Ashwin Madia is up with his second radio ad. A transcript is below…
My name is Ashwin Madia, and I’m running for US Congress to represent Minnesota’s Third District. I’m an Iraq War veteran, an attorney, and the son of immigrants. My parents moved to this country over thirty years ago with just $19 in their pockets. Through hard work and the greatness of our country, they lived the American Dream. I graduated from the U of M, and went to law school in New York, where I was an advocate for battered women, disabled children, and unemployed people. After law school, I joined the Marine Corps. I deployed to Iraq in 2005, where I worked to help build Iraq’s legal system.
As the son of immigrants, as someone who has fought and won battles on behalf of people who need a voice, and as a US Marine who served in Iraq… I’ve got the real life experience to help our nation once again live up to its ideals.
If you want change, it starts here. It starts on February 5th. And it starts at your precinct caucus. I’m asking you to caucus for me, Ashwin Madia, sign up to be a delegate and make your voice heard.
Visit madiaforcongress.com. M-A-D-I-A-F-O-R-congress.com. Prepared and paid for by Madia for Congress.
I’m Ashwin Madia and I approve this message.
Another nice ad from Madia. It focuses on his compelling life story and pivots to a change message that might be particularly potent if Obama continues to build momemtum.
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I have spoken with many others who are caucusing for Madia for the same reason I decided to- he is going to turn this district blue without a doubt because he is deeply passionate. I am excited about this man.
I, too, will be out for Madia. He has the voice.
I’ll be out for Senator Bonoff as she has the passion and experience to bring results in Congress as well as the ability to get elected in a moderate third district. We have to endorse someone who can beat Paulsen or we will continue to have a Republican representing us.
Yeah, with all those rich people in CD3, it could be hard to get elected if you pledge to let the tax cuts for the wealthy expire.
We the People all want safe roads and bridges, but when it comes to paying for them, it should be from everyone else’s tax bite, not MINE.
voter - “I’ll be out for Senator Bonoff as she has the passion and experience to bring results in Congress as well as the ability to get elected in a moderate third district”
what experience ? Her whole “business experience
is a sham. Her campaign has never rebutted my claim that she was appointed to an Executive Position from a front office Public Relations position. This was done by a family friends company. Her moronic statements like the one below show exactly what a sham her claims are.
http://gavinsullivan.blogspot.com/
“In response to a letter carrier’s question, she suggested that a problem caused by the growth of the internet is a reduction in the number of letters people mail — and that a potential step toward a resolution would be to allow voters to mail in their ballots.”
“So when a luminary endorses one candidate or another, I think it reasonable to discount the endorsement as mere political back scratching, unless the endorser goes on record with a persuasive public statement explaining their reasoning.”
The last thing we want is politician who will say anything and do anything to win office.
rm “what experience ?” Twice elected to the State legislature in a conservative district against a well liked Republican Plymouth mayor. Serving her consituents on education and transportation committees, working on light rail for the western suburbs, passing a domestic violence bill — all experience that directly translates to serving in congress.
I see that you will not contradict my statements about her sham of a “business experience”
Voter - “Serving her constituents on education and transportation committees, working on light rail for the western suburbs, passing a domestic violence bill — all experience that directly translates to serving in congress.”
Warming a govt. chair in committee meetings is not experience. Just ask Gov. Roger Moe
Just because she won one election in a much smaller election in a far more blue shaded district does not make her eminently qualified.
Bonoff has been repeatedly given the opportunity to prove herself on the stump. And she bombed big time.
rm - I find it so curious that most of your posts are devoted to trashing Bonoff rather than building up Madia. A very divisive tactic. What is your purpose? If Bonoff is endorsed will you vote Republican? Will you continue trashing her?
rm: She won two elections, not one, and look at the history of the district — Republican Ron Abrams owned the seat for years with Republican mayors serving both Pllymouth and Minnetonka — hardly blue shaded. As for your business claims, I, like you, have never worked in a corporate setting with Senator Bonoff and have no personal knowledge of her business experience, only her political experience, so I will not respond to baseless, desperate your trash you continue to spew.
