Mark Drake, the Communications Director of the Republican Party of Minnesota, isn’t telling the whole truth…
Mark Drake, communications director for the Minnesota GOP, said the party opposed the legislation but did not urge that Republican lawmakers who voted for it be denied endorsements.
“The decision to endorse is up to the local party units, and we certainly respect their decision and stand by their decision,” Drake said.
But that ignores the fact that MN GOP Chair Ron Carey urged Kathy Tingelstad’s convention to postpone her endorsement, Deputy Chair Dorothy Flemming drove three hours to tell Republican activists to reject Rod Hamilton at the Cottonwood County Convention, and Deputy Minority Leader Tom Emmer went up to Jim Abeler’s convention just this weekend!
Abeler, who was already stripped of committee leadership positions, told KARE 11 he once again felt the wrath of the House Republican Caucus at Anoka City Hall Saturday.
Assistant Minority Leader Tom Emmer of Delano appeared at the District 49 endorsing convention.
“He came in and gave a seven minute fire and brimstone speech talking about the terrible Democrat transportation tax bill. And the crowd got fired up,” recounted Abeler on Sunday.
“It was almost like an attack dog was sent. I was astounded. I thought the retribution was over.”
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I’ll probably post more later, but I need to stop by Whole Foods Market and get me some organic marshmallows and some sustainably-grown bamboo sticks. I think the wreckage of the Republican caucus might be about to catch fire, and I want to be ready to make s’mores.
The slash and burn tactics employed by the GOP to punish the “Override Six” may come back to haunt them this session.
OK, I get it. Emmer and Abeler don’t like each other.
Watching the House debate today suggests that each of them would purposely just cross the street to piss in the others’ oatmeal.
The fact that Hillary has endorsed McCain over Obama sure makes it seem as though the Democrats are trying to beat the Republicans to the self-destruct switch.
The fact is a two party system can not possibly entertain all but a minor set of the different ideologies within the American populace. Loyal party people are fine with that because they either only care about the power the party can bring them or happen to believe a majority of the contradictions embodied by their parties platform.
KH, you do know that one of the platforms gaining momentum in the DFL is IRV, doncha?
CIRESI OUT
Monday, March 10, 2008
STATEMENT OF MIKE CIRESION HIS WITHDRAWAL FROM THE U.S. SENATE RACE
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 a 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
TPT,
You apparently didn’t read this.
http://www.startribune.com/local/16405066.html
Even if it does get implemented, which I highly doubt will happen at a state or national level, it very well may make little difference. IRV is at best a small part making local government more accessible. The structure of the state and national systems would make independent or third party representatives powerless even if elected. Hell, even a major party holding about one third of the congressional seats and the executive branch is powerless.
In other words I will believe it when I see both it and the results.
Besides, none of that excuses the despicable behavior that is currently the status quo within both major parties, Nor does it show that the Democrats are currently any less self destructive than the Republicans. Of course the parties each eating their own is quite entertaining for me.
We did not receive any direction or pressure from the state party not to endorse the incumbent Republicans.
This is truly a grassroots efforts that started with a group of frustrated constituents who decided to either not endorse or endorse a candidate that we felt better represented the party platform.
Ron Carey did speak at the convention but the decision to withhold the endorsement was made by many delegates in the BPOU before the endorsing convention started.
Surely you did not expect the Republican party leadership to be truthful. Not only do they lack the moral and intelectual capacity to distinguish between truth and fiction, they are Minnesota’s Lying Liars.
To what convention does PWB refer?
Props to Ciresi for reading the writing on the wall and recognizing that stringing this out wasn’t going to do anyone any good.
I wish that a certain Democratic presidential candidate would follow Ciresi’s lead.