being heavily pushed to vote for it this time around.  Matheson was one of ten democrats invited to the White House last night to be courted for his vote.

Read the release:

“Scott Matheson is a distinguished candidate for the Tenth Circuit court,” President Obama said.  “Both his legal and academic credentials are impressive and his commitment to judicial integrity is unwavering.  I am honored to nominate this lifelong Utahn to the federal bench.”

Scott M. Matheson, Jr.: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

Scott M. Matheson currently holds the Hugh B. Brown Presidential Endowed Chair at the S.J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah, where he has been a member of the faculty since 1985.  He served as Dean of the Law School from 1998 to 2006.  He also taught First Amendment Law at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government from 1989 to 1990…

Bachmann mentioned the Louisana Purchase, Cornhusker Kickback, and Union Loophole as prime examples of efforts to buy votes for Obama’s healthcare reform.

Watch the video below:

Downey Announces Pro-Growth Jobs Proposals

ST. PAUL– Keith Downey (R – Edina) announced several efforts to improve Minnesota’s business climate and economy.

Downey announced that he will be the chief author for Governor Pawlenty’s Tax bill in the House, which provides powerful tools to the free market and to job providers working to expand and grow. “This session, as we look to Minnesota’s economy to get back on track, it will be critical to undertake the reforms that will empower our job providers in the 21st century economy,” said Downey. The Tax Bill includes:

* 20% reduction in the corporate income tax rate
* 20% tax reduction for small businesses
* 80% tax credit for companies investing in small business
* $10 million in angel investor incentives
* Capital gains exclusion for investments in Minnesota small businesses
* 5% tax credit for research and development

Downey also joined Small Business co-chairs Rep. Denise Dittrich (DFL – Champlin) and Rep. Maria Ruud (DFL – Minnetonka) in announcing the Caucus’ slate of bipartisan legislation to address the specific needs and concerns of small businesses in Minnesota. The Small Business Caucus is proposing a package of bills to:

* Streamline Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (PCA) regulations
* Support the Angel Investor Tax Credit bill
* Expand the Research and Development Credit
* Evaluate the effectiveness of the various state grant and loan resources to Minnesota’s small businesses
* Encourage the deposit of state funds into local and community banks
* Create a Fast-track small business registration process
* Create a study comparing the challenges of business start-up in Minnesota to neighboring states

“Our Small Business Caucus has worked hard to bridge the gap between economic reality and the perceptions of many lawmakers. I’m very pleased we have agreement to pursue these bills this session,” said Downey. “Passing the Governor’s Job Creation Bill and the proposals of the Small Business Caucus will be a step in the right direction, and a positive signal to the business community.”

Representative Downey continues to encourage constituents to contact him with feedback and ideas for leading Minnesota along the road of economic recovery.

-##-

The Republican Party of Minnesota today released the results of its public records request with the Minnesota State Senate regarding use of the Senate’s taxpayer funded floor phones.  According to the state government data obtained by the RPM, Minnesota senators made 22 outgoing phone calls from Senate floor phones during the period of February 2 – February 22, 2010, including one to the state of Arizona.  Last month, Democrat Sen. Larry Pogemiller repeatedly claimed that the Senate floor phones were used “purely for internal communications in the Senate.”

It’s clear that Larry Pogemiller was not being truthful when he repeatedly told Minnesotans that the Senate floor phones were “used purely for internal communications.”  The fact is senators routinely use these taxpayer funded telephones to communicate externally.  The RPM review shows that senators made 22 calls from these Senate floor phones to places as far away as Arizona.

While the Party was precluded from making photocopies of the logs detailing these outgoing telephone calls, interested individuals can view the Senate phone logs by calling Marritta Gould at 651.296.1966.

I have emailed Sen. Pogemiller’s press secretary and waiting for response to the story.

