3/31/2006 01:15:00 PM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|Edwards puts auditor campaign on hold Federal law prevents government employees from seeking partisan office MANKATO - Reggie Edwards, the only Mankatoan running for any of the statewide offices on the ballot this fall, has suspended his campaign for state auditor amid concerns his candidacy could be a violation of federal law. Edwards is executive director of the Region Nine Development Commission, which is partially funded with federal grants. That makes his candidacy a possible violation of the Hatch Act - a federal law prohibiting federal employees and some state and local government employees from seeking partisan offices. "It got to the point where it was either his job or his campaign," said James Broich, the mayor of Sleepy Eye and the chairman of Region Nine's board of commissioners. Edwards didn't return phone calls from The Free Press, but it appears he is planning to remain an inactive candidate for the state auditor post at least through the DFL state convention that runs June 9-11 in Rochester. An advisory written by the U.S. Office of Special Council in 1995 appears to allow that approach. "... You would not violate the Act by responding affirmatively to inquiries concerning whether you intend to become a candidate," the advisory stated. "... However, at this point you should not ask people to participate in any activities directed toward the success of your future candidacy." The issue arose earlier this month when the commission began to look closer at Edwards' run. "We had questions out there and started checking it out and found out the Hatch Act came into play," Broich said. "... As far as we're concerned, it's resolved." Edwards apparently sent a letter to Democratic activists and supporters announcing the suspension of his campaign, according to a handful of Web sites that have posted the letter. It explains he will be unable to attend political screening meetings and could not accept any contributions. "I do intend to seek the DFL endorsement for the Office of State Auditor at the June convention," the letter states. Because Edwards finished a distant second to Rebecca Otto in a straw poll conducted during precinct caucuses March 7, he likely would have been considered the underdog in the endorsement battle even if he could actively campaign. If, by chance, he wins the endorsement despite not campaigning, Edwards would then be forced to resign from Region Nine. Broich might be rooting for Otto if for no other reason than that he would prefer Edwards not be forced to step down. "He's a very knowledgeable person and I'd hate to see him go," Broich said. Edwards' letter complains about the Hatch Act, stating it protects incumbents and independently wealthy candidates by eliminating potential challengers and puts working-class candidates at a disadvantage. Broich, who said he accepts the law was created to deal with potential political corruption, still had some concerns about the law. "It's not really fair to the small guy," he said. Source: Mankato Free-Press, March 31, 2006|W|P|114383992175628799|W|P|EDWARDS FOR AUDITOR ON HOLD|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com4/01/2006 09:34:00 AM|W|P|Blogger Markh|W|P|The rule that is being applied makes sense, and Edwards is doing the right thing.

It's unfortunate, because when I met Mr. Edwards in January, he seemed generally interested in and qualified for the state auditor's job. Rebecca Otto has no qualifications, and seems to be interested in job only as a step up the political ladder.3/31/2006 10:49:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|

Is it the shoes?

This is from an email on E-Democracy about Mike Erlandson's candidacy to replace Sabo: "But Mikes real problems aren't revealed by just his policies, although that is educational, his biggest problem is revealed by his shoes. They are way too funky and just a wee bit out of control, just a bit beyond being chic. They give the impression that he is way too cool for us mere mortals." The picture above of Erlandson is from a press conference in 2004 where he wore a "funky" pair of red shoes. I had this picture in my files and after reading the email above, I thought they made a perfect match.

Will this race be decided by shoes?

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|W|P|114383097214517013|W|P|MIKE'S RED SHOES|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/31/2006 07:50:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|Complaint filed against justices over Johnson flap The dispute over who said what to whom on the gay marriage issue took a new turn Friday when a Golden Valley lawyer asked for official investigations into four current or former Supreme Court justices. Greg Wersal said a probe is needed to sort out "grave questions of ethical violations by members of the state's highest court.'' The rolling controversy stems from a secretly made recording of Senate Majority Leader Johnson telling pastors he had assurances from justices that the current state law would withstand legal challenges. Johnson, DFL-Willmar, was arguing a constitutional amendment on gay marriage was unnecessary. He apologized to the Senate Monday for making inaccurate statements about the extent of his talks with justices, but he hasn't backed off claims that some conversations took place. Wersal asked the Board on Judicial Standards and the Lawyers Board of Professional Responsibility to look into Chief Justice Russell Anderson, Justice G. Barry Anderson, Justice Paul Anderson and former Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz. "The public needs to know if judges on our highest court have engaged in unethical conduct by giving pledges, promises, assurances or mere hints as to how they would rule on an issue likely to come before the court,'' Wersal wrote in a letter to the two boards. He released the letter to reporters. Court spokesman John Kostouros said he hadn't seen the complaint and couldn't offer immediate comment. Chief Justice Anderson has unequivocally denied any conversations occurred between Johnson and any justices on the gay marriage issue. The judicial standards board can dismiss a complaint, conduct an inquiry or order a public hearing. If it finds violations, it's up to the Supreme Court to impose sanctions. The lawyers board also has latitude to investigate or dismiss complaints. It's not the first time Wersal has taken on Supreme Court or its members. He twice tried and failed to win a seat on the Supreme Court during elections. And he was the driving force in a federal lawsuit that successfully eased restrictions on judicial campaigning. Ironically, he helped persuade the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down Minnesota rules barring judicial candidates from talking about disputed legal and political issues during campaigns. Wersal said in his letter that the 2002 decision doesn't allow judges to make pledges or promises on issues that are likely to come before them. Source: Associated Press, March 31, 2006
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|W|P|114382049776208972|W|P|DOMAGATE: NEW COMPLAINT FILED|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/30/2006 01:12:00 PM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|A few weeks ago, Dan Weinand posted analysis on DFL delegate projections for governor. It was a very informative post. Minnesota Campaign Report and Backbone Minnesota have also been providing quality analysis on the delegate numbers released from the Kelley and Lourey campaigns. I encourage these bloggers to continue providing updates on the delegate counts and examining the spin generated from the campaigns.
