Once Again, Krinkie Wins One for the Taxpayer

Representative Krinkie once again exhibited tremendous leadership and his ability to get things done for our conservative values when the Minnesota House passed a bill Tuesday that would send rebate checks to every homeowner in the state by October.

The state average property tax increase in 2006 was 10.5%. This bill which Representative Krinkie sponsored is a 9% rebate of the 2006 property tax, and will give back $276 million dollars that has accumulated in the state's tax relief account.

Krinkie called the rebate the simplest and most direct way to reduce property taxes statewide. "Send the money to individual taxpayers, not to local governments," said House Tax Committee Chairman Phil Krinkie.

Krinkie Continues to Gain Momentum with More Prominent Endorsements

Today conservative St. Paul Pioneer Press columnist Craig Westover offered his strong endorsement of Representative Krinkie's candidacy in the 6th Congressional District Race. This endorsement follows Monday's glowing endorsement of Phil Krinkie by Senate District 51 Chair, Andy Aplikowski.

Westover offers, "What more could the 6th District want in a Congressman? Phil Krinkie's fiscal integrity makes him the best person for Congress for the times."

"The race is all about choosing the type of congressman or woman best for the times we live in. For my money as a 6th District resident, that person is Phil Krinkie," writes Westover.

"Krinkie's ideological integrity is his strength, and it's a weakness only if one believes that turning down a request for government spending is merely a preliminary decision. Krinkie does not compromise lightly, and he sticks to his principles."

Westover continued saying last year's health impact fee:

". . .was a contradiction of the governor's position of no new taxes, a contradiction of the Republican position on spending and a point of policy on which Krinkie's integrity would not bend."

Phil Krinkie has always kept his promise of no new taxes and he will continue to be the champion of the taxpayer as the next Congressman from the 6th Congressional District.

On a similar note, Mitch Berg from 'Shot in the Dark' echoed the recent wave of endorsements when he wrote, "If I lived in the Sixth and were going to the convention, I'd give the nod to Krinkie. It'd be a tough call, but in the end it is out-of-control spending that poses a clear, present danger to this nation's well-being."

Krinkie Announces Proposal for a Billion Dollar Tax Cut Plan

State Rep. Phil Krinkie (R-Lino Lakes) today released details of the House omnibus tax bill which provides for more than $1 billion in tax reductions over three years.

The bill provides more than $400 million in income tax reductions and will also eliminate the marriage penalty in the state income tax code. In addition, the bill would eliminate income taxes on military pensions and increase the homestead exemption for farmers.

Also included are:

-An increase in K-12 education tax credit

-A $100 million reduction in school property taxes

-A $118 million increase in state aid to local governments to help cities restrain property tax increases.

-$75 million for a new tax credit on health insurance premiums
"We have a plan for real tax reform," said Krinkie, chair of the House Tax Committee.
The full press release can be seen here:
Krinkie Announces $1 Billion Tax Cut Plan

Thank You

The Krinkie Campaign would like to thank all of its supporters and volunteers as we enter the convention this weekend. It has been an incredible week for the Krinkie Campaign with all of the prominent endorsements, Phil's leadership on tax cuts, and the clear momentum heading into the endorsing convention.

See you Friday.

Health Care and HMO's

Dear Friend:

During the past four years, health care premiums have increased by 60 percent. During this time, approximately 15% of small businesses have cut back on health insurance for their employees. Two weeks ago, a report was issued which stated that, excluding Medicare and Medicaid recipients, over 40% of America’s population did not have health coverage at one time or another during the past year.

And what is Governor Pawlenty’s response to this issue? His centerpiece issue during last year’s legislative session was casinos. The centerpiece issue of the current legislative session is sports stadiums. The Governor has turned a blind eye to the health care issue, just as he has to education, transportation, the environment, and jobs.

Last week, I issued the results of a twelve month study of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota (BCBSM). This study determined that the insurer had a net worth six times higher than required by statute--the highest ratio in the country. This study noted that BCBSM spent hundreds of millions in exotic expenditures unrelated to policy holder’s health care (the statutory mission of the company), including the establishment of a Utah bank, the construction of a North Dakota hospital (it does not issue policies in either Utah or North Dakota), almost $100 million to a “disease management firm,” and contributions to the Children’s Theater and the Olympics. We also found more than $200 million per year spent on consulting contracts, many of which could not be verified. During this time, the Governor’s insurance regulator turned a blind eye to these activities and approved almost every rate increase sought by BCBSM.

Two weeks ago, it was reported that the board of directors of UnitedHealth Group (UHG), another HMO, gave themselves hundreds of millions of dollars in stock options and gave billions of dollars in stock options to UHG executives. When pension funds like CALPERS (and myself) urged a “No” vote on the reelection of the UHG Board, the Governor again turned a blind eye, stating that he could not vote because he accepted political contributions from the directors.

