3:23 Luchelle Stevens and Betsy OBerry got nominated out of the committee for DNC. Nancy Larson a DNC incumbent got nominated off the floor. I’m a big fan of Betsy and shes got my vote. This should only take a ballot.
My heart goes out to the JNP supporters. Winning is the best feeling in the world, and losing feels just as bad as winning feels good. I’m going to sign off for a minute to go stand on stage with my good friends Rick Stafford and Bill Davis. We’re going to have a contested floor fight for the female DNC positions and I’ll be back to blog that (I think)
BREAKING FRANKEN ENDORSED ON FIRST BALLOT! 62% on the first ballot.
1:30 I’m hearing 55% in CD5, and 3-1 in CD 2 for Franken. Winning CD5 with 55% is a good start. HEaring there will be a second ballot, Franken is clearly ahead on the first. CD4 is 60-30-10 Franken-JNP- No endorsement. 6th is supposedly at 63% for Franken.
1:20 first ballots gone out. Things to look for: how many No endorsements and total strength. I’m going with Franken at 55%
12:54 Getting testy about fundraising. Franken has great funny answer about "I’ve taken money from big comedy, but the thing is, big comedy doesn’t want anything from me,"
12:45 Another mother*&$#^@ Q&A session. The hour earlier wasn’t enough. *sigh* lets get to ballots folks.
Al: Demo looks louder. Can’t clearly hear the song but it’s still not instantly recognizabe. And someone has a bucket right behind my fricking head. Franni at the mic. Just got Franken speech. Feedback surprised Franni. Kevin Dahle up now. "last year I was teaching civics at a high school, in January we gave them a civics lesson." Franken going to address recent controversies in speech. "It kills me that the things I said and wrte sent a message to some of my friends in this room and people in this state that they can’t count on me to be a champion for women, a champion for all Minnesotans, in this campaign and in the senate. I’m sorry for that, because that is not who I am." Measured applause. Ends with You Can Call Me Al by Paul Simon. I think that’s pretty bad ass but it’s just because I’m a big fan of Paul Simon.
JNP: Patricia Torres Ray nominating speech for JNP. Brings up Wellstone (this has never.ever.ever happened before). Introduces JNP. JNP gives shoutout to MN house and senate for out maneuvering Gov. Hockeyhair. JNP theme is "Hope". What a hopemonger. Good call and response "When do we…" "Now!" but I’ve got to say this, it could be my non-traditional DFL upbringing, but I find the Wellstone hagiography tiring. You aren’t going to get another wellstone by comparing someone to him. It has to be organic.
12:02 JNP demo begins. I am immediately next to the door a large coterie is walking in. Confirmed: it is not helping my lingering headache. Playing "Its your Thing (Do What You Wanna Do)" by the Isley Brothers. Good choice. But, again, loud funk music and air horns not helping head.
12:00 voting on resolutions. CD5 at large table has one pencil. This will not be efficient.
11:50 Was walking around the floor. Heard yesterday that the first was surprisingly strong for JNP, floor investigation proves that this is the truth, maybe the highest concentration of White (JNP) shirts on the floor.
11:45 Folks staging for demonstrations. Franken camp has buckets. My lingering headache isnt going to get any better. Big crowd incl. Sen. Klobuchar watching Hillary speech in big room along the back hall of the auditorium (where Franken’s and JNP’s war rooms are)
11:15 I’ve officially put on the MNPublius signal trying to find Matt. It involves one of those big outdoor spotlights like the batsignal, smoke an a few carrier pigeons. So far no word. Last known sighting, John Lesch’s party. In other news speeches and floor demonstrations at noon. Hopefully this will be on "actual" time and not "DFL" time.
10:55 Sen. Larry Pogemiller is in the house. No flair for any candidate. MAK is playing hall monitor "SIT DOWN" Sen. Higgins says "You can tell shes a mom, that was a mom voice." Voting on platform, I think. I’m running around so I am completely oblivious to what is going on.
10:50 Keith Ellison is in the house, wearing a JNP button and persuading delegates.
*Breaking* 10:40 FRANKEN WINS FEMINIST CAUCUS ENDORSEMENT!
Jackie Stevenson: "AS political director of the DFL feminist caucus I’m very pleased to announce that after screening both candidates… the caucus board voted 72% to endorse Al Franken for US Senate. "
10:30 Had to go charge up the batteries for a second. Went up and said hi to Joe and Mike .
