Mutual Respect

Governor Jesse Ventura (RP-MN) and Sen Steve Novak (DFL-52, New Brighton) had a televised battle of words last week after the Steve Minn confirmation hearing. One interesting point that was addressed by the Governor was the feeling that the Senate Jobs, Energy and...

GOP 2010 Precinct Caucuses: Only Two Left Standing

The straw poll at precinct caucuses brought some clarity to Republicans last night.  As expected, former Republican House Minority Leader Rep. Marty Seifert (R-20A, Marshall) bested Rep. Tom Emmer (R-19B, Delano).  Many thought the margin would be wider, but at the...

Is there a DFL Knockdown Drag out Fight Brewing?

If the DFL candidates keep their eyes on the prize they will focus on the record of Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) and the Republican approach to government rather than trying to hamstring their DFL opponents they will do their cause a service. It is far too opportunistic...

GOP 2010 Precinct Caucuses: Only Two Left Standing

The straw poll at precinct caucuses brought some clarity to the Republicans endorsement contest last night.  As expected, former Republican House Minority Leader Rep Marty Seifert (R-20A, Marshall) bested Rep Tom Emmer (R-19B, Delano).  Many thought the margin would...

About Last Night: The 2010 Precinct Caucuses

Last night’s Precinct Caucuses provided some invaluable information into both major political parties candidates for endorsement. We will dissect and disaggregate and expound on what we witnessed, have learned since and what we now conclude. Since most people are...

Looking at the Numbers

We have assembled the campaign finance numbers for the gubernatorial candidates, the state parties, and the legislative caucuses.  The figures are interesting. One interesting feature we noticed is the DFL Party spent over a million dollars in the off-year, which...

2010 Republican Precinct Caucuses and Straw Poll

We will be disaggregating the numbers of tonight’s Republican Straw poll trying to figure out who won the day and who is in the strongest position to secure the party’s endorsement. We conclude turnout over 20,000 will be considered high.  Many think the race is down...

2010 DFL Precinct Caucuses and the Straw Poll

The consensus picks for tonight straw poll appear to be Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL-60A, Minneapolis), Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak (DFL) or Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-63A, Minneapolis). DFLers are forced to make a choice otherwise vote Uncommitted. This means...

Citypages Lobbyists Rundown

In an attempt to garner some street cred in the halls of the State Capitol Citypages scribe Matt Snyders penned a story entitled “Meet the Lobbyists: The Unseen Hands Behind Some of the Biggest Bills in Minnesota.” Interestingly, the online version is...