Over the last two years, we have also issued reports on HealthPartners and Medica, both of which reported that the companies were awash in money, were unrestrained in their spending and were unaccountable to their policyholders.

And, we have been active in the last month in opposing Senate File 1955, sponsored by U.S. Senator Michael Enzi of Wyoming. SF 1955, which may come before the full U.S. Senate for a vote as early as next week, would preempt important state oversight of health insurance rates and benefits. ( Click here to read an article about the bill .)

I hope you will take a moment to e-mail Senators Susan Collins (R - ME), Lincoln Chafee (R - RI ), Linda Murkowski (R - AK ), Robert Byrd (D - WV ), Ken Salazar (D - CO), Tom Carper (R - DE ) Mary Landrieu (D - LA), Thad Cochran (R - MS ), Trent Lott (R - MS ), Tom Coburn (R - OK), and James Inhofe (R - OK ), along with Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman to express concern about Senate File 1955. To contact these members, visit the U.S. Senate online at www.senate.gov. On the Senate homepage, click on Senators in the red menu bar and you will be directed to a web page that provides a listing of each Senate member and their contact information including email and phone numbers.

In order to beat Governor Pawlenty in this election, I need your financial help, and I need it now. It will be a long, exhausting campaign. I ask that you consider making an online contribution today so that we can move this state forward on health care and so many other issues.

Very truly yours,
Mike Hatch

P.S. Contributions of up to $100 per couple or $50 per person is fully refundable by the state if you haven't contributed yet this year. Please make an online contribution today and help take this state back. Donate today!

Reform is Producing Results

Dear Friend,

Four years ago, as I was campaigning for governor, the bright light of Minnesota was beginning to fade.

The state was deep in deficit.

Our schools were beginning to slip.

Crime was a growing concern.

One reason I ran for governor was to stop these disturbing trends.

For the last four years we have worked hard to put Minnesota on strong footing.

Will you help keep this good work going? Please click here to contribute.

To turn the state’s budget around, we made tough choices and held the line against tax increases, which gave us the strong economy that was needed to pull us out of the deficit. And that’s exactly what happened – to the tune of a billion dollars in the black.

We implemented new, rigorous education standards to hold our schools accountable for results. We offered school districts the opportunity to adopt a 21st century approach to paying teachers – incentives for results, not just for seniority.

And now, our students’ test scores are on the rise.

We passed the most comprehensive crime bill in a decade. We got tough on meth producers and sex offenders. And now, Minnesota is safer because of it.

In the last four years we have laid a strong foundation for Minnesota's future. The reforms we implemented are producing results.

But we must push on. We must work together to keep Minnesota great for many years to come.

Whether it’s $50, $25 or $10, I need your help and support.

Please click here to contribute.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Tim Pawlenty


P.S. I hope you agree that Minnesota is now on the right track. Please click here to contribute to keep this progress going!

Klobuchar Chronicle: The Momentum Month

Four days of rain are behind us and the grass is green, the tulips are out and I think we're all ready for a spring cleaning in Washington, D.C. Without question, April was a month of growing momentum for our campaign.

Our "Rally for Change" with Illinois Senator Barack Obama was a lot of fun with nearly 2,000 people attending. St. Louis Park Junior High will never be the same. Senator Obama is as generous with his time and good will in person as he is in front of a crowd. Before the rally he had a chat with our family. He told my ten-year-old daughter that she was quite gregarious and asked her if she ever thought of running for office. She looked up at him and said, "Well, people frequently ask me that, but I have to tell you Senator, I've already done it. I got elected to the middle school student council." He told her he didn't want her to move to Illinois because he wanted to keep his seat.

But more on the April momentum: this month we earned many endorsements including the AFL-CIO, Senator Mark Dayton, and many local and state elected officials, including Senator Keith Langseth from northwestern Minnesota. Thanks to your help, we announced a great first quarter fundraising total, raising $1.2 million in the first three months of the year. And you can take full credit -- more than 1/4 of my Republican opponent's money comes from special interest PAC's, while 95% of our money comes from individuals just like you.

Our new headquarters on University Avenue is hopping and while we attend all sorts of Democratic conventions and gatherings, we continue to run an aggressive general election campaign. A few weeks ago we had a great presence at the Ducks, Wetlands and Clean Water Rally at the State Capitol. It was a great event where sportsmen and environmentalists come together to make the case for conservation. I was pleased to receive an honorary duck band to take with me to Washington and next year I hope to be there judging the duck calling contest. Check out the pictures from the event in the "Amy Across Minnesota" section of our website.

And while the polls in this race have been excellent from day one (the latest Wall Street Journal/Zogby poll shows us 8 points up), the real polls are the ones I'm taking at the gas stations across the state where people tell me they are ready to take this country in a new direction towards energy independence. People know we need change in Washington when the retiring CEO of Exxon made $400 million last year, while the price at the pumps is heading up to $3 per gallon. As one customer told me at a station in Mankato last Saturday morning, "I can only get a half-tank now. It costs over $40 to fill up my truck. There must be a better way."