9:55 Jack’s been getting good rounds of applause on environmental questions. Can’t find Matt (may have been a late night last night) trying to figure out how to work the live blog chat. And we went from the apocalypse to sunny outside (I’m by a door, I can see the outside but right now it is so far away.)
9:45 Q&A has restarted. Both candidates will abide by the endorsement. Only Franken’s name and Pallmeyer’s name were placed into endorsement. Sen. Scott Dibble and Rep. Kate Knuth are both at my table both supporting Al, I can’t get a good feel for how many superdelegates are here.
9:30 All holy hell is coming down outside, the floor is jumping. Had my usual convention breakfast of a denver omelette a pitcher of water and a couple excedrin. Lets have a good day.
Where are you sitting?
One too many hospitality rooms last night?
I’m on the floor. I’m a delegate. Right underneath the CD standup.
CD 5 standup that is.
Sean, is there some sort of break expected at all for this big Hillary Clinton speech coming up just after the top of the hour? I’d imagine Rochester is an Obama haven right now and this would be very important to many of them.
That is good news… perhaps this tempest in a teapot is being recognized for what it is… Republican fake outrage.
I’m curious as to how some of the DFLers parroting Republican talk points are being received. Or is it being ignored as an inside baseball squabble and all is fair in love and war. Democrats are notorious for fighting like cats and dogs, then kissing and making up. As we all know, make up sex is the best kind… gee do you think I’ll never be able to run for office because of that joke?
@ amuseinc
“do you think I’ll never be able to run for office because of that joke?”
Yes. You are obviously a terrible person, and unfit to run for any public office.
Franken: first ballot.
The terrible person part is obvious, but that has never stopped any Republican that I know of… nor has the unfit part. I thought the part about making an adult joke, about a situation every adult other than a Catholic Priest knows about might be a problem. Well, to be truthful there are some priests that know about it too.
The JNP button on Ellison relaxes my pissed-offedness to him a bit. I can understand his previous comment as politics, when I thought it might be how he really felt, I questioned his judgement.
Franken, I don’t care how many ballots…
Ellison with a Jack button…. I wish Ellison could have given an endorsement of some kind a few months ago. Oh well, better late then never I guess. A blessing from Keith could make or break a campaign, and thus take or leave a senate seat.
I wish I was there this years everyone, but my head and gut are happy to be hangover free this morning.
Has the DFL Bestiality Caucus made their endorsement yet, Sean? The anticipation is killing us!
I totally Get Ellison’s support of Jack. I wish I thought it was an affordable risk.
Nope. It isn’t.
That being said, I’m not a delegate. May the best candidate win.
Nah Swiftee we’re looking for the endorsements of that Republican Page-Turner from Florida, Idaho Senator Wide Stance or that Southern Senator Diapers and Hooker. But of course we will only get the one because the other two bat for another team.
Say doesn’t that glasshouse get awful expensive to heat in the Winter?
Swiftee, I agree 100%,
What someone writes in an article in a magazine is much much worse, than say, one’s actions, such as what still serving Senators Larry Craig or David Vitter did.
A magazine has much more impact because a lot of moonbats buy the magazine and read it. These moonbats like reading things.
In addition works of fiction like Franken wrote are much much worse than the non-fictional documentation of one’s actions.
Keep on taking down moonbats so very very well, Swiftee. You are doing the lords work so very well.
Lordy lordy, we are supposed to have the vapors!
Great Job!
Swiftee,
As you seem to be a Republican, I suggest that you be more careful unleashing your many comments about bestiality. The Chairperson of the MN GOP, Ron Carey, previews the day of his 27th Wedding Anniversary at the MN State DFL Convention in Rochester, MN today.
That was inappropriate. My motto is don’t be stupid and ElP that was stupid.
Don’t be stupid.
Sooo.
What’s happening?
The first ballot suspense is killing me.
I think Franken will get slightly under 60 on the first ballot. The question is will the party then unite and Franken get it on the second ballot or will all go crazy and there be a big push for no endorsement?
