Almanac: At the Capitol

Al Franken issued this statement late Monday night:

SAINT PAUL [3/10/08] - Al Franken released the following statement tonight:

Over the last year, I've gotten to know Mike Ciresi well as, together, we've traveled the state. I've been impressed and inspired by his passion for social justice, his command of the issues facing our nation, and his devotion to the people of Minnesota.

I want to thank Mike for his hard work on behalf of this party and this state, and for a well-fought campaign. I welcome his counsel, I honor his friendship, and I look forward to working with him to make sure the DFL takes back this seat.

We all have a lot of work to do together to change Washington, but for today, Franni and I just want to wish Mike, Ann, and their wonderful family all the best.

It looks like Al Franken will be the DFL nominee for U.S. Senate to take on Sen. Norm Coleman. Nelson-Pallmeyer is still in the race, but with the money and endorsements Franken has gathered he should get the endorsement even with Pallmeyer sometimes being the sentimental favorite of activists. Here's what Ciresi had to say:

STATEMENT OF MIKE CIRESI ON HIS WITHDRAWAL FROM THE U.S. SENATE RACE

I am announcing today my withdrawal from the contest for the DFL endorsement and the conclusion of my candidacy for the U.S. Senate. In my judgment, continuing the endorsement race would only lead to an unnecessary floor fight. It is time to step aside.

On entering the race, I expressed my passionate belief that our country had lost its direction and that the middle class was being crushed economically. We have a failed foreign policy that has led us into a war that, despite the extraordinary service of our armed forces and the sacrifices of their families, has served to further destabilize the Middle East and led to a less safe world. Middle class jobs are evaporating and quality educational opportunity is being denied to our children. College education is increasingly unaffordable, and graduates are saddled with enormous loans. We have a “sick care” system rather than a health care system that is affordable and accessible to all. The environment is not being nurtured and protected. We have a tax system that has created the greatest wealth gap since the early 1900s. Staggering debt is being passed on to future generations, and yet those who seek political office say little about the difficult economic choices we must make.

We are at defining moment in our nation’s history, and we have the opportunity to reject the failed policies of the past and write a new chapter in the American story. I am confident we will do so because of the spirit, creativity, and optimism of our fellow citizens.

Ann and I have traveled our entire state for the past year, and the desire and sense of urgency for change is palpable. We believe that the people will demand that the tough choices be presented and that the vast majority of Americans will reject self-interest in favor of the common good and shared sacrifice. I firmly believe that America’s best days are still ahead of us. As we return to private life, I will continue my efforts, as I have my entire life, to work with others in contributing to the common good of our state and nation.

Ann and I and our family wish to express our deep gratitude to all of our fellow Minnesotans who have so graciously welcomed us into their homes, businesses, and towns and engaged us in heartfelt discussions concerning the issues facing our nation. We are also deeply indebted to all of our supporters and staff who passionately believe in our message and have worked tirelessly on our behalf. The memories and friendships forged are timeless. We encourage all to remain committed to changing the direction of our nation and to support candidates of their choice.

God bless all of you --

Mike and Ann Ciresi

This will be Pawlenty's 4th appointment to the state's high court. He will have shaped the court as much as, if not more than, most modern governors. Gov. Arne Carlson appointed six justices including Russell Anderson. Perpich appointed five. I just talked to my favorite gubernatorial historian and father, Gene Lahammer, who said for governors court appointments are a "rare treat, some have feasted more than others."

CHIEF JUSTICE RUSSELL ANDERSON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM HIGH COURT

For Immediate Release

ST. PAUL, MINN. (March 10, 2008) - Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Russell A. Anderson today announced his retirement from the state's highest court, effective June 1, 2008.

"My wife's health concerns and my age prompt me to retire at this time," Anderson said in his letter of retirement to Governor Tim Pawlenty. "It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Minnesota over the the last 25 years, first as a district court judge from 1982 to 1998, and as a member of the Supreme Court from 1998 until the present time. And I am sincerely grateful for the honor of serving as Chief Justice during my final years on the Court."

Anderson's tenure in public service began when he was elected Beltrami County Attorney in 1978, a position he held until 1982 when he was appointed to the district court bench by Governor Al Quie. After serving 16 years on the trial court bench chambered in Crookston, Anderson was appointed an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court in 1998 by Governor Arne Carlson.

As an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court, Anderson worked closely with then Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz on completing the restructuring of the trial and appellate courts into a single, state-funded third branch of Minnesota government governed by a newly created Minnesota Judicial Council.

In January of 2006 Governor Tim Pawlenty appointed Anderson Chief Justice. As Chief Justice, Anderson continued the development of the Judicial Council, serving as its chair. "I am extremely proud of the work of the Judicial Council. From its inception it has worked to ensure that every Minnesotan has equal access to justice. It has strived to develop forward-thinking budgeting and strategic planning practices. With nearly 3,000 employees and 100 courthouses and hearing facilities, it is critical that resources provided to the courts be used in the most effective and efficient ways possible, and the Judicial Council has been working hard to fulfill that commitment."

A Phoenix TV station did an interesting story showing "political insider" odds. Makers put Pawlenty as the second most-likely VP choice for John McCain. Florida Governor Charlie Christ occupies the top spot. I was doing some background research on Crist and I didn't know that he was "fine" with civil unions and has been plagued by rumors he is gay. He has flatly denied such rumors, but the civil union issue could hurt him with conservatives. Conventional wisdom says McCain has to pick someone more conservative than him, I wonder if Crist fits that bill on the marriage issue. Back to the odds-makers story: interesting that the Phoenix station calls Pawlenty a "new face" and a "popular governor." I think in Minnesota we get a bit of a distorted sense of his national prominence. He has been seen as a rising star in small national circles, but is just starting to make the national scene with all the VP talk. Here's the breakdown of the VP contender odds:

3:1 Crist

4:1 Pawlenty

5:1 Huckabee

8:1 Hutchinson

10:1 Rice

We know Gov. Pawlenty has been raising lots of cash for a guy who may or may not run for governor again. But here's what his campaign is doing with the money:

Pawlenty Campaign Committee Releases Radio Ad “Family Budget”

(St. Paul) – Governor Pawlenty’s campaign committee today released a new radio ad that will run statewide during this critical time in the legislative session.

“With rising gas prices, grocery bills and health care costs, Minnesotans are facing challenging times. State government should live within its means, just like families do every day,” said Trisha Hamm, political director.

“We’re running the ads to urge Minnesotans to contact their legislators and tell them that they can’t afford any more DFL tax hikes,” Hamm said.

The radio ad is available at www.TimPawlenty.com/ActionCenter.