Mary's Page

Target Pawlenty

Mary Lahammer — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 13:56:18 -0600

By being extra high profile this week, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has become a bigger target on a national stage. The DNC went on the attack saying:

Minnesota Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty, after making a series of smart strategic moves over the past few months in advance of an expected run for president in 2012, has struggled on the national stage in the past week.

First, Pawlenty waded into a special election in Upstate New York on behalf of Conservative party nominee Doug Hoffman -- a move that came directly on the heels of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's decision to endorse Hoffman over state Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava (R).

"We cannot send more politicians to Washington who wear the Republican jersey on the campaign trail, but then votes like Democrats in Congress on issues like card check and taxes," Pawlenty said in a statement announcing his decision.

Then, in an appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Monday, Pawlenty seemed to make an unforced error by calling into question whether Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe (R) truly belonged within the Republican party.

Later in announcing a constitutional amendment that would impossibly have to pass through a DFL-controlled legislature, Pawlenty proposed:

In order to limit state government spending, ensure balanced budgets, and force lawmakers to prioritize limited resources, Governor Tim Pawlenty today proposed an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution that would cap the state general fund budget at the level of revenue actually received during the previous budget period.

Under Governor Pawlenty’s proposal, Minnesotans would vote on the proposed “Spending Accountability Amendment” during the general election on November 2, 2010.

“For 40 years prior to my inauguration as Governor, Minnesota government spending increased by an average of more than 10 percent per year,” Governor Pawlenty said. “During my time in office, we slowed that to just over 2 percent per year, and cut spending for the first time in the history of the state. However, limiting government spending growth should not be a once-in-a-century event. We should let Minnesotans decide if government should live within actual revenues collected instead of predictions. Doing so would force government to live within its means and stop the seemingly unending desire for more programs and more spending that put pressure on taxpayers’ wallets.”

But, Democrats quickly countered by producing a chart trying to put egg on the governor's face:

During today's media availability, Sen. Pogemiller and Sen. Bakk noted that the Governor had not submitted a budget proposal that met the requirements of the constitutional amendment he proposed this morning.

Brian Sullivan Buzz

Mary Lahammer — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 16:02:37 -0600

There's a lot of talk (PIM and MPR) that businessman Brian Sullivan may indeed enter the race for governor. Earlier this summer he told me "now more than ever in this economic climate there's going to be an interest in someone who hasn't grown up in government." You could say the Republican frontrunner Marty Seifert has done exactly that, entering the legislature at just 24 years old. But it's those years of experience at such a young age that got Seifert to the top Republican spot as former minority leader.

Sullivan would be a game changer. So would Jim Ramstad or Steve Sviggum (who's still quietly itching to get back into the race but won't give up his day job as a Pawlenty commissioner). The other Republican to watch is Norm Coleman. I've been chatting with him on Facebook lately, off the record of course, but I don't think he's done with politics or a public life yet. Coleman has more than 5,000 supporters on the social media site and Seifert comes in below 1,000. It seems this still early race will still have some shake-ups.

Obama in Europe

Mary Lahammer — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 09:24:48 -0600

After spending a couple of weeks in Europe touring historic sights and visiting family (my mother-in-law is British) besides seeing the expectedly awesome castles and Big Ben hovering over the Houses of Parliament, we saw something that surprised us: Obama everywhere.

From the kid who serves frozen "yoghurt" by the sea at Brighton who thought Obama was "cool" to the British car with the bumper sticker which is unheard of in England. While the new president's popularity has fallen in his home country, he stills seems very popular in Europe and particularly England. The Pew poll proved that by showing 86% of Britains have confidence in President Obama. Americans came behind that at 74% at the time of the poll.

I guess I shouldn't have been a surprise to see extensive news coverage of the American president in Europe, but it was remarkable to see detailed analysis of what American health care reform could mean for British companies. The London newspapers covered small details of Congress' emerging healthcare bill. I saw repeated references to the "Obama factor" in Europe. I can't image we'd ever see this much coverage of a British politician in mainstream American news. Now back to reading more than a thousand emails with a jet-lagged brain.

1st DFL/GOP Gov Debate

Mary Lahammer — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:20:58 -0500

After moderating the first governor's debate featuring both Democrats and Republicans for Hunger Solutions, here are a few observations on the candidates that showed up (in the order they were seated).