Swiftee at 11:36 a.m.: “Has the DFL Bestiality Caucus made their endorsement yet, Sean? The anticipation is killing us!” — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -
el presidente at 12:50 p.m. “Swiftee, As you seem to be a Republican, I suggest that you be more careful unleashing your many comments about bestiality. The Chairman of the MN GOP, Ron Carey, previews the day of his 27th Wedding Anniversary at the MN State DFL Convention in Rochester, MN today.” — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -
Sean Broom at 12:56 p.m. “That was inappropriate. My motto is don’t be stupid and ElP that was stupid. Don’t be stupid.” — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -
Sean Broom,
I have done some research. I am not a professional campaigner however I have a few years of experience behind me.
I don’t think that you have much of an idea of what kind of senatorial campaign is in store for the people of Minnesota.
I think that you have learned a lot already.
It is easy to be caught up in the trappings of things, and not appreciate the hard work of the people who do the political work for the party. The party hacks as they are sometimes called.
However, ultimately it is about the people [voters] of Minnesota and the message that is crafted for them.
Swiftee has been blogging for years.
As Two-Putt Tommy writes: Quit playing: Ready! Shoot! Aim!
Once again, guys, great coverage.
While I’m going to be a Coleman supporter in the General, I have to say I have a bit of a soft spot for JNP. Longtime contributor to our state in many facets, and I respect those who rise up through Academia to embark on a political career. Who has heard more fresh, diverse viewpoints than a college prof?
While I disagree with many — or most of his positions — I like his story and he seems like a stand-up guy.
I actually hope it goes 2 or 3 ballots and settles on endorsing Franken. That would show some respect for JNP and the hard fought campaign his supporters have run. They really did do an awesome job… and unlike Cerisi were very honorable in their efforts.
Interesting to hear Al say “It kills me that the things I said and wrote sent a message to some of my friends in this room and people in this state that they can’t count on me to be a champion for women, a champion for all Minnesotans, in this campaign and in the senate.” Especially interesting to hear Al say this as I was reading today’s Star Tribune. On the cover of the “twin cities west” section there is an article “Search for a hit man to kill wife ends in jail” Then there is another piece on the front page “State plots out preventing sexual violence: organizers hope to involve people from ever gender, every ethnic and every socio-economic group in saving thousands from assault” Did you know sexual violence cost Minnesota $8 billion dollars in 2005? Then you open the paper to page B4 “St. Paul woman reports kidnap try”, and the “Husband charged in conspiracy to kill wife” story continues B5 “Henry student accused of sex assault at school” page B7 “State works out how to prevent sex assault” story continues..
Al apologized - that is a good first step. But his rape jokes contribute to a climate of hate…he needs to do more. And the DFL needs to do a better job vetting candidates so that women don’t feel humiliated when they go to the polls. We were supposed to get over Judy Dutcher and Becky Lourey being shown the door in 2002 and vote Moe into the Governor’s office. We were supposed to ignore Hatch’s chauvinistic behavior and vote him into the Governor’s office. If Franken get the nomination we are supposed to forget about all of the stuff he has written that contribute to a hostile environment for women. I just can’t do this anymore.
Demure One, then don’t. Quit the DFL and join the Republicans. They will, I guess, welcome you with open arms… so long as you take that abstinence only sex education, pro-life, male domination litmus test. If you have a problem with Al Franken, I’m certain Norm “Life Begins at Conception” Coleman has a place for you in his campaign.
Sorry to sound so nasty, but Al didn’t cause this sick, sad world and he is doing everything in his power to change it for the better. Getting upset at Al for sexual politics that began with cave people eons ago isn’t rational.
Get a grip. The perfect is the enemy of the good, should be the first lesson you learn in politics and life.
Once again, and maybe for the final time, after hearing the candidate, I ask what does Franken bring to the table? Is he a better speaker? Does he have a better record on the war? Why, precisely, is he worth the trouble?
Good bye DFL - hello uncommitted and NOTA land.
Because he is going to beat Norm the Weasel and be our next Senator? Because he has the smarts and the background to be a great Senator and isn’t a typical lawyer candidate?
By the way, I clicked that link to Minnesota Democrats Exposed and now I have to go take shower… thanks a lot mnpublius.com
Where did you get your info (Al endorsed on first ballot)?
Go team Franken! Woot.
Thanx L0
Franken may have been endorsed, but look for a Grunseth-like (look up the 1990 Gov race if you don’t get this reference) forced exit between now and November because of future scandals.