Flashback: Pogemiller Falsely Claimed Senate Floor Phones Were For “Internal” Use Only:

Pogemiller: “Those Have Historically Been Internal Phone Lines For Members Of The Senate And Their Staff. … This Is Very Concerning.  I Think This Is Outside The Traditions Of The Senate.  And I Ask, I Ask That Whoever Gave Those Numbers Out Please Stop Doing That. I Don’t Think That’s  Appropriate.” (Senator Pogemiller Speech On Floor Of Minnesota State Senate, February 9, 2010)

Pogemiller: “So Those Phones Have Always Been Used Purely For Internal Communications In The Senate, Members Have Always Been Very Respectful Of That.” (Senator Pogemiller at DFL Press Conference, February 12, 2010)

On Thursday, the Senate Energy Committee is expected to vote on the bill.

Capitol sources tell me that there are a few DFL Senators on the committee who are still undecided about the bill.

• Senator Jim Carlson (Eagan): (651) 297-8073 or sen.jim.carlson@senate.mn
• Senator Kevin Dahle (Northfield ): (651) 296-1279 or sen.kevin.dahle@senate.mn
• Senator Rick Olseen (Harris): (651) 296-5419 or sen.rick.olseen@senate.mn

Please contact these senators and remind them of the importance of repealing the moratorium on the construction of new power plants in Minnesota.

The Star Tribune has an earlier post about Rep. Paulsen & Rep. Walz’s support of lifting the ban.

There are some real gems.

When asked about her campaign finance violation (7:28) Kelliher responded with:

“Here’s what I’ll say.  First, let’s look at how people handle the issue when they do have a situation like this.  Almost every candidate in this race has some violation of campaign finance law. I have to tell ya that we took advice from the party.  It was not good advice to take obviously.  We shoulda had an attorney on retainer…”

So instead acting like a leader, she says that everyone else in the campaign has broken the law.

Is there something we don’t know about the Entenza, Rukavina, Bakk, Thissen, Geartner, Marty, and Dayton campaigns about violating the law?

Watch the video below:

Is Al Franken recruiting people to the Communist Party?

According to the Official Site of the National Board of the Communist Party he is their comrade in recruiting people into the party.

As Rangel Steps Down, Will Minnesota Democrats Finally Return His Tainted Cash?

St. Paul- Following Democrat Charlie Rangel’s decision to step down as a Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee this morning, Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton renewed his call on Minnesota Democrats Tim Walz, Al Franken, Keith Ellison and Betty McCollum to immediately return all donations they received from Rangel.

“With Democrat Charlie Rangel stepping down as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee due to a series of ethical problems, Minnesota Democrats Tim Walz, Al Franken, Keith Ellison and Betty McCollum must finally step up and return all of the tainted cash they have received from Rangel.  Since the House Ethics Committee admonished Rangel last week for breaking House rules, we’ve heard nothing but crickets from these four Democrats who have received a total of $37,000 in tainted Rangel cash. Walz, Franken, Ellison and McCollum need to do the right thing and return this dirty money.”

Rangel Steps Down As Ways & Means Chairman:

“Caught in a swirl of ethics inquiries, Representative Charles B. Rangel, the dean of the New York Congressional delegation, announced Wednesday that he would temporarily step down from his powerful post as chairman of the tax-policy-writing Ways and Means Committee.”  (David M. Herszenhorn & Carl Hulse, “Under Fire, Rangel Steps Aside as Chair of Committee,” The New York Times, March 3, 2010)

Donations To Minnesota Democrats From Rangel’s National Leadership PAC:

Tim Walz Received $15,000 In 2006 & 2008. (OpenSecrets.org, Accessed February 26, 2010)

Al Franken Received $10,000 In 2008. (OpenSecrets.org, Accessed February 26, 2010)

Keith Ellison Received $7,000 In 2006. (OpenSecrets.org, Accessed February 26, 2010)

Betty McCollum Received $5,000 In 2000. (OpenSecrets.org, Accessed February 26, 2010)

Walz’s Colleagues Have Already Returned Rangel’s Tainted Money, So What is He Waiting For?

Minnesota Democrat Took $21,000 From Crooked Ways and Means Chairman

Washington- Notoriously corrupt Harlem Democrat Charlie Rangel’s recent admonishment by the House Ethics Committee has caused a stir among the nervous House Democrats who have accepted the Ways and Means Chairman’s tainted campaign contributions. Now, Democrats like Tim Walz have found themselves in the eye of an ethical storm. Not only has Walz accepted $21,000 in dirty campaign funds, but he has twice voted to sweep his party’s corruption problems under the rug by letting Rangel off the hook. With House Democrats quickly abandoning the embattled chairman, will Walz finally follow suit?

