--Does it seem really early for LT-Gov announcements to anyone else? Or is this a harbinger of other similar announcements from sitting legislators who need surrogates speaking for them while they're busy in St. Paul?
--This quote from Tom Scheck's roundup seems interesting:
There are several points that popped up during the news conference. Sivarajah said she ran for Anoka County Commissioner because she shared the same frustration as the members of the Tea Party movement.
Is that the same as being a member of the Tea Party movement? If so, is this an effort by Seifert to placate his party's conservative base, which has been courted heavily by his opponent, Tom Emmer?
--The trend of gender and geographic balance between the gubernatorial candidates and their lieutenants continues -- what I don't get is how it's automatically considered a good thing that such balance exists. If the running mate is the best person for the job, and happens to hail from a different region or have different chromosomes, great! But if they're nominated for the sake of that balance alone, or crass political considerations, is that a good thing for our politics?
In any case, Seifert has set the stage for a bevy of similar announcements -- let the games begin!
On February 8, 2010, Radio KFAI sponsored a gubernatorial candidate forum at their studio. Present for this interview were DFL candidates Margaret Anderson Kelliher, John Marty and Tom Rukavina, as well as IP candidates Robb Hahn and Tom Horner. Also present were GOP candidates Marty Seifert, Bill Haas and Tom Emmer.
KFAI will be doing another forum with more gubernatorial candidates on March 25. You can listen at the KFAI website at http://www.kfai.org/node/25730
The candidates were all first given a chance to briefly introduce themselves and tell why they are running for governor.
Nuclear power regaining favor amid recession, climate concerns
BY JUDY PASTERNAK
Investigative Reporting Workshop
WASHINGTON - The Obama administration may soon guarantee as much as $18.5 billion in loans to build nuclear reactors to generate electricity, and Congress is considering whether to add billions more to support an expansion of nuclear power.
These actions come after an extensive, decade-long campaign in which companies and unions related to the industry have spent more than $600 million on lobbying and nearly $63 million on campaign contributions, according to an analysis by the Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University.
Nuclear power has proven - PROVEN - time and time again it simply cannot be economcially viable without being firmly attached to the Taxpayer's wallet.
Why "Conservatives" support this taxpayer rip-off only proves, once again: "GOP stands for GreedOverPrinciples."
Cuddle up with your (progressive) one true love and lower your political hackles for just a second. If you are able to laugh at yourself a little (and we all know you can laugh at the GOP), visit GOPValentine.com and look at this year's tongue-in-cheek electronic love notes to Democrats the RNC has generated on its' romantic fundraising site (donations to send a GOP e-card are encouraged, but not required, so maybe send one and scare your honey into thinking you've flipped!).
Oh, and don't miss the one with Senator Al Franken (which refers to when Franken interrupted Joe Lieberman on the Senate floor) which says: "In My Capacity As The Senator From Minnesota, I Object To This Valentine's Card." Others are funnier. See the complete 2010 selection here .
Amazing, isn't it? Since The Trickster ("I am not a crook!") walked into the Oval Office in 1969, the GOP has held the levers of executive power for 28 of the last 41 years; in Minnesota, the last DFLer to sit in the Corner Office was Rudy Perpich - and his last year was 1990.
The FarRightFringe of the GOP has been singing the praises of VooDoo Economics for ages; Uncle Ronnie put it into practice. If it worked, we'd be living high of the hog now; but we aren't because it doesn't. The GOP has driven the national economy into the cr@pper; TBag drove us under the bus here.
So, why - with the results so clear: VooDoo Economics DO NOT WORK - do hucksters like TBag still try to sell that RightWingSnakeOil?
Because those that forget the lessons of history, tend to vote GOP.
I checked in with my brother, a graduate of the University of Florida (Go, Gators!!!) and an appraiser with many years of experience in that state's real estate market. His reaction?
"Yeah, 'right.'"
Ladies and Gentlemen, Florida is in a bust (it's beyond 'bear') market. Go google "florida population decline" and see the hits you get - I did. My brother merely confirmed what I already knew; that the Freeloader "Freedom" Foundation Minnesota was merely tryin' to sell some more of that ol' RightWingSnakeOil, referred to as VooDoo Economics by Bush The Elder (before Uncle Ronnie took him to the woodshed).
If folk are fleeing the frozen tundra due to excessive taxation (and that's a BIG "IF"), the fact is they're fleeing Florida 'cause The Republican Recession put that state's economy in the cr@pper.
Well, this state's economy, too.
OK, The Republican Recession put the whole (cheney)in' country's economy in the cr@pper. And those GOPers dam near melted the world's economy, too. Essentially, all those years of GOPers in the driver's seat ruined everything. But, that's a tangent. Back to the Freeloader "Freedom" Foundation Minnesota's "report."
Last night, while sitting in as Guest Host at AM 950 Radio, I ripped that "report" - because it is indeed bogus - and had Jeff Van Wychen from MN2020.org call in to give his thoughts about the Freeloader "Freedom" Foundation Minnesota's "report."
