I fully intend on participating in precinct caucuses next Tuesday night (find your caucus location here). I don’t dare miss caucuses because I want to be part of my DFL party unit and, basically, I just want to be involved. But this presents me with a bit of a pickle when it comes to candidate endorsement time. See, I’ve been trying my darndest to stay above the fray on this one—this website gives me a bit (read: very small) of a megaphone and I think our slate of possible candidates is just too good for me (or any DFLer, for that matter) to start a mud-fight (I want to throw mud across the aisle!). As I’ve said many times before, I’d enthusiastically support any one of the candidates who has a hat in the ring. Of course, I have my own private feelings about each, but I truly don’t have an overriding favorite.
So, with all that being said, I have two polls for you.
[EDIT: I’ve reversed the order of the polls because I think it makes more sense to have the catch-all first; and that might reduce overvoting on the caucus-goer poll]
For the first poll, everyone should vote. The title of this post is a bit misleading because I won’t actually defer to the poll, but I am interested to see where people are at. And I sincerely will take it into consideration when I caucus, so if you can’t attend, this is your chance to influence the outcome from your computer.
Loading …For the next poll, you’re on your honor: please only respond if you plan on caucusing. Obviously you can be a sourpuss and respond even if you’re not caucusing, but that kind of ruins it and it makes you a big jerk.
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I still don’t know! I want to see Rybak’s fundraising numbers first.
I’m as interested as anyone in seeing RT’s numbers, but this is one area where numbers aren’t going to be incredibly interesting. That is, he only started fundraising in late 2009, so I wouldn’t expect his numbers to be all that impressive; at least not relative to the Entenzas, Bakks, and Thissens of the world. That being said, if he did have a big number, that would be a big story. Or maybe he breaks out his December numbers, which would allow a better comparison.
Bottom line: numbers are important (and fun) but they certainly aren’t everything — not by a long shot.
That’s what I am wondering about, Matt. I’d like to see that he is at least keeping pace with the rest of the pack. If he is outpacing them, or burning through cash fast, that would give me some more info on his viability.
Makes sense to me! Well, the second I get his numbers, you’ll have them too.
Interesting, dual polls. I heart our great candidates.
The odds that people aren’t just voting in both as preference polls: slim to none.
Tricky way to if we plan to do something (or nothing) about our preference for one or the candidates. Caucus, or stay home due to whatever the reason. Use your voice, folks. I plan to bring printouts from my favorite top three candidates.
And those of you who will caucus for Kelley, today I noticed he has a link called Download the Kelley Caucus Guide That’s pretty smart!
I just wanted to point out on my either way poll Frmr. Senator Mark Dayton was omitted in favor of 2 opportunities to vote for State Senator Tom Bakk. This could skew your results…
I also was wondering why first poll had two opportunities to vote for Bakk and none for Dayton.
Heh, Dayton lovers will be all over that!
I didn’t vote in the poll because I have a really hard time caucusing with the DFL as I fundamentally feel like my ideosyncratic views do not match those of the Democrats closely enough for my comfort. I’m definitely anti-GOP and anti-conservative, but I don’t feel there is an organized party or group I feel right about joining.
That being said, if I were to caucus- and the two candidates I would most like to see win- would be Rybak or Thissen.
I’m bringing glazed donuts and coffee to my precinct caucus, theoko. Come on down!
How does that do me any good if we’re not in the same precinct?
Hi Matt:
Can’t seem to find a way to vote, so I’ll just let you know that I’m supporting and caucusing for Rukavina. Politicians often avoid difficult issues, or test the political winds before stepping out on an issues. And especially in difficult times we really need leaders willing to stick their chins out and reform things the most. One example: last session, when cuts were being made to budgets everywhere, Representative Rukavina was willing to continue to fund a promising significant prison reentry reform pilot program… Why? Because in the long term (longer than an election cycle) it makes sense to stabilize these guys, get them a job, paying taxes, child support, rather than send them back to prison at tax payer expense. Rukavina - refreshingly honest and a protector of people with little means and little voice in our political process.
