MN Moderate to Liberal Political Roundtable

Every other Monday I’ll be blogging John Kline.  My first post Dear MN Congressman John Kline, We Need a Jump-Start, Instead went live at 8:00 am, February 8th.

In each of these every other Monday theme posts I’ll try to mention Shelley Madore and Dan Powers, my Dem choices who are running against Kline.  (So, of course, in each of these posts I’ll be tagging Shelley and Dan.

I’ve added aggregates to the left sidebar, near the top. Those are other bloggers covering Kline.

To further help you find these other bloggers I’ll include this at the end of each of my Monday Kline posts:

Note:  This is a (every other) Monday theme blogging event.  Bloggers who cover John Kline every other Monday are hegemommy, Holly Cairns, MNCentral, MNDem, and newtbuster (MnPact).  Please see my left sidebar for those aggregates of those sites.

Taxpayers recently paid for a special report to be mailed out in Minnesota’s Congressional District 2 (please see the image to the left, which is a portion of the report).

The report comes from Congressman John Kline, and says he is “Protecting Minnesota’s Economy and Jobs”.

In our district people are struggling with health care issues and job loss The economy doesn’t need protecting, John, it needs a jump-start. “No New Taxes” hasn’t brought us any jobs– and we need jobs, now.

Also, voting “no, no, no” isn’t actually doing something to help.  Where are your bills, Congressman?  We need innovative leaders who will listen and act on our behalf. And I’m saying I want good jobs, good government, to be able to feed and shelter my kids, and a hopeful future.

Republican John Kline is the incumbent congressman seated in Minnesota’s Congressional District 2 (CD2). As of now, two Democrats have entered the race against John, Dan Powers and Shelley Madore (Mah-door).   Both are for fiscal responsibility, fair taxation, job creation, and good transportation and would appreciate any penny you can give to the effort.

Note:  This is a (every other) Monday theme blogging event.  Bloggers who cover John Kline every other Monday are hegemommy, Holly Cairns, MNCentral, MNDem, and newtbuster (MnPact).  Please see my left sidebar for those aggregates of those sites.

As many of you know, Steve Kelley announced he’s dropped out of the Minnesota Governor’s race. Oh no!  Kelley is a great DFLer and advocate for hardworking families.  The rest of the pool must feel his absence.

Today, from the office of Matt Entenza for Minnesota Governor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2010

Contact:
Bridget Cusick          
612-237-8019

Matt Entenza Statement on Steve Kelley Decision to Leave Minnesota Governor’s Race

ST. PAUL, Minn. – With the announcement this afternoon that former State Senator Steve Kelley is leaving the race for governor of Minnesota, Matt Entenza, DFL candidate for governor in 2010, has issued the following statement:

“Steve Kelley is a powerful voice for education and the importance of high-technology job creation. He has been a real leader in these areas, and his commitment to Minnesota is as strong as they come.

“Steve and I both worked long hours on our respective education committees – me in the House, he in the Senate – fighting for our schools. We share a focus on the central importance of making sure our kids are prepared to succeed. Steve knows we need bold ideas for our future, and he has always brought that sensibility to his work.

“Steve Kelley will continue to be an important voice on the challenges we face as we work toward a new vision for Minnesota’s future.”

Visit www.entenza.com

Last night’s straw poll results show two, clear, DFL leaders.  However, the game isn’t over yet.  Mower county hasn’t reported, and a few of our northern counties haven’t either. Looking at the absent counties, I expect the MAK, Entenza, and Rukavina numbers to uptick as the day goes on.  Will MAK surpass Rybak?

Independent Tom Horner outpaced old-style Republican Joe Repya.  I once checked Tom’s bio just to see if he was a democrat or not.  If you want, Tom, I can help you scribble out “Independence” and write “Democrat.”

MAK.  If she can ride these results to endorsement, she’s going to be our first woman governor.  Maybe I should rethink my idea about her campaign needing pizazz.

Entenza:  I’d like to hear Matt Entenza define himself, more.  He could say this:  “I’m caring, I have good Minnesota values, I am working hard for Minnesotans, especially if you are struggling.”   I feel he has great support, but I want to hear more about why he does.

Rybak:  Now’s the time to show us your stuff, Rybak:   Job increase data, crime stats (down, yay!), your work with youth, and etc.  Continue listening to all of Minnesota, and keep up the good work defining yourself!

