Halfway through convention season, the Ramsey County Attorney race is starting to take shape - and John Choi's message is resonating
with DFL delegates. With a little over 180 possible delegates identified, DFLers are over halfway to selecting the 304 delegates that will endorse for County Attorney. While the endorsement battle for the governor's office has
not resulted in a clear-cut leader, John has established himself as the frontrunner in the race.
At this point in the race, two key indicators are strongly in Choi's favor -- the
numbers of "named" delegates and "superdelegates." While they each
make up a fraction of all delegates, both categories demonstrate the general support a candidate has at a convention. Currently, John
has earned 30 named delegates, compared to 6 for all of his opponents combined, and he holds a 12 to 2 advantage in the superdelegate count.
John's leadership has attracted a team of long-time DFL activists and lawyers who have earned a reputation for highly-organized, well-run efforts. Heading into this weekend, John and his team show no signs of slowing down.
For more on John's experience and innovative leadership, visit www.votejohnchoi.com.
Cory Tennison
Political Director
Volunteers for Choi
Dave Pinto, a domestic violence prosecutor seeking DFL endorsement for Ramsey County Attorney in 2010, recently posted a campaign video in which he discusses his background and his plans to continue fighting for the vulnerable in leading the office. The video is embedded below:
A Ramsey County native, Pinto is the only candidate with experience in the County Attorney's Office and the only candidate in the courtroom every day fighting for our community's most vulnerable. Visit his campaign website to learn more about his qualifications and the many community leaders and organizations supporting his candidacy, including St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights, the St. Paul chapter of the DFL Progressive Caucus, and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.
A Ramsey County native, Pinto is the only candidate with experience in the County Attorney's Office and the only candidate in the courtroom every day fighting for our community's most vulnerable. Visit his campaign website to learn more about his qualifications and the many community leaders and organizations supporting his candidacy, including St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights, the St. Paul chapter of the DFL Progressive Caucus, and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.
The full text of the post is embedded in extended text below...
I am pleased to share that several prominent Saint Paul leaders and legislative headliners are co-hosting an event for John Choi, candidate for Ramsey County Attorney.
Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, Saint Paul Police Chief John Harrington, Moe Sharif, House Majority Leader Tony Sertich, Senate President Jim Metzen, Former Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe, Senator Mee Moua, Rep. Michael Paymar, Rep. Debra Hillstrom, Senator Ellen Anderson, Senator Sandy Pappas, Senator David Tomassoni, Senator Chuck Wiger, Former Senator Jerry Janezich, Former Senator Becky Lourey, Rep. Sheldon Johnson, Rep. John Lesch, Rep. Leon Lillie, Rep. Carlos Mariani, Rep. Sandy Masin, Rep. Nora Slawik all welcome you to a special reception in support of John on Wednesday, February 24th, at 5 p.m. at the Downtowner Woodfire Grill, 253 West 7th Street, in Saint Paul.
We hope to see you there!
Cory Tennison
Political Director
Volunteers for Choi
Every night, 2-15 women in Saint Paul call the police to report that they have been a victim of abuse in their home. When the police arrive, the offenders involved are frequently gone. These cases used to be handled in chronological order. Sometimes it took weeks to press charges. And now when funds are being constantly cut, that time situation is getting worse.
John Choi was a leader in a multi-department change of processing of domestic calls to an order based on an assessed threat level. It is a simple change that makes a big difference. Really it is a case of preventing murder. The local project is called part of a bigger project of best practices for handling domestic violence called Blueprint for Safety. For those victims at greatest risk, law enforcement officers are sent out to apprehend the assailant the same day and file charges immediately.
Mary Louise Klas, a retired judge, and Shelley Johnson, domestic abuse advocate spoke at a John Choi fundraiser about the importance of John's work in domestic violence.
I am please to share that John Choi, current Saint Paul City Attorney and candidate for Ramsey County Attorney has been endorsed by the Saint Paul Regional Labor Federation (AFL-CIO), Teamsters Joint Council 32 DRIVE, Minnesota Nurses Association, Former U.S. Attorney Tom Heffelfinger, Former Attorney General Mike Hatch, and Roseville City Councilmember Amy Ihlan.
John has also been endorsed by over 50 current and former elected officials in Ramsey County, elected county attorneys, past bar association presidents, Saint Paul Police Federation, Firefighters Local 21, Teamsters Local 120, Laborers Local 132 and the Minnesota Pipe Trades Association.
John was recently recognized as the top city attorney in America by his colleagues of the International Municipal Lawyers Association.
As Ramsey County Attorney, John's priorities include providing innovative leadership, holding offenders accountable, and preventing juvenile crime.
Please join me in supporting John on February 2nd at DFL caucuses!
