Campaign Operatives Discuss the 2016 Election

Yesterday, the MN Government Relations Council, the lobbyists’ state association, held a forum entitled “Before the Ballot Box.” The panel discussion featured: Mike Campbell, Senate GOP; Ben Golnik, House GOP; Alyssa Siems Roberson, Senate DFL and Zach Rodvold,...

From Fender Bender to Pounded Rear Ender

On January 21, 2016, House Speaker Kurt Daudt (R-30A, Crown) was reportedly late to a meeting with Governor Mark Dayton (DFL) and Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk (DFL-03, Cook). The only reason we have found was a tweet by Pioneer Press reporter Rachel Stassen Berger...

Speaker Daudt a Master of Double Speak

Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt (R-31A, Crown) said, “I think may get a tax target today.” as he had just left Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk’s (DFL-03, Cook) office. Coincidentally, we witnessed the Speaker come in through a door accessible...

Some Republicans Lobbyists Fighting for Their Livelihood

The results of the 2012 election brought about one-party rule (DFL) in St Paul and many Republican lobbyists found themselves in dire straits with the significant loss of clients. This meant their influence fell largely on deaf ears for the last two legislative...