Voter is right. It is about electability and the ability to do the job. It’s about the difference between performing a function as a state legislator and understanding the issues and functions of a federal legislator. For these reasons, Ash Madia is the candidate who can and will win the endorsement and the seat.
Terri’s “business experience” in her one suburb is not comparable to life experience of serving in the military if two foreign countries (one an active war zone), practicing law defending persons against allegations of a federal nature. Terri’s one election and one special election are great. She is a good state senator and I’m thrilled that she will continue to perform that function for her district. Ash, on the other hand, has the ability and skills needed to perform the job of federal legislator for the whole district.
We have to endorse someone who can beat Paulsen or we will continue to have a Republican representing us.”
Well, Erik “The Hustler” Paulsen is doin’ a fine job of beatin’ himself.
We are lucky to have three very, Very, VERY good candidates here in CD-3, and I’m going to be solidly on-board for whoever gets the endorsment. If our endorsedcandidate runs a good campaign, and Erik “New! And Improved!!” Paulsen keeps stickin’ his foot in his mouth, this seat will definitely go DFL.
Here’s an example of “The Hustler” sayin’ stuff that’s simply not credible…. http://www.edenprairienews.com/news/national-politics/its-official-4132
voter - “As for your business claims, I, like you, have never worked in a corporate setting with Senator Bonoff and have no personal knowledge of her business experience”
I have the corporate experience to read an SEC filing to determine that she is making it up. One does not have to work with her to have access to such documents.
Also one can confirm that with her pathetic statements in debates. What lets have mail in elections to solve the problems of the post office.
B.T.W if you know so much about Bonoff you should probably ask her.
voter - “Republican Ron Abrams owned the seat for years with Republican mayors serving both Pllymouth and Minnetonka — hardly blue shaded”
Look at the last few national elections. That part of the district trended blue long before Terri showed up.
voter - “so I will not respond to baseless, desperate your trash you continue to spew”
Go ask Terri about her “business experience”. Or better yet ask her campaign to rebut my statement. Because they cannot
As Moynihan said - you have the right to your opinion, but not to the facts.
voter - “If Bonoff is endorsed will you vote Republican? Will you continue trashing her?”
Will you vote for a politician who lies.
rm - I’m voting democrat — regardles of who is endorsed, as they would all represent the district well. You post such baseless, negative, hysterical anti-bonoff rants that I question you credibility and bristle against your tactics and candidate.
voter - “You post such baseless, negative, hysterical anti-bonoff rants that ”
You mean the truth. I know it hurts, but why dont you ask Terri “the inevitable” Bonoff about her so called “business experience”
It is her credibility that i am questioning with factual statements.
rm - I will. Meanwhile, you conveniently direct people to Gavinsullivan this time instead of Joe Bodell, who wrote:
“there was not as clear a divide in Madia’s favor as there has been on foreign policy discussions, specifically those about the Middle East. Several of the questions hit Bonoff’s sweet spot, education, and she capitalized.” http://www.mncampaignreport.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1067
Is that because Joe Bodell thought the audience liked Bonoff and saw weaknesses in Madia?
http://www.mncampaignreport.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1067
“Although it was not a true debate, was there a winner? Probably not.”
Maybe you should read the whole article next time.
Obviously others saw the same debate and found a different result. Within 2 days of that labor forum, Madia earned the endorsement of the Teamsters. I’d say…..if Bonoff was so incredibly strong why was Madia endorsed right after the debate? Also, if she is such a strong supporter of education, why did EdMinn choose not to endorse her?
I assume edminn has not yet endorsed her because she didn’t cave in on mandatory statewide health insurance, rather, held out for an optional clause for school districts, like those she represents, who would lose substantial money and benefits under the mandatory plan. Rather than cave in to a union whose interests didn’t reflect her constituents, she risked the fallout and did what was best for the school districts she represents, and because of that, has a very loyal following of public school parents who know what she can and will do.