Demure One - We’re in the same boat. While I tend to be on the right half of the spectrum, I choose to back individual candidates whom I believe in rather than throw my energies into the party in general. I find much more passion that way than for backing a party whose actions don’t all match my beliefs.
I didn’t realize that the Northeast Ohio Translators Association had Minnesota members.
I think a heartfelt thanks to the Jack Nelson Pallmeyer campaign for a race well run needs to be given. They did a great job and represent the best of the DFL in passion, honesty and hard-work.
Now comes the task of beating a sitting Senator who will lack the honesty but match the passion and hard-work of JNP plus come at Al with more money than good sense. I look forward to the challenge of electing a new DFL Junior Senator from Minnesota.
Take NOTE:
NOTA - None Of The Above
NOTA - Northeast Ohio Translators Association
NATA in Spanish can be the film that sometimes develops on top of the milk when it is heated and it is too warm [hot].
[I think that many indicators point to the fact that this hasn’t been, and this probably isn’t going to be, what many people think that a normal-type Minnesota election usually looks like.]
Current President of state NOW and past President of NOW endorsed AL. Al said the right thing today. His admitted, in no uncertain terms, that his jokes were offensive and regrettable. It is a rare thing that a politician or public figure actually makes a real apology.
Secondly, the National Organization of Women know, that Republicans only say they support women whiole they consistantly vote against them, say they support Families while they consistantly vote against children, heck, they even say they are for the troops while they continuously vote against veterans and troops.
So, what NOW understands is that, although regrettable, Al will actually do things to help women, whereas Norm will say he supports women but resist any legislation that is for women’s rights.
So take a cue from the most powerful women’s rights organization.
Thanks, Alec
Did someone misplace their sense of humor today? I have to admit I had a hard time deciding between the translator and an automobile manufacturer in Australia. But then felt that the more domestic reference was more appropriate.
If truth be told, the greatest benefit would be if unhappy Democrats would actually join the Republican Party. It would be like the old joke of the Swede who swam to Norway and increased the average intelligence of both countries.
Did someone misplace their sense of history today?
The Farmer-Labor Group didn’t join the Republicans in the early 1940’s, they merged with the Democrats to form the DFL.
You’ve been flip about: Catholic Priests, Swedes, Norwegians, Ciresi, Aussies, and people who might have a bona-fide grievance on how things might be improved in the DFL party.
Not good.
At this point, the chances of Al dropping out before the election are extremely small. While we haven’t reached the point of no returen with an Al Franken candidacy, the cost of going elsewhere just went up. Before today, we had nothing invested in a Franken candidacy. We could have turned elsewhere. That is no longer the case. It’s a sad day, and it looks like it is going to be an ugly fall.
Where was GOP Wonder Girl Little Laura Brod today? No press conference at the convention?
No kidding… I’m flip. So this is somehow a crime. And exactly how should I be? Do I need to take lessons in being a Democrat from the likes of you. You are so kind to offer but I must decline.
I met Hubert Humphrey, twice, and both times he had a smile on his face and a joke on his lips. I think I would prefer to take lessons from him about how to be a DFLer.
“If I can’t dance I don’t want to be part of your revolution,” Emma Goldman
So what exactly happened? The Strib’s wording makes it sound like JNP pulled out prior to the first ballot.
Who won for DNC? What is going on?
Hiram: What a wet blanket you are! Al is smart, tough as nails, and ready to take on Norm. If you want to do the dirt — Norm has plenty on him. Coleman will not win on issues/policy…HE WILL NOT. If you are not ready for the fight this fall, then please take a couple of days off from politics and regroup your thinking. We will win on the issues, we will win on the issues, got it? Good…
björnkram, I’m pretty sure that the results of that first ballot went to the campaigns first. That allowed JNP to get up there and ask the convention to endorse Franken by acclimation. That was his right and he did it with real class.
That’s the way it went down for Terri Bonoff too. You know, having gone through that with Terri, I thought it was so sad. It was really tough to lose. But strangely, it was not much easier to win. I sat there and listened to Jack’s speech and felt just as sad and empty as I felt listening to Terri’s.
Jack was a great candidate, ran a great campaign and his family, staff and supporters were the coolest. We have such an embarrassment of riches… I wish we could have all these people.
I will not feel sad and empty listening to Al’s victory speech in November though. Lie Al said, “it starts tomorrow”. Be well all.
Thanks for clarifying Bede!