For years people in Washington have been talking about doing something about energy. But while talk is cheap, the price of gas isn't. Many months ago I proposed some short-term and long-term solutions for this crisis: a 20% renewable standard for fuel and electricity, improvements in fuel economy standards, incentives for more hybrid vehicles, leading by example by replacing the federal fleet of cars through attrition, a gas gouging penalty, requiring oil companies to invest in renewable energy research, and a "Manhattan Project" scale effort for energy self-sufficiency.

As the New York Times noted in a front page article last month, energy independence has been a central part of my campaign to put the people in front of the big oil companies. Now I want to go to Washington to do something about it.

We have always believed in science and technology in our state, in new frontiers. Minnesota brought the world everything from post-it notes to pacemakers...and we can now lead our country to a new frontier of energy independence. Through ethanol, biodiesel, wind and solar, through research at our top-notch university and colleges, we can lead. With an optimistic attitude that we can change the course of history, reduce global warming, and bring jobs to Minnesota by investing in the farmers and workers of the Midwest instead of the oil cartels of the Middle East, we can lead. But real leadership means sending people to Washington who will pass laws with teeth and stop coddling the oil companies with special tax breaks and gifts.

Please continue to join us on our journey to bring change to Washington. Help us to make the case for change and a progressive agenda of energy independence, affordable health care, and real international security, including a significant change of course in Iraq.

Here are some ways you can help:

(1) Contribute early and often. We know if we get our message out to the voters, we'll win this November.

(2) Volunteer today. As the weather gets nicer, we'll need more people to join our effort to build the best ground game Minnesota has ever seen.

(3) Please forward this message to everyone you know. It's critical we continue to build our grassroots team to fight back against the special interests who support my opponent.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
Amy Klobuchar

Appropriations Bill Passes House

Knoblach Passes Appropriations Bill—

Bi-Partisan AND Less Than Half the Spending Called For By Governor and Senate
Targets Sex Offenders
Creates Team to fight Internet child pornography
Includes Veterans Assistance
Pandemic Flu Preparedness Included
Two Major Pro-Life Provisions
Eliminates In-State Tuition For Illegal Aliens

ST. PAUL – Legislation appropriating an $88 million (Less than half the amount asked for by the Governor and the Senate!) state budget increase ($73.7 million—84 percent—to target sex offenders) was approved May 1 by the Minnesota House of Representatives. The deficiency and supplemental appropriations bill (HF4162) includes a $317 million provision to be used for tax relief.

The legislation puts an end to taxpayer funding of abortions in Minnesota; and, improves reporting of abortions that are permitted in Minnesota.

This bill replaces legislation that was to include in-state tuition for illegal aliens. This bill does not fund in-state tuition for illegal aliens.

“This bipartisan bill addresses the changes that have occurred since our last budget was implemented,” said State Rep. Jim Knoblach, author of the resolution. “At less than half the spending increases called for by the Governor and the Senate, This is a responsible bill in a non-budget year.”

The bill deals with deficiencies; emergency situations; future projected deficiencies; and modifications in order to comply with a federal mandate.

“This resolution completes our state’s turnaround,” said Knoblach (R-St. Cloud). “We’ve gone from a $4.5 billion deficit when I took over as Ways and Means Chair to a budget surplus, and I believe it proves you can build a strong economy without tax increases. We have paid back our schools, and have funds left over. If the courts rule the governor’s health impact fee illegal, then we’ll have the money to pay that back too.”

A Message from Mark

Hello Kennedy Supporter,

April was an extremely busy month for both my campaign and family. I celebrated my birthday on April 11th and the next day Debbie and I celebrated our 26th year of marriage. Each year I become more appreciative of Debbie and her devotion to our family, service to the community, and commitment to the people of Minnesota. For those of you who haven’t met Debbie in person yet, I hope you have the opportunity over the next six months. She is incredible!

April 15th is a day we all know, but few look forward to. Did you know that our federal tax code is 7 times longer than the Bible? As a CPA, I can assure you, there is no good news in the federal tax code. We must pass tax simplification. It’s overdue. The tax code has become a full-time employment bill for lobbyists and lawyers who get paid millions to protect each and every loophole. Unfortunately, the President’s tax reform commission came up with a plan that only Washington could love. It wasn’t bold. It just tinkers around the edges of a broken system. We need real reform making the tax code simpler, fairer and pro-jobs.

As summer driving season approaches, I know prices at the pump have been a concern to many. I’ve called for a temporary suspension of the 18.4 cents per gallon federal gas tax from Memorial Day through Labor Day to immediately lower costs at the pump. Dollars to our Highway Trust Fund would be replaced by bringing the past due accounts of deep-water oil companies up to date - holding the Highway Trust Fund harmless without raising taxes. I have also proposed redirecting $2.5 billion in tax incentives for oil companies to double the incentives for ethanol (E85), hybrids and hydrogen vehicles. In the larger energy debate, it is important to remember that we would be much further down the road to energy independence had the Energy bill become law after we first passed it in the House 5 years ago. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats blocked its progress, and because of their obstruction, we became that much more dependent on foreign oil.

