I attended a candidate forum last night at Angeno’s Pizza in Plymouth, hosted by the Plymouth Progressives it featured all three candidates, Jim Hovland, Ash Madia and Terri Bonoff.
This was the first time I was able to see all three candidates — and I was blown away, the candidates were all more well rounded and engaging than most of the candidates for the 5th CD seat last year. All of the candidates were given a few minutes to pitch themselves to the room of about 40 DFL’ers and then they answered questions from the crowd.
My very lengthy report after the break.
Senator Bonoff went first and her opening statement was devoted to a presenting her issues, clearly and cogently. She got on message early and stayed on all night long. She got the first applause of the evening, by leading out her legislative priorities with a call to end the war in Iraq. I had never seen Senator Bonoff before, and was underwhelmed by her small stature (she made a few jokes at her expense a little later in the evening) although she was standing at the front of the room her speaking style was very personal and very engaging.
Jim Hovland went second and I have to say, I don’t want to hear any more about how he used to be a Republican. While he took the good natured ribbing of his introduction it was startling to hear in his speech and in several answers what were probably some of the most progressive stances out of the three candidates. While he didn’t use his time to focus on his positions like Senator Bonoff did, he had a very compelling story based on his accomplishments as a mayor. From environmental issues to human rights and transportation he has the potential to connect with DFLers with his leadership on these progressive issues. He wasn’t the speaker that Senator Bonoff or Madia were (although I was told he has gotten better since his announcement) but he’s incredibly intriguing and has a lot of potential as a candidate (and as a Representative).
Ashwin Madia’s introduction came last, and he started out with his personal story — and it’s a great one. The story of his immigrant parents should connect with everyone, and remind us of the divine spark that is the American dream. But, aside from the (genuine) inspiration of his personal story (not just the immigrant parents, but his service to our country) I have to admit I was really surprised at how aggressive Madia was in his speech. Forcefully arguing for allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire (the exact quote was something to the effect of “I can’t believe we ask 18 and 19 year olds to go to Iraq and sacrifice when the top 1% of Americans get thousands of dollars back”) but also hitting at the other candidates, trying to highlight difference between himself and the other candidates.
I’m not going to go over every question, I’m just going to hit some highlights. After being asked about low congressional approval ratings Sen. Bonoff had a great answer — starting out with a comment about the importance of courageous if unpopular votes she lead into a great humorous story about her height and the unpopular, but courageous stances she’s taken.
When asked about the difference between richest and poorest in America, I was very surprised to hear both Jim Hovland and Ash Madia give technical wonky answers about corporate governance. Now it’s not to say that it was a bad answer — I was just pleasantly surprised to hear both of them give great technical answers without descending into demagoguery or class politics.
There was one bit of contention in that question though, in his drive to differentiate himself from the other candidates Ash Madia accused Sen. Bonoff of not voting to close corporate loopholes, she interrupted him to present her case which was that she voted against the tax bill this year twice because it included income tax increases, but that the third tax bill didn’t include those tax increases, but did close the loopholes and she voted for the tax bill that time.
Madia knocked a question about health care costs out of the park with a great nuanced answer about lowering catastrophic health care costs and the funding of insurance companies keep costs high, and Hovland got applause for being the first (and only) candidate to bring up universal single payer health care — he didn’t commit to it, but he was open to it, and willing to consider it as an option.
Holy cow this is long. I can’t do these candidates justice. The field of candidates for the DFL endorsement in the 3rd is maybe the best I’ve seen for a congressional seat. I’d be honored to be represented by any of them. I look forward writing more about this race (and hopefully it’ll be more focused and a little easier to read) thanks for your patience and for reading this — and make sure you go check out the candidates for yourself. Joe Bodell’s much more readable coverage of the forum can be found here.
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I did some editing on this for style, not for content (since I posted it). And I’ll probably edit it a little more throughout the evening. Sean
Please nominate Bonoff, DFL
John
You seem to smuggly ask us to nominate Terri everytime you post. I whole-heartedly agree with you that we should: she’s an intelligent, enthusiastic candidate whose record speaks for itself.
It is a good thing her record speaks for itself… because Bonoff would have a lot of trouble speaking otherwise.
Ha, ha. Thats not funny. Thats a personal attack that doesn’t matter.
Are there only republicans here now? I think we democrats can agree that all of the DFL candidates in the race right now bring strengths and weaknesses. Terri got the support of many by working hard as a legislator and a state senator.
Good point Hopkins Mom. But you forgot Bonoff’s self proclaimed title of a hard working Minnesota State Senate. She’s not just one legislator… she’s an entire legislative body.
Sorry.. I just couldn’t resist.
At every occasion where people have heard Ash Madia speak they come back impressed. It clearly shows that he is the most qualified.
The endorsements by legislators like Ron Latz are nothing more than continuing a long history of “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” endorsements. It is sad that the party leadership like Pogemiller who howl diversity at every turn, run to do an endorsement before they even meet a well spoken and qualified candidate like Ash Madia.
Bonoff’s record that speaks for itself is exactly what again???
I think some on the left post their political party members on pretty high pedestals. Why one might think politics are the left’s religion.
Hey,
Joe on MNCR said a question on public financing of elections was asked. I didn’t get to go to this event and I was wondering were the candidates stood on this. Do you remember Sean?
Any help would be great!
I just worry about that Senate seat whenever Bonoff goes off to Congress.
I am however undecided still. I have a respect for DFL’ers who have worked their way up to Congress, respect for young people (being one myself) budging in line because they know their shit, and Hovland seems really great and progressive even though he just switched parties.
All 3 are excellent and I’ll be happy possibly volunteering for any of them come election time.
what horrible grammar towards the end there, i should proof read :)
Good report. Sounds like all three candidates are getting on their game. Will there be more?
Who are we hearing about on the Republican side? There’s gotta be someone in addition to Paulsen going for this seat. It is too good an opportunity to not have a dozen people going after it (from both parties).
Mom, yes , please do..she will get crushed
well, john and red, it sounds like any of these folks could wipe the floor with erik paulsen, don’t you agree?
let’s see, he’s a rigid right-winger with the personality of a roll of toilet paper. is that the best you can do? really? go on to your right wing blogs and clean up your own house.
better than a right winger? is there better? I like causeing trouble here, besides Brodkoprb doesnt like me
Hack again?!
running on her record is exactly what terri bonoff should do. let’s see, she voted to allow hennepin county to increase taxes to subsidize a billionaire; she authored a bill to remove car lease sales tax revenue from the general fund where it supported education and public safety programs and sent it to transportation, and she is the chief author of SF 1739 which proposes a policy which supports an MCCL position which they use to undermine roe v. wade. yup, she should run on her record. if only she would.
I’ve heard Ash several times now and he blows me away with his grasp of hard issues and his vision to solve the tough problems. Plus, he’s the only candidate with real credentials dealing with the war in Iraq!