“After months of holding ranks, some Democrats are finally turning on House Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) in the wake of an ethics committee finding that he violated House rules by accepting a Caribbean junket.

“Early Friday, Rep. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.) told POLITICO he wants Rangel to quit his powerful committee post — and that was quickly followed by similar statements from a pair of deep south Democrats, Mississippi Rep. Gene Taylor and Alabama Rep. Bobby Bright.” (Glenn Thrush and John Bresnahan, “Dems Call for Rangel’s Gavel,” Politico, 2/26/10)

Now that the money is tainted, House Democrats have been quick to return it. Will Walz do the right thing or is he too concerned about keeping Rangel’s checkbook open?

“I admire Mr. Rangel for his decades of leadership on civil rights and his service in the armed forces and in Congress,” Himes said. “But as elected officials, we must live up to the highest ethical standards. Given this admonishment by the Ethics Committee and the other allegations pending against him, I have directed my staff to donate to charity the campaign contributions received from Mr. Rangel.” (“Himes quickly distances himself from Rangel,” Connecticut Business News Journal, 2/26/2010)

“Tsongas said she received the donations in 2007, before she was a member of Congress, and now plans to donate the money to charity.

“Because she strongly believes that members of Congress have to be held to the highest ethical standards, she is disappointed by Congressman Rangel’s actions,” Tsongas spokeswoman Katie Enos said. The NRCC and other GOP groups are ramping up their efforts in Massachusetts in the wake of Brown’s Cinderella win. Tsongas is facing Republican businessman Jon Golnik in November.” (Dave Wedge, “GOP Zings Tsongas,” Boston Herald, 2/28/2010)

“Charlie Rangel has been embroiled in an ethical storm for years, but that hasn’t stopped Tim Walz from lining his campaign coffers with his tainted money,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Now that Rangel has finally been busted for his ethical wrongdoings, Walz has egg on his face for repeatedly protecting the embattled chairman. After accepting $21,000 in tainted campaign donations from the Harlem Democrat and twice voting to let him off the hook, Walz is tied to this scandal whether he likes it or not. Will Walz try to salvage what’s left of his political career and finally abandon Rangel and his campaign money?”

###

Today’s forecast announcement shows state revenues rising 9.7% over the next biennium. That should be enough to fund our priorities without raising taxes. Our challenge remains on the spending side which is projected to grow 24.4% over the same biennium.

My “First Things First” budget proposal would end these budgeting delays and political games. This plan would allow the governor to declare a fiscal emergency which would force the legislature to present a balanced budget within 45 days of the governor’s balanced budget proposal on January 15th. This would give legislators the months of March, April and May to get their differences resolved instead of putting off the debate until the last days of session and creating reasons to unallot.

As it stands today, Governor Pawlenty has already put forward some solutions in his budget and now it’s time for the DFL controlled legislature to offer their plan.

St. Paul- Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton issued the following statement regarding today’s state budget forecast.

“Today’s budget forecast further reinforces that state government must set priorities and must live within its means. That means instead of piling more unsustainable debt on taxpayers, the legislature needs to stand strong against wasteful Democrat pork barrel spending for sculpture gardens, gorilla exhibits, snowmaking machines and volleyball courts.  To create jobs for Minnesotans, Governor Pawlenty and Republican legislators are dedicated to building a more business friendly climate through tax relief, while continuing to oppose job killing Democrat tax increases.”

To send results in to MDE click here.

These results came from multiple sources and some results are conflicting.  Remember that any delegate can change their support at any time.  The results below may change many times over the next few days depending on more information received.

Updated 2/28 9:15PM

Count 1 -

Seifert – 583

Emmer – 559

Undecided – 114

Count 2 -

Seifert – 554

Emmer – 594

Undecided – 108

If you are at a BPOU convention please tweet with hashtag #mngop or #supersaturday.