I have also heard from many of you concerning illegal immigration. America is a nation of immigrants and we welcome those who come here legally. But, a nation that does not enforce its laws, including immigration law, is inviting abuse of all its laws. Border security is homeland security. I have supported efforts strengthening our borders, opposing amnesty, holding companies that knowingly hire illegal immigrants accountable, and requiring new citizens to pass an American history test in English & pledge undivided allegiance to the American flag. I also supported the REAL ID Act that requires states to obtain proof of legal residence before issuing licenses and listing visa expiration dates on the face of the card.

We also learned that 211,000 jobs were created in March, marking the 31st consecutive month of job growth. Our economy has created over 5 million new jobs in the past 3 years and the national unemployment rate – 4.7% - is lower than the average of the 1960’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Our economy is growing strong, but it’s at risk from higher taxes, wasteful spending, too many lawsuits and excessive regulations. I will make sure we are focused on creating jobs to keep Minnesota the best place to work, live and raise a family!

My campaign continues to gain support and I’d like to ask you personally to keep moving us in the right direction. Please do one of the following to make sure that I will be able to share my message of finding common sense solutions and defending Minnesota values:

1.) Make a Contribution today! Did you know that nearly 60% of contributions in the 1st Quarter were under $25?

2.) Forward this E-mail to 10 friends and ask them to visit my Website to Sign-up for future E-mails.

3.) Volunteer at the campaign. We have volunteers in the campaign everyday and we are always looking for more help!

As I travel around Minnesota, people are excited about sending a CPA, someone who spent 20 years in business, to the U.S. Senate. Thanks for all that you do, see you on the trail ahead!

Mark Kennedy

3 Reasons: Issues, Electability and Vision

Dear Friends,

I ask for your support to be the DFL endorsed candidate for Governor this fall. I believe that elections are about the future—about how, together, we are going to address the issues facing our society. It has been 16 years since there was a Democratic governor and it shows. Our taxes are less fair, our environment less protected, our schools less supported. Worse yet, our health care costs have become even more unmanageable.
For 16 years, Senator Lourey has been a leader at the capital on progressive issues and values. Her record of achievement has won numerous awards.
I want your support for three reasons: (1) Issues,
(2) Electability, and (3) Vision.

Issues
I have spent a lifetime standing strong for the DFL values and issues. I have never backed down from controversial issues or from people who attack our values. This is what we will work on together:

Health Care
I became a health care advocate over 25 years ago when my family lost our health coverage. As a small business owner, I know that affordable health care is critical to our company and its employees. I helped create MinnsotaCare, which currently serves over 100,000 of Minnesota’s families. But this is not enough. Today I am ready to create the most comprehensive, universal health care system in the nation. We must create a health care system that covers everyone, is not dependent on their employment status, and provides comprehensive coverage for their entire family.We cannot afford to wait for the Federal Government to make changes to commerce laws. I have designed a specific plan for how Minnesota can tackle this issue now—and I have made it available to the public via my website.

Peace
As the chief author of Minnesota’s anti-war resolution, I knew that this war was wrong before it started. The troops need to be brought home now. When my son died during his second tour of duty in Iraq, I joined with the Gold Star Mothers for Peace and spoke out all across the nation.
Senator Lourey 's refreshing leadership style achieves real change because she honors the different perspectives and needs of her colleagues.

As your Governor, I will bring the Minnesota Guard home. I expect that this will launch a legal challenge to the Reagan-era legislation which nationalized the Guard. I will use my position of Governor to advance the cause of peace, end the war, and fulfill our State’s commitments to our veterans.

Education
As a mother of twelve, I know that every child is unique. Minnesotans must support our teachers by providing the resources they need to make a difference for every child. Substantial investment in early childhood education is critical. Our state must meet its constitutional obligation to provide every Minnesotan with a quality education. We can only do this by taking responsibility for educational funding—not shifting the costs to already strapped local units of government and individual homeowners. It is essential to the health of Minnesota’s economy that secondary education be made affordable for every student whenever they are ready.

Energy
Rising gasoline costs are hurting our families and straining our economy. A real commitment must be made to bringing sustainable renewable fuel sources to market now. As Governor, I will lead the revitalization of our rural communities through the production of solar, wind, and bio-fuels. Under my leadership, Minnesota’s rural and urban communities will work together to lead the nation in a comprehensive approach to the energy crisis by integrating education, technology, policy, tax incentives, and direct economic investment.