Tom Bakk: He was my biggest surprise. At the Capitol Bakk can be a bit of a boring policy wonk. While he was still wonkish today, he expressed serious passion and stood out in the crowd. He was the only Democrat I noticed who talked directly about reaching Independent voters. What really sticks in my mind was when he got choked up, nearly crying talking about his new grandchild and the importance of this race for this new generation. It was personal and emotional.

Mark Dayton: He was not surprisingly passionate and stuck up for going to a primary as being the most democratic way of electing a governor, versus having a cadre of party activists decide the winner. He also stood out for being the only candidate to literally stand up when answering each question.

Tom Emmer: The often-described bombastic lawmaker was much more sedate. Actually all the Republicans seemed to dial down their rhetoric a bit for this debate, perhaps it was the topic of hunger and poverty had them not wanting to look mean or heartless. I missed his quotability.

Margaret Anderson Kelliher: The House Speaker was solid and consistent, as she has seemed to be in most forums to date. No big surprises, but steady is probably the right idea for her at this stage. She was willing to mix it up a bit more than her GOP colleagues, but she didn't take any real tough shots.

John Marty: The earnest unbending liberal bled for the audience. You could feel his pain for the poor and hungry, good for the crowd, not that that's going to win him an election.

Marty Seifert: He's clearly seen as the real Republican frontrunner because all the Democrats beat up on him throughout the forum. Audience members were disappointed he wouldn't differentiate himself from Emmer when I put him on the spot. Several said he should have hit his positives harder when asked why he was the better candidate.

Susan Gaertner: After criticizing me for trying to force her hand on taxes, the Ramsey County Attorney finally gave me an inch by saying she was a better choice than Kelliher because she represents a fresh start.

Michael Jungbauer: He's funny and quirky and often provides some needed comic relief while still addressing the policy questions.

Tom Rukavina: The Croatian Sensation probably handled my one-on-one match up questions the best when he said he's had a lifetime of "doing more with less" referring to his height disadvantage. He confessed he would tax everyone in the room, including himself!

Paul Thissen: When asked how the nice guy in a crowd of lawmakers would stand out, he certainly tried, owning the health care issue and even taking issue with some of his fellow DFLers.

Leslie Davis: He recited poetry, repeatedly, what more can I say.

Mayor Chris Coleman

Mary Lahammer — Thu, 8 Oct 2009 16:49:36 -0500

Chris Coleman surprised the entire political establishment by announcing he is not running for governor. The St. Paul Mayor was scheduled to be in next week's first gubernatorial debate featuring leading Democrats and Republicans sponsored by Hunger Solutions and held in his hometown.

At the State Fair in August, I asked Coleman point blank if he should be on the list of candidates for governor for the story I was working on and he said yes, put him on the list. I even prodded for something quirky from his past for the angle I was working and he quickly gave a great quip about wearing a kilt playing the bagpipes opening for Rod Stewart at the Xcel Center.

But many I'd been speaking to for my upcoming magazine article thought it was an uphill battle for Coleman, they said he lacked the charisma of his famous father and faced a lot of strong and wealthy candidates in the race to replace Gov. Tim Pawlenty. The mayor was very outspoken during the legislative session, coming to the Capitol often and becoming a chief critic of the governor's cuts to local government aid.

Straw Poll Success

Mary Lahammer — Sun, 4 Oct 2009 17:48:50 -0500

After the Republican State Convention straw poll, I only got one press release from a candidate in my email box. It was from poll winner Marty Seifert. It shows the organization that probably propelled him to the top spot. We should see some of the lower finishers drop in the near future, but you never know. The GOP's release listed first choice vote results "Marty Seifert finished first followed by Tom Emmer, Pat Anderson, David Hann, Paul Kohls and Phil Herwig. Mike Jungbauer, Bill Haas and Leslie Davis tied for the final spot."

Seifert's campaign release went as follows:

Seifert: “Very Humbled by Support"

ST PAUL – Marty Seifert finished first out of nine candidates with 37% at the Republican Party of Minnesota gubernatorial straw poll held today in St. Paul.

“I am very humbled by the support I received today,” said Seifert. “I want to thank all my opponents in this race for their effort and contributions to the Republican Party. I truly believe that Republicans have an embarrassment of riches in this race.”

During his speech, Seifert was accompanied on stage by a large contingent of supporters from across Minnesota.

“It is clear to me that Republicans in Minnesota are looking for leadership,” said Seifert for Governor Campaign Chair Jim Knoblach. “Today Marty was the top vote getter in both the Metro and Greater Minnesota congressional districts, showing that he is ready to take his message to every corner of Minnesota to win this race.”

