Lt. Governor Endorses Tom Emmer

January 25, 2010
Saint Paul, Minnesota
State Capitol
By Marty Owings

Minnesota's Lieutenant Governor, Carol Molnau announced today at a Capitol press conference that she was endorsing Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer.

Molnau said that Emmer has, "what it takes to win." She added, “I think it was his leadership style and his strength that really turned me towards Tom,” When asked if she'd received endorsement requests from any other gubernatorial candidates, she nodded her head and said, "we've talked." She declined to indicate who those requests might have come from.

Molnau was asked if she was putting any "upward" pressure on her boss (Governor Pawlenty) to support Emmer. Molnau responded that, "this decision is a personal one for me...I haven't really talked to him [Pawlenty] about this."

State Representative Matt Dean, a republican from Dellwood, said he was also supporting Emmer because, "nobody works harder in the Legislature...he's the only person I know who would read every bill the night before it came up in committee."

Emmer's campaign continues to build momentum and the announcement by Pat Anderson that she was leaving the race for Governor, was the first in a series of recent events that are energizing his campaign. Anderson's announcement likely favored Emmer since her supporters generally ranked Emmer as their second choice ahead of Marty Seifert. However, Norm Coleman's decision to stay out of the race was a benefit to both Emmer and Seiferts campaigns. Emmer and Seifert are considered by many political observers to be the front runners for the GOP nomination.

In an interview after the press conference, Emmer said he plans to ask Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty for his support soon and added that he also expects additional key endorsements to be announced within the next week. In addressing the question of whether he was being labled as too conservative, Emmer responded by saying that the label of "too conservative" when it comes to his vision for the state, is not a very sophisticated one. Emmer says it's more complicated than that and he believes it takes private business to drive prosperity and that government alone cannot create the wealth it takes to support programs favored by many liberals. He also reflected on the recent endorsements and support he's received, saying it was "humbling" and adding, "it can't be about me, its got to be about all Minnesotan's."

David Fitzsimmons, Emmer's campaign manager, says that Emmer is gaining popularity with Minnesotan's because he has a unique way of, "connecting with them." Fitzsimmons says Emmer has an edge over the other candidates because his personality is, "infectious." He says that when given the opportunity to talk one on one with people, Emmer can convert the most strident critic into a supporter. Fitzsimmons says that he's keeping an eye on the rest of the gubenatorial candidates and that he believes the more narrow field of candidates in the GOP favors them over the DFL. He says it spares the GOP of the messy primary battles, something he believes hurts the opposition.

Emmer's personality and charisma have proved to be a challenge for Seifert and other GOP candidates. Seifert, although engaging and energetic, is sometimes seen as stiff or awkward by observers. Seifert announced today that he had also picked up endorsements from several GOP activists, district chairs and county commissioners. Seiferts biggest job in the coming weeks might not just be in getting endorsements, but in proving he can connect as well with Minnesotan's as Emmer can. After all, what's really at stake isn't just policy and issues, but who is most electable come November.

Norm Won't Run For Gov

January 17, 2009
State Capitol - Saint Paul, Minnesota
By Marty Owings

Former US Senator Norm Coleman announced tonight on his Facebook page that he will not be entering the race for Governor. Coleman stated on his Facebook announcement that, "I love Minnesota and I love public service, but this is not the right time for me and my family to conduct a campaign for Governor."

Coleman fueled speculation about his future in the Governors race at a press conference in June after the Senate contest against Al Franken was ended in the courts. At his press conference Coleman said he would make an announcement about his political future in the coming weeks or months. There was further speculation about Coleman last week when Pat Anderson announced she was dropping out of the gubernatorial race and would be running for state Auditor. A few pundits thought her announcement came because she had an indication that Coleman would be entering the race. Many in the Minnesota GOP, and especially those currently running, have been concerned about what the race would look like if Coleman did throw his name in the hat as he would almost have certainly been the front runner for the party nomination.

In the Facebook announcement Coleman says the timing to pursue a gubernatorial campaign just wasn't right, "Timing is everything. The timing on this race is both a bit too soon and a bit too late. It is too soon after my last race and too late to do a proper job of seeking the support of delegates who will decide in which direction our party should go." What Coleman doesn't mention is that a good number of those delegates were probably eager to know if he was going to get into the race before committing to a candidate.