Environment
Sound environmental policy must ensure that our great-grandchildren can safely enjoy a green, healthy Minnesota. We must protect open spaces, restore water quality, and improve our air quality by dedicating funding for natural resources. As Governor, I will give Minnesota’s sustainability initiatives the teeth needed to make this state the national leader it can and should be.
Senator Lourey provides the sharp contrast in tone, issues and life story that Democrats need to defeat incumbent Pawlenty in November.

Electability
I know how to defeat an incumbent. I defeated an 18-year incumbent in a conservative district for my seat in the House; I defeated a 26-year incumbent in that same conservative district for my seat in the Senate. I know what it takes—and I have what it takes.

Democrats win when we endorse candidates who have conviction. We beat incumbents when we offer a real choice in leadership style and tone. We win when we endorse candidates with character and real life experiences that connect with other people's lives. We win with candidates that voters can trust.

I will win by inspiring and motivating people across this state to make the change they want to make. I will win because Minnesotans have been waiting long enough for the future we deserve.

Vision
I believe that we, as Minnesotans, embrace a common vision for our state in which every family has the opportunity to live in a safe neighborhood and every individual has access to a living wage job, quality education, and affordable health care. We have seen this vision for our future. Good intentions and powerful words are not enough to get us there. Minnesota has waited long enough for a leader with the courage, passion, strength and experience to make this vision real.

With me as your Governor, this is what our future will look like: Quality affordable health care for every Minnesotan by 2010. Energy independence in our state by 2030. Community and economic revitalization in urban and rural Minnesota. Fiscal responsibility. Real opportunity.

This is the future I will lead us into—where Minnesota is the very best place in the nation to be a child.
Senator Lourey is a tireless campaigner who has compiled a diverse, grassroots campaign team with more experience than any other candidate. She is committed to leading a victory for the entire DFL ticket.

Join Us.
Join me and the 300 delegates who have already committed to supporting me this June. Join the 800 volunteers who are working in their local communities because they are sick of waiting. Join the more than 2,000 donors that have given this campaign the necessary momentum to connect with voters throughout the state.

Join me now by telling me how I can earn your increased support and lead our state into a better future.

Thank you,

Becky Lourey

Prominent 6th District Conservative

Today, one of the most important Conservative bloggers in the state, who happens to be a leader among 6th Congressional District Republicans, endorsed Representative Krinkie for the Republican nomination for Congress.

Andy Aplikoski, from Residual Forces, writes in part:

"I am supporting Phil Krinkie for the Republican endorsement in the 6th District. I do not mean any ill will to the other candidates, but I believe Krinkie is the best candidate of the four. He is the true fiscal conservative of this race. . .

He was the same guy he has been all 16 years he's been in the House. He didn't need to change his voting style for this race, it was already the envy of the others running which was clear to me by how they were trying to steal it from him. . .

He IS the fiscal conservative in the MN House, a record few even wanted before this race. He is opposed to Northstar and other boondoggle trains. He has voted more consistently against the expansion of Government and increased spending than almost any other Legislator. He is not afraid to look a Governor or fellow Republican in the eye and say that they are dead wrong on supporting taxpayer funding for stadiums with out their approval. . . .

I feel Krinkie is the best one to represent me in Congress, plus I feel he is the best one to keep Mark Kennedy's seat in the red column. His record is unquestionable as a Conservative Republican, and no matter who the Democrats select, he has an advantage."

Here's a little of what he said about Jim Knoblach:

"A true fiscal Conservative he is not. Sure this year has been good, but his lifetime Taxpayer's League lifetime rating cannot be overlooked he's got a 73 lifetime rating."

Here's a little of what he said about Michele Bachmann:

"The Democrats and the media would have a field day demonizing all Republicans by destroying Bachmann. It would be their only purpose of the year. Tear Bachmann limb from limb, and so go the Republicans statewide."

Representative Krinkie is honored to have Andy's endorsement.

LOUREY CAMPAIGN RELEASES DELEGATE COUNT AND CHALLENGES THE ACCURACY OF THE NUMBERS RELEASED BY THE KELLEY CAMPAIGN

Numbers reveal a tight two person race between Mike Hatch and Senator Lourey

There have been many rumors swirling around in the political winds for the last few days about which campaign for Governor has the most accurate count on committed, identified delegates to the state endorsing convention. In fact, the Steve Kelley campaign recently released an email to supporters claiming to have secured a second place position in the overall delegate count based upon a particular calculation of delegates. As you might expect, our numbers are different -significantly different.

Clearly, the true test of accuracy will be the first ballot on June 10 in Rochester. However we strongly believe that our numbers based upon a sophisticated tracking system that only counts identified elected delegates are very accurate and, as a result, are a true reflection of current delegate support.
Senator Lourey at a DFL Crogressional Unit 4 Convention talking with Dane Smith.