So…..what about the DNC vote? Who won for the females? Did Luchelle and Betsy take it or was Nancy Larson elected again? I’m assuming that Bill and Rick took their election as the last I heard they were running unopposed.
Sean,
It was great meeting you at the Al Franken party last night. I look forward to your support of Tinklenburg. The Saint John’s/Saint Ben’s people will get you as much info as you need.
Keep up the great work.
Nick Hansen
Yeeeeargggh. If I wasn’t so intoxicated, I’d call in my bets. See you all at Dayton’s party.
I know luchelle got a slot.
Thanks, lujasmo! That’s good to hear!
You happen to have the CD breakdowns of the Senate vote?
amuseinc,
Insofar as I am concerned, you may as flip as you wish to be. Within reasonable bounds being flip is not a crime that I am aware of.
I am not necessarily giving lessons on how to be a DFL’er; neither am I offering you lessons on how to be a DFL’er.
If you have met Hubert Humphrey twice, and you have a preference to take lessons from him about how to be a DFL’er, that is your preference.
If the life of Emma Goldman is important to you, and you like to quote a line that is not original with her but, is definitely connected with her, that is your choice.
There are three things in life that are real.
God, human folly, and laughter.
The first two are incomprehensible,
so we must do what we can with the third.
Franken’s campaign song is a cover of “Better Things,” a Kinks song that’s also been done by folkie Dar Williams and niche pop-rockers Fountains of Wayne. I don’t recognize the version he uses.
(The Fountains of Wayne cover, by the way, was used in the remake of the Manchurian Candidate, also in the context of an acceptance speech at a convention…otherwise known as the assassination scene. Which kinda freaked me out yesterday. But then he brought out Ash Madia for a curtain call and all was right with the world.)
Al Franken received the endorsement on the 1st ballot even though many of us (except Mr. Brodkorb; good call Michael) thought it would take more ballots or thought that there would be no endorsement at all. Of course, we all thought this because of the raging controversy surrounding Franken. We thought that like the rest of Minnesota, the DFL would be equally troubled by Mr. Franken’s colorful history from his past career as a “satirist.”
However, Franken’s endorsement shows a major problem with the political system that we have chosen here in Minnesota, a problem I have expressed concern over many times.
Minnesotans, red, blue or any other color, want an election in which the important issues are debated and discussed. Minnesotans don’t want an election in which old dirt on Al Franken is thrown to distract from the issues. Minnesotans don’t want a candidate who is so angry and bitter that all he can do is scream about Republicans and President Bush. Minnesotans don’t want the election that it now seems we are now going to have. This sort of divisive election does nothing to unite us and move us forward.
The problem we now find ourselves in stems from the fact that radical DFL activists control the endorsement process. Average Minnesotans don’t show up on Super Tuesday and spend hours to become a delegate—only the hardcore party people do. Most of us, who represent the majority of Minnesotans, don’t even know how the process works. We just pick one the two endorsed candidates in November. In fact, we barely pay attention until the two candidates are endorsed.
Because of this, DFL activists, the ones who show up, have a larger say in who our next Senator will be than the rest of us. This makes it so important that they select a candidate who appeals to a broader group of people. Unfortunately, this rarely happens, and it didn’t happen this year.
It is no surprise to me that Franken was endorsed by the DFL because the DFLers who are responsible for endorsing do not represent mainstream Minnesotans. They represent the more radical sect of the DFL party—the group that will stand by Franken no matter what he says or does. Thereby robbing the rest of us from the best possible candidate. And robbing the rest of us from a good election that focuses on the important issues.
It makes me sad, really, that we now find ourselves in such an election. Franken’s endorsement is not in the best interest of anyone, regardless of party or allegiance. In a time when both our major parties have endorsed Presidential candidates who preach working together and bipartisanship, it is unfortunate that we cannot say the same for our two endorsed Senate candidates.
We need to change our ways.
Long post, Mr. Black.
The caucus works with the help of those who show up. Those of us who ‘don’t even know how the process works’ should frigging take a couple of hours to caucus. Before Dean’s campaign, I had never caucused. After three goes around, I get the process just fine. I’m even convening and chairing.
It just really isn’t that tough. Those who would complain that the choice isn’t representative ought to get their asses in gear.