|W|P|114375413236513478|W|P|WHO'S FIRST? EVERYBODY!! #2|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/30/2006 12:18:00 PM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|Andrew drops out of race to succeed Sabo Andrew exits race for Congress. Former state party chair says he doesn't want to go to Washington. Former Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Andrew withdrew Thursday from the jam-packed race to succeed 28-year Rep. Martin Sabo in Congress. "The suddenness of Martin's announcement threw everybody into a tizzy including me," said Andrew in explaining his reversal. Andrew became the second big name to withdraw this week, following former Department of Trade and Economic Development Commissioner Rebecca Yanisch out of the race. Sabo surprised everyone with his retirement announcement on March 18. When Sabo leaves, he will have held the seat for 28 years and his successor is expected to be a Democrat who can hold the seat for as long as he or she wants. Andrew said he has a "heavy heart" about withdrawing because he felt he could mount a competitive campaign. "I don't want to go to Washington. Washington is not my bliss," Andrew said. The former state DFL Party chair said commuting from the Capitol would create an "unmanageable lifestyle" given that he has a 14-year-old son at home and a 19-year-old daughter in college in California. Andrew declined to immediately endorse anyone and said, "As far as I'm concerned there isn't a dog in the group." Source: Star Tribune, March 30, 2006
|W|P|114375066136647193|W|P|ANDREW IS OUT|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/30/2006 10:05:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|I have received numerous emails from people who wanted more information or clarification on my motion to dismissed the lawsuit filed by Blois Olson. Because Blois Olson has done nothing to resolve the lawsuit in over 90 days, I believe Blois Olson filed this lawsuit to intimidate and silence me. This is called a SLAPP lawsuit. SLAPP is an acronym for "Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation." SLAPPs are lawsuits aimed at silencing a plaintiff's opponents. The purpose of the SLAPP is not to win, but to intimidate the SLAPP defendant and to chill petition and/or free speech rights. One court has explained the characteristics of SLAPP suits as follows: SLAPP suits are brought to obtain an economic advantage over the defendant, not to vindicate a legally cognizable right of the plaintiff. Indeed, one of the common characteristics of a SLAPP suit is its lack of merit. But lack of merit is not of concern to the plaintiff because the plaintiff does not expect to succeed in the lawsuit; only to tie up the defendants' resources for a sufficient length of time to accomplish plaintiff's underlying objective. I maintain that Blois Olson's action is a SLAPP aimed at interfering with my legitimate exercise of First Amendment rights to both free speech and procure favorable government action through public participation.
|W|P|114374320275765427|W|P|LEGAL UPDATE: MOTION TO DISMISS SLAPP LAWSUIT #2|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/30/2006 01:51:00 PM|W|P|Blogger Peter|W|P|The irony is that anti-SLAPP legislation originated from the political left. MPIRG sponsored the legislation in Minnesota.

The archetypical SLAPP victim, according to the left, is a citizen who speaks out against a big, bad corporation that wants to pollute the enviroment. The supposedly evil company then sues the concerned citizen for defamation.

Interesting how the tables are turned in this lawsuit. Now the liberal is the one filing the SLAPP lawsuit. And their legislation is coming back to bite them.3/30/2006 07:12:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|This is just silly. ## DFL candidates for governor are all on first, they declare Kelley, Hatch and Lourey claim the lead in convention delegate strength. A time-honored ritual in multicandidate races for party backing was played out Wednesday. All three of the major contenders for the DFL gubernatorial endorsement claimed to be ahead among delegates selected so far for the state convention. There is no neutral source for reliably determining the preference of hundreds of delegates chosen over the past few weeks at legislative district and county conventions around the state. So the campaigns themselves are phone-calling and counting, and they typically contend they are ahead or doing better than expected in actual count. State Sen. Steve Kelley of Hopkins said he's ahead by a whisker in a "hard count," with 131 delegates, to 127 for Attorney General Mike Hatch, and 72 for state Sen. Becky Lourey of Kerrick. Kelley claimed that his count was tops in exceeding expectations after a party straw poll at precinct caucuses earlier this month. Lourey said she was the one ahead. She also claimed a narrow lead over Hatch, 132 delegates to 130, while it was Kelley who lagged behind, with 86. Lourey, who makes a claim to being most in tune with the party's idealistic activists, said delegates are responding to her as the candidate of "conviction." Hatch, the front-runner, offered no specific numbers but said he is first, Lourey is second and Kelley is third. Hatch said he is doing particularly well in southern and western Minnesota and the northern and southern suburbs of the Twin Cities. Hatch said that Lourey is doing best in her home turf of northeastern Minnesota and that Kelley is ahead around his district in the western suburbs. In precinct caucuses earlier this month, Hatch won the straw poll of attendees, 39 percent to 23 percent for Lourey and 22 percent for Kelley. Those attendees have gone on to district conventions and are electing state convention delegates. Source: Star Tribune, March 30, 2006
|W|P|114373175922094417|W|P|WHO'S FIRST? EVERYBODY!!|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/30/2006 06:33:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|"[Gil] Gutknecht was simply referring to a pivotal moment in U.S. history, his campaign manager, Nels Pierson, said in a news release. 'Congressman Gutknecht could have just as easily referenced Kirby Puckett's Game 6 winning home run as a pivotal moment in Twins history,' Pierson said, 'and David Ruth would have put out a statement 'Gutknecht likens DFL party to Atlanta Braves.'" Source: Pioneer Press, March 30, 2006 |W|P|114373037478537660|W|P|RUTH STRIKES OUT|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/30/2006 07:15:00 AM|W|P|Blogger Kevin from Minneapolis|W|P|In a way they are a bit like the Braves. Good enough to compete and be a factor, but never quite able to get over the hump.