Thanks,
Cory Tennison
Campaign Manager
Volunteers for Choi
Dave Pinto, a domestic violence prosecutor seeking DFL endorsement for Ramsey County Attorney in 2010, recently published "Foster community collaboration to reduce and prevent crime," the sixth in a series of blog posts on his eight-point plan for leading the office. The series will continue throughout the month of January, leading up to precinct caucuses on Tuesday, February 2.
A Ramsey County native, Pinto is the only candidate with experience in the County Attorney's Office and the only candidate in the courtroom every day fighting for our community's most vulnerable. Visit his campaign website to learn more about his qualifications and the many community leaders and organizations supporting his candidacy, including St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights, the St. Paul chapter of the DFL Progressive Caucus, and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.
Dave Pinto, a domestic violence prosecutor seeking DFL endorsement for Ramsey County Attorney in 2010, recently published "Strive for a criminal justice system that provides equal justice for all," the fifth in a series of blog posts on his eight-point plan for leading the office. The series will continue throughout the month of January, leading up to precinct caucuses on Tuesday, February 2.
A Ramsey County native, Pinto is the only candidate with experience in the County Attorney's Office and the only candidate in the courtroom every day fighting for our community's most vulnerable. Visit his campaign website to learn more about his qualifications and the many community leaders and organizations supporting his candidacy, including St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights, the St. Paul chapter of the DFL Progressive Caucus, and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.
Dave Pinto, a domestic violence prosecutor seeking DFL endorsement for Ramsey County Attorney in 2010, recently published "Protect civil liberties while maintaining public safety," the fourth in a series of blog posts on his eight-point plan for leading the office. The series will continue throughout the month of January, leading up to precinct caucuses on Tuesday, February 2.
A Ramsey County native, Pinto is the only candidate with experience in the County Attorney's Office and the only candidate in the courtroom every day fighting for our community's most vulnerable. Visit his campaign website to learn more about his qualifications and the many community leaders and organizations supporting his candidacy, including St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights, the St. Paul chapter of the DFL Progressive Caucus, and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.
I am please to share that John Choi, current Saint Paul City Attorney and candidate for Ramsey County Attorney has been endorsed by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Minnesota Council 5 and Former Governor Wendell Anderson.
AFSCME Minnesota Council 5 is one of the state's largest and most politically active unions. Assistant Ramsey County Attorneys are members of AFSCME Minnesota Council 5.
Former Governor Wendell Anderson said "I enthusiastically endorse John Choi's candidacy for Ramsey County Attorney because he has a distinguished record of innovative accomplishments as a leader in the criminal justice system. As a former Governor, I am impressed with John's record of leadership as the Saint Paul City Attorney. He will keep the public safe and and seek justice in everything he does as our next Ramsey County Attorney."
John was recently recognized as the top city attorney in America by his colleagues and the International Municipal Lawyers Association.
As Ramsey County Attorney, John's priorities include providing innovative leadership, holding offenders accountable, and preventing juvenile crime.
John has also been endorsed by over 50 current and former elected officials in Ramsey County, elected county attorneys, past bar association presidents, Saint Paul Police Federation, Firefighters Local 21, Teamsters Local 120, Laborers Local 132 and the Minnesota Pipe Trades Association.
Please join John!
Cory Tennison
Campaign Manager
Volunteers for Choi
cory@votejohnchoi.com
Dave Pinto, candidate for Ramsey County Attorney, today unveiled a comprehensive plan for leading the Ramsey County Attorney's Office. His strategic priorities focus on leveraging innovation and collaboration to reduce and prevent crime, protecting civil liberties, ensuring equal justice, and promoting openness and transparency to make Ramsey County more livable and safer for all.
"This plan lays out the values and priorities that will guide my work as Ramsey County Attorney," said Pinto. "The plan has been shaped by the many conversations I've had with Ramsey County citizens about the community's needs, as well as by my wide-ranging experience in criminal, civil and public interest law and public policy."
Starting on November 19, Pinto will post weekly to his campaign's blog on each of the eight principles outlined in his leadership plan.
Today a tantalizing job showed up on a job search. Someone is looking for a campaign manager for an independent candidate for Ramsey County city attorney. Do note that some of the quoted facts here are wrong.
Looking for experienced campaign manager/lead to direct Ramsey County Attorney race for the second largest county in Minnesota. There were about 200,000 voters in 2008 from approximately 100,000 households.
Seat is open, as 16-year incumbent is running for Governor. The incumbent is a democrat who never earned DFL endorsement but instead ran against DFL-endorsed candidates in all 4 of her races. The candidate is the only elected official; only woman; and only one from the suburbs running. She is also a former prosecutor. She was elected in 2005 and 2008.