I worried about the attack letter which described Rybak in bad light, but I shouldn’t have been surprised.  That’s the future, isn’t it.  Our leaders are going to make cuts in order to balance the budget, and we’re going to hurt.  Republicans will use angry folks against our candidates while they tout things like “closing the checkbook” and “knowing how to set a budget.”

Rukavina:  The cereal ad sets a high bar.  I’m serious when I say Tom reminds me of Paul Wellstone.  Wellstone was more than just a legend, you know.  He was an ordinary guy who shopped at my bakery, read my town’s newspaper, and riled up those who happened to be on the sidewalk.  Wellstone wasn’t hurtful as he showed us that Rudy Boschwitz was a good man, but a lesser politician.

Kelley:  Steve Kelley would be a fabulous governor.  I’d like to see him stand out from the crowd.  He needs to propose something big (Something like what I heard from Franken and Obama this am!)

Marty:  At our caucus we heard from Micah Marty.  He approached the podium with his (help for the) “Homeless” t-shirt and wowed the crowd.  I know at least one person sitting with us raced right up and voted “Marty.”

Here’s the latest, with me rounding to the nearest percent:

Rybak 22%
MAK 20%
Uncommitted: 14%
Marty 10%
Thissen 7%
Rukavina 7%
Entenza 7%
Bakk 6%
Kelley 4%
and others, small percent

Here’s my earlier prediction:

–Rybak 15% (due to executive experience, metro area will attend for straw poll)
–Rukavina, 13% (unions, creative advertising, already bringing jobs, passionate)
–MAK 13%  (disappointing campaigning, no pizazz, but good name recognition)
–Thissen 13% (smooth presence, keen foresight)
–Entenza, 10% (not abiding by endorsement, but has pizazz)
–Kelley 8%  (innovative, but need something huge to stand out)
–Marty 8%  (health care promise broken by nat Dems)
–Bakk 5%  (union, relates to folks)
–Others: small percent each
Undecided: 13% (not everyone will know, not activists, or choices are too wonderful!)

It’s the morning after, and here’s a speedy reaction from the office of Tom Rukavina for Minnesota Governor.  Yesterday’s DFL straw poll results are still trickling in.

RUKAVINA OPTIMISTIC

St. Paul (February 3, 2010) As precinct caucus numbers come in from across the state, Tom Rukavina continues to surprise the pundits.

Rukavina would like to thank all the participants in the process and particularly those who supported him.

“I’m humbled and energized by last night’s results,” said Rukavina. “This goes to show that a little money and a big, refreshingly honest message has made me a contender at the DFL convention.”

The campaign also secured at least three of the very first elected delegates to the state convention, by sweeping yesterday’s Grant County convention.

“The endorsement is really about gaining the support of state convention delegates,” said Rukavina. “I’m off to a great start.”

“When I entered this race last November, few people gave me a chance. Last night, we exceeded expectations, and I’m just getting going.”

His twins are one year older than my Ruth.  No wonder I like Entenza.  Is that you in the basketball stands, Matt?

Today, from the office of Matt Entenza for Minnesota Governor:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2010

Contact:       
Bridget Cusick          
612-237-8019

Entenza Finance Report to Show $311,909 Raised, $73,917 COH
$85,864 raised in December Alone; No PAC Money, 1,713 Contributors

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Tonight, Matt Entenza’s campaign for governor will file its 2009 finance report. The report will show that Entenza:

-       Raised a total of $301,909, from other contributors (as previously reported, Entenza made a $10,000 cash contribution to the campaign. He also loaned the campaign $70,000. The $70,000 figure is NOT included in these totals.)

-       Raised $85,864 in Dec. alone

-       Had $73,917 cash-on-hand as of Dec. 31

-       Attracted 1,713 individual contributors to his campaign

Unlike most other campaigns, Entenza’s report will show $0 from political action committees (PACs) and only $3,880 from registered lobbyists (approximately 1.3 percent of total funds raised).

“Minnesotans are clearly ready for what Matt Entenza brings to the table: strong leadership in the face of challenges and a vision for Minnesota that will create opportunities for everyone to build successful lives,” said Bridget Cusick, communication director, Entenza for Governor. “This report shows that Matt not only outraised the rest of the field in 2009, but that he also showed the greatest momentum going into the new year. We’re very excited about what this campaign is going to be able to do in the coming months.” 