Coleman's announcement will no doubt bring a renewed focus on those still in the race and provide a potentially cleaner primary process. While supporters and some in the party will be disappointed with Coleman's announcement, it is likely that more than a few in the GOP leadership and the other Republican candidates are breathing a sigh of relief.

Here is a link to Coleman's complete Facebook announcement:
Coleman_Governor_Announcement

Radio Free Nation 2010 - All Rights Reserved

Emmer Says NO And Other Capitol Excitement

January 14, 2009
State Capitol - Saint Paul, Minnesota
By Marty Owings

I contacted Representative Tom Emmer (R) today to ask him about rumors that he might be interested in becoming Norm Coleman's running mate, should Coleman enter the race for Governor. Emmer stated flatly that he had no interest in the idea and added that he's been focused on his own campaign and hadn't really given it much thought.

Emmer added that with the momentum his campaign has gained, as well as some key recent endorsements, he is, "really excited and energized about the campaign." Emmer has done well in straw polls and his campaign has been on an upward trend since he entered the race. Emmer's appeal to the conservative base is strong and his ability to connect with everyday Minnesotans is probably stronger than others in the current GOP field.

I asked Emmer if he had any thoughts regarding speculation that Norm Coleman may enter the race but he declined to comment. Instead, Emmer says he's going to, "continue to work on my campaign and focus on the things I can control." I asked him if he'd given any consideration to who his own running mate might be, but he said it was a bit too soon to think about that. Emmer has likely formulated a list of possible candidates, but as of today he's not ready to share them.

In other Capitol news... I happened to be walking through the ground level at the Capitol when I noticed several secuirty personnel running toward the south-east enterance. Curiousity got the best of me and so I followed them. When I arrived at the building exit, there were several officers and more arriving on the street. I noticed the glass had been smashed in several of the doors, see photo's. I asked what happened and was informed that a man had thrown rocks through the glass doors and fled on foot. I was tempted to ask if it was one of the gubenatorial candidates or maybe a Lobbyist but the cops looked a little too serious.

As I was leaving, I overheard someone say they apprehended the guy a block or two away. If things don't work out with Lariano, the Twins might want to consider signing the guy after his legal troubles with vandalism are cleared up, because I saw at least one of the rocks he threw and it was no bigger than a lemon, but he managed to hurl it through half inch plate glass from a distance....and he hit all three targets almost dead center.

Radio Free Nation 2010 - All Rights Reserved

Kelliher and DFL fined for campaign violations

January 13, 2010

Minnesota State Capitol

By Marty Owings

Margaret Anderson Kelliher, the current Speaker of the House and a DFL Candidate for Governor has been fined $9000 by the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board for violations it says intentionally skirted regulations.

Kelliher, through her campaign, directed contributions to the state party, money which was then used to purchase a voter database and that is what brought the fine. The state DFL committee was also fined $15,000 for its role in the violation.

Kelliher issued a statement that said in part, "Our campaign accepts the board's findings. I have made certain that our campaign has systems in place that make sure no mistake like this will happen again." Kelliher's statement falls short of admitting that her campaign violated the law and Brian Melendez, the DFL Party Chairman, characterized it as an "inadvertent error."

I sought comment for this story from Speaker Kelliher, but had not heard back from her or her representatives as of publication. More to come on this story.

In other Capitol news, speculation continues to swirl around Norm Coleman and whether he will enter the race for Governor. A few people, such as Sarah Janecek at Politics in Minneota have speculated that Coleman will likely enter the race and that Laura Brod would be his running mate. A few insiders, who wished to remain anonymous, say the stronger bet for Coleman's running mate might be State Representative and current gubenatorial candidate Tom Emmer. Emmer has made a strong showing in polling and connects well with the GOP base. That would likely leave current GOP gubenatorial front-runner Marty Seifert out.

Seifert recently transfered $20,000 from his House campaign fund to his Gubenatorial campaign, a move which is perfectly legal according to the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board. However, if Seifert leaves the Governor's race he can only return $5000 to his state House campaign, if he decides to keep his seat. There's a lot at stake for Seifert, because he's already committed to abiding by the GOP endorsement process and he gave up his role as House Minority leader when he announced his run.