Saint Paul – Former Congressman Vin Weber and Republican National Committeeman Brian Sullivan endorsed Tom Emmer for governor today in a press conference at the state capitol. The latest endorsements give Emmer strong momentum heading into Saturday with forty-four local districts selecting delegates to the state convention.

“As a business owner, I’m supporting Tom because I know he has the strength to make the tough decisions we need to return our state to prosperity,” said Sullivan. “As a Republican activist, I want Tom Emmer at the top of our ticket to attract the independents and conservative Democrats we need to win in 2010.”

“There is a lot at stake for the future of Minnesota in the 2010 election and I believe Tom Emmer is the right choice to lead our state in these challenging economic times,” said Weber. “As Minnesotans come to know him more, they’ll appreciate his authenticity, his passion and his work ethic.”

Today’s endorsements add to the list of elected officials already supporting Emmer which now totals eighteen current state legislators and Lt. Governor Carol Molnau.

“I am honored to have the support of these influential Minnesotan leaders and our campaign will benefit greatly from their experience and expertise,” said Emmer.

— 30 —

The Emmer campaign has had a very exciting week leading up to Super Saturday. On Tuesday, we announced our Lt. Governor search committee chaired by Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau. On Wednesday, we received the endorsement of five more sitting legislators, including Sen. Warren Limmer and Minnesota’s newest State Senator, Mike Parry.

Tomorrow, we’re having another press conference to announce endorsements from high-profile Minnesotans and we’re inviting you to the event. We have the momentum going into Super Saturday and we want to make sure you’re a part of it whether it’s at tomorrow’s press conference or at your local BPOU convention.

Emmer Campaign Rally!

You are invited to a campaign rally
supporting Tom Emmer for Governor.
Come participate as Tom makes an
exciting announcement about
support for his campaign.

Friday, February 26
10:30 am
State Office Building – Room 181
Saint Paul
Google Map

11:00 am – Noon
Sweetwater Bar and Grill – Kelly Inn
Saint Paul

March 27th Oakdale Gun Club

All day starting at 8 am

Handgun Permit to Carry Class that will qualify you with a certificate to take to your sheriff to apply for a permit. It will include all the training you will need to include classroom and range firing. This is organized by Rep Tony Cornish, author of the Conceal and Carry and the Castle Doctrine and Guns on Campus legislation.

You will need to e mail me at rep.tony.cornish@house.mn to sign up as this is a course that you can’t just walk into that day. You are encouraged to bring your own firearm, but we can talk about that when you e mail me. Please e mail me as soon as you can.

Read Smith’s statement from MPR here.

Seifert is endorsed by six senators and 13 representatives.

Emmer is endorsed by Lt. Gov Molnau, five senators, and 12 representatives.

There are still several Senators yet to endorse and a handful of representatives left on the table.  However, the one big difference between the DFL and GOP is that there are no super delegates.  Many of these officials will be elected to delegate, but no guarantee.

Check back with MDE as more endorsements are announced.

Sen. Gimse had served as Sen. Hann’s campaign chair until he dropped out of the race for Governor last week.

Here is Sen. Hann’s letter to supporters:

Fellow Republicans,

It is absolutely critical that Republicans hold on to the Governor s office this November. Marty Seifert has the right style, right approach, and right message that will appeal to Minnesotans in all parts of our state. I enthusiastically support his candidacy for Governor Marty gives Republicans the best chance to win next fall.

In order to win, we cannot shy away from our conservative values. During his time in the Legislature, Marty has been a strong conservative on the key issues facing our state:

- Marty has a 100% lifetime rating from Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL). Like me, Marty believes life is precious at all stages and will continue to fight for this as our next governor.

- Marty and I share a strong interest in education reform. Marty led the charge in the Minnesota House to reform the Profile in Learning so that our children will not face a substandard education system.

- Marty and his wife own a small business and understand the challenges facing small businesses in Minnesota. In order to grow the economy, Marty knows that we must make it easier for job providers to grow businesses rather than imposing new regulations and new taxes.

- Marty has been a great team player and leader in the Minnesota House. Since 2007, he has served as the GOP leader in the Minnesota legislature, elected by his peers. In the 2009 session, Marty led the charge to hold the Republican caucus together to uphold every one of Governor Pawlenty s vetoes. Seifert is the leader we need for Minnesota.