The candidate is NOT seeking endorsement in this legally designated non-partisan race, viewing the county attorney position to be more akin to a judgeship, which is nonpartisan and non-endorsed in Minnesota, than to a policy-making position like state legislator. Party affiliation will not show on the ballot. The candidate has a strong history as a democrat, but has always run non-partisan in the past.
Dave Pinto, a domestic violence prosecutor in the Ramsey County Attorney's Office, announced today that Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer has endorsed his candidacy for Ramsey County Attorney.
"I choose to endorse Dave Pinto because of the work he is doing to protect children from domestic violence and abuse," said Nelson-Pallmeyer. "Dave is also working hard to ensure the civil rights of all the citizens of Ramsey County by promoting diversity within the county attorney's office."
In addition, Nelson-Pallmeyer emphasized the value of Pinto's experience as an active prosecutor in the Ramsey County Attorney's Office: "I admire the work Dave is already doing for Ramsey County, and I am sure he will do an excellent job leading the Ramsey County Attorney's Office," he added.
Nelson-Pallmeyer sought the DFL endorsement for the U.S. Senate in 2008 and for Congress from the Fifth Congressional District in 2006. He is an assistant professor of justice and peace studies at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.
"I have great respect for Jack because of his thoughtful and courageous leadership on so many important issues," said Pinto of the endorsement. "I am honored that he has endorsed my candidacy for Ramsey County Attorney."
Pinto also was recently endorsed by St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights and the St. Paul chapter of the DFL Progressive Caucus. A list of the many other community leaders endorsing his candidacy is available on his website, at http://www.davepinto.com/endor... .
A Ramsey County native, Pinto is a dedicated prosecutor, a proven leader and a committed public servant, in the courtroom every day fighting for children and our community's most vulnerable. He is seeking the DFL endorsement for 2010.
Dave Pinto received an endorsement from St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights for the Ramsey County attorney's race to be decided next November. St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights formed in response to civil rights violations that happened at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in St Paul last year. The group hopes to prevent future civil rights abuse and hold elected officials accountable for all types of civil rights in St. Paul and Ramsey County.
All four candidates interviewed for endorsement: John Choi, Dave Pinto, Tammy Pust and David Schultz. Tammy Pust withdrew after interviewing. Surprizingly, all three candidates were perceived positively by the Civil Rights group. Dave Pinto was impressive because of his eloquent defense of civil rights and his actual willingness to pledge and to form citizen advisory groups. John Choi has actually implemented effective programs that improve economic injustice. He has also led in restorative justice. David Schultz was recognized for his strong courtroom experience in civil rights cases. While Dave Pinto has the prized endorsement, both John Choi and David Shultz received "acceptable" ratings. The acceptable ratings indicate a strong positive group support for Choi or Schultz, if they win the DFL endorsement.
Of all four candidates, only John Choi was the only candidate active in Republican National Convention, the other candidates were not involved and did not speak out. In the discussions of endorsement, it was clear that the members of the St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights, thought that John Choi had not released people from consideration of charges fast enough, especially journalists. Eventually over 80% cases were released over 6 months.
Do note that all of the high profile felony cases are being processed at a different office, by the Ramsey County attorney Susan Gaertner. Susan Gaertner has chosen to run for governor instead of re-election as Ramsey county attorney.
Dave Pinto stood out for his recognition of the injustice of too many people charged on too little evidence at the 2008 Republican National Convention. Pinto believes we could have learned from previous National Special Security Events in other cities so as to proactively set up processes which better-protected civil rights.
I, Grace Kelly, am fully endorsing John Choi for Ramsey County Attorney. In the process of doing research in making the decision about endorsement for this critical local race, I personally tested John Choi's major focus, restorative justice, in my own life and it profoundly changed my life. In reviewing John Choi's work as St Paul city attorney, I find him to be a politically courageous leader who is actively
improving justice for the economically disadvantaged
improving justice disparity in racial and in cultural areas
putting pressure on corporations to act better in foreclosures
holding to the same standards of justice in processing all cases despite political pressure
using foresight to improve our St Paul budget problems
being open to the public and the press, including citizen journalists like me
willing to meet with citizen groups in a dialog that was openly critical instead of staying inside of a comfortable shell of communication
using restorative justice actively to improve our community
Indeed John Choi's work is now a model for other cities. International Municipal Lawyers Association is giving John Choi a major Joseph I. Mulligan Jr. Distinguished Public Service Award in October. This is a story where you will want to follow the details, below the fold.
Dave Pinto received an endorsement from St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights for the Ramsey County attorney's race to be decided next November. St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights formed in response to civil rights violations that happened at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in St Paul last year. The group hopes to prevent future civil rights abuse and hold elected officials accountable for all types of civil rights in St. Paul and Ramsey County.
I, Grace Kelly, am fully endorsing 