Its embarassing to see Bonoff who claims all this “business experience” to issue bizzare statements (or as Gavin calls howlers). This basically shows what an “empty suit” Bonoff is.
Sure she issues some bland statements on education. I cannot comment on what Joe Bodell claims as “depth” in education, because he has not stated what exactly was so profound a statement about education that he heard from the “great one”
I would note that every time there is a pro-Madia comment on a local blog (having not found a pro-Bonoff comment on any yet), there is one supporter who shows up to comment. I find that telling, quite frankly.
1. http://www.mnblue.com/node/1016
2. http://www.mncampaignreport.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=931
3. http://www.mnblue.com/mn-03 candidate comparison
4. http://wcco.com/local/3rd.congressional.district.2.627190.html
“So who won? If it were a standard debate, there was only one choice:
Madia by several lengths. In an event sponsored by veterans’ and peace
organizations, Madia started with a statement about his background as
a Marine, establishing his bona fides on Iraq (having served there)
and didn’t stumble.
… Madia was the strongest performer in this forum, and not by a
little, and his rhetoric wasn’t focused solely on appealing to the
liberal-leaning audience.”
-Joe Bodell, Minnesota Campaign Report http://www.mncampaignreport.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=931
“Ashwin Madia won the debate hands down . Bonoff and Hovland stumbled
throughout though Hovland did get stronger as the debate went on.
Madia articulated clear points that showed his comprehensive
understanding of every issue he talked about. He gave precise answers
on all the topics.
… If you want someone who will stand up for our civil rights,
Madia will stand up the strongest among the three in my opinion… .
The crowd cheered their approval except when he put a hand out to
indicate that he wasn’t quite done making his point. Once done they’d
roar… . He clearly had them with him.”
-Eric Pusey, MN Blue
http://www.mnblue.com/mn-03 candidate comparison
“I liked that Madia answered the questions that were asked succinctly,
eloquently, and to the point, with exact bullet points of the specific
actions he’d take. I was undecided when I walked in the room. The
others came off as politicians, but I’m anxious for change. After
hearing tonight’s debate, I’m supporting Madia.”
-Jackie Drury, Minnetrista
And her campaign has never disputed my opinions about her “business experience”. Wonder Why ?
“We the People all want safe roads and bridges, but when it comes to paying for them, it should be from everyone else’s tax bite, not MINE.”
Most moderate republicans (which is what the 3rd is full of) won’t dispute that we need safe roads and bridges. And (NEWS FLASH) they won’t even dispute that the wealthy are obligated to pay for the majority of them. But do the wealthy need to pay for 70%? 80% 90%?
I paid alot of tax before the Bush tax cut, and I pay alot of tax after it. If the cuts are repealed, what where will the money come from in my personal family budget?
1. The charities that I donate to. Their income will be the first to be hit.
2. My retirement. You see, in the private sector you know you won’t have a taxpayer-funded pension, so you need to save for your own retirement during your earning years.
3. My kids college education. As a top earner, not only do I fund a high proportion universities through my tax dollar (which I don’t have a problem with - education is a great societal investment), but I also know that I’ll be one of the ones being told to pay full price tuition for my own kids (which is estimated to be $250,000 a pop by the time they are ready for college).
So — the romantic picture of the Bush Tax Cuts going to fund Italian villas and offshore investments is utterly ignorant.
They’re both fine candidates. For me Madia’s voice and conviction to progressive causes is stronger. Bonoff is doing a good job at the statehouse and has secured that seat.
of course rm won’t be happy until Bonoff is indicted for something. Whatever.
sb - of course rm won’t be happy until Bonoff is indicted for something. Whatever.
I’m sorry but I am not the one who made the basis of Bonoffs campaign her “business experience”. Ask her why she continous to spout that bald face fib.
Dont blame me for my intuition (I dont need much of that based on her debates) to check out her “story”
After reading all of these posts, I am convinced. I’m voting for Erik Paulsen.
dm - “After reading all of these posts, I am convinced. I’m voting for Erik Paulsen”
now theres a surprise Dan…..