The reality for Republicans in Minnesota is that we must pull independents and conservative Democrats to our side if we are to win statewide elections. As a state senator from a swing district, I believe it’s clear that Marty is the strongest candidate to reach out to these swing voters.

Please join me in supporting Marty Seifert for governor of Minnesota!

Sincerely,

David Hann

Saint Paul – Newly elected Senator Mike Parry endorsed Tom Emmer for governor today in a press conference at the state capitol. He was joined in his endorsement by Senator Warren Limmer (R–Maple Grove), Senator Debbie Johnson (R-Ham Lake), Representative Tim Kelly (R–Red Wing) and Representative Steve Smith (R-Mound). Today’s endorsements add to the list of elected officials already supporting Emmer which now totals 18 current state legislators and the Lt. Governor.

“Tom Emmer doesn’t just talk about building a statewide organization that will help candidates get elected – he actually came down to Owatonna to help me win,” said Parry, who was recently elected to the senate in a special election. “As someone who just knocked on thousands of doors, I can tell you Tom Emmer is an authentic leader who will connect with voters in my district.”

“I’m grateful to have Sen. Parry’s endorsement, but I’m even more grateful he’s here in the senate,” said Emmer. “His election shows that voters in Minnesota, when given the chance, will choose the candidate focused on job creation and lower taxes every time.”

— 30 —

Press Release-

St. Paul- Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton and Deputy Chairman Michael Brodkorb today filed a formal complaint with the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board regarding Minneapolis Mayor Raymond Thomas (R.T.) Rybak’s mayoral campaign purchase of the Democratic-Farmer Labor Party’s Voter Activation Network (VAN).

During his mayoral campaign in 2009, Rybak made three separate payments totaling $13,000 for statewide use of the VAN database, with the earliest payment occurring in March of 2009, or two months earlier than the Board retroactively declared Rybak’s gubernatorial candidacy.

“In November, R.T. Rybak was held accountable for his deliberate attempt to circumvent our state’s campaign finance laws when the state Campaign Finance Board ordered him to reimburse his mayoral campaign $26,500 for conducting a survey to advance his gubernatorial ambitions.  Now we are learning from reports in Politics in Minnesota that mayoral candidate Rybak paid $13,000 for statewide use of the DFL’s controversial Voter Activation Network database.  Once again, it appears that the sole purpose of his campaign for mayor was to provide a slush fund for his gubernatorial ambitions.  Because of the nature of these expenditures, Rybak’s earlier dishonesty and failure to level with the Campaign Finance Board, the Republican Party of Minnesota has filed a complaint with the Board to get to the bottom of this situation,” Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton said in announcing the complaint.

A copy of the letter is below:

February 23, 2010

Mr. Gary Goldsmith, Executive Director
Campaign Finance & Public Disclosure Board
190 Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-1603

Dear Mr. Goldsmith,We are writing to file a formal complaint regarding DFL gubernatorial candidate and Minneapolis Mayor Raymond Thomas (R.T.) Rybak.

In November, the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board ruled that Mayor Rybak violated state law when he used funds from his R.T. for Mayor campaign account to pay for a survey regarding the governor’s race.  Noting that the survey questions had “little relevance to running for office in Minneapolis, but would be of great interest to a candidate designing a strategy for governor,” the Board ordered Mayor Rybak to reimburse his mayoral campaign $26,500 for the cost of the survey.  Furthermore, the Board ordered that Mayor Rybak file a gubernatorial campaign committee retroactive to May 19, 2009, the date of the $26,500 survey commissioned by R.T. for Mayor.

Now recent news accounts from Politics in Minnesota raise fresh questions about additional expenditures made by R.T. for Mayor during 2009 which we believe warrant the attention of the Board.  According to a February 19, 2010 report in Politics in Minnesota, R.T. for Mayor paid $13,000 to purchase the Democratic-Farmer Labor Party’s full statewide Voter Activation Network (VAN) database.  Our review indicates that the first payment for the VAN was made by R.T. for Mayor on March 8, 2009.

