While the Republican National Convention certainly takes all the attention in the Twin Cities this week, I presume in greater Minnesota the impact of the RNC here is not much different than the impact of having the DNC in Denver. It seems that Al Franken is using this time to continue campaigning while the Republican delegates have their party in Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
Franken was at a rally in Two Harbors, a meeting with workers in the iron range, visited a parade in Cloquet and a celebration in Virginia. In Duluth, Franken and Congressman Jim Oberstar talked about their stimulus plan:
Franken says Congressman Oberstar inspired the proposed deal that is expected to create thousands of jobs nationwide while repairing the nation’s infrastructure.
Oberstar and Franken propose to take money President Bush currently has earmarked for Iraq infrastructure repair and spend it on roads and bridges across America.
“My plan will create 150,000 jobs, put money in the pockets of middle class families who are going to spend it and at the end of the day we’ll have repaired a significant part of our infrastructure.”
DFL Senate candidate Al Franken had a welcoming audience Monday to announce an infrastructure plan.
…
“I’m calling for a new stimulus package designed to create jobs, and bolster the middle class economy while at the same time doing something that our economy badly needs: rebuilding our infrastructure and investing in new transportation options,” Franken said.
Franken said he would pay for the plan by asking for $7 billion intended to go toward Iraq’s infrastructure instead to be redirect back to the United States.
The Brainerd Dispatch covered Al Franken at a Labor Day picnic in Baxter:
Franken’s arrival at the picnic was greeted with fanfare from those attending, especially when he jogged through the crowd giving high-fives and shaking hands. Though the picnic itself was nonpartisan, a majority of those attending wore shirts or stickers of support for Democratic candidates ranging from Rep. John Ward, DFL-Brainerd, to presidential candidate Barack Obama.
In a brief speech, Franken touched on several campaign issues: health care for all citizens, the need for renewable energy, the need for better funding for education, improving the economy and cutting taxes for the middle class.
“What really creates prosperity here in America is when the middle class is doing well,” said Franken, who is challenging Sen. Norm Coleman in November’s election.
Many of these things Franken has addressed before, but his specific plan on infrastructure is new. From a Franken press release yesterday:
Franken’s plan:
Nearly 150,000 jobs. According to the Department of Transportation, each $1 billion invested in transportation development creates over 47,500 jobs and over $1.3 billion in worker income – and up to $6 billion in additional gross domestic product.
$2 billion for deferred infrastructure projects. Franken would make $2 billion available to fund these projects immediately. Projects would be selected for funding through a competitive grant process, and to be eligible, must be able to begin within 90 days of receiving funds.
$1 billion to help build rail systems. Franken would make $1 billion available in grants to states or groups of states for capital costs of facilities and equipment necessary to improve multi-modal transportation options like the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative.
Fully paid for. In the long term, these investments will go far beyond paying for themselves. But we don’t need to increase the deficit to get this stimulus plan enacted if we pass some of Franken’s other proposals – like revoking $7 billion in Iraq reconstruction funds that have been obligated but not spent.
Overall, I think it’s a smart move on Franken’s part to give the RNC its space and continue going around the state talking with Minnesotans who aren’t part of the RNC media frenzy. Today I got word that he is in Mankato with Tim Walz.
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