I know Tom Rukavina very well and he is man everyone can trust. He is honest, upfront, and caring. I think he will be a great Governor for Minnesota. He is a man of the people.
Entenza! Today at the SEIU forum I was reminded why I’m supporting Matt- he’s clearly the no BS progressive candidate with 21st century solutions for Minnesota.
I was surprised to see Rukavina come out on top in both polls. He seems like a straight talker with a good sense of humor, the little bit I’ve seen of him. I am going to have to learn more before the district convention, which is where I plan to decide. Rybek and Thissen are both on my short list, so these results look promosing to me.
Wow, what an outpouring of support for Tom Rukavina! I expect to see the same thing happen on Tuesday.
I must say I am very curious to see where the votes come out.
I hope you know I was being snarky.
“See, I’ve been trying my darndest to stay above the fray on this one—this website gives me a bit (read: very small) of a megaphone and I think our slate of possible candidates is just too good for me (or any DFLer, for that matter) to start a mud-fight (I want to throw mud across the aisle!).”
Answer me this Matt: the last four election cycles we have put up terrible candidates. Is is really possible that every single candidate running this time is a good candidate?
It looks like the polls have closed, but I just wanted to chime in saying that I’m caucusing for John Marty on Tuesday. He has the strongest, most detailed position on health care reform, and his refusal to take any PAC or lobbyist money is unique among the DFL candidates. I respect an ethical politician who stands up for what he believes in, whether or not it’s the popular thing to do. He may have run and lost in 1994, but cultural progress shows his positions were on the right side of history even then.
Tom Rukavina is the best choice for MN Governor because he has the courage and conviction to get it done.
He has compassion and cares about the people of Minnesota; he is humble and has not forgotten his roots and where he came from and he loves this state.
Tom understands what Minnesota really needs and he will never stop fighting for Minnesota and the people. The dedication and conviction he has shown as a Legislature for the past 23 years has proven him to be a true leader and fighter for the people.
I am honored to caucus and stand with Tom for his run for MN Governor.
In past years I have tried to make a rational determination of who had the best chance to succeed based at least partially on fund-raising. This year I decided to base my decision on which candidate was closest to my ideology and heart. I also asked myself who was likely to best in the job of Governor. I had a chance to meet and question every candidate at least once since last summer. I asked them all the same question: Why didn’t the DFL sue Pawlenty over Un-allotment? Almost all had one of two responses. 1. We wouldn’t have standing. ( a legal dodge) or 2. We wouldn’t have a very good chance of prevailing. (good thing our founders weren’t so timid or craven) Two candidates expressed similar frustration over our party’s lack of spine that has troubled me. John Marty and Tom Rukavina. I give Tom the edge. He is the kind of guy who can slide the knife between your ribs and you still might be smiling. The press will love him. He is a rascal. John I very much admire, but he may be too nice for this role. Tom Rukavina can do this! All our candidates are good people. We have only one big rat in the wood pile who needs dealing with. His name is Brian and his henchman is named Andy.
Remember the ‘94 governors race? Remember the ‘00 senate race? We endorsed underfunded and darn near unknown candidates who didn’t have a chance, with predictable results. Here’s the shortlist of DFL candidates who have the visibility or campaign cash to win: Dayton, Entenza, and maybe Rybak. I love the rest of our candidates, but the reality is that they don’t have a chance.
Dyna, we disagree on Entenza and I won’t re-hash that, but I have to give you credit for maybe being the only person here who has a grip on reality.
We don’t have 10 candidates who can win. We have maybe 2 or 3. And to all the new MNPublius contributors here, Tom Rukavina is not one of them.
Dan, you are so wrong, I will be at my Caucus and I WILL VOTE for Rukavina!