Well lojasmo, I applaud you for being someone who walks the talk, so to speak, by actively participating in the political process. While you are correct that people should frigging take some time to be more active, this is unfortunately not realistic. We both know that everyone who votes in November will not show up to caucus and work their way to the state convention. They won’t do this because for one, they have lost faith in the process. Two, because politics is not their life and they are busy. And three, the majority of Minnesotans believe that the two nominated candidates are the best and brightest the two parties have to offer—this is not always true.
I was just looking through the DFL website, “the Coleman Files,” and refreshing my mind on why I don’t like Norm Coleman. All the “files” they have on him, which are legitimate concerns, won’t see the light of day because Republicans will keep the focus on Franken’s past—he’s just too easy a target. If a the DFL nominated a more safe candidate, say Ciresi, then the DFL could focus more on Coleman’s record, rather than constantly being on the defensive. The DFL will pay dearly for its strategic mistake come November.
I don’t think the typical Republican smear and fear campaign will work this time. Issues are what Franken has been campaigning on and issues will be how he wins. Every time a republican trots out an ancient issue of Playboy, then asking for the difference between Franken’s health care plan and Coleman’s health care plan will be the response. Issues are the DFL’s best defense against the smear and fear GOP.
Pat black-
I also take issue with you insinuating that those who make the decisions in the caucus process are a bunch of leftie freaks. First off, Al is, himself, a centrist. The views he holds are very much in line with the things a majority of Americans want. Affordable health insurance, legal parity for GLBT persons, less dependence on foreign oil, out of Iraq.
The people who supported Al are supporting a candidate who speaks to issues which are very important to MOST Americans.
Now, if the outcome had been different, you’d be right to argue that a bunch of lefties wrangled the nomination for a candidate who holds out of touch left wing views, and who will lose to Coleman, but as it is, your argument lacks validity.
lojasmo,
True on Al’s moderate, centrist views. The DFL Veterans Caucus screened all three candidates (at that time) and Al won endorsement hands down by overwhelming numbers (literally 16 to 1 to 0) - because of his knowledge of veterans issues and passion to fight for our military and veterans.
Here are all of the elected officials who endorsed Al - from Al’s website. Just something to keep in mind when you get that first piece of lit with Al’s face on it and one of his quotes…accompanied of course by “DFL endorsed” “Endorsed by the DFL Feminist Caucus” - I really want 2008 to be over.
http://www.alfranken.com/content/endorsements_electeds
**THIS COMMENT WAS EDITED BY SEAN BROOM, PREVIOUSLY IT CONTAINED THE ENTIRE LIST (AS FAR AS I COULD TELL) OF AL FRANKEN’S LEGISLATIVE SUPPORTERS AND THEIR COMMENTS. I INCLUDED THE LINK FROM WHICH ALL OF THOSE WERE COPIED AND PASTED.**
I didn’t think anyone could beat the length of my posts. Then again, you just copied and pasted I’m guessing.
I do not believe that all of “those who make the decisions in the caucus process are a bunch of leftie freaks.” Remember, many who showed up at the caucuses were for other candidates who just didn’t have enough delegates.
In fact, Ciresi has the same position on the issues that Franken does. The position on the issues that I hold also. However, we must remember that we elect of Senators not because we like them personally or think they are funny, but because we like the beliefs they carry and because we believe they will be the most effective in following those beliefs in Washington.
I do not like Franken not because of what he believes, but in how he follows those beliefs. If we send him to Washington, It will be like throwing gas on the fire. No Republican will ever work with him. He will not be effective. Would Dems work with Coulter or Rush if they were elected? I don’t think so. I believe Franken is the liberal equivalent of those two.
Franken’s political beliefs are good one’s, but I don’t think he will be successful in bringing them to Washington. We need a candidate with the same beliefs who can win and be an effective Senator.
I was hoping to get an update about the other DNC spot. I heard that Luchelle won one of the seats. Does anyone have any updates about the other female DNC spot? I would sure appreciate it.
Yeah it was a cut and paste. Sadly it doesn’t state when the elected official signed on. Many were listed as Franken supporters months ago. I believe this is also part of the problem - elected officials aren’t allowing debate to develop among candidates - they are anointing the chosen one far in advance. Frequently this means the most talented and progressive candidate gets peeled off…
Just heard through an email that it was Nancy Larson re-elected. Anyone have a clue how come Betsy O’Berry didn’t get it?
