Almanac: At the Capitol

Just a day before John McCain's visit to Minnesota most Minnesotans know little about the presidential candidate's visit because the campaign wouldn't release any information. After a press conference responding to Democrats' press conference, McCain's local campaign coordinator Ben Golnik got chewed out by the local press for the lack of advance work. The national campaign is organizing the visit so the local guy gets to hear us complain.

Press cannot write preview stories without information. We cannot plan and book crews to cover events we know nothing about. It does not send a strong signal of an organized campaign. Obama's campaign gave several days notice and many details about his visit here a couple of weeks ago.

When the information finally arrived, it mentions the "previously scheduled town hall meeting" in Eagan has been canceled. Since the press never knew it was scheduled, it's funny to cancel it. The Eagan location had insiders wondering since that's where Gov. Tim Pawlenty lives. But the pre-ticketed town hall meeting will be Thursday at 7pm in St. Paul's Landmark Center.

What McCain can boast about is beating Obama to the punch in opening a campaign office. Today DFL officials said they expect an announcement in few weeks about Obama opening a local office. McCain's people also feel good about the recent poll showing the presidential race a toss up in Minnesota.

Democrats held a press conference criticizing McCain's gas tax holiday. DFL's Donna Cassutt and Sen. Kathy Saltzman (DFL-Woodbury) said it would cost the state more than $113 million and 4,000 jobs. McCain's office said the money would be replaced by federal the federal general fund. Saltzman reminded reporters of the 35W bridge collapse and said "Minnesotans have seen the reality when we delay needed projects." When asked about what Obama's or the Democrat's plan is to lower gas prices Democrats didn't have many answers. Saltzman said they would "not address" that but we need to look to greater energy efficiency.

On the eve of the State DFL Convention, Sen. Tom Bakk has the news we've been expecting (and talked to him about in February):

Senator Tom Bakk announces the formation of Exploratory Committee for 2010 Governors race.

Minnesota State Senator Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook) announced last week the formation of an exploratory committee for the 2010 race for Governor. Senator Bakk currently serves as the Chairman of the powerful Senate Tax Committee. He was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1994 and served until his election to the Minnesota State Senate in 2002. He is known as a moderate, experienced legislator who works across the aisle to get things accomplished. Senator Bakk was seen as a driving force to completing the 2008 budget negotiations with the current administration. He was praised for his hard work, and tough negotiating skills by colleagues involved in the talks.

Senator Bakk said: "I'm ready to bring tested leadership and vision back into the office of the Governor. The lack of leadership of the current administration has lead to the decline of Minnesota values, and a decline in the quality of life of our hardworking citizens. We must begin the process of restoring a more prosperous future, one that includes everyone, not just those at the top. That future begins with a campaign of optimism and a leader with vision."

Senator Bakk goes on to say how excited he is to begin connecting with voters statewide. He will work to secure the DFL endorsement if he enters the race. "Democrats are looking for someone who can win, and someone who can accomplish the changes that all Minnesotans value; I can do both," said Bakk.

Senator Bakk graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a degree in business administration. He went on to work as a journeyman carpenter for 11 years, and in 1987 was elected to lead his union – a position he still holds today. He currently sits on the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) Board of Directors and the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB). He has been appointed to the Midwestern Legislative Conference: Economic Development, Technology and Labor Committee, and the National Conference on State Legislators: standing committee on budget and revenue. He is a member of the Minnesota Workers Compensation Advisory Council and was recently appointed by Governor Pawlenty to sit on the state's Workforce Development Council. Tom served as the past President of the Iron Range Building Trades. He has also worked as a volunteer firefighter.

Tom Bakk is married to Laura, and they have four adult children. They reside on Lake Vermilion, near the town of Cook. Senator Bakk is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing and numerous other outdoor activities.

Senator Bakk expects to make an official announcement of his intentions by the end of 2008. He will now work hard to reach out to possible delegates and raise the necessary funds to mount a strong campaign. He will fulfill his full Senate term. For more information please go to www.tombakk.com.

At the State Republican Convention Governor Tim Pawlenty just challenged the Republican Party to have broad appeal and reach out. He told the story of his working class siblings who are all Democrats. And when he pointed out how they had common ground on many issues like education, healthcare and security, he asked them why they weren't Republicans and they said "they're not for the working people." Pawlenty said that "shows the perception we've got to get over." He said Republicans have not done as good a job of making meaningful connections with voters. The New York Times' David Brooks labeled Pawlenty the "godfather of Sam's Club conservatism" and his message today certainly speaks to that. We talked to all of Pawlenty's siblings all at one time he first ran for office, here's part of those profiles.

Pawlenty seemed relaxed and confident, speaking from the hip which he does well. He made a case for his "friend John McCain" and reminded the convention about McCain's service to country telling the story of the prisoner of war stitching an American flag in captivity. He told the convention which has been feisty and divided because of the Ron Paul issue "when the gavel comes down we have to unite."