Just watch the voice of the people and watch Rukavina because like it or not he is the voice of the people.
The voice of what people? The people who hate the environment? The people who like to drink and drive?
If you remove Entenza, you’re probably correct there.
Holy crap, lojasmo and I agree on something!
Don’t let it go to your head.
Remember in 1990 when an underfunded and darn near unknown Senate candidate who didn’t have a chance was endorsed?
Do you remember when people stopped desecrating Paul Wellstone’s memory by using his election as a justification for supporting any unknown and underfunded loser who runs for office? I guess not, Victor.
Paul Wellstone had run for statewide office previously and really was a once in a lifetime candidate. Tom Rukavina is just an assclown.
The really sad part is that is that your point is that Wellstone got endorsed. The DFL has endorsed a lot of losers - look at Jerry Janezich, a candidate very similar to Rukavina. The trick, though, is actually electing someone to office. Which is why all the talk here about Rukavina is nonsense.
Dan,
Oh, yes, Rukavina IS one of them.
nope
Wow.
No, actually Tom Rukavina is a complete and utter assclown. He is an obscure backbencher most prominently known for his drunk driving escapades. He probably got more votes on the MNPublius poll than he would get in the general election if he were the nominee. The fact that people are actually serious about his guy just shows the extreme depths of the problems with the DFL. Grow up, this is an important election.
Dan,
I ignored your comments for a while, but now I must respond. I am glad you are throwing so much energy into trying to insult a person who has given their life to public service and making their community and state a better place. Tom Rukavina is my father and of course I am a little biased.
Still, I don’t need to be biased to understand that you are the ass in this life.
Tom Rukavina doesn’t go around swearing at people. Instead, he works endlessly, and gives up more than you will ever know, in trying to fight for the regular people of our state- instead of fighting for those with big money.
You state that he has drunk driving “escapades”. What a bunch of bull. Yes, he was pulled over and convicted one time for drunk driving. To insinuate that he has drunk driving escapades is going too far.
I am sorry that you have what seems like such strong feelings of hatred towards my dad. Hopefully some day you can learn to love and respect people who are different than you.
I do have a lot more to say, but I have wasted enough of my time on you.
Ida, you have identified the problem with the DFL in a nutshell. There has been too much “love and respect” when it comes to choosing statewide candidates, and not enough critical thinking. The DFL needs to face hard truths or it is going to keep losing elections.
You are also missing the target of my criticism. I certainly don’t hate your dad, and really hadn’t given him a second thought before these polls went up. I am sure he is a great guy, but he is someone who has no chance whatsoever of ever getting elected governor. My criticism is of the people who are wasting their time on candidates who aren’t going to win.
As to your defense of your dad’s drunk driving, I have friends who were killed by a single episode of drunk driving. There were sober and stopped at an intersection when a drunk driver plowed into them at high speed, killing them instantly. Maybe in the Rukavina family a single episode of drunk driving is acceptable, but in my world and the world of the families of my deceased friends, it sure isn’t. Instead of “escapades”, I should have used Tom Rukavina’s “reckless behavior” or Tom Rukavina’s “attempted murder.” In any event, don’t you dare f-ing lecture me about my description of your dad’s drunk driving.
Dan: “attempted murder” is a little sleazy…even for you.
lojasmo, have you ever been to the funeral of a friend who was killed by a drunk driver? Give me a call when you have and then we can talk about how sleazy my remarks are.
Were you born a dishonest angry little ass or did you become one after life dumped on you?
Ida is absolutely right about Ruk and I’ll be caucusing for him too. Name another candidate that has done more for working men and women through public service in this race. You can’t (sans Mark Dayton who comes from a different background and means).
Its chumps like you that have taken this DFL party to the point that the so call working men and women that it aims to represent have no chance of actually been the representative. Its a duel class system that will be the end of the party in the next decade or two.