“Tomorrow, the campaign will go back to aggressively building a grass-roots organization that has statewide reach,” commented Seifert. “My campaign will continue recruiting local volunteers and donors to help spread the message we shared today.”

Pat Anderson had a quick note and photo on Facebook "Pat Anderson Convention was fantastic. Thank you for all your support! We are off and running!"

Tom Emmer For Governor page on Facebook (with really outdated photo) reads "Tom Emmer for Governor is humbled and energized by Saturday's straw poll results at the RPM State Convention, which appeared to narrow the field into a two person race. Nearly 40% of the delegates cast a vote for Tom after less than three months of campaigning, demon...strating that Minnesotans are eager to restore prosperity and hope to our state. Thank you for your encouragement and support."

The MN DFL was paying attention and had a ready response:

“The Republican straw poll was an interesting exercise that didn't change by one iota the basic challenge that all the Republican candidates must face: that every one of them have supported Governor Pawlenty's disastrous governing style, which has plunged our state toward a $7 billion budget deficit. They have been loyal soldiers in the Republican assault on Minnesota—ballooning the state’s budget deficit, kicking Minnesotans off health care and reducing aid to our local communities. Luckily Minnesotans will have an easier choice next year—Tim Pawlenty-light or a DFL candidate who represents leadership, courage and responsibility.”

Political Emmys

Mary Lahammer — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:18:19 -0500

Twin Cities Public Television had a great night at the Regional Emmy Awards. Almanac won for best Public Affairs show, David Gillette won for Commentator and Senate Race MN: 3 Big Moments the biographies we did of Al Franken, Norm Coleman and Dean Barkley won in the Magazine category. I really want to thank the candidates, Franken, Coleman and Barkley for letting us invade their homes and their personal lives for a very real and often difficult look at who they are and where they come from. Here are some shots from the big night at the Pantages Theatre.

First Fight in Gov's Race

Mary Lahammer — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:08:23 -0500

As the dozens of candidates for governor try to stand out in a crowded field, Republican Pat Anderson has done so by taking the first public swing at a fellow candidate. On the GOP side, it seems Anderson, Marty Seifert and now Tom Emmer have emerged as the top candidates (Paul Kohls may be making some moves to scratch at that top tier). We'll find out more next week at the Republican Convention. On the DFL side, Margaret Anderson Kelliher and R.T. Rybak appear to be holding the top spots with Matt Entenza and Mark Dayton posing a threat in a potential primary or blocked endorsement. Back to Republicans, here's some of Anderson's press release:

Gubernatorial Candidate Pat Anderson disputes
Rep. Marty Seifert's "Leadership Plan"

Seifert incorrectly states education vouchers are unconstitutional
while proposing unconstitutional welfare reform

St. Paul - Despite a gaggle of candidates, there have been few substantive disagreements on issues among the nine conservative Republicans vying for the Minnesota GOP nomination for governor - until Wednesday. Former State Auditor Pat Anderson, the only candidate to have held statewide constitutional office, took direct exception to two of the seven points in Rep. Marty Seifert's "Leadership Plan for Minnesota."

"Marty's philosophical position agrees with mine," said Anderson, "but his press conference comment that that education vouchers run afoul of the Minnesota state constitution is simply wrong. Ironically, he makes another proposal -- that welfare benefits for new residents be 'no higher than the state they are coming from' - that has previously been held unconstitutional by the State Supreme Court."

"Unfortunately for the parental school choice movement, Marty has fallen for the rhetoric of those statists more concerned about preserving the state's monopoly on education than about providing the best education for individual students," said Anderson.

Margaret

Mary Lahammer — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:36:54 -0500

Fresh off a solid win in a DFL straw poll, the DFL House Speaker launched her campaign for governor at her family's farm in southern Minnesota with signs saying "Margaret." Her campaign added this:

(Mankato, Minn) – Today, Minnesota Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher announced her campaign for Governor at her family farm near Mankato.

Highlighting her career in public service, Anderson Kelliher discussed her days growing up on a dairy farm and the challenges of the 80’s farm crisis.

“My family faced difficult times, but we were determined to face that crisis and succeed. Those difficult days shaped the person I am today.

“Minnesotans are hungry for a leader who not only understands our challenges but will work with them to solve the problems we face,” she said.

Anderson Kelliher was introduced by former Secretary of State Joan Growe who said, “I am supporting Margaret because I know no one will work harder for Minnesota. I want a governor who understands the problems we face, has ideas on how to correct them, has the vision for the future of our state, and the passion to get the job done.”

A graduate of Mankato West High School and Gustavus Adolphus College, Anderson Kelliher was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1998, and was elected Speaker by her colleagues after leading her caucus to the majority in the 2006 election.

As Speaker, she guided the passage of a nation-leading renewable energy standard. And when the safety of the state’s roads and bridges was at stake, she built a coalition of Democrats and Republicans, business leaders, farmers and environmentalists to override Governor Pawlenty’s veto of the transportation bill.

“In order to rebuild Minnesota, we need an economic plan that touches every corner of the state,” Anderson Kelliher said. “We cannot afford to have an opportunity gap in this state between rural and metropolitan Minnesota.”

Campaign Kickoff Video at www.margaretforgovernor.com.

Results of the Minneapolis DFL Majority Rules Governor Straw Ballot taken the night before:

Margaret Anderson Kelliher, 55%
RT Rybak, 45%
John Marty, third place

Before the official launch and farmstead picnic, here's the note Kelliher sent out to supporters:

Today surrounded by my family, friends and supporters I will announce my campaign for Governor.

I’m a lifelong Minnesotan with deep roots in the Minnesota River Valley. The youngest of six children, I grew up on a dairy farm just outside of Mankato. Along with my brothers and sister, I learned early in life the value of a hard day’s work and the importance of community.

In Minnesota, we don’t face our challenges alone. When the safety of our roads and bridges was at stake, and Governor Pawlenty vetoed the bill that would fix our broken transportation system, I built a coalition of business leaders and labor, farmers and environmentalists, Democrats and Republicans who worked together to override that veto.

In Minnesota, we also look to the future together. We saw an opportunity to be a leader in clean energy – and the jobs and whole new industries it brings – so we built a coalition that crossed boundaries from conservationists to utilities, from Democrats to Republicans. Now, Minnesota requires power companies to use more clean energy than any other state in the county, which is not only good for the environment, but will help make Minnesota the center of the energy industry.

In order to rebuild Minnesota, we must shore up the foundation of economic success throughout our state. We need an economic plan that touches every corner of the state. We cannot afford to have an opportunity gap in this state between rural and metropolitan Minnesota.

When I am Governor, every child will have the opportunity to have a quality education regardless of where they live through the enactment of a new Minnesota Miracle. It will make our work force more competitive and productive in the global economy.

When I am Governor, I will continue to work on health care reform – and stand up to the insurance companies when I have to. I believe Minnesotans should be able to depend on their health care. Health care should not be taken away when you get sick or loose your job; access should not be denied because of a preexisting condition; insurance companies should not be able to drop you if you get sick and they should pay every legitimate claim!

Minnesota deserves nothing less from their Governor.

Over the following months, I will work to earn your support so that together we can build a stronger, healthier and safer Minnesota.

My Best,

PS – follow the campaign on Facebook or Twitter

The State Republican Party responded to the DFL frontrunner with this:

KELLIHER NOT FOOLING ANYONE WITH MANKATO MAKEOVER
"Margaret Anderson Kelliher's rural makeover in Mankato isn't fooling anyone. As an out of touch Minneapolis liberal, Kelliher has voted to raise the gas tax, the metro wide sales tax and income taxes. People in Greater Minnesota and the suburbs need to be aware of this tax and spend wolf in sheep's clothing." -Tony Sutton, Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman ___________________________________ THE FACTS ABOUT MARGARET ANDERSON KELLIHER Kelliher Has Failed To Lead: Kelliher Failed To Pass A Credible Balanced Budget After Nearly Five Months. "Gov. Tim Pawlenty began Tuesday looking for $2.7 billion in budget cuts, a chore left undone by the DFL-led Legislature when it adjourned late Monday night. ... Pawlenty pledged last week that there would be no special session and no government shutdown, that he would fix the budget himself if no agreement was reached. He said he would veto a last-minute tax bill that would raise $1 billion mostly from new taxes on people making $300,000 or more. Doing so would mean his tools to balance the budget are line-item vetoes of spending bills and unallotment of authorized spending." (Brad Swenson, "Pawlenty Will Finish Legislature's Work," The Bemidji Pioneer, May 20, 2009) Liberal Think Tank Ripped Kelliher's Lack Of Leadership. "There's no real drama remaining at the State Capitol so let's stop kidding ourselves. Our side lost, ignominiously, from a self-inflicted wound. ... Since Pawlenty's Thursday powerstroke revelation, the State Legislative leadership has been desperately offering exactly what they've been offering the Governor all session only with the now absolutely certainty that their proposals will be rejected. These final few days are, quite entirely, an object lesson in futility." (John Van Hecke, "The Legislature's Self-Inflicted Wound," Minnesota 2020 Website, May 17, 2009) Kelliher Broke Promise Of Fiscal Moderation: Kelliher: "Increasing Taxes Is Not The Top Priority." "'Minnesotans voted today really for the heart and soul of Minnesota, and what came out on top is education, health care and attacking those rising property taxes. I think what that means is that we will also be a fiscally moderate caucus,' Kelliher predicted. ... But DFL House Majority Leader Margaret Anderson Kelliher says increasing taxes is not the top priority." (Tom Scheck, "Minnesota Legislature Swings To DFL," Minnesota Public Radio, November 8, 2006) Kelliher: "There Will Be Fiscal Moderation In The House." "'The message out of the election is about balance and working on issues people care about, no matter whether they live east or west or north or south,' Kelliher said, adding that DFLers will be wary of pushing legislation that may be viewed as too liberal or excessively expensive. 'We'll be very focused on core issues,' she said. 'There will be fiscal moderation in the House.'" (Dane Smith, "Election 2006: Which Way Now: Cooperation Or Gridlock?" Star Tribune, November 12, 2006) Kelliher: DFLers Don't Plan Any "Major Tax Increases." "Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, who is expected to be the new House Speaker, said the Democratic caucus is fiscally conservative and does not plan any major tax increases. 'We know that taxes are an important component of attracting and keeping businesses, so we will be looking at those issues very closely,' she said. 'I don't foresee any major changes in our taxing structure as it relates to business.'" (John Vomhof Jr., "DFL House Win Shifts Ground For Business," Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal, November 13, 2006) Kelliher: We're "Fiscally Moderate." "The new DFL-controlled House has the most limited agenda, making it perhaps the most achievable. ...Add to those three a fourth element that may surprise some: fiscal responsibility. 'We're a fiscally moderate caucus,' [Speaker Margaret Anderson] Kelliher said of the sprawling 85-member majority that now includes significant numbers of moderates from the suburbs, exurbs and rural areas." (Dane Smith; Patricia Lopez, "Pawlenty, DFL Leaders Share Many Goals For '07," Star Tribune, January 7, 2006) Kelliher: House DFL Caucus To Work With "Fiscal Moderation." "Lawmakers will also have some extra money to work with this session. The state budget surplus is projected at $2 billion for the biennium. But Kelliher wants the House DFL caucus to approach its work with 'fiscal moderation.' 'It does not mean that we're backing away at all from these core values,' Kelliher said. 'But that we will do it within the constraints of the budget, the reported surplus, as well as making sure the long-term commitments that we make are balanced going forward.'" (Tim Pugmire, "Legislature Begins Session With DFL In Control," Minnesota Public Radio, January 3, 2007) Democrats Are "Generally Not Interested In Talking About Tax Increases." "Generally, they're not interested in talking about tax increases, [Margaret Anderson Kelliher] said. I think most of our members would say they'd look at all options available," she said. "We feel in transportation all mechanisms of funding transportation are on the table,' she said. 'Obviously, most members of our caucus supported a tax increase two years ago,' she said." (T.W. Budig, "Minnesota Legislators Provide A Snapshot Of What They Expect In 2007 Session," ECM Publishers, December 27, 2006) Kelliher Is Tax & Spend Liberal: Kelliher Voted To Raise State Gas Tax, Metro Wide Sales Tax And License Tab Fees. (H.F. 2800, February 25, 2008) "Minnesotans will see their first state gas tax increase in 20 years as part of an ambitious $6.6 billion transportation plan... The Senate vote was 47-20, the same as when the bill passed on Thursday. The legislation would increase the state gas tax 5 1/2 cents by fall and then by up to another 3 cents; 3 1/2 cents of the 8 1/2 cents would be in place until bonds authorized under the plan are retired." (Mike Kaszuba & Mark Brunswick, "House, Senate Override A Pawlenty Veto For The First Time," Star Tribune, February 25, 2008) "Under another provision, a quarter-cent sales tax increase would occur in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area without a referendum, with all proceeds going to transit projects." (Mike Kaszuba & Mark Brunswick, "House, Senate Override A Pawlenty Veto For The First Time," Star Tribune, February 25, 2008) "The sales tax would raise an estimated $1.1 billion over 10 years. In Hennepin County, the state's most populous, it would generate more than half of that amount, or $606 million." (Mike Kaszuba & Mark Brunswick, "House, Senate Override A Pawlenty Veto For The First Time," Star Tribune, February 25, 2008) "The legislation also will increase license tab fees on vehicles, particularly luxury cars..." (Mike Kaszuba & Mark Brunswick, "House, Senate Override A Pawlenty Veto For The First Time," Star Tribune, February 25, 2008) Kelliher Voted To Raise Alcohol Taxes And Income Taxes. (HF 885, SJ 4466, May 8, 2009) "The DFL bill would increase liquor taxes and income taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans and levy a surtax on credit card companies... The liquor tax increase would raise about $120 million a year. The nonpartisan House fiscal staff estimated the increase would be 4 cents per drink on beer and wine and 5 cents per glass for distilled spirits, but liquor lobbyists said the tax increases would much higher." (Bill Salisbury, "DFLers Shrug Off Expected Veto To Pass $1B Tax Hike," Pioneer Press, May 8, 2009) "In a letter to legislators, Mark Stutrud, president of Summit Brewing Co. in St. Paul, wrote that the bill would increase the state's excise taxes from $4.60 to $11.21 a barrel. That, he wrote, would wipe out the brewery's profits for the next three years, stop its expected growth and halt its plans to hire more workers." (Bill Salisbury, "DFLers Shrug Off Expected Veto To Pass $1B Tax Hike," Pioneer Press, May 8, 2009) "The income tax increase would create a fourth tax bracket of 9 percent -- the fourth-highest top rate in the nation -- for married joint filers earning more than $250,000 a year and single filers making more than $141,250. That would raise about $258 million a year." (Bill Salisbury, "DFLers Shrug Off Expected Veto To Pass $1B Tax Hike," Pioneer Press, May 8, 2009) Kelliher Voted To Increase Income Taxes, Alcohol Taxes And Established New Surtax On Certain Interest Income. (HF 2323, May 18, 2009) Kelliher Is Out Of Touch: Kelliher Voted For The "Dream Act" Which Provides In State Tuition To Illegal Immigrants. (SF1989, April 19, 2007) Kelliher Called For Repeal Of State's Concealed Carry Law. "Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Tuesday he supports changing Minnesota's new handgun law -- which goes into effect today -- to make it easier for churches and businesses to keep guns off their premises. The change proposed by Republican leaders would mean private establishments would only have to post a no-gun sign or tell patrons of their no-gun policy if they want to keep guns out. The law passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Pawlenty last month requires both the posting and personal notification. ... Critics of the law, however, may see this as an opportunity to press for more change in the law -- or even call for its outright repeal. 'The safest way to clean up the bill is to repeal it,' said Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL- Minneapolis." (John Welsh, "Pawlenty Urges Quick Fix To Handgun Law," Pioneer Press, May 28, 2003) Noting The Lack Of Appeal Of Urban Liberals In "Much Of Minnesota," Liberal Columnist Slammed Kelliher's Election As Speaker. "The DFL has proved again that it can't tolerate success. Hours after holding statewide victory parties, DFLers in the House and Senate opted to become the party of Minneapolis. In a stunning disconnect from reality Thursday night, Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Larry Pogemiller were picked as the leaders of the House and Senate. These two live blocks apart in Minneapolis. In much of Minnesota, including metro suburbs, they represent two of the scariest words in politics: 'Urban liberals.'" (Doug Grow, "Leadership Picks Make DFL Tent Look Pretty Small," Star Tribune, November 12, 2006)

Health Care Hustle

Mary Lahammer — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:39:39 -0500

Politicians here in Minnesota are racing to respond to Obama's health care speech and get in front of the president's visit to Minneapolis this weekend. Gov. Pawlenty called on some of his commissioners while Democratic legislators who are experts on the topic planned an immediate rebuttal. Here are highlights from their dueling advisories:

Governor Pawlenty and Commissioners Magnan and Ludeman will hold a press conference today to discuss Minnesota’s experience with health care reform preceding President Obama’s visit to Minnesota on Saturday.

Sen. Linda Berglin, DFL-Minneapolis, Rep. Tom Huntley, DFL-Duluth, and Rep. Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, will be holding a media availability to respond to Gov. Pawlenty’s comments on health care reform.