Comments on: Primary Victories

By: Cut & Paster

Cut & Paster — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:57:59 +0000

Abeler’s opponent Don Huizenga did himself in with the bad choices that were first brought to light on this blog (click on Don Huizenga in the “People We Cover” list to the right). He ran an extremely negative campaign and I think that really backfired.

Also, Abeler is extremely popular in 48B - this is a swing district - crossing party lines is a plus out here - lots of independent voters and Democrats showed up to support him. When you are endorsed by everyone from the MCCL to the AFL-CIO, you can pull in a lot of people.

By: Eva Young

Eva Young — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:15:48 +0000

In the Abler seat, there was no Republican endorsement - so there was no official party help for Abler’s opponent (no help for him either). Also Abler’s opponent posted some incendiary things on a bulletin board. This helped Abler.

In the case of Peterson, the party put resources into defeating Peterson. It’s too bad. Peterson was a decent guy. Jan Schneider, Peterson’s opponent was endorsed by the Republican party.

By: The Venerable Bede

The Venerable Bede — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:02:46 +0000

True, but the Senate race was not the only thing on the ballot. I think the primary was a valid slice, and whatever particulars brought out voters for either side was a good thing. If more voters came out DFL, I say cool.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:06:15 +0000

“You want problems? More DFL voters went to the primary polls than GOP voters.”

Um, the DFL had a contested primary. The GOP endorsed candidate was apparently contested by someone nobody has ever heard of…or even knew was running.

By: MRW

MRW — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:49:16 +0000

I’m curious to hear what people think about Rep. Neil Peterson’s loss as opposed to Jim Abeler winning handily.

By: lojasmo

lojasmo — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:55:39 +0000

Norm was not hurt by his only competitor being an imprisoned expat.

Franken will do fine.

I would like eveybody to note that Franken’s vote total was higher than Norman’s.

By: The Venerable Bede

The Venerable Bede — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:13:29 +0000

Oh Balls. PLF’s numbers were greatly increased by GOP voters crossing over and voting the DFL side of the ballot. The same thing happened on the GOP side, just not as many. You want problems? More DFL voters went to the primary polls than GOP voters. The only problem I see is that we can’t yet predict a DFL landslide. This Senate race will be close and down to the wire. Coleman may win yet, but it won’t be because he owns the issues, or has a stellar record for helping any constituencies other than special interests. He will win because people who have the most to protect, that want the status quo, are voters who never miss a chance to vote.

By: gopgal

gopgal — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:53:15 +0000

Only in your warped world can you actually, possibly with a straight face, include in the same post anything about Norm barely getting over 90% and say that Franken swept the primaries. Go look at the out-state results, you guys have a huge problem.

By: attilla

attilla — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:01:56 +0000

Thanks for the SD16 Link. Two Eagan SD38 Republican officers sharing the love!!!

By: The Venerable Bede

The Venerable Bede — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:41:18 +0000

Why wait for November? And I wouldn’t use the word stupid, I’m a progressive liberal elitist. Simplistic narrow minded sound bytes are not nuanced enough for me. I’m not sure what word will best describe Minnesotans if they vote Coleman back into office, but I’m betting if there is one, it will be coined by the Patrick Blacks out there, not progressive liberals. What will the latter call people who return a Senator to office who has such a lousy record of representing average Minnesotans and an excellent record of representing special interests and party line agenda? Hmmm… how about, “Typically Wealthy Right Wing Guy”?