Of course I think we're overlooking one obvious thing: that nickname. True to its core, the DFL would disassociate themselves with the Atlanta Braves as soon as the tribes laundered some campaign checks their way.3/29/2006 01:01:00 PM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|Steve Kelley was asked about Kiscaden as a running mate and here was his response: "Senator Kiscaden has been a friend of mine for a while and what I told her is that, and this is consistent with what I've been telling her for several months, 'I'd really like to know what you'd like to do, and if I can be helpful in that, I’d like to be helpful in that.'" He was pushed again on it. "I think the question really is what does Senator Kiscaden want? And Eric, that's honestly what I told her – 'Is you have to decide what you want to do and if I can be helpful I'd like to talk about it.'" Asked again about the discussions as a possible LG candidate. "We've have had a conversation about that."
|W|P|114366643380763086|W|P|THE COURTING OF KISCADEN: STEVE KELLEY|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/29/2006 12:52:00 PM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|Senator Marko drops bid for Congress ST. PAUL (AP) _ State Senator Sharon Marko has pulled out of Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District race. It leaves F-B-I whistleblower Coleen Rowley in a commanding position for the D-F-L nomination against Republican Congressman John Kline. Marko says she got into the congressional race too late and her legislative demands were making a campaign difficult. She didn't throw her backing to Rowley, saying she'll stay neutral for now. Marko has been a state legislator since 1994.
|W|P|114366571573806346|W|P|BREAKING NEWS: MARKO ENDS CAMPAIGN|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/29/2006 12:17:00 PM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|No, it's not April Fool's Day. Wendy Wilde is rumored to be considering a run against Congressman Jim Ramstad.
|W|P|114366364636870526|W|P|WENDY WILDE FOR CONGRESS?|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/29/2006 02:11:00 PM|W|P|Blogger John Jordan|W|P|So pretty much Jim wouldn't even have to campaign. Wendy Wilde wouldn't have a prayer. The Rammer would win by a larger percentage than he did against that last joker who ran against him.3/29/2006 11:33:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|Uh...wow. ## Call for Theme Song for Gubernatorial Campaign! State Senator Becky Lourey is running for Governor of Minnesota. She's inviting all composer-lyricists to participate in a theme song contest for her campaign. The theme song can be any style of composition (pop, rock, jazz, rap, country, musical theatre, classical) and any length, although 3 minutes and less are preferred. The contest will be held on Friday, April 14th 7 pm at Patrick's Cabaret. Admission for audience members will be a $10 donation to the campaign (Participating song writers admitted free and no one turned away due to lack of funds). There will be a cash prize to the winning song writer. All entries will be presented live or can be taped. Attendees will vote for their favorite. (If you¹re a singer/songwriter and can¹t be there due to a prior conflict, we¹ll be happy to accept a taped entry). All song rights will be reserved by Becky Lourey for Governor. The winning song will be featured on Senator Lourey's website and at least part of a recording of it will be used at the DFL Endorsing convention in June. Composers/Lyricists: Pre-registration of your intent to enter is encouraged by April 10th at: http://www.beckylourey.org For more information on Senator Becky Lourey, please visit her website at http://www.beckylourey.org If you have further questions, please call 651-917-8400 extension 13 and ask for Claire Wilson.
|W|P|114366112304736858|W|P|LOUREY FOR GOVERNOR THEME SONG CONTEST|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/28/2006 10:10:00 PM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|It has been 90 days since Blois Olson decided to a file a lawsuit against me over material posted on Minnesota Democrats Exposed. While Blois Olson has claimed he filed this lawsuit to have a dialogue with me, no such dialog has occurred. Blois Olson has done nothing to resolve this lawsuit. As I have said before, the lawsuit filed against me by Blois Olson was never about defamation, but about the right to blog anonymously. Because Blois Olson has done nothing to resolve the lawsuit in over 90 days, I believe Blois Olson filed this lawsuit to intimidate and silence me. This is called a SLAPP lawsuit. SLAPP is an acronym for "Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation." SLAPPs are lawsuits aimed at silencing a plaintiff's opponents. The purpose of the SLAPP is not to win, but to intimidate the SLAPP defendant and to chill petition and/or free speech rights. One court has explained the characteristics of SLAPP suits as follows: SLAPP suits are brought to obtain an economic advantage over the defendant, not to vindicate a legally cognizable right of the plaintiff. Indeed, one of the common characteristics of a SLAPP suit is its lack of merit. But lack of merit is not of concern to the plaintiff because the plaintiff does not expect to succeed in the lawsuit; only to tie up the defendants' resources for a sufficient length of time to accomplish plaintiff's underlying objective. I believe Blois Olson's lawsuit is intended to stifle or inhibit the exercise of my right of free speech and participation in government and, accordingly, is prohibited by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 554 (1994). I have filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed against me.
Copies of all of the court documents are available for download on the right side of my blog.
|W|P|114365521471397784|W|P|LEGAL UPDATE: MOTION TO DISMISS SLAPP LAWSUIT|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/29/2006 10:34:00 AM|W|P|Blogger Peter|W|P|Good stuff.

If this motion does not succeed, enquiring minds will want to know whom Blois talked to between his initial e-mail and the filing of the lawsuit. First of all, he says that he doesn't know your identity. Later, you get served with a lawsuit at your personal residence. If we take Blois at his word, he must have communicated with someone who had an idea of your identity. One wonders whether the people with whom he communicated were involved in the other lawsuit against your domain company.3/28/2006 11:29:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|Classy move Sheila. "Kiscaden, a 14-year legislative veteran, has refrained from criticizing the man to whom she had hitched her political wagon, calling him an 'exceptional leader' and a 'bright man.' But the stress and frustration of the last week might have peeked through when she joked at the Olmsted County DFL Convention this weekend, 'There's a vacancy at the top of my ticket,' and then, more mockingly, 'Stand by your man. Ha. Ha. Ha.'" ## Doran's exit leaves politicians gasping It is hard to exaggerate the amazement and sheer dumfoundedness that many people felt at the sudden decision of businessman Kelly Doran to quit the race for governor. It wasn't just the more than $1.6 million squandered or the thicket of "More Principles, Less Politics" billboards strewn across the state. It was the swiftness of it all -- coming just three months after state Sen. Sheila Kiscaden of Rochester gambled her political future on an outsider's shot of becoming governor by becoming his running mate. "I think it's absolutely the most astounding thing I've heard in ages," said Nancy Brataas, a former state senator from Rochester and a political observer. Kiscaden, a 14-year legislative veteran, has refrained from criticizing the man to whom she had hitched her political wagon, calling him an "exceptional leader" and a "bright man." But the stress and frustration of the last week might have peeked through when she joked at the Olmsted County DFL Convention this weekend, "There's a vacancy at the top of my ticket," and then, more mockingly, "Stand by your man. Ha. Ha. Ha." Doran had at first run for U.S. Senate, but then, citing the strains the race was having on his family, switched to the governor's race. Certainly, the other DFL candidates for governor -- Attorney General Mike Hatch, Sen. Becky Lourey of Kerrick and Sen. Steve Kelley of Hopkins -- didn't see it coming. Mike Hatch, considered by many to be the odds-on favorite to win DFL nomination, said he had seen Doran as a "very formidable candidate." "For a first-time candidate, I thought he was exceptional in terms of being disciplined," Hatch said. "Usually, it takes a long time to develop that type of discipline when it comes to staying on message and keeping your platform, and he did a very good job with that. He also had significant financial resources." Doran, a shopping mall developer from Eden Prairie, came across as informed and articulate. Tall and husky, he exuded a certain commanding presence. He also could seem testy. During one appearance in Rochester, a reporter asked him about his health care plan, and Doran told him to go check out his Web site. Gubernatorial candidate Lourey said she enjoyed debating Doran in forums, and she thought he was enjoying himself. "He and I actually had a lot of fun together. We'd joke back and forth. We ended up building a relationship that was enjoyable," Lourey said. But while Doran seemed to enjoy the give-and-take of politics, Lourey suspected that Doran's wife, Maria, did not. "There wasn't a lot of joy," Lourey said. Doran's quick exit also underscored the toll political campaigns take on candidates and their families, politicians said. That reality has echoes here in Olmsted County. At a time of political resurgence, the Olmsted County DFL Party has struggled to recruit candidates for House and Senate seats, although that problem might have been partly remedied by the announcement of Wes Urevig for House seat 29A. The fact about political life, Lourey says, is that it is all-consuming. "Your life is no longer your own. You really do belong to the people, and your life is just completely open and every minute is used up, so you have to have that strong family support," she said. Sudden Impact The political ramifications of Doran's departure aren't yet clear, but they might be minimal. Hatch, who had been focusing his energies and resources on the primary in an anticipation of a battle with the well-heeled Doran, said he doesn't plan to alter his strategy now. "You're limited in Minnesota to what you can spend, and we were going to spend it on (the primary and general elections)," Hatch said. "This frees up (money)." Kelley argues differently. The departure of Doran, who had long committed himself to the primary, means that Hatch and Lourey no longer have an excuse not to abide by the endorsement process, he says. "There shouldn't be an impediment to the candidates committing (to) the endorsement," he said. Hatch said he's sticking to his strategy. "This whole thing has been about the primary and not the endorsement," he said. Source for complete article: Post Bulletin, March 28, 2006
|W|P|114357456226083076|W|P|KISCADEN MOCKS KELLY DORAN|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/28/2006 11:20:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|She was only officially in the race for 5 days. "Just a quick note to let you know that I've decided not to continue to pursue the race for Congress. Watching the conventions and candidates last weekend, it is very obvious that we are spending too much in staff, volunteer and financial resources to run against fellow Democrats instead focusing on winning against Republicans. I also strongly believe that having 12 people in the race makes it very difficult for delegates to come to a consensus. We need to endorse a candidate on May 6th and hopefully, my stepping aside now will help that happen." Source: Yanisch for Congress email, March 28, 2006
|W|P|114357388175340451|W|P|BREAKING NEWS: YANISCH ENDS CAMPAIGN FOR CONGRESS|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/28/2006 09:23:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|
I was just informed that Ember Reichgott Junge will again announce her campaign for Sabo's seat tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the state capitol. Reichgott Junge already announced her campaign last week: "At the same time, civil rights lawyer Jorge Saavedra and former state Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge formally entered the increasingly crowded race for the DFL nomination for the Fifth Congressional District seat, which includes a number of inner-ring suburbs and is considered one of the safest Democratic seats in the nation." Source: Star Tribune, March 24, 2006
|W|P|114356731547035893|W|P|EMBER ANNOUNCES FOR CONGRESS...AGAIN.|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/28/2006 07:54:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|
Flip-Flop of the Week: Volume 1, Issue 19 Hatch Flip-Flops on Disclosing Putting Family Members On State Payroll
1990: Candidate Hatch Called For Disclosure When Immediate Family Members Are Hired As Lobbyists Or By Companies That Contract With The State. "DFL gubernatorial candidate Mike Hatch joined the chorus of ethics critics Wednesday with a proposal for cleaning up state government that includes a ban on campaign contributions from lobbyists. … Hatch said his proposals include… Requiring disclosure when immediate family members of public officials are hired as lobbyists or by companies that contract with the state." (“Hatch Wants To Do Away With PACs,” Pioneer Press, February 15, 1990) 1991: Press Accounts Revealed Hatch Had Put Niece On State Payroll As Commerce Commissioner. "Mike Hatch, who sought the DFL gubernatorial nomination last year, acknowledged Tuesday that putting his niece on the state payroll when he was commerce commissioner looked bad. But he defended the hiring and also denied any impropriety in his relationship with a company to which he awarded an $800,000 state contract. The company has employed both Hatch's top campaign aide and his niece, and people close to the company contributed money to Hatch's 1990 campaign, the Star Tribune reported Tuesday." (“Hatch Admits Putting Niece On State Payroll Looked Bad,” Pioneer Press, August 7, 1991)
|W|P|114356126789392374|W|P|FLIP-FLOP OF THE WEEK: DISCLOSING PUTTING FAMILY MEMBERS ON STATE PAYROLL|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/27/2006 01:36:00 PM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|Rambling from the North has thoughts on the possibility of Hatch - Kiscaden: ## "Anyways, one of the highlights of the day was Shelia Kiscaden spoke. She brought a Kelly Doran sign up, and folded it halfway, hiding Doran's name, to leave her own. She said she was persuing it with several of the current candidates, and then gave a heartwarming speech about the slogan Doran had used: More principal, less politics. It was a good speech, but one thing is very clear Kiscaden has made it her mission to be on the ballot in November under someone. My theory is Hatch." Source: Rambling from the North, March 26, 2006
|W|P|114349568889023045|W|P|UPDATE: MDE EXCLUSIVE: HATCH - KISCADEN #2|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/27/2006 10:16:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|This commentary was written by one of my good friends Randy Wanke. ## Bunny flap reveals trend that is not silly The city of St. Paul has apparently developed a serious case of Leporiphobia (fear of rabbits) and chased that long-eared fluffy menace, the Easter Bunny, out of city hall. While someone like Elmer Fudd might applaud St. Paul's expulsion of the bunny rabbit from city hall, the rest of us should be a little less pleased. That's because what has happened in St. Paul is part of a growing movement to remove every symbol with any connection to faith from the public arena. We are used to seeing this kind of nonsense around Christmas time, when nativity scenes are treated as if they threaten the secular sanctity of every city hall and public place in America. Now the protectors of public faith-free-zones have apparently set their sites on Easter and the most secular of its symbols — the bunny rabbit. Not a religious symbol. Let's be clear, as far as symbols go, the Easter Bunny isn't exactly a religious symbol for Christians celebrating the resurrection of Christ and the forgiveness of sins. Yet, the way the city of St. Paul reacted, one would think that a life-sized crucifix had been planted in the middle of city hall, while right next to it, Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" was running on a continuous loop. As a kid, to me (and I am guessing to most Christian and many non-Christian kids) the Easter Bunny was about eggs and candy. It was about getting up early in the morning to find a basket full of chocolate Easter Bunnies, jelly beans, and Peeps. It was about shoveling down as many of them as I could before I threw up or my parents woke up and told me to save the rest for later. For me, the real symbolism of Easter Sunday didn't come until later in the day at church when the shroud was lifted from the cross and the pastor said "He has risen," to which the congregation responded "He has risen indeed." Tolerance, please. But even if the Easter Bunny did represent some greater religious symbolism – I say "So what?" Have we as a nation become so intolerant of displays of faith that we are willing to allow them to be banned from every public place? Unfortunately, it already appears that the answer to that question is "yes." And that's a shame. Because to deny the role that faith played in the founding and growth of this country is to re-write our history. And to do so is to also deny the pivotal role that faith plays in the great American experiment. After all, Americans motivated by their faith led the charge to eliminate slavery, advanced civil rights and fought for women's suffrage. I would like to offer this word of caution regarding the bunny ban at St. Paul City Hall. St. Patrick's Day has its roots as a religious holiday, celebrating the life of a Catholic saint. So, it may only be a matter of time before emerald green and leprechauns are banned from St. Paul's city hall on St. Patrick's Day. Sounds silly, doesn't it? But it is no sillier than showing the Easter Bunny the door at city hall. Wanke is a communications consultant from Plymouth and a Republican Party activist. Source: Pioneer Press, March 26, 2006|W|P|114348378633361619|W|P|WANKE: BUNNY FLAP REVEALS TREND THAT IS NOT SILLY|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/27/2006 09:27:00 PM|W|P|Blogger Ian|W|P|Funny that you would post about it on this site. David Thune, the one who put up the decorations is a member of the DFL.

Are you "exposing" that "Minnesota Democrats" enjoy holidays, too?3/27/2006 08:59:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|"Johnson's constituents reassess their senator While folks debate whether he lied or should have been taped, opponents look to unseat him. WILLMAR, MINN. - Dean Johnson is a pastor, a politician and a military chaplain and, one of his co-pastors said this week, 'I don't know how he gets everything done.' After admitting that he 'embellished' a conversation with a Minnesota Supreme Court justice on same-sex marriage -- a conversation that justices say never happened -- the DFL Senate majority leader may find it harder to get everything done this year as he seeks reelection in his central Minnesota swing district. Even before an ethics complaint was filed, Johnson's constituents debated in churches, coffee shops and bars, whether he is a liar and should admit it or a good man who misspoke; whether he has betrayed his constituents and the Bible on issues such as abortion and gay marriage or shows a compassionate courage in following his conscience; whether a one-man, one-woman marriage amendment is worthy of a vote or a ploy to bring out conservative voters, and whether another minister should have surreptitiously taped Johnson's comments at a private meeting of local clergy members." Source for complete story: Star Tribune, March 27, 2006
|W|P|114347897708804221|W|P|DOMAGATE: JOHNSON'S CONSTITUENTS REASSESS THEIR SENATOR|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/27/2006 07:40:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|Based on information sent to Minnesota Democrats Exposed, I will STILL report that Shelia Kiscaden will be Mike Hatch's lieutenant governor pick. If I'm wrong, well so be it. But I believe my source. Check back for updates. |W|P|114347439998537794|W|P|UPDATE: MDE EXCLUSIVE: HATCH - KISCADEN|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/27/2006 07:16:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|I have worked with Nick Erickson more than Tom, but they are both great guys. Tom's not very athletic, so don't have him play on your kickball team. Nick reputation as a hard working is going downhill because he is in love and he walks around the office with his head in the clouds. But seriously, these two guys have a very bright future in politics and someday I (and many others) may be working for both of them. ## A fellow who looked a lot like Tom Erickson -- a genial, clean-cut young press aide in Gov. Tim Pawlenty's office -- walked through the Capitol press offices recently to deliver a news release from the Republican Party. Erickson was sharply questioned by a reporter who wondered whether he knew it would be improper, if not illegal, to be doing political work on the taxpayers' time. Erickson informed the reporter that he was actually Nick Erickson, Tom's identical twin, and employed by the GOP. Improbable as it sounded, the story checked out. Tom and Nick, just 22 years old, are a precocious duo and may have a long future, maybe as a different kind of power couple, in GOP politics. Nick is older by one minute and a bit beefier than rail-thin Tom, [Tom, that hurts] but their identicalness is comprehensive and their bond is tight. Both were swimmers at Willmar High School; both attended the University of St. Thomas (Nick has graduated, but Tom is still a bit short); both were College Republicans, and both majored in business. They started their jobs on the same day about a year ago. They share an apartment in St. Paul. Tom, it is mutually agreed, is the more evil twin. He once dressed up as a cow [I thought he dressed up as Nick's old girlfriend] at a rally for presidential candidate John Kerry to draw attention to the Republican allegation that Kerry would "milk Minnesota taxpayers dry." And Tom is the one more likely to make mischief with identity games. "We would just shake our heads over them," says their mom, Deb Erickson, a financial adviser. "They'd find something they were interested in, they'd get passionate and focused and play off each other and complement each other. This interest in politics and current events goes back to eighth grade and by the time they went to college it was their entire focus, 24/7." Source: Star Tribune, March 27, 2006|W|P|114347319702245693|W|P|THE HARDEST WORKING TWINS IN AMERICAN POLITICS|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/27/2006 07:11:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|This is a very informative article about the 5th CD race. ## Full DFL field raises plenty of uncertainty A dozen candidates are out for the DFL endorsement to replace Rep. Martin Sabo, and more still could run. The race for support from 219 delegates could decide the election -- or undermine the process. A week after Rep. Martin Sabo announced his plan to retire after 28 years, the race to succeed him is so packed that it's tough to keep track of the candidates even with a scorecard. A dozen DFLers are running, creating a bare-knuckled grab for the 219 delegates who can confer endorsement May 6 -- but also creating uncertainty about how valuable that endorsement will be. Delegates "will be bombarded from every angle," said Sean Broom, chair of Minnesota Young DFL and a delegate. "I've already received phone calls from several campaigns." The complement of candidates was on comical display Friday night on public television's "Almanac" show. All 12 of them stood in a box and stepped over a line in response to questions such as whether they wanted immediate withdrawal from Iraq, would abide by the party endorsement or opposed domestic spying. The debate also showed the difficulty that candidates will have distinguishing themselves, as each had about 10 seconds to answer complicated questions. Already there is talk the field of Democratic candidates may swell even after the endorsing convention. Minneapolis City Council Member Lisa Goodman, for one, said she may enter the race later. That raises the question of the endorsement's significance. And others are hinting they may run in a Sept. 12 primary with or without the party's endorsement. The GOP may yet find a known candidate, but the Fifth District is deep blue DFL turf. Republicans privately say the Green Party has a better chance of winning than the GOP. Will endorsement help or hurt? While the party endorsement is a boost, it's not a guarantee of a primary victory. In recent years in statewide races, DFL delegates have been prone to endorse candidates who lost to bigger names. Former Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman won the gubernatorial endorsement in 1998 but lost the primary to Attorney General Hubert Humphrey III. That same year, state Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge won the endorsement in the attorney general's race but lost the primary to Mike Hatch. Fifth District delegates may be more reflective of the pool of voters than state delegates were in those cases. "I don't think there's a big disconnect between what the endorsers might do and what the voters might do in a primary," said Steven Schier, a Carleton College political science professor. "It's a very homogenous district. I think it matters." DFL activist Lisa Vecoli said the endorsee will get lots of help. "There are a lot of races this year, and a lot of campaigns will be working together," she said. The endorsee will appear in literature with school board and legislative candidates that is distributed throughout the district. But the power of the endorsement may depend on who gets it. "Somebody who has name recognition or who has money always has a chance of beating the endorsement," she said. Blois Olson, co-publisher of PoliticsinMinnesota.com, said what happens at the convention could shape the rest of the race. If the endorsee is "perceived not to be able to raise the money and build the base, it will invite all comers to the primary," Olson said. "If a strong candidate who has a proven track record of organizing people receives it, then it could essentially clear the field." Delegates could deadlock and fail to endorse, but Olson and state party Chair Brian Melendez said they doubted that would happen. The delegates are culled from the pool of thousands who attend state Senate District conventions after going to the March 7 precinct caucus meetings. Of the 219, 153 will be from Minneapolis. The remainder are from the inner-ring suburbs that make up the rest of the district, including New Hope, Crystal, Robbinsdale, Golden Valley, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Richfield, Columbia Heights, St. Anthony, Hilltop, Fridley and Spring Lake Park. To receive the endorsement, a candidate needs to get 60 percent of the delegates seated at the May 6 convention. Hennepin County Commissioners Mark Stenglein, an independent, and Mike Opat, a DFLer, said the delegates shouldn't endorse anyone because Sabo's retirement decision came so late. "It would be better to have more time to shoot questions at the candidates and ask what are the differences among them. I doubt you're going to find anybody who favors how George Bush handles anything," Opat said, adding that he would like to hear how they want to handle Iraq, whether health care expense accounts should be adjusted and what exactly they mean when they talk about universal health care. Stenglein said, "You're 100 percent sure a Democrat is going to win the race. Why would you let 60 percent of 219 people pick your next congressman?" But Jorge Saavedra, a civil rights lawyer and a candidate who plans to abide by the endorsement, said because a Democrat seems likely to win in November, it's better to settle it early and focus on making gains in other places, such as the state House and Senate. "I don't want to see this race that becomes a race that consumes a lot of resources," he said. Source: Star Tribune, March 27, 2006|W|P|114347246183146311|W|P|IT'S GONNA BE A GREAT FIGHT|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/24/2006 03:05:00 PM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|I attended a few DFL gubernatorial debates and had an opportunity to talk with Kelly Doran. While I disagree with his politics, Kelly Doran is a class act. He always razzed (sic) me for showing up at DFL debates and I appreciated his humorous demeanor. |W|P|114324300142196901|W|P|KELLY DORAN WAS A CLASS ACT|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/24/2006 01:56:00 PM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|I should have called this post "DFL CRIES 'UNCLE.'" This from their latest press release: "Yet all week, the Republican Party has been a one-trick pony - kicking Dean Johnson while he's down. They even complained that the bonding bill had moved through the Senate too efficiently even though most of their own members were on board. Minnesotans don't appreciate mudslinging. The Republican Party should follow Senator Johnson's example, get back to work and quit their bullying." Source: www.dfl.org |W|P|114323807359773179|W|P|DOMAGATE: ARE DEMOCRATS WAIVING THE WHITE FLAG? #2|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/24/2006 01:17:00 PM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|St. Paul - Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey today issued the following statement regarding Kelly Doran's withdrawal from the governor's race. "With Kelly Doran's withdrawal, the race for governor is now between four liberals and one common sense reformer, Governor Pawlenty. "When it comes to immigration and education reform, the protection of traditional marriage and opposition to tax increases, Governor Pawlenty represents a clear contrast to the liberal policies of Becky Lourey, Steve Kelley, Mike Hatch and Peter Hutchinson. "Kelly Doran's early exit from the race further underscores how difficult it is for centrists to find a warm welcome in a DFL party dominated by far-left activists."
|W|P|114323521316812680|W|P|MN GOP STATEMENT ON DORAN WITHDRAWAL|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/24/2006 03:02:00 PM|W|P|Blogger mike|W|P|Would the press release have looked any different if it was anyone of the other 3 DFL candidates?3/25/2006 09:16:00 PM|W|P|Blogger lloydletta|W|P|Mike Hatch has said he and Tim Pawlenty share the same views on gay marriage.3/24/2006 01:12:00 PM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|St. Paul- Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey today issued the following statement regarding the Senate ethics complaint against Dean Johnson. "By extracting a formal apology from Dean Johnson, the Senate Ethics Committee has taken the first step in restoring the integrity of the Minnesota Supreme Court and Senate. "In addition to apologizing for the incident referenced by the Senate Ethics Committee, Dean Johnson must also acknowledge the numerous occasions in which he told similar falsehoods. "For the sake of Minnesota, it is our hope Dean Johnson will provide a clear and comprehensive explanation for his actions."