Our Tracking System
The Lourey campaign team has the most experience in federal, state, and local elections of any of the gubernatorial campaigns. Our campaign team has put together a sophisticated tracking system to ensure that we are accurately representing the status of the campaign to Becky and her supporters. Our tracking system is based upon four interconnected sources of information:

1. Early voter identification: Through both paid and volunteer phone banks, the Lourey campaign developed a baseline of support for each candidate.
2. Direct contact: Campaign and volunteer staff attended every convention and tracked all sub-caucuses - candidate, issue and undeclared - and engaging in direct delegate contact. They tracked how sub-caucuses merged, and who were elected delegates. By comparing the results with voter identification calls, the Lourey campaign is able to identify potential delegate fluidity.
3. Direct phone contact: Senator Lourey, surrogates, volunteer supporters and campaign staff call delegates to confirm candidate preference. Calls are made and information entered into the database from over 10 locations around the state every night.
4. Secondary sources: Delegate lists are regularly cross checked against other candidate's reported donor and published supporter lists.

Delegate Snapshot
Any calculation of delegate support is like a poll. It is simply a snapshot of to whom the delegates are giving their support at that moment. As a result of our calculations, we believe the delegate count is as follows:


Why We Know the Kelley Campaign Numbers are Inaccurate.
It is obvious to most observers that the Kelley campaign is presenting their numbers to put their candidate in the best light in order to try to build momentum entering the convention. In their carefully worded email, the Kelley campaign qualifies its count by saying; "We are including in our 'committed delegates' count only those people who have been elected in a named sub-caucus, or who have expressed publicly their support for a particular candidate." Even a casual observer knows that this methodology will provide results that do not reliably compare campaigns.

Those of us who have been working on statewide races and have lived through a number of senate, county unit and state conventions can recognize the inexperience of the Kelley campaign staffers who do not have similar experience in counting delegates.

Senator Lourey speaking at McLoud County DFL Convention..


Flawed Methodology
We believe the Kelley campaign methodology is flawed, and therefore misleading, for the following reasons:

1. Beyond Named Subcaucuses: Simply counting delegates who have been elected in a named subcaucus does not capture all committed delegates. That calculation fails to include committed delegates in issue subcaucuses and subcaucuses called for a candidate in a different race who support a candidate in the governor's race.
2. Elections at Large: Not all county conventions subcaucused, yet they still elected delegates. For example, the Cook County convention did not subcaucus but elected three Lourey delegates, in Grant County two of the three delegates are committed to Senator Lourey. Leaving out conventions misses that Becky Lourey's sister and brother in law were elected at their county unit!
3. Assuming Support: Counting a person as a 'hard' delegate based upon a public declaration of support is a three fold mistake. First, it will always tilt the count toward the campaign collecting the data. Good campaigns want comparative data, which public declarations of support simply do not provide. Second, there are many reasons a campaign might be provided inaccurate information. Because of friendships or loyalties, the choice of the delegate is often kept private for good reason. Lastly, people change their minds. For example, in its recent email the Kelley campaign quotes Arlene Pierce of Lake of the Woods and identifies her as a Steve Kelley delegate. She is not. As of this morning, she is a committed Becky Lourey delegate.

Senator Lourey at DFL Congressional District 4 Conventionwith staff member Brenda Bell Brown..

Proper Focus
Everyone's numbers show one thing: there are a significant number of undecided State delegates. The race remains open, and the results of the convention are not determined. The race will not be won by manufacturing momentum with press releases. It will be determined by the 1442 delegates (1355.5 votes) who come to Rochester after a careful evaluation of the three candidates and make their choice.

Senator Becky Lourey believes that the DFL endorsement will be earned by the candidate with the strongest vision for Minnesota, the most experienced leadership on critical DFL issues and values, and the best chance of defeating Tim Pawlenty in November.

Senator Lourey believes that her 16 years of leadership on health care, peace, early childhood education and the environment make her the best choice to represent the DFL.

Her experience defeating incumbents, compelling personal story, and ability to connect with and motivate people across the state make her the best candidate to defeat Tim Pawlenty in November.

Her vision to guarantee universal health care by 2010 and energy independence by 2030, and of making Minnesota the best place in the nation to be a child will make her one of Minnesota's great Governors.

News from Minnesotans For Matt

Dear Friends,

I believe that Minnesota’s next Attorney General should do everything possible to keep Minnesota’s families safe. I am deeply honored to be endorsed by police, firefighter and nurses’ organizations, Minnesota’s frontline defenders.
I am pleased to have the endorsement of the Saint Paul Police Federation and Teamsters. They represent men and women who risk their lives to protect our families, homes and communities. After years of working closely with public safety officials, I know the concerns and challenges facing law enforcement officers. That is why, earlier this year, I sponsored and passed increased Police Bomb Squad funding, extending these critical public safety services across the state. As Attorney General, you can count on me to do everything possible to keep Minnesota’s families safe.

St Paul Fire Fighters I am equally gratified by the endorsement of firefighters and paramedics who protect the lives and property of Minnesota’s citizens. Minnesota Professional Firefighters, Duluth City Fire Fighters Association and the Saint Paul Firefighters, Local 21 understand that I will put public safety first.

