I'm for a big tent politics. That is why I am a Democrat. We are the party of the big tent, of many view points and opinions. Democrats are often criticized for "eating their young." As Democrats, we think about what type of people we want to represent our party. I do not want Colleen Rowley representing my party. She will lose the 2nd district seat and hurt all of the DFL statewide candidates.
When I first heard that she was running, the idea of a Colleen Rowley candidacy excited me. She has national name recognition, she Time's Person of the Year, and the so-called "FBI Whistleblower." That is quite the resume for a congressional candidate. I was very excited about all this until I learned the following:
Colleen Rowley is not a Democrat. Colleen Rowley is an opportunist. She is running as a Democrat because the incumbent she is facing is a Republican. Ms. Rowley is obnoxious, abrasive, and anti-social. Considering the fact that she can appear in the national media whenever she wants to, Rowley's fundraising has been pitiful. I can only assume because of the following:
While we fill out our donations I know many of us will focus on candidates in our area ("All politics is local"), but I personally will be giving nationally this year. To build the progressive majority across the country, we need to look both in state and outside of our own borders.
So I ask all of you to chose 5 candidates, limit yourself to just two inside your state (for the purpose of this list), and post here on who the five candidates will be. Find those candidates around the country that excite you the most. I know I have.
Note: Don't feel pressured to include the amounts, and remember, a little bit goes a long way at this time in the cycle!
Jon Tester for US Senate: $25. A great candidate and a straight-talkin' populist. Has a proven record of fightin' for the folks. Hell, Bob Brigham is on his side, if that isn't a seller right there, then I don't know what is! I am really, really pumped about this guy! Website: www.jontester.com
Paul Hackett for Ohio: $25. Don't have to say much about this guy. I think we all know quite a bit. I got really psyched up about him during the special election. When The more I learn about Hackett, the more I like Hackett. I am going to volunteer for him when I am in Ohio visiting a friend over the summer. We got behind him last summer, lets help him out again! Website: www.hackettforohio.com
Heath Shuler for US Congress: $15. Out raising his incumbent opponent, has everything in place to grab a house seat. If you want to be part of a winner, donate to this guy! Website: www.heathshuler.com
My Two Local Donations:
Tim Walz for US Congress: $50. I am bias, he is in my district. Nonetheless, this Fightin' Dem is going to give a Republican Rubber stamp a run for his money. This is truly the race to watch in Minnesota. Progressive populism is the name of the game in this campaign, and the message is resonating. Jump on the Tim Walz bandwagon! Website: www.timwalz.org
Becky Lourey for Governor: $25. I don't know if I will caucus for her, or vote for her in a potential primary, but I love this woman. Her son died while serving our country in Iraq. She is been a tireless voice for liberal causes and never, ever steps down from a fight. She is running in a crowded race (Atty. General Mike Hatch, St. Sen. Steve Kelley, Real Estate Developer Kelly Doran) to take on Governor Tim "State Shutdown" Pawlenty. From the Iron Range, she knows populism, and talks the right game. Website: www.beckylourey.org
1. Amy Klobuchar: Easily the frontrunner. Miles ahead of the other announced challengers when it comes to fundraising and maturity of her campaign. She has both the establishment-wing (Mondale Inc) and the anti-establishment/Wellstone-wing (Kaplans, etc.). The DFL legislators have also lined up rank and file behind Klobuchar. Some DFLers don't understand why this is happening. The answer is simple: DFLers want to win. DFLers want to stop Mark Kennedy. Amy is the only candidate out there who has the balls (no, I do not mean that literally) to take down the sick, slick, self-obsessed, radically conservative Congressman from St.
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2. Michael Ciresi: Remember, this is for the endorsement, not the primary. Also, Ciresi is not in the race (officially). I am fan of a Mike Ciresi candidacy. In 2000, he brought a populist, man-of-the-people message to his campaign. That is what the DFL needs more of. Think of John Edwards; but with out the boyhood charm and George Clooney good-looks. I think Ciresi could definitely become the anti-Amy in the race. His late entrance will cost him dearly, but that won't stop him.
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3. Patty Wetterling: Unless Q4 bares a large surprise, I have a feeling the Patty Wetterling for US Senate campaign will soon close up shop. What a wonderful women she is. But I believe her campaign is running into the same type of troubles it encountered during her run for Congress. A lack of knowledge on the real issues. At a recent Farmer's Union forum, she reportedly fumbled over and refused to answer questions surrounding agriculture. I believe Patty is fighting the good fight, and is very well-intentioned, but her candidacy needs to face reality. I hope she can stick it out to the Convention though...Patty Wetterling for Lt. Governor?
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4. Ford Bell: I've gotta hand it to this guy. Ford Bell has been able to assemble a real campaign for the DFL endorsement. Not only that, but he is leading Mark "I'm in it for my own good" Kennedy in the most recent poll (albeit a Zogby poll). Most DFLers are happy to see Bell in the race. His message of single-payer healthcare and alternative energy is definitely getting out there and pushing the other candidates. Props to Ford, I am definitely a fan. Even though he has snow balls chance in hell of winning the endorsement, he is doing an admirable job on the campaign trail.
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That is more or less how Paul Hackett starts his stump speech, and that is how I feel about my political party. The Democratic Party is the party of fair play, hard work, opportunity, and responsibility.
As Democrats, we believe the government should stay out of the bedroom, but keep an eye on the boardroom. We believe that workers have a right to bargain collectively. We believe that if a person works hard, they should be able to get by. We believe that a government should be the best of all people, working together for the common good. We believe that all people are entitled to a certain standard of living.
The Democratic Farmer-Labor Party is the party of Humphrey, the party of Mondale, and the party of Wellstone. It is the party of Coleman (Chris not his cousin Norm), the party of Oberstar, and the party of Entenza.
Former Vice President, US Senator, and Presidential Candidate Hubert Humphrey once said, "It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped." As Democrats, this is our mantra.
I do not believe the DFL platform has all the answers. But I do believe it is a damn good place to start.
The DFL is the party of hope, change and compassion. It is not the party of cynicism, of egocentricity, and fear.
The DFL is the party of the miner in Chisholm, the farmer in Plainview, and the nurse in Rochester. It is the party of the people, not the party of the elite.
This is why I am a Democrat, and I'm damn proud to say that.