I started out last night at the Eden Prairie High School, for the GOP's SD 42 Caucus. Asking for Media Credentials, The Nice Lady turneded me down - only true believers "those supporting the GOP" would be allowed in; when I asked her if ALL media would be denied entrance, suddenly A Nice Young Man produced an "observer" sign-in form. The Nice Lady still grilled me for my Media Card; fortunately Senator (and candidate for Gov.) Hann vouched for me. Personally, I like Sen Hann - and for that matter, Rep. Emmer, too. Disagree with their politics, but like 'em as people. Emmer's speech to the crowd gave 'em the red meat they crave. As I watched the crowd lapping it up, I noticed once again at this GOPer event: lilly white. COMPLETELY. As usual, at almost every GOPer event I've attended, not a single person not white.
Which, of course, contrasts sharply with what I saw at both the IP Caucus at the Eden Prairie Library and the DFL Caucus at the EP Middle School.
I've let it be known for quite some time that I would not be running for Alternate nor Delegate during this election cycle; between blogging and hosting a weekly radio show I didn't want any perceived conflict of interest in my coverage.
So, tonight I'm going to make the caucus rounds and see what's happening at the DFL, GOP, IP and Green parties. First up at the Eden Prairie High School are the GOPers, who (according to the local paper) have a "preliminary program starting at 6:15 p.m" - I wonder if they'll hold that in a broom closet.... Then I'm going to swing over to the IP at the Minnetonka Community Center, check in on the Greens at the Edina Community Center, and finish up at the DFL Caucuses at the EP Middle School.
What are the odds that those "friendly" Small Tenters, meeting at the EP High School, boots the ol' TwoPutter out?
Last night, on AM950 Radio's "Minnesota Matters - Friday Edition" show, we had State Senator Jim Carlson, DFL, SD-38 on, to discuss how Minnesota, under the "fiscally (non)conservative" Gov. Tim Pawlenty got the state into it's latest budgetary mess.
Well, we also talked about The Sons Of Nixon's Plumbers, a story that's not going away, and we played "False or False Witness!" too - Bachmann MotorMouth Overdrive's quote is below the fold, at the very end. But, the bulk of the show was how Gov. TBag deliberately put the State into an unbalanced budget, so TBag could exercise Unitary Executive Power (Nixon would be so proud!).
When the podcast/download becomes available, I'll update and link to it.
In the meantime, Senator Carlson's sheet explaining what we talked about is below the fold.
In a nutshell, here's what happened:
The February 2009 Forecast predicted revenues of $31.1 Billion (rounded). Knowing that number, Gov. TBag proceeded signed Spending Bills of $33.8 Billion (rounded) anyway.
This created a deficit from Governor-approved spending (remember, when TBag signed those spending bills, they were now law) and the Feb 2009 Forecast of $2.7 Billion (rounded). A bill to balance that deficit, HF-2323, was passed and presented to Gov. TBag to sign. Except, TBag didn't sign that revenue bill to balance the budget; he vetoed it.
Upon creating an unbalanced budget, TBag immediately claimed unilateral power to fix the problem he created, and then hit the campaign trail. As to TBag's actions creating an anticipated budget problem, then using powers to deal with unanticipated budget problems? The Court was not amused.
It was a great debate - well, considering all the candidates sharing the stage....and all those folk tweeting, using the hashtag #TMPDebate2010 ! Blow by blow commentary - it was GREAT!!!
So, what did the TweetO'Verse think? Let's look!!!
Having slept on it (and caught the end of what turned out to be a very solid State of the Union address), I finally have some thoughts on last night's Major Party Debate hosted by the Minnesota News Council.
First, kudos to the organizers -- the MNC and the League of Women Voters did a heck of a job corralling and managing so many candidates into a format that actually kind of worked -- each group of five candidates was able to stay within its allotted time, and the interactions between moderators and candidates were quite cordial and to the point.
As for the participants....you'll catch more on them after the break.
I'm getting into a standard routine for these events. Brush teeth, put on face, leave work, remember where I parked my car, get in and hope I don't have to scrape ice off the windshield, figure out which cd to listen to. Tonight would it be Eric Clapton, Jelly's Last Jam or Asleep at the Wheel? Clapton won. Crossroads, Sunshine of My Love, I Shot the Sheriff, and other greatest hits. Now try to decide the best way to go. Shepherd Road to Hwy 5 to I494 sounds good. I should go that way more often. It's quick and direct. Not the safest way to go in my car, but oh well.
The first person I met up with was Orrie. Great to see him again so soon. He asked me so sadly what happened to the Rukavina button he gave me. He noticed I had the Dayton button attached to my purse again. What could I say? He looked so downtrodden about it. Sorry, Orrie. I just couldn't help it.
Holly was there. She sought me out right away. I like to hang with her at these events. I don't think she liked my hat, though.
Tonight I met TwoPutt Tommy. Live and in person. What a cool guy! What did we have in common? We were both wearing a hat. I love hats.