Those were only forums, come for the “real” debate:
February 27, 2008
CD3 Candidate Debate
7:00 pm
Heritage Room, Eden Prairie City Hall, 8080 Mitchell Rd, Eden Prairie MN http://dflsd42.org/get_connected/events.htm
Let Bonoff stay at the MN State House, were she’s doing an alright job. Then, once she gets back to the MN State Legislature, ask her about her about her bill she authored S.F. No. 1739, Grieving Parents Bill.
Minnesota already offers accurate information to parents’ so why does this need to be legislated?
Bonoff has knuckled under to the proponents of the MCCL and the radical right in the state. We don’t need her in the US congress.
“After reading all of these posts, I am convinced. I’m voting for Erik Paulsen.”
“At his announcement, Erik Paulsen claimed to have, and I quote from his press release: “…years of working in bipartisan fashion, across the aisle, to get results in the business world and in the Minnesota legislature.”
Yeah, “right.” Anyone even slightly paying attention understands Erik Paulsen did not rise to Republican state House leadership position by being “bi-partisan.”
Right out of the box, Paulsen forces the interested citizen to question his credibility.” http://www.mnblue.com/blog/139
“Let Bonoff stay at the MN State House, were she’s doing an alright job. Then, once she gets back to the MN State Legislature, ask her about her about her bill she authored S.F. No. 1739, Grieving Parents Bill.”
Hmm… so let me get this straight: It is better to elect someone who has no record that we can inspect, rather than someone with a record that has certain points you disagree with.
How about Bonoff goes to the 3rd CD general election and Madia runs for her seat in the State House?
DM - “Hmm… so let me get this straight: It is better to elect someone who has no record that we can inspect, rather than someone with a record that has certain points you disagree with”
I thought u were for Paulson. And what is Bonoffs record that u have inspected. Did that friend of a friend of a friend actually tell what she accomplished or are u going on her “business experience”.
Bonoff needs to stay at the state level. It’s much better to elect someone without legislative experience who understands federal issues than to try to promote a state legislator who needs seasoning where she is. Prior to last cycle, Tim Walz had never held elective office either. He’s doing pretty well, frankly. Military service is experience that transcends other legislative experience.
“It’s much better to elect someone without legislative experience who understands federal issues than to try to promote a state legislator who needs seasoning where she is.”
Tim Walz is an exception. See this clip from the Worthington Press’ endorsement of him:
“Tim Walz is no run-of-the-mill educator. He’s earned the Minnesota Ethics in Education award, a Mankato Teacher of the Year honor and the 2003 Minnesota Teacher of Excellence. He also helped coach Mankato West’s high school football team to a pair of state titles.”
I agree that you don’t need to be a legislator in order to graduate to Congress. But you do need to have built a local track record and have been visible in action (not just in campaign mode) for people of the district to really know what you are all about. Tim Walz was more than qualified given his experience and amount of contribution to the 1st over the years.
DM - “But you do need to have built a local track record and have been visible in action ”
And Bonoffs’ track record is ……
People have seen Madias “community involement” in the millitary along with his intelligent and impressive debate performances.
Under Dans vision of “community invovlement’, one has to be a total party hack, who sits on committees that get nothing done and they would be better qualified.
I have heard both of these candidates and both seemed great, until I took a short look into Ash Madias past. Little known to many delegates, he was a strong republican in college and railed against GLBT rights and education. Furthermore he helped John McCain in Florida and has not told anyone who he supports in the presidential race. I know that the campaign has a response to this about how he was young and foolish, but when I was eighteen, I was already smart enough to be a Democrat. I like where he stands now, but his past does matter. LOOK INTO IT. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashwin_Madia
Mike,
Many people know this. It’s a non-issue. It’s been in the local 3rd CD newspapers, etc. You’re trying to refight a battle from last month.
Can’t you find anything positive to post about your candidate?
He has never rallied against GLBT rights. His brother is openly gay and very much accepted and loved by that family. Why try to spread slime rather than bump your own candidate? If you can’t find anything positive about your candidate, I’m sorry for you.