The expenditures for the Voter Activation Network from the R.T. for Mayor Committee are as follows:

In other words, Mayor Rybak’s mayoral campaign began making payments for statewide use of the VAN a full two months before May 19, 2009, the date the Board identified in November 2009 as the start of Mayor Rybak’s campaign for governor.

Based upon the reporting of Politics in Minnesota and our own analysis of Mayor Rybak’s spending from his R.T. for Mayor account, it is our contention that Mayor Rybak’s May 2009 gubernatorial survey was merely a part of a larger and more sophisticated scheme to deliberately circumvent the state of Minnesota’s campaign finance laws.  We believe Mayor Rybak’s mayoral campaign purchase of the VAN represents additional illegal expenditures in pursuit of the governor’s office, given that said purchases occurred without the lawful establishment of a gubernatorial campaign committee.

Regarding the $13,000 in mayoral campaign expenditures for the VAN, Mayor Rybak’s gubernatorial campaign manager Tina Smith told Politics in Minnesota:  “The mayor’s committee purchased the statewide voter list for fundraising purposes to raise money for the mayor’s re-election campaign.  The mayor’s re-election campaign raises funds outside the city limits of Minneapolis, and to that end, they purchased the DFL voter file to help in that fundraising.”

We do not believe this explanation is credible.  To raise money for his reelection campaign as mayor of the city of Minneapolis, Mayor Rybak specifically retained the services of veteran Democratic fundraiser Dinah Dale Consulting for the express purpose of “fundraising.”   For many years, Dinah Dale has been the leading fundraiser for Democratic candidates like Walter Mondale, Mark Dayton, Debbie Stabenow, Al Franken and the late Paul Wellstone.  In fact, Mayor Rybak spent a total of $24,500 for the fundraising services of Dinah Dale Consulting during his 2009 reelection campaign for mayor of Minneapolis, according to his filings with the Hennepin County Board of Elections.

State statute 10A states: “‘Candidate’ means an individual who seeks nomination or election as a state constitutional officer, legislator, or judge. An individual is deemed to seek nomination or election if the individual has taken the action necessary under the law of this state to qualify for nomination or election, has received contributions or made expenditures in excess of $100, or has given implicit or explicit consent for any other person to receive contributions or make expenditures in excess of $100, for the purpose of bringing about the individual’s nomination or election. A candidate remains a candidate until the candidate’s principal campaign committee is dissolved as provided in section 10A.24.”

Furthermore, state statute 10A.14 makes clear: “The treasurer of a political committee, political fund, principal campaign committee, or party unit must register with the board by filing a statement of organization no later than 14 days after the committee, fund, or party unit has made a contribution, received contributions, or made expenditures in excess of $100, or by the end of the next business day after it has received a loan or contribution that must be reported under section 10A.20, subdivision 5, whichever is earlier.”

Given that $100 is the threshold limit established by the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, we believe Mayor Rybak’s expenditures for the DFL’s voter file from his mayoral campaign account far exceeded the legal limit.

It strains credulity to believe Mayor Rybak’s R.T. for Mayor Committee spent $13,000 for the DFL statewide database to simply run for reelection as mayor of the city of Minneapolis.  If Mayor Rybak were merely running for another term as mayor, why would his campaign willingly spend $13,000 for a statewide voter file containing voter information on Minnesota Republicans and independents who live in areas like International Falls and La Crescent?  In light of his payments to Democratic fundraising expert Dinah Dale who was tasked specifically with raising money, his gubernatorial campaign’s cover story does not hold water.

By his actions, Mayor Rybak has failed to live up to the openness and transparency Minnesotans expect from their elected officials.   In addition, it is now clear that Mayor Rybak did not come clean with the Board regarding the full extent of his financial efforts to advance his gubernatorial ambitions through his R.T. for Mayor account when the Republican Party of Minnesota initially brought its complaint against him last year.

Please find copies of Mayor Rybak’s 2009 RT for Mayor Committee reports and the aforementioned news articles included with this correspondence.

Thank you for your attention to this very serious matter.

Sincerely,

Tony Sutton, Chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota

Michael Brodkorb, Deputy Chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota