Returning from vacation and looking back at the year, I decided to put together my Minnesota Top Ten Political Stories of 2008.
1. The Recount: It may be the top story of this year too if it keeps going. The most expensive and ugly political race in state history has continued, and continued, and continued. It seems the state was split and rather lukewarm about Coleman and Franken. I'll make no predictions about who "wins" and when.
2. Pawlenty Almost VP: Keeping track of where and when VP candidate Pawlenty would surface was tough work for local political reporters. He was everywhere. He nearly got the number two job. After not getting the nod, Pawlenty said he "doesn't get disappointed." He might be super steady, but c'mon he is human. The question is if he'll run again for gov. (I doubt it) and if he gains traction as a presidential candidate?
3. Transportation Override: For the first time lawmakers overrode Gov. Tim Pawlenty's veto. A bridge fell down. Dems crafted a deal and did the impossible. Republicans suffered for it.
4. RNC: The world did watch our wonderful Twin Cities shine (generally). The protests got more local news than national play, so overall the country seemed to think St. Paul did a fine job hosting a huge event. Republicans got the convention bounce they needed, but it didn't last.
5. Obama in St. Paul: He might not have made many campaign visits here, but the biggest day of the campaign happened in a packed Xcel in St. Paul. Obama secured the Democratic nomination in the place Republicans would officially choose their nominee. It was the loudest and most emotional political rally I have ever covered.
6. Palin Shopping Spree: Hey maybe it was a good economic stimulus for the local economy. The hockey mom's big ticket suits and spending spree at Neiman Marcus created a big problem for her Average Joe image. And that may could the memory of the solid speech she delivered in St. Paul that had quieted her skeptics.
7. Bachmann Bashes Obama/Media: Later calling it an "urban myth" Congresswoman Michele Bachmann made big news after questioning Obama and members of congress for "un-American" views, though she says she didn't say that. We've all seen the tape. She did damage control and won.
8. Republicans Retention: Going into the election, with the economy down, a Republican president's dismal approval ratings, and the GOP ticket topper behind, few Republicans really thought they would hold on to all of their congressional seats. Most betting people thought either Bachmann or Paulsen were going to lose. Paulsen's margin of victory surprised most observers.
9. DFLers Do Well: Dems fell short of an override majority in the House, but picked up a couple of seats. The Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher probably deserves the most improved politician award this year. Her level headed leadership helped guide a session-ending deal that seemed unlikely and gained praise from all involved. The question is will she run for governor?
10. Jesse Surfaces: Remember when the nation was watching that odd appearance on Larry King to see if former Gov. Jesse Ventura would run for Senate. He seemed to love the attention, but again cited his family for the reason to stay away from politics. In his only local interview, Ventura told me how his Mexican retreat has help his wife Terry's health. They are still Minnesota residents. He's also sure 911 was a conspiracy...