I made it into the reception after all and didn't even have to pay the $25. Ole Savior came to the rescue with some extra passes. Thanks, Ole!
Craig from TheUptake was there again, too. And another guy from TheUptake. Gosh, what was his name? Darn brain fog!
After hanging out for an hour, Holly and I made our way into the ballroom. It was time for the debate. Who were all those people sitting up on the platform? Those are all candidates? Good grief, there sure are a lot of them. Just think, only one is going to win. But each one thinks that it will be him or her. Each of them is convinced of it. Some of them don't have a chance in hell. Others have a high probability of being the One.
There were so many candidates tonight that each person did not get to answer each question. Five candidates answered one question, then five different candidates answered another question. And on it went.
Judy Stuthman from the League of Women Voters laid the ground rules and gave some background information. Later I introduced myself to her as a member of the Captain John Holmes chapter of DAR. I liked Judy and thought she did a great job with her role.
The host and producer of the evening was Gary Eichten. He did an excellent job. Some of the candidates didn't make it easy for him when they went over their time limit and wouldn't quit speaking.
There were nineteen candidates. Count them! Why would anyone want to be governor anyway? Whoever wins will sure have a big mess to clean up. There were a couple of candidates who didn't come. Matt Entenza wasn't there again tonight.
Because of the word limit on this blog, I'll try to keep the answers of each candidate short. That means mega paraphrase. If you want to know more about each candidate and his or her stand on the issues, go to their website.
I'll take each question separately along with each candidate's response. I'll add my own comments, too, because I can't help putting in my two cents worth. Well, with inflation, maybe 25 cents.
I'm set up at the Sheraton in Bloomington for the Minnesota News Council Major Parties Debate -- I'll embed the Uptake live video stream here when it's live, and I'll be live-tweeting @MNProgressive -- follow along!
I saw the link in Politics In Minnesota's Morning Report; a story written by one of the mutts over at "Freedom Dogs". Quite certain it was filled with typical republiCon bull(chips), I clicked on the link. I, of course, was correct - complete tripe, and simply another example of "Republicans are against federal handouts (except when they're not)"
The issue this time, from the mutts, was nuclear power. Let's look at just one line (I could rip more, but I'm really rather busy to waste too much time on these mutts):
"Nuclear power is safe, efficient, cost-effective, and it's what the fast growth countries have been doing for years."
Yeah, "right". It's so (cheney)in' safe, that Xcell Energy mailed out the following calendar to those in the immediate fall-out zone, in 2009:
Those beyond the immediate fall-out zone? Well, if you are it sucks to be you, but: "sucks to be you" really is the mantra in today's GreedOverPrinciples party so no surprise there!
Here's the part, that really, Really, REALLY tells me that nukes are safe:
I listen to "Coast To Coast" while out late at night/early morning plowing snow; you never know what the topic might be and what the whackjob listeners call in with. Besides, there's no good music on the radio anymore; Clear Channel killed that a long time ago (but, that's a tangent). So anyway, I'm plowing snow last month, and I tune in to hear what the people that think Planet X is filled with aliens, Elvis is still alive, and/or they were pals with "John Titor.
That night's topic was "The Lennon Prophecy", where I learned that the reason the Beatles were so successful, is that John Lennon sold his soul to the devil. And I also came to learn that this should be of no surprise, as one of Liverpool's claims to fame is the booming "bidness" The Horned One does there, buying souls. This really came as no surprise to me; again - over the years I have listened to all kinds of (stuff) on Coast To Coast, such as the world is going to end in 2012 because that's when the Mayan calendar ends.
And I thoroughly enjoyed the typical inanity of that three hour show!
Fast-forward a little over a month, and an earthquake hits Haiti. Not to my surprise, the nutjobs go gaga on the airwaves - except, it wasn't Coast To Coast where the most outrageous was; it was on the "Reverand" Pat Robertson's "700 Club" show, broadcast on the CBN ("Completely Bull(stuff) News") channel.
"Something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about it. They were under the heel of the French. You know, Napoleon III, or whatever. And they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, we will serve you if you'll get us free from the French. True story. And so, the devil said, okay it's a deal. And ever since, they have been cursed by one thing after the other."
-- Pat Robertson, 1988 Republican Candidate For President
Aliens, end of the world, soul selling to the devil - all things considered "reasonable" by wingnut media outlets, such as AM1500 and CBN ("Completely Bull(stuff) News") and Faux.
That, gentle readers, explains today's GOP (GreedOverPrinciples) "leadership" - such as Erik Paulsen and Michele Bachmann and Alan Quist.
Quite simply, they are simply nuts. Quite frankly, the only difference between Michele Bachmann and Erik Paulsen, is Paulsen isn't stupid enough to say that stuff in public.
Today's GOP (GreedOver Principles) candidates for Governor aren't much better. Take Tom Emmer, for instance (please! TAKE him!!!): Spot, over at The Cucking Stool compares Emmer as a modern-day Polonius. It's a good read. I had to comment, but not on Spot's comparison - I commented on Emmer's Op/Ed and it's below the fold:
