Keith Ellison

Representative Keith Ellison

tptadmin — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 21:21:39 -0500

Our month-long visit with members of Congress continues when Keith Ellison joins us live in the studio.

Congressional Check In

tptadmin — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:05:42 -0500

Congressmen John Kline and Keith Ellison join us on the couch to chat about their recent trips abroad to Afghanistan and Gaza.

Obama Mentions Minneapolis

Mary Lahammer — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:34:22 -0600

Just a few minutes into his address, Pres. Obama said "there are 57 police officers who are still on the streets of Minneapolis tonight because this plan prevented the layoffs their department was about to make." He was then interrupted with applause. The biggest applause line was when he mentioned the vice president heading up an oversight effort "because nobody messes with Joe." Critics have been saying he needs to bring more humor and confidence.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who spent Superbowl Sunday with the Obamas, got a quick shot with the pres right after the speech. She looks delighted.

Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar had a slick new media response ready before the speech began, but embargoed until its completion. Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher is attending the address, the guest of Congressman Keith Ellison. Last time she left for Washington, Minority Leader Marty Seifert made a milk carton with her face on it, saying his Speaker was missing. So her press release noted "Kelliher is traveling at her own expense to attend the Presidential address. She will leave for Washington later today and return tomorrow morning."

Almanac - January 16, 2009

tptadmin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:14:05 -0600

Obama's Win

tptadmin — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 22:38:35 -0600

Hear what Tuesday night meant to Minnesota's African-American and African communities. Congressman Keith Ellison is joined by civil rights pioneer Josie Johnson and Tom Gitaa, publisher of the pan-African newspaper Mshale.

Vandal Backlash?

Mary Lahammer — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:14:18 -0500

(Images from MDE)

Democrats have a lot going for them when it comes to the tide of politics right now, but it seems doubtful now images like these have a backlash since the vandalism was pretty bi-partisan. The vandalism early seemed to hitting mostly Republicans (hours later we found out that Ellison and Klobuchar were hit too). I don't take a lot a strong opinions here, but everyone can agree there is no place for vandalism. If these images get a lot of attention especially on the Republican side, I wondered if this could evolve into something like the Rick Kahn comments at Wellstone's memorial (this now, later seems doubtful, just raising a question which is dangerous in this emotionally charged competitive election cycle). The coverage seems to be mainly focused on the Colemans as victims since the images and quotes I've seen the most in the press are from Laurie and Norm Coleman. (I'm not saying nor never meant to imply a Democrat was responsible, sorry if I left that impression earlier).

The DFL quickly and smartly issued the following statement (this was issued when, like me, they only knew of Republicans being targeted):

Upon news reports of recent vandalism, Minnesota DFL Chair Brian Melendez released the following statement:

“I deplore and condemn the vandalism against the property of Senator Coleman and other Republican officeholders. The immaturity and stupidity of these crimes should offend every citizen, regardless of politics. If Norm Coleman and the others are going to be held accountable for their poor stewardship, then it must be done the American way — at the ballot box and in public discourse, not in the dead of night with a can of spray paint. Whoever committed these cowardly crimes should step forward, confess, apologize, and take the consequences.”

Who Wasn't There for Obama

Mary Lahammer — Wed, 4 Jun 2008 10:02:15 -0500

The question I kept hearing all night at the Obama rally was "Where's Al Franken?" His rival for the DFL U.S. Senate endorsement Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer was there. Sen. Amy Klobuchar appeared and got big cheers. Congressman Keith Ellison also made the crowd roar. Many said they were waiting to see Franken appear, to shore up support, to rally the troops with 30,000 people in and around the X.

Franken's campaign tells me he had a previously scheduled event in the third congressional district with delegates in Eden Prairie. Ironic that is was a woman from Eden Prairie who was introducing Obama while the world was watching. It appears Franken is more concerned about delegates who will decide his fate in a few days than a huge crowd in St. Paul or a broad television audience.

Franken hasn’t taken a position publicly in the presidential race, but his spokesperson says "he knows both candidates personally and thinks they’re both extraordinary." Interesting he's still referring to two candidates. Franken's spokesperson writes even though he didn't attend the Obama rally "he is VERY excited about DFL enthusiasm in Minnesota." They seem optimistic about the convention in Rochester.

Governor and DFLers Square Off Once More

tptadmin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:56:18 -0500

This week the battle was over veto cuts, including the planned light rail route between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Mary Lahammer brings you the latest from the Capitol.

Capitol Update - April 8, 2008

tptadmin — Tue, 8 Apr 2008 13:55:17 -0500

McCollum-Pawlenty Tussle

Mary Lahammer — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:44:28 -0500

This rift between Congresswoman Betty McCollum and Governor Tim Pawlenty on Central Corridor funding is getting interesting. A McCollum staffer just stopped by the State Capitol Press Room to distribute some background information. Their press release says "Pawlenty Administration Seeks $165,000,000 in 'Pork' While Decrying 'Pork'." McCollum says "Minnesotans deserve straight talk from Governor Pawlenty about his misleading position on Congressional earmarks."

The governor sent McCollum a letter stating "I believe the earmarking process is in need of reform." Pawlenty says only Ellison and McCollum are seeing statements certifying an administration's support of a project. He says "It would be disappointing if you decline to support these projects or that you hold Minnesota to a different standard than requests from other states." McCollum just wrote back "It is indeed perplexing that you feel you deserve to receive earmarked federal funds while refusing to agree to the accountability measure put forth by my office." She also points out the positions taken by Pres. Bush and Sen. McCain would result in "zero federal funding" to several Minnesota projects.

This infighting from two former state lawmakers is particularly interesting considering they once got along as fellow House members. In fact, on Almanac back in 1993 we selected McCollum and Pawlenty for a panel of freshmen stars. Boy do we know how to pick them? (Or maybe we just got lucky!)