Unchallenged Elephants

The leadership of the state Republican Party is up for re-election at their next Central Committee meeting and to date, they remain uncontested. Party Chair Ron Eibensteiner, Deputy Chair George Cable, and Secretary/Treasurer Ron Carey should all easily slide back in....

Lining Up GOP Constitutional Officer Candidates

Speaking of Mayor Pat Awada (R-Eagan) we understand she is being mentioned as another Eagan resident, don’t forget House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty (R-38B, Eagan), for a constitutional office. The current Eagan Mayor’s name is being circulated as a good candidate...

City Business 40 Under 40

City Business selected four well-known political names in their recent 40 under 40 list. DFL Party Chair Mike Erlandson, former Republican Party Chairman Chris Georgacas, Political operative Erich Mische and Mayor Patricia Awada (R-Eagan) made the list.  …...

Start of the 2002 Ad Barrage

It isn’t surprising to see the millionaire in the 2002 Gubernatorial race be the first to start running commercials eighteen months before the election. GOP Gubernatorial candidate Brian Sullivan (R-MN) launched the first commercials targeted to increase his name...

We’ll Keep the Lights on for Ya

When speaking to DFLers the temporary solution to the legislative session resolution dubbed the “Lights On” strategy is more attractive and the Republicans reject it out of hand. The stand being taken by the Republicans on the rate reductions for...

DFL Defection?

Just in case you missed this item yesterday. Councilmember Jerry Blakey (DFL-Ward 01, St Paul) is rumored to be making a pivotal political decision set to be announced shortly. We understand he is so interested in being considered a serious factor in the St. Paul...

St Paul DFL City Convention

Posted 9:12 PM Jay Benanav became the DFL endorsed candidate on the 11th Ballot with over 65%. Bob Long spoke to the delegates and said he was going to take a few weeks off and would be talking to people later. He did not say whether he would abide by the endorsement...

Lead Up to St Paul DFL City Convention

Checks & Balances will once again be providing blow-by-blow coverage of the St. Paul City Convention. If you are busy doing yard work or relaxing from a taxing work week just log on and see what we have to say. We will keep the most current information at the top...

The Special Session is On

Governor Jesse Ventura (IP-MN) is calling the legislator’s back to St Paul on Monday. This will be the first Special Session Ventura has called in his two and one-half years in office. He did so prior to there being any agreement reached by the three sides....

Suburban Senator’s Letter

Dear Senate Conferees: We are writing to thank you, as Senate taxes working group conferees, for standing up and fighting for the homeowners we represent. We recognize that you are under intense pressure to give up every point of contention, but we urge you to remain...