The Minnesota Nurses Association represents thousands of dedicated registered nurses who ensure that Minnesotans enjoy high quality healthcare. Proud to have their endorsement, I will make sure Minnesotans have fair healthcare policy and I will aggressively work to ensure Minnesotans have access to affordable professional healthcare. For a full list of endorsements, please visit my website at www.entenza.org and follow the "Endorsements" link.

I am deeply committed to building a safe, secure Minnesota. I began as an Assistant Minnesota Attorney General, and continued as criminal prosecutor and State Representative protecting Minnesotan families. With practical experience and insight into Minnesota’s safety, I will get right to work. As the only candidate supported by police, firefighter and nurses organizations I will work with people who serve to protect, educate and secure all Minnesotans.

Please join me in our campaign to build a safe, secure Minnesota.

Sincerely,

Matt Entenza
Minnesotans For Matt

Christian Sande for Secretary of State Newsletter

The Minnesota Teamsters Joint Council 32 DRIVE has endorsed Christian Sande for Secretary of State after screening both candidates for the DFL endorsement.

The Teamsters Joint Council 32 represents 19 local unions with a membership of over 65,000 throughout Minnesota and the Midwest. Joint Council 32 DRIVE (Democratic Republican Independent Voter Education) endorses candidates and educates, registers and helps voters in each election.

“I am thrilled to have the endorsement of the Teamsters Joint Council 32 DRIVE. Their work in getting out the vote and educating working families about our democracy has been just great and led to some incredible results,” said Sande. “I am proud to stand with them. As their endorsed candidate for Secretary of State, I will work with them to ensure that everyone’s right to vote is protected.”

We continue to work alongside Teamsters in their commitment to protecting worker’s rights. Teamsters Local 974 is currently on strike against 41 Twin Cities metro area dealerships. In a show of solidarity, Christian regularly walks the line with these workers.

“I stand with all organized labor, and especially right now with our brothers and sisters in Local 974 who have walked off their jobs to protect their rights. I have never crossed a picked line and I never will,” Sande said.

The Minnesota Teamsters Joint Council 32 Drive along with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) represents approximately 1.4 million employees of the transportation, freight-related and other service industries nationally and internationally.


Christian Congratulates Bill Finney…

…on his Endorsement for Ramsey County Sheriff
Chief Finney was one of the first leaders to recognize Christian’s extensive experience, qualifications and passion for the Secretary of State’s job. He jumped on board with us, and we were thrilled to see Chief Finney get the DFL endorsement for Ramsey County Sheriff. We look forward to campaigning side by side in our combined goal of protecting people’s rights.

“Like the Ramsey County Sheriff’s office, qualifications and experience matter for the Minnesota Secretary of State. Christian Sande is clearly the most qualified and experienced person for this office and I am proud to support him.”

Chief Bill Finney
Former Police Chief of St. Paul, MN

The DFL State Convention is just around the corner…

…and we are in great position to win the endorsement! In our last newsletter, we told you that our delegate count had us winning over our closest opponent almost 2-1. It is now two weeks later, and we’re happy to say that our lead is holding strong as Christian continues to contact State Delegates and Alternates. We have the wind at our backs, and we are receiving new support every day from delegates, alternates, DFL leaders, and state and local officials.

Just last weekend, we put a few more hundred miles on the campaign car when we traveled from Minneapolis to Duluth to Hibbing to Bemidji and then back to Minneapolis. We spoke with many delegates and alternates who believe that Christian’s background and experience make him the ideal candidate to take on Mary Kiffmeyer in the fall.

We have the momentum. But there are still a lot of undecided delegates and alternates out there, and we need your help in bringing them into our camp. To find out how you can help, please email Kelly at kelly@christiansande.org.


Donating your time is the greatest gift of all

Grassroots campaigning is all about people power, and this campaign is no different. Our campaign will need the help of every one of you in order to win this race. For more information contact Kelly at kelly@christiansande.org, or go to our website and sign up!

The raising of the funds

Our fundraising is going very well. We’re getting contributions everyday from all sorts of people across the state. We’re well on our way to reaching our goal of raising our spending limit by the DFL endorsement, but could use your help to get there.

If you haven’t taken advantage of the Minnesota Political Campaign Refund program, please do so today. You can contribute up to $50 per individual and $100 per couple, and get your money back in roughly two or three weeks, but you can only do it once. Please consider donating to our campaign if you haven't already done so. This year, you can contribute up to $500 per person to our campaign.

