Ciresi Commercial

US Senate Candidate Michael Ciresi (DFL) has made a number of interesting statements that would normally embolden DFLers if he were the endorsed candidate or were willing to abide by the endorsement and not run in the primary. In his public comments, he has said that...

Marty Still Doesn’t Get It

Sen John Marty (DFL-54, Roseville) doesn’t understand the subtle suggestion that all of his election law proposals are DOA. Last legislative session he was unable to pass a bill out of his own committee and this year is no different. On Wednesday, Marty’s bill to stem...

At the Table

Checks & Balances was interested in who was sitting at the table when we saw Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe (DFL-02 Erskine)in the State Office Building. When we asked we found out that it was just Speaker Steve Sviggum (R-28B, Kenyon) and his staff Moe and his...

Bringing in a Relief Pitcher

Metropolitan Council Chair Ted Mondale appears to be taking over the reins in steering the Light Rail Transit debate for the administration from Department of Transportation Commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg. Part of the reason is the lawsuit filed by Rep Phil Krinkie...

More Names in the Fourth

More names are emerging in the contest to replace Congressman Bruce Vento (D-MN04). Mary Rosenthal is a labor activist, originally from the Duluth area, who is being talked about in labor circles as a potential labor candidate on the DFL side for the 4th Congressional...

Justifiable Primary Challenge

Since the DFL Precinct caucuses are going the way of the Dodo Bird and the Passenger Pigeon discussions are beginning that are developing a rationalization for a primary challenge on the DFL side in both the 4th Congressional District and for US Senate. With this...

In the Bank

The unexpected departure by Congressman Bruce Vento (D0MN04) has resulted in a sizable campaign surplus in the Vento for Congress account. Currently, there is nearly $290,000 in the bank. The changes in the law prevent Vento from converting the money for his own use...

The Vento Legacy

In 1976, Congressman Bruce Vento (D-MN04) survived a multi-candidate primary while carrying the mantle of the DFL endorsement. He went on from that victory to become one of the best advocates for the environment and the National Park system since President Theodore...

From a Party of One To a Party of None

Today at 1:00 pm Governor Jesse Ventura (RP-MN) has scheduled a press conference to announce his intentions regarding the National Reform Party. There are speculations far and wide that he will be leaving the organization. That will reduce the total number of high...

Unicameral Conundrum

The Republican members of the Minnesota State House are receiving mixed messages from two of their leaders. On February 7th, Republican Party Chair Ron Eibensteiner sent out a letter to Republican legislators informing them that “the Republican Central...