|W|P|114323486786928262|W|P|MN GOP STATEMENT ON DEAN JOHNSON'S ETHICS COMPLAINT|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/24/2006 12:48:00 PM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|CNN writes about the GOP response. The Republican Party of Minnesota deserves compliments for a job well-done! "Johnson's political opponents have issued daily press releases, called news conferences and even launched a Web site, www.sandingoffthetruth.com, to track Johnson's 'ever-changing stories.'" ## Secret tape stirs Minnesota gay marriage debate One of Minnesota's top Democrats is catching grief after getting caught on tape telling a lie -- or, as he put it, "sanding off the truth." Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson was recorded assuring a group of pastors that several state Supreme Court justices had told him they would not legalize gay marriage. His remarks, which surfaced last week, drew a rare public rebuke from the chief justice, who denied the statements, and caused a firestorm of criticism from Republicans and gay marriage opponents. Johnson, who is also a pastor, said he did not lie, but admitted "embellishing" and making misstatements. He has tried hard to get past the issue, but Republicans and foes of gay marriage have seized on it. Johnson's political opponents have issued daily press releases, called news conferences and even launched a Web site, www.sandingoffthetruth.com, to track Johnson's "ever-changing stories." This week, Senate Republicans also filed an ethics complaint; to resolve the complaint, Johnson agreed to apologize on the Senate floor. "Dean Johnson has certainly made a fool of himself, hasn't he?" said Adrienne Christiansen, a professor of political science at Macalester College. The story behind the tape is rooted in the tense fight over whether Minnesota should have a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Johnson has consistently blocked the proposal, calling gay marriage opponents mean-spirited and divisive. Speaking in January to a group of rural pastors, Johnson said he had spoken with at least three current or former Supreme Court justices, who told him the high court would never overturn the state's Defense of Marriage law. In other words, a state law banning same-sex marriage was safe, so why amend the constitution? Unknown to him, a pastor with close ties to gay marriage opponents was in the audience, with a tape recorder clipped to his backpack. "Dean, we're not going to do it," Johnson, on the tape, quotes one justice as saying. When the controversy broke, Johnson revised his story, saying the remarks were based on a quick encounter with one justice. That was not enough for Supreme Court Justice Russell Anderson, who called a news conference to deny that any justices spoke with Johnson about the issue. Anderson criticized the senator for "attacks on the integrity of court members and this institution." It is unclear whether the mess will affect the proposed amendment's chances; some Democrats say the blowup has hardened their opposition. Johnson was elected as a Republican in 1978 and rose to that party's top Senate post before defecting to the Democrats in 2000, saying the GOP had moved too far to the right. In 2004, Democrats chose him as their Senate leader, where he has been a formidable opponent for Republicans. Besides being a longtime pastor, he is also a brigadier general in the Minnesota National Guard known for folksy asides about the upright Scandinavian descendants who populate his central Minnesota district. Some of Johnson's allies say it is a dangerous precedent to punish a politician for exaggerating. But Republican Sen. Mike McGinn, a former police officer, said some lies are too big. "The consequences of this lie are far more serious than lying about the size of the fish you caught at the governor's fishing opener," McGinn said. "It's not just a little white lie. It's a huge lie." Source: CNN, March 24, 2006 |W|P|114323363214530826|W|P|DOMAGATE: CNN REPORTS ON DOMAGATE|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/24/2006 11:36:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|Democrat Doran pulls out of governor's race ST. PAUL (AP) _ Shopping center developer Kelly Doran, who put more than $1.6 million into his first shot at political office, quit the race for the DFL gubernatorial nomination Friday. Doran, of Eden Prairie, announced his decision at a Capitol news conference. He was briefly a U.S. Senate candidate before switching to the governor's race in September. His willingness to commit his personal fortune to his campaigns made him a legitimate contender despite his political inexperience. His departure changes the race. Democratic candidates can save more of their money for a general election campaign against Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty instead of trying to keep up with the free-spending Doran through the primary. "It's big because it means the primary is not going to be as contentious as it would have been,'' said Democratic strategist Blois Olson, co-publisher of the online Politics in Minnesota newsletter. The major Democratic candidates remaining are Attorney General Mike Hatch, state Sen. Steve Kelley of Hopkins and Sen. Becky Lourey of Kerrick. Former Gov. Jesse Ventura's Independence Party is backing consultant Peter Hutchinson. Doran had struggled for tractin with DFL activists, and drew just 6 percent in a straw poll during precinct caucuses. Hatch grabbed nearly 40 percent of the vote, and Lourey and Kelley both attracted about 22 percent. Before and after the caucus poll, Doran insisted he wasn't depending on the party endorsement and was focusing his campaign on a September primary. He had already run a wave of television commercials introducing himself to voters and plastered billboards along highways across the state. Doran, 48, had tried to claim the political middle, selling his outsider status as an asset and recruiting a moderate legislator _ state Sen. Sheila Kiscaden of Rochester _ as his running mate. But his campaign might be most defined by his balance sheet as he tried to build a political base from scratch. Doran spent $750,000 on his short-lived Senate campaign and another $900,000 through Dec. 31 on his run for governor. He entered the year with $1 million at the ready, but that too came from his own pocket. Source: Associated Press, March 24, 2006
|W|P|114322913269060227|W|P|AP: DORAN'S OUT|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/24/2006 09:09:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|Kelly Doran will be holding a press conference at 1:00 p.m. in room 181 of the State Office Building to announce the end of his campaign for governor.
|W|P|114322035288174891|W|P|BREAKING NEWS: DETAILS ON DORAN'S ANNOUNCEMENT|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com3/24/2006 09:02:00 AM|W|P|Minnesota Democrats Exposed|W|P|I have been informed by captiol sources that Kelly Doran has officially ended his campaign for governor and a formal announcement will be made this afternoon. Checks and Balances broke this story yesterday, but this my first confirmation of Doran's departure.
|W|P|114321992802806245|W|P|CONFIRMATION OF DORAN'S DEPARTURE|W|P|minnesotademocratsexposed@hotmail.com