Let’s review some of the candidates who were flush with cash and more ‘electable’. Hatch, Mondale, Ciresi, Moe, Freeman and Humphrey. All good names, high profile, lots of money and thought to be able to win a general (those who made it pass the primary).
Wellstone and Durenburger were once in a lifetime, plus not as big of a deal that folklore would have you believe. They both put the work in, Tom Rukavina has done that much for much longer.
Money will not be a problem for any of these candidates. While the DFL party won’t be delivering any cash that will matter, there will be plenty of money flowing in this election. Especially now that corporations and unions have no limit or even disclosure responsibilities.
Dan, “attempted murder” is pushing the limits on our comment policy. I understand where you’re coming from (although I’m sure I can never fully understand your loss) but there is little doubt that a man’s repented for mistake is different far different from the criminal intent to kill. It is an extremely serious mistake, but it is one that many have made and Rep. Rukavina has worked hard to right it. Moreover, he has worked tirelessly for thousands of Minnesotans across the state and whether or not you agree with the work he’s done, labeling him with the most damning language you can conjure is certainly not deserved.
I understand how easy it is for emotion to manifest itself in ugly flame-throwing when you’re angry in front of a keyboard and monitor, but it doesn’t do justice to the candidates or your own, warranted, views. If you feel strongly about drunk driving being an absolute bar to public office, please voice it in a manner that will win either sympathy or support. But please do not fling insults and burn bridges simply because it provides an emotional outlet. It doesn’t do anyone good and it may constitute slander if pushed too far.
Has he repented? His kid sure seems to think it isn’t a big deal. I didn’t get “Geez he’s really sorry and he’s repented for his horrible mistake.” No, I got called out for being too critical of his DUI. And remember, I didn’t use “attempted murder” initially - it was response to my criticism of “drunk driving escapades.” I only went there after Rukavina’s kid attempted to minimize what he did. You also have to put in the context that Rukavina is an advocate for drunk drivers and was the fiercest opponent of lowering the limit to .08
So advocating for a alcohol limit (.10) is the same as advocating for drunk driving? You are a dumbass and that’s not slander. Your dishonesty warrants no more response but, I’m sure I won’t be able to resist.
His kid, an adult woman, was trying to get your lying mouth to explain what you meant by “drunk driving escapades” indicating clearly that there is a known pattern. You were caught on that, one DUI, and now its his environmental record. You cite one case. 25 years in the legislature and you cite one issue. Bonehead.
I will caucus, but I will wait and support the strongest candidate,
That is the one that wins the Primary.
With this many candidates I don’t think a small group should
choosing who will represent the DFL.
First off, enough with calling Rukavina, et al names- Tom exemplifies the best in Minnesota’s progressive tradition and would make a great governor, just as Jerry Janezich would have made a great U.S. Senator. As for Wellstone’s upset win, that was two decades ago. Since then the cost of media has risen much faster than inflation. Then multiply that by how much media their is now- cable TV, websites, twitter, facebook, etc.. Sad to say, unless we see public funding and spending limits, the time is long past when an underfundeded candidate has a chance of winning the primary, never mind the general!
First, I seriously doubt that Tom Rukavina would be a good governor. He has never accomplished much of anything in the legislature and he is terrible on the environment. He’s a fiery populist, but I don’t see that getting him anywhere or pointing to him being a successful governor.
Second, if you were around in 1990 and saw it firsthand, Wellstone’s win wasn’t nearly the miracle that it seems to be. He beat out weak competition for the nomination, and actually was to the right of his main opponent Tom Berg on some issues. Wellstone had run a statewide campaign for state auditor and he benefitted greatly in 1990 when the Boschwitz campaign basically imploded. Finally, Paul Wellstone was something really special that does not come along very often, and Tom Rukavina could not carry Paul Wellstone’s jockstrap. People are seriously misunderstanding and disrespecting the legacy of Paul Wellstone if they think it simply means that obscure underfunded liberal candidates can win elections.