Thanks West Metro Dem! I have been looking all over for that info. I think Nancy is a wonderful committeewoman. About Betsy, I have met her and heard her speak but I don’t know why it didn’t work out.
The convention was interesting. One observation based on my two experiences (2004) is that a few really know how to run the convention floor and keep the old guard and elite in control of the party.
I didn’t expect the Senate Race to go one ballot. Neither candidate is an Amy Klobuchar and Norm/GOP should be grateful for that. In the end, I went with Franken because I felt that Jack was too liberal to appeal to independents. It will be interesting, too bad because this should be an easy pick-up although it’s a challenged seat.
I don’t know if I’ll pursue the state convention again, but I might be tempted if the Governor’s Race ends up to be as compelling as some are predicting it might be.
Swiftee, Demure One, etc - how is life in the Republican Lane?
Is it so terribly unloved?
I am sorry to hear that.
Sounds like it went quite well. Sorry to have missed it.
Some significant endorsements. Great to hear.
Perhaps I was too hard on Demure One.
That list was very nice of her.
“The Best Candidate?”
If the one who is the “best candidate” can’t get to the finals — there is no SwiftBoat-won Wildcard award available in Minnesota.
At least so far, people seem to be a little smarter than that.
I won’t extend that to Betty McCollum, though.
Maybe some one will listen here … the Coleman Franken numbers on the MN Polling Report are reversed in the 3 recent polls. The lead should belong to Coleman but is given to Franken in each, incorrectly.
I think many Franken delegates supported Stevens and Larson. O’Berry was a big Hillary supporter, not exactly popular in this crowd. Saturday night I was talking to some delegates that left after voting for DNC. They asked me who won, I told them, and they said, “Oh you mean that abrasive women didn’t win?”
It was good to see Franken actually apologize - I think he has figured out that trying to explain everything away as satire isn’t going to work.
I don’t know much about that Betsy O’Berry.
Suppose it doesn’t matter too much, or enough to ask at this point, since she didn’t get the endorsement.
Gosh, there are a number of grand things I missed this weekend!
The event in Rochester and the Media thing that had Billo’s henchmen try to pull a fast one on Moyers!
Thanks ever so much for the MDE link.
Why in the world would I CARE what MDE has to say?
When Brodkorb comes here - its to rip into things with some nonsense spin - why do I need to go to that divisive partisan site, for the same thing?????
_______
Coleman is going to get his butt handed to him in any debates, I’d wager!!!
How long can he whine about things that are not issues?
What REAL record can he stand on? Bush’s mess - and voting the other way, when it didn’t count, in order to be able to say he did.
Does that scam fly with an informed public?
Being a Bush apologist - IMO, doesn’t fly when there is a
71% disapproval rating for Coleman’s hero & guru: George W.
The man who makes the fictional Gilligan look like a braintrust!
I’d be the last to deny that there have been some real scumbags in the GOP. But if a Republican candidate for high national office had written;
“I’m talking, of course, about the Internet, which is a terrific learning tool. For example, a couple years ago, when he was 12, my son used the Internet for a sixth grade report on bestiality. Joe was able to download some effective visual aids, which the other students in his class just loved. See, at that age the kids are sponges!”
And my fellow Republicans responded with;
“(candidate X) didn’t cause this sick, sad world and he is doing everything in his power to change it for the better.”
I’d be looking for a new party too.
I’ve said it before. I’m not sure what is lower, Al Franken or the people that support and apologize for him.
Swiftee, I agree 100%,
keep ” Spreading discontent on the internet and sending “Leftists” to the third ring of hell.”, as you say on your blog.
Great Job!
………………….THE LIST
The list that people are referring to, printed out to be 14 pages in length.
Repubs — what you fail to see is that most voters are much more educated on the issues this time around. We can pretend to be “all holier than thou” and focus/react on smear or we can grow up/pay attention to issues that really matter. Norm will not win on the issues/policy — Neocons are the worst thing that ever happened to America and it’s apparent to those who are really paying attention. Remember how Amy K. smoked Kennedy in her bid for Senator? Look for a replay, Big Al style…it’s looking good, Dems.
I’d never heard of Luchelle Stevens until she was running for DNC. She had a Facebook page, so perhaps had the youth vote and union vote.
Betsy campaigned the old fashioned way, by driving to and attending DFL conventions and talking with delegates.
‘Abrasive women’ does NOT match with the Betsy I know.