Please send donations, along with your name, full address, phone, email, employer, and title/occupation to:

Christian Sande SOS Committee
3010 Hennepin Avenue South, Suite 232
Minneapolis, MN 55408

Lourey Questions Pioneer Press Deal

STATEMENT

St. Paul Newspaper Deal Doesn’t Pass the Smell Test

Candidate for Governor Becky Lourey is calling for an immediate anti-trust investigation into the apparently non-competitive deal between Star Tribune owner McClatchy Co. and Denver-based MediaNews Group for the purchase of the Pioneer Press and three other major daily newspapers. She joins newspaper union leaders in California who are calling for government regulatory intervention investigating the proposed deal.

“We have no evidence that this was a competitive arms-length transaction entered into with the best interests of preserving the high quality of Minnesota journalism,” Lourey said. “We know of at least two serious, well-funded potential bidders who were willing to participate in an open, competitive process, but they were intentionally kept out. An immediate anti-trust investigation is warranted.

“In fact, the appropriate authorities should have joined me in raising their concerns well before this questionable deal was struck. This is another instance when the public interest should have been held high above corporate interests much sooner -- before the damage was done.”

Lourey originally expressed her concerns about the pending resale of the Pioneer Press on April 5 at www.beckylourey.org/media/statements.html, shortly after the McClatchy-Knight Ridder transaction was announced.

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 16 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

Congressman Jim Oberstar Endorses Mark Ritchie to be Minnesota's Next Secretary of State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 24, 2006
Contact: Sandra Boone 612-275-1761

St. Paul, MN - Congressman Jim Oberstar endorsed Mark Ritchie to be Minnesota's next Secretary of State today.

"Mark Ritchie is dedicated to the proposition that all eligible voters go to the polls and cast their ballots," Oberstar said. "With Mark as our Secretary of State, Minnesota's voter turnout will rise to the high levels that Northeastern Minnesota consistently achieves."

Congressman Oberstar joins over 70 state and local elected officials and DFL party leaders, many key labor unions, civic engagement and community groups and thousands of Minnesotans who have already publicly pledged their support of Ritchie.

"I am honored by Congressman Oberstar's endorsement. As Minnesota's longest serving member of the US House of Representatives, Oberstar has been a wonderful public servant and friend of Minnesota," Ritchie said.

Oberstar's endorsement adds to Ritchie's momentum that has been building since before he won a decisive victory in the statewide DFL Caucus Night Straw Poll in early March. Since the straw poll Ritchie has attended over 50 DFL conventions and has built a strong lead among the DFL delegates who will decide the party's endorsement at the June convention.

"I look forward to winning the DFL endorsement at the convention in June. I have been traveling across the state talking to voters and building the type of grassroots campaign which will help me win in November," Ritchie said. "Everywhere I travel, people understand the need for change in the Secretary of State's Office. People understand that we need 21st Century leadership that champions our democratic rights and responsibilities."

Sen. Bachmann Continues to "Sand off the Truth"

Lie Number 1 -- "I was the victim of DFL redistricting"

Michele Bachmann recently mailed a 20 minute video to delegates in the 6th Congressional District and in the video she described her 2002 match-up with DFL Senator Jane Krentz.

"I suppose it was a back-handed compliment to be the number one target of the Minnesota Senate Democrats.

"They redistricted me out of my Senate seat so I had to run in a completely new district against a 10 year DFL female incumbent."

It was the court, not the Democrats, who drew the map for the 2002 elections. They created a new Senate district for Senator Bachmann with a higher GOP index than her old district and paired her with a DFL Senator. She went on to under-perform the rest of the GOP ticket by more than 10 percentage points.

There is no basis for truth in this statement. It is a lie.

Lie Number 2 -- "I've run in heavily Democrat areas"

In a recent interview with Congressional Quarterly, Michele Bachmann discussed her electability:

"I'’ve run in Democrat areas and I've won by a significant margin, and I've proved that, even though I'm a very vocal conservative, I can win even in heavily Democrat areas. And get a lot of crossover vote from Democrats."

Michele Bachmann has run for the State Senate twice in two different districts, both with a strong GOP index. In 2000, every single Republican candidate on the ballot won in her Senate district. In 2002, while she underperformed the GOP ticket by 10 points, Governor Pawlenty lost only one precinct in her Senate District, and he was running in a three way race!

Lie Number 3 -- "Marcus and I will soon be empty nesters"

In her speech to the delegates at the Wright County Convention on Saturday, Michele Bachmann said she and her husband look forward to being "empty nesters" soon.

The Bachmann's have three young daughters, ages 11, 13 and 15 at home. Unless they are planning to send their children to boarding school, the Bachmanns will not have an "empty nest" for over seven years.


Thank You

A special thank you to all of our supporters and volunteers. Because of you, we have great activist support in every part of the Sixth Congressional District. As we approach the 6th District Convention, it will be your enthusiastic support for Phil and his rock-solid, consistent record that will make the convention a tremendous success for the Krinkie Campaign.

And thank you to all of you for your interest in the Krinkie for Congress campaign. Please forward our e-Update to your email address books and visit www.krinkieforcongress.com often.

Jeffers Makes It Official: Will Seek GOP Endorsement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Sue