Dyna may be right that the world has changed and even Paul Wellstone could not win an election today. Tom Rukavina certainly can’t. When Janezich got the nomination people just laughed and ignored him, and that was 10 years ago.
Maybe its good that all these people are going to show up for Rukavina, because that will further discredit our awful undemocratic caucus system.
The really question is how many times and how many different candidates can be compared to Wellstone? Nelson-Pallmeyer, Rukavina, and basically any obscure, underfunded DFL candidates over the last six years have tried to liken themselves to Wellstone. Just because no one knows who you are and you haven’t been able to put up any serious fundraising numbers does not make you Wellstone. He was special. You would think that the DFL would have learned its lesson about using Wellstone’s memory as a political tool.
With that being said, all the Entenza talk actually scares me (and he has THE politician haircut. Seriously Bob McDonell, John Edwards, and Entenza must be going to the same barber). Humphrey, Moe, and Hatch were all nominated because they were veteran DFL politicians who had paid their dues and believed that it was their “turn.” Entenza would be a continuation of this pattern. For once let us not endorse a political has been (especially one that lost a statewide nominating race largely due to shady campaigning techniques). Not to mention he is boring to listen to. I honestly and truly believe that just about any other DFL candidate other than John Marty (seriously a 2:1 ratio loss. Learn a lesson please!) would do better in the general than Entenza. It’s been so long since the DFL has won a governor race that I really think we need to take a long hard look in the mirror and ask ourselves what we have been doing wrong.
Fantastic! I want every person here to read this comment.
Well Brian, who are you supporting?
I will not be caucusing this year but I would love to see Rybak, Thissen, or Bakk come away with the endorsement simply because I believe them to be the most electable (also less prone to act embarrassingly). I seriously believe that DFL activists need to deeply consider the seriousness of the role they play in nominating candidates that then go on to lose elections. To many people politics is a hobby, to others a profession, and to a few a social outlet. Too often we are caught up in the trivial aspects of politics (it’s not about rad websites, cool campaign signs, or fun campaign activities). Activists need a greater appreciation of the idea that by attending a caucus they are playing an active role in governance. The decisions made at conventions affect a great deal of people in seriously tangible ways long after the romance of campaigning disappears and bumper stickers have worn of off our cars.
It pains me to hear fellow DFLers bemoan how Pawlenty has screwed up our state. We need to take some responsibility. We screwed up our state by allowing Pawlenty to win.
Wow, check out these numbers! I am happy to see Rukavina leading the pack!
Way To Go TOM!!!
I hope he doesn’t get too drunk if he wins, because according to his kid, drunk driving is ok.
Dan,
Once again, all you can do is write lies. I really like your use of the F word towards me as well. Can’t wait to meet a person like you at the convention.
You state above that I said drunk driving is ok. I never stated that nor implied that. What I was trying to address is the fact that you were stating lies by using the word “escapades”.
If you have such a complete and utter disregard for people’s lives and safety that you drink and drive live Tom Rukavina did, I think “escapades” is a pretty gentle term.
“Yes, he was pulled over and convicted one time for drunk driving. To insinuate that he has drunk driving escapades is going too far.”
I would interpet that as an implication that drunk driving is ok. Especically since your dad was such a strong opponent of reducing the legal limit to .08.
Vote for Tom Rukavina - friend of the Drunk Driver!
Since all you do is guttersnipe, would you care to tell who you are supporting?
Rybak or Dayton. I like Thissen, but I worry that he is a complete unknown.
Who are you supporting, lojasmo?
I get it now. A purist from the city of lakes.
Dan is a Minneapolis centered liberal. Guess what? Not even St Paul is as left as Minneapolis. It won’t sell beyond Brooklyn Center or Richfield.
You sit here talk about candidates that can’t win, what a joke.
You talk about the environment, but, to what cost? The economy and death of an entire region? Rukavina knows we can have both. He’s worked at it for two decades.