Radio Free Nation 2010 - All Rights Reserved.

Dispatch From The Capitol - State Leaders Meet On Budget

January 8, 2010
Saint Paul, Minnesota
By Marty Owings

Minnesota's Legislative Leaders and the Governor met today at the Capitol to discuss the current budget crisis and upcoming legislative session. They met behind closed doors for a little over an hour and emerged saying the meeting was "positive" and "productive".

DFL Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller said he expected the Governor to come forward with an "honest budget proposal", by mid-January and added that there was general consensus that there was no need for a special session. The regular Legislative Session begins February 4th.

Pogemiller said that is was "incumbent on him [Governor] to show how he would balance the budget", and added that if the Governor thinks the budget problem can be solved with cuts only that he should, "show us the way". Pogemiller mentioned the word "honest" a half-dozen times in reference to the Governors possible budget proposal. When asked if he expected something less than an honest proposal he responded by saying, "we expect an honest, straight forward budget".

DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, who is one of a number of Legislators running for Governor this year, joked that the negotiations, "are a little bit like being married". Kelliher said that the Governor "realizes the seriousness of the unemployment issue". She then outlined how she sees the coming session shaping up, "in the first couple of weeks of session, we plan to pass a jobs packages...and plan to find a mutually agreeable solution to GAMC [General Assistance Medical Care]". Kelliher said that Legislative leaders and the Governor were scheduled to meet again privately in two weeks.

GOP House Minority Leader Kurt Zellers said, "Minnesota families, Minnesota business owners, Minnesota tax payers don't have any more money to give in tax increases, so I think that'll be one of the sticking points from my perspective", but quickly added that he felt the meetings with leaders and the Governor taking place this early in the Legislative process was a positive step that. When asked about what solutions the GOP would put forward, Zellers stated, "If you didn't like the amendments then, don't call us back and say this time that you want our solutions", then added that, "we will continue to offer solutions and amendments". In a response to whether he could guarantee GOP votes on a budget solution, Zellers responded that, "based on the number of candidates running for governor this year, I can only guarantee one vote, mine".

GOP Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem said that from his perspective the meeting was product even though they didn't solve anything. Earlier in the day Senjem had commented on a local radio program that he thought the budget negotiations were more productive when done behind closed doors. When asked about his comments, Senjem responded that he was disappointed in last year’s attempts to make the negotiations more transparent through the Legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy or LCPFP meetings, saying that, "we sat there many, many days...in a very unproductive fashion". When pressed on the issue of secret meetings Senjem added that, "I can't explain to you fully how I believe frankly the session last year came to the conclusion it did based on the inability for the Legislative Fiscal Policy Commission to work".

The Governors Spokesman, Brian McClung said that the purpose of the meeting was to remind Legislative Leaders, “that he is not interested in raising taxes”. McClung stated that, “Governor Pawlenty will present to the Legislature a complete budget proposal that resolve the $1.2 billion deficit through budget reductions”. McClung says the timing for that would be sometime around the beginning of the session. McClung added that the Governor would be making a bonding bill proposal next week and that it was his understanding that the Democrats want to spend a lot more and that might be a sticking point.

McClung says that the Governor was pleased with the announcement by Judge Kathleen Gearin earlier that the appeals process on her recent ruling against his unallotments could be fast-tracked to the appeals court. McClung said the Governor felt that the Judge had ruled incorrectly when she ruled that the administration had misused the unallotment law. He was also asked about the transparency of the negotiation meetings and stated that, “these weren’t budget negotiations, this was just an opportunity for the Governor to meet with Legislative Leaders to get on the same page. The tradition at the State Capitol has not been to have Governors testifying in front of legislative committees, if a Governor did, than presumably every committee would enjoy the opportunity to have the Governor sitting there for hours answering questions”.

The likelihood that the negotiation process at the Capitol will become more transparent anytime soon seems unlikely. It also seems unlikely that the cordial tone of today will continue when the DFL controlled Legislature and the GOP Governor really get down to the business of trying to solve the biggest budget crisis in the history of the state.

Here are the video highlights -