Some other notes about Entenza’s totals:

-       Entenza filed his paperwork to enter the gubernatorial race in late January 2009.

-       Notable contributors include John Podesta, former chief of staff to President Bill Clinton and co-chair of President Barack Obama’s transition team; U.S. Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA), a well-known champion of health care reform and the godmother and namesake of Entenza’s wife, Lois Quam; and Louis Stokes, the former 15-term congressman from Cleveland, Ohio

-       Entenza received contributions from 24 parents of twins (Entenza and his wife, Lois Quam, are the parents of 18-year-old twins who are seniors at St. Paul Central High School)

-       Entenza is not a current office-holder, making his results all the more impressive

Matt Entenza is a leading Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) candidate for governor of Minnesota. His campaign revolves around three core principles: growing jobs all over Minnesota by focusing on the potential of the clean energy economy, providing better educational opportunities to our children and those seeking higher education, and ensuring health care for all. Entenza was a white-collar crime prosecutor prior to representing St. Paul in the Minnesota legislature for 12 years, including four years during which he also served as House Minority Leader and led the DFL to significant gains. In 2007, Entenza founded Minnesota 2020, a think tank that has been an important voice for progressive policy positions and which he chaired until April 2009. Entenza is a graduate of Worthingon High School in Worthington, Minn., Macalester College in St. Paul, and the University of Minnesota Law School.

Visit www.entenza.com.

Here’s my caucus, DFL, straw poll prediction.  I’ve taken into account who I think usually goes to caucus (regionally speaking).

For the endorsement:  The the proof is in the pudding. For example, how many jobs were created in Minneapolis due to budgeting or planning?   How well did each candidate respond to the straw poll?  Etc.

–Rybak 15% (due to executive experience, metro area will attend for straw poll)
–Rukavina, 13% (unions, creative advertising, already bringing jobs, passionate)
–MAK 13%  (disappointing campaigning, no pizazz, but good name recognition)
–Thissen 13% (smooth presence, keen foresight)
–Entenza, 10% (not abiding by endorsement, but has pizazz)
–Kelley 8%  (innovative, but need something huge to stand out)
–Marty 8%  (health care promise broken by nat Dems)
–Bakk 5%  (union, relates to folks)
–Others: small percent each
Undecided: 13% (not everyone will know, not activists, or choices are too wonderful!)

A blog can be your own personal message, and/ or it can be the portal to a wealth of community knowledge. For an example of video sharing, see my left sidebar. For RSS sharing (blog title plus three post titles is current setting) see my right sidebar.

For name recognition, see the ads on my page and the various posts that name a person or entity.

Audio is easily downloaded compared to video, and can be used to convey quick information much like a video can. You’ll find audio inclusions in many of my latest posts.

If you are a candidate or PAC and want to talk with me about the above, please call 507-581-1119.

Here’s a stunning, inclusive video from the Matt Entenza for Governor campaign. Minnesota is amazingly diverse, and Matt knows many people bring things to the table. Many of us are talking in this video.

Video voices:  They’re saying: “I’m supporting Matt Entenza-”– and you’d better take notes. This is the future, and this leads the way to a healthy, vibrant Minnesota. (There is a caucus theme here, too.)

Link to the video

On his website,Tom Bakk asks:  “Which issue is currently impacting your family?  Jobs, Cost of Education, Health Care, or State Budget?”  I vote for all of them, Tom!  I like that Tom asks.

Tom is about jobs, jobs, jobs.  A carpenter by trade, he’s heavily backed by unions.  I’ve heard him talk about facing the unknown without a job and health care, and so I know he understands what many of us are going through.

He’s concerned about our children’s future, believes it is not right to discriminate against any one group of people, is a member of the “pro-gun” crowd, and is for preserving our precious liberty, in general.

(Bakk on his website):  The 2010 election is about jobs and job creation will be the foundation of the Bakk Administration:

Jobs to help the unemployed through public investment.
Jobs to get our economy moving again through incentives.
Jobs to fix our budget deficit by making Minnesota a business friendly state.

He’s got a lot of passion..  I spoke with Tom after the Minnesota News Council debate, and here’s he audio (and boy, does he love that grandson!):

“