As far as your insane DUI issues, Dayton has had plenty of alcohol issues. He’ll be the first to tell you that he’s been lucky not to kill someone. So does that take Dayton off your list?
Point is, you weak little jerk, you can walk through this list of candidates and be critical about their chances of winning without getting personal in a you know, lying through your yellow teeth, kind of way.
Rukavina is the best candidate to make decisions with a knowledge through experience of what the poor, working and middle classes are going through and how the decisions may affect them. 24 years of House records from the floor back this up. Dayton, though wealthy beyond worry, has the experience of representing all Minnesotans and working hard at trying to understand the daily plight of those classes.
They both would be great for the state, even with their past alcohol problems.
The liar here is Tom Rukavina for stating that the PolyMet project is compatible with environmental projection. Or maybe he has been an industry shill for so long he is actually buying into the talking points. The sad part is that you or anyone actually believes he is doing the Iron Range any favors by gutting the environment for a few jobs. Its an example of short-sighted, backwards thinking at its worst.
Insane DUI issues? Sorry, but Rukavina is a convicted drunk driver. While Dayton has had his own alcohol issues, I am unaware of any drunk driving. Dayton also never championed the right to drive drunk like Rukavina did in opposing lowering the limit to .08.
As an outsider, it seems kind of obvious that MAK will get the endorsement, but maybe I’m wrong.
I don’t think she will
Two months ago, she had it wrapped up. I think there has been enough stumbles and questions with the DFL that slowed her down.
Potential delegates are not happy with the exposure of the sweetheart deal and the apparent leaking of the lists among other complaints. Nominating MAK will continue this pattern and its giving some of them pause.
Interesting insight. I would commend the DFL if they put forward a fresh candidate.
I don’t think anyone argued that drunk driving is “ok”. But I’m not willing to eliminate a candidate for one mistake in their past.
I am curious about his environmental record, though. Can anyone suggest where there’s more information on this?
I hope MAK doesn’t get the endorsement. She’s clearly competent. However, she’s also patronizing and a total snooze.
You have to remember that Rukavina was one of the strongest opponents of lowering the DUI limit to .08. It would not have mattered in his case since he was well over .08 or .10
http://articles.latimes.com/2002/dec/30/nation/na-dui30
Rukavina is a big advocate of mining in Northern Minnesota, which environmental groups say can’t be done without significant harm to the environment.
http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/10/06/3735/political_dispute_intensifies_over_potential_pollution_from_copper-nickel_mining
You don’t strike me as much of an environmentalist.
You would be wrong about that.
So, where do you suppose we get the nickel and copper from that your using for your computer right now? How about that cell phone you keep your latest indie rock band ring tone on?
We have plenty of it deposited in the region that we’ve been mining in for 150 years. I hate to break it to you but the service industry built around tourists from the Cities is not paying enough to support families.
Using new technology to mine resources that will be used so widely, can actually put us on the technology and research map.
I guess you say no, and that’s all to it.
I see that you have mining industry shill Tom Rukavina’s talking points down pat. The answer is that there are lot of places to get those things, and most of them aren’t nearly as environmentally sensitive as where this mine would go.
“Using new technology to mine resources that will be used so widely, can actually put us on the technology and research map”
What are you going to tell me about next, clean coal?
For the record, Rukavina’s record on the environment:
*Authored legislation to convert local public utility plants in northern Minnesota to biomass fuel use.
*Supported legislation allowing the conversion of K-12 schools around the state to biofuels for heat.
*Sponsored legislation to invest state money to create a windmill blade manufacturing plant.
*Supported legislation to invest in research for organic farmers including crops, livestock and dairy farming to increase their success and expansion.
*Authored legislation and supported access to Minnesota’s great outdoor heritage including funding of biking and hiking areas such as the 132 mile Mesabi Trail.
Sierra Club rated him at 75% supportive of their issues.
Labor (AFL, SEIU, AFSCME, MAPE) average him at 96% supportive of their issues.
