Via the Strib:
Democrat Mike Ciresi is dropping out of the race for U.S. Senate, saying he doesn’t think he can win the party’s endorsement.
Ciresi has been trailing former comedian Al Franken, who has lined up the support of major unions and has raised millions more dollars. Ciresi recently announced he would loan $2 million of his own money to his campaign.
I was excited to see Ciresi get in this race a year ago. Between his prosecutorial skills and business acumen, he seemed to have the makings of a great candidate. Moreover, his years of devotion to Minnesota in both philanthropic and political circles demonstrated that he never forgot his roots.
Yet as the months dragged on Ciresi never seemed to reach that crucial breaking point in the race for the endorsement. This was, of course, largely due to Al Franken’s consistent ability to dominate the race through a mixture of celebrity and exuberant campaigning; but I have to say that even with this huge disadvantaged I was surprised that Ciresi’s campaign never really mounted a serious challenge to Franken. After all, he’s a great solution to the early worries about a Franken candidacy that some DFLers voiced and it would seem that Ciresi could have leveraged some great back-room talking points with nervous delegates. Apparently, the Franken campaign was just too dominant… or something. And as the convention neared, loyal DFLers (I’ll admit to being in this camp) became increasingly less tolerant of the Ciresi camp’s inner-party blood letting.
At the end of the day this seems to be a combination of unfortunate circumstances and lack-luster campaigning. I’ll leave the distribution of import of those factors for our readers to decide… What shouldn’t be ignored here, however, is the deserved political capital Mike Ciresi gains by putting the party before himself here. It’s a decision that is tough to make as a candidate and one that should be given all the credit it deserves.
What can be said with certainty is that Mike Ciresi is a truly admirable Minnesotan and tenacious fighter — a combination of traits that should (hopefully) ensure that this most recent bow from the limelight won’t be the final curtain on his public persona.
Sean Adds: I’d like to take a second to single out Ty Bates. Ty joined the Ciresi campaign early this winter as the organizer for the 5th Congressional District, from the first time he called me to the occasions that I got to meet Ty I was so impressed by his hard work, his attention to detail and his character. Ty would be a welcome addition to any campaign around the country — although it would be a real loss to the DFL and it’s candidates. Here’s hoping for good luck for Ty and everyone else at the Ciresi camp as they end this campaign that they’ve devoted so much time and hard work to.
The complete statement of Mike Ciresi on His Withdrawal from the U.S. Senate Race is below the break.
For Immediate Release
Monday, March 10, 2008
I am announcing today my withdrawal from the contest for the DFL endorsement and the conclusion of my candidacy for the U.S. Senate. In my judgment, continuing the endorsement race would only lead to an unnecessary floor fight. It is time to step aside.
On entering the race, I expressed my passionate belief that our country had lost its direction and that the middle class was being crushed economically. We have a failed foreign policy that has led us into a war that, despite the extraordinary service of our armed forces and the sacrifices of their families, has served to further destabilize the Middle East and led to a less safe world. Middle class jobs are evaporating and quality educational opportunity is being denied to our children. College education is increasingly unaffordable, and graduates are saddled with enormous loans. We have a “sick care” system rather than a health care system that is affordable and accessible to all. The environment is not being nurtured and protected. We have a tax system that has created the greatest wealth gap since the early 1900s. Staggering debt is being passed on to future generations, and yet those who seek political office say little about the difficult economic choices we must make.
We are at defining moment in our nation’s history, and we have the opportunity to reject the failed policies of the past and write a new chapter in the American story. I am confident we will do so because of the spirit, creativity, and optimism of our fellow citizens.
Ann and I have traveled our entire state for the past year, and the desire and sense of urgency for change is palpable. We believe that the people will demand that the tough choices be presented and that the vast majority of Americans will reject self-interest in favor of the common good and shared sacrifice. I firmly believe that America’s best days are still ahead of us. As we return to private life, I will continue my efforts, as I have my entire life, to work with others in contributing to the common good of our state and nation.
Ann and I and our family wish to express our deep gratitude to all of our fellow Minnesotans who have so graciously welcomed us into their homes, businesses, and towns and engaged us in heartfelt discussions concerning the issues facing our nation. We are also deeply indebted to all of our supporters and staff who passionately believe in our message and have worked tirelessly on our behalf. The memories and friendships forged are timeless. We encourage all to remain committed to changing the direction of our nation and to support candidates of their choice.
God bless all of you —
Mike and Ann Ciresi
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I have found the political world of blogging interesting.
My request is that you remember that every year the State of Minnesota receives up to $200,000,000 ANNUALLY from the Tobacco Settlement. A settlement engineered by Mike Ciresi.
Ciresi gave a very good speech at our SD convention this past weekend (67) — he’s definitely improved in terms of public speaking over the course of the campaign. The Mike Ciresi I saw on Saturday is someone I’d consider supporting. The Ciresi I’d seen earlier in the campaign — not so much. But congratulations to Mr. Ciresi for acknowledging reality. Here’s hoping Hillary Clinton will soon do the same…
Worst ground game ever. He just never could get the yellow shirts on people and at events.
I hate Al Franken… Ciresi deserved to be in this race and very well would’ve been our next Senator if Franken had stayed at home in NYC.
While I really didn’t like the constant attacks on Franken, I fully understood that that was he had left to try, doesn’t justify it but makes it understandable.
And I suppose most of the Ciresi delegates will go for Franken, I dont really see Ciresi supporters getting behind Jack, Franken is the happy median between Ciresi and Jack I’d say.
And everyone was spreading rumors that he was going to take this to a primary, he didn’t even finish the endorsement. Smart man Ciresi, he knew he didnt stand a chance.
I start paragraphs with and way too much…
“Ciresi deserved to be in this race and very well would’ve been our next Senator if Franken had stayed at home in NYC.”
Not if he ran his campaign like he did seeking the endorsement.
Too bad though. Good guy. My parents were both active supporters.
Classy move on Mike’s part. It shows his love of party and that says more than anything about both Mike and Ann. Good people. Not such a good speaker but very good people.
I meant more that he deserved to be running for Senate because he is an excellent candidate but excellent candidates dont run excellent campaigns at times.
Although, I must question his horrible campaign being his fault. Frankn got a lot of people on board really early on and dominated the race. Candidates like Ciresi cant compete with someone who has already taken the base they both shared.
Last night I added up all the county unit convention numbers I’d seen and concluded that Mike was tied for 3rd place with uncommitted. With about 15% of the delegates in my sample and about half the conventions over, winning was sadly becoming a mathematical impossibility for us. While Mike did well in the outstate conventions, in the metro area Franken was pushing 50% of the delegates and Jack was beating Mike. I suspect the campaign was doing the numbers too, so today’s announcement was no surprise.
Charly, could you save one of those green “Jack” t-shirts for me? I’ll be happy to pay for it. Might want to order some more, too- a lot of Ciresi supporters will be coming over!
Dyna,
I would be happy to get you a Jack t-shirt and delighted to continue spending time with former Ciresi people at future conventions. You guys are a classy group and great to be around. It didn’t mind working behind different tables that were next to you. I certainly won’t mind working at the same table.
Call Jack’s office. Tell them to give you my email. Let’s make it work!
Dont assume all his delegates are going over to Franken just yet. I am a Ciresi alternate, and everyone running for the delegate spot seemed to be leaning to Jack if a choice had to be made. I doubt it will make a large difference, but if the convention gets tight, who knows.
Did Mike ever run for A.G.? I don’t believe he did but I always thought he would be able to win due to the 200 mil/year he won.
“Classy move on Mike’s part. It shows his love of party and that says more than anything about both Mike and Ann.”
Says more about Ceresi’s sense of his fuduciary responsibility to himself, but if it makes you feel better OK with me.
Norm can go ahead and extend the lease on the DC townhouse now.
He should run for governor. I’d be quite happy to support him if no one else I like more runs, lol.
With his leaving the race, my admiration and esteem for Mike Cerisi has really increased. I was getting concerned about his campaign entering Senator Clinton territory with some of the negative statements. I hope that he runs against Pawlenty or as Attorney General. I know he will continue his proud work for the DFL.
Took less that 2 hours for Jacks folks to give a call and ask if I was ready to come over to support Jack now that Mike is out. That is good organization. AND they asked for $100.00. The race is still on.
Mike Ciresi would make an amazing AG over anti union Lori Swanson!
Seal, I’ve been invited over to the Jack camp too… Haven’t heard a thing from the Franken campaign.
I will probably support Franken as a frmr. Ciresi Delegate, but perhaps Jack, not sure??? I do love floor fights at the convention, it makes it really fun and entertaining, remember 2006 Gov. race, awesome!
“Seal, I’ve been invited over to the Jack camp too… Haven’t heard a thing from the Franken campaign.”
It couldn’t be because you’ve spent the several weeks attacking Al Franken very publicly on this website and others?
Just sayin’…. Sean
Sean,
You got the wrong fish eater, I have never attacked Franken, not even once, here or anywhere else. I just think he is dead wrong about how to get to universal health care, 50 seprate plans is a plan to make sure it never happens.
Jack’s absolute conviction to doing whats right is reminding me of someone else who once held the seat.
Here’s another voice of thanks to Mike for doing the right thing. Perhaps he’ll convince Bonoff to follow suit. . .
Sean, I was personna non gratis at the Franken campaign back when I was a Franken supporter. Apparently I’m just to old, gimped up, and queer to make the cut at Team Franken!
I think the biggest issue now is how JNP can better reach and convince delegates from greater Minnesota to support him over Franken. Ciresi’s strength in rural Minnesota was much stronger than in the metro area. I’m a delegate to the state convention out of Murray County, and if it wasn’t for two young JNP staffers showing up towards the end of the convention (due to a flat tire), I’m not sure his name would have been mentioned once all day. I’m currently leaning towards Jack, but there were a lot of people who really like Ciresi at our convention, but very few people had their minds made up. I think there is fertile ground for Jack, as our delegation has 4 (out of 6) delegates that would fall under the MYDFL age group. Franken has done well with that demographic, but I think Jack could make a serious push there for support.
Mike obviously knows math, and has common sense and care for the party. I wish Clinton would take a lesson from him.
“Norm can go ahead and extend the lease on the DC townhouse now.”
You’ve heard of concern trolling, right. Rule of thumb: If a republican expresses concern for how things are going for the democratic party….the opposite is true.
Franken is going to kick Norm’s ass.
Agree about Mike for A.G.
If DC leases on townhouses run for six years, and if Norm leases his townhouse for that length of time [soon], I think that it would be fun if MN Publius and other sites, would publish that lease.
I have no idea about Mike running for further political office.
He’s with Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, a large, successful law firm, and has public and private foundations. Since 1999, the firms public and private foundations have awarded over $19,000,000 to worthy causes in Minnesota and across the country.
He lives a balanced life and has a lot of options.
I’m sad to see him leave the race. Ciresi could have been a very effective Senator. Not a famous one, mind you. But an effective one.
Archer,
You might be right; if Jack can target the MYDFL group, he might be able to score a big win on Franken. I like Franken, but he hasn’t done a great job of generating loyalty among young voters nor has his campaign done a great job of organizing college campuses, a must for a Democrats in the fall. If JNP does a better job of targeting those two groups, he might steal this one.
Too bad. Mike Ciresi is a class act, and had the potential to be a truly fine senator, (although Governor is actually a better fit for him considering his administrative experience running one of the state’s largest law firms.)
Mike’s problem is that the party is just too flaky to embrace his moderate persona and his remarkable business success. His positions were realistically liberal…his manner was Minnesota nice…and his commitment to the endorsement process was fatal.
In a primary Mike stood a chance. In the caucus system he wasn’t dazzling enough.
I’d hoped he’d run for Governor last time. Perhaps the party will finally recognize what he offers and elect him if Pawlenty moves on to bigger things….
Paul Wellstone actually supported both versions of health care reform at various points in his service. Single-payer from 1991-1994 (Read the January/February 1994 issue of Tikkun magazine for a long article by Wellstone on the subject); then developed the “let 50 flowers bloom” approach sometime in 1998, which he kept pushing until 2001, before he lost interest in it. Specific universal health care plans never became an issue in the 2002 Senate race.
I dunno, JM. Amy Klobuchar routed Ford Bell among activists in 2006, and she embodied most of the traits you ascribe to Ciresi.
As for Mike Ciresi, about a year ago, I was talking with a friend of mine, and I compared Ciresi to Wesley Clark. Both came from lower-middle class backgrounds. Both were very intelligent. Both excelled in their chosen professions. Both had never run for office before, and had to start political networks from scratch. Both were greeted respectfully, but rather cooly, by activists. Both had some trouble coming across well on TV and meeting the “would-you-have-a-beer-with-them” test.
In other words: Good candidates on paper, but they just didn’t click in person. Too bad, but that’s the way politics goes sometimes.
Anyways, let me also extend my regards to Ciresi, and wish him well in whatever endeavors he decides to pursue in the future.
I should have added, I was mostly comparing Ciresi’s 2000 Senate campaign to Wesley Clark at that point.
Jack is supporting single payer, the same plan Wellstone supported and sponsored legislation on in the senate. Al Franken does not. This is one of the many reasons why I’m for Jack.
Mike’s heart was in the right place, that is for sure. Unfortunately, he started a year too late and he fundamentally misunderstood the language and style of the grassroots or “Wellstone” portion of the DFL.
His campaign started and ended with criticizing Franken. It was disappointing because he is obviously skilled enough to do the job of Senator. I doubt he would ever consider AG though. That’s too low on the ladder.
“Mike’s problem is that the party is just too flaky to embrace his moderate persona and his remarkable business success.”
No, Mike’s problem is he ran a totally lackluster campaign.