So, he seems to have learned how to balance jobs with energy without crapping on the environment.
You were lying about something were you not Dan? Continue.
And if an environmental lobbying group says it, it must be true…
That’s awesome - the Rukavina apologists are going to come out and bash environmental groups. Way to show your true colors.
Enough said, where can I send the check?
I you think that I am being stupid or naive for trusting environmentalists more than industry on environmental issues, knock yourself out.
Am I a blowhard because I take drunk driving seriously? Is is nonsense that my view on the issue was influenced by the facts that I had a couple of friends killed by a drunk driver? Is that kind of talk too immature - should we stick to “it was just one DUI so its not a big deal” and “.08 only punishes casual drinkers”?
Generally when you put something in quotation marks, it means that somebody actually said it. I don’t remember reading “it was just one DUI so its not a big deal” in anybody’s post so far.
And yes, I think drinking the kool aid from environmentalists is just as “stupid and naive” (See, that’s how you use quotation marks) as drinking the kool aid from a political candidate. But it sounds like you have already slammed too much of the kool aid to be reasonable at this point.
Oh and by they way, if you read the article that you posted, you’ll see that the argument was that the .08 law would increase arrests, further clogging the court system and increasing costs to the state. You may not like the argument, but you could at least use the facts when you’re blustering. But I guess that wouldn’t help you in your blowhard hate campaign against Mr. Rukavina.
Keep blustering.
The quotation marks were meant to break off the idea I was conveying from the rest of the sentence, not to represent actual quotes. If you want me to clarify that, then no, those were not actual quotes. You win, smart guy.
Maybe you take the approach that there are equal arguments on each side of every issue. I would like to think that it is possible to differentiate between “kool aid” (was that use of quotations ok?)and science and reason. That Fox News is actually just bullshit and not simply the other side of the news. So If one side says that sulfide mining is bad for the environment, and the other side it isn’t, you don’t have two equal arguments.
The bit about the rising arrests and court costs isn’t the “facts” - its Tom Rukavina’s argument, or his excuse for defending drunk drivers.
The fact I was referring to is that the costs and arrests were his argument, not protecting drunk drivers. I only used it to point out that you put “.08 only punishes casual drinkers” in quotation marks like that was his argument. It wasn’t. His argument was the rate of arrest and the subsequent cost to the state. Your interpretation of his argument is that he’s protecting drunk drivers. You are fully entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts. I’m not saying either way whether I agree with those arguments. What I am saying is that you use your minuscule bully pulpit to misrepresent the historical facts and leave people with an incorrect impression of one of the candidates.
Is the concept of a candidate who won’t sacrifice economic development to your environmental fear-mongering so disgusting to you? Is it not possible to find a balance between the economic needs of the state and the need to protect our beautiful areas? Is it really either/or? Or are you just dropping logical fallacies because you’re incapable of a real argument?
I think your posts have shown you for what you are, and I very much doubt that any of the candidates would want your support. Take your hate and cynicism somewhere else, we don’t need it here.
I know there are a lot pro-Rukavina posts on this thread but it’s pretty obvious that he doesn’t have the support going into Tuesday. He is ahead in the poll on this website but is has very obviously been skewed by his supporters. He will not get the endorsement. A lopsided MNPublius poll will not change that.
In my mind the real question for Tuesday is how strong the Entenza and Rybak camps will be. In my mind the endorsement race is between MAK and Entenza. Rybak, in my mind, could surprise and I think Bakk and Thissen could have significant showings. I can’t imagine any of the other candidates actually making a run at it. What do you all think.
After reviewing this thread the next day, I realize that I did go too far. My apologies, everyone. I think a blogging sabbatical is in order for me.
Apology accepted Dan. I lost my mother to a car accident (cell phone related). I have found that focusing on the good memories I have of her makes me feel a lot better than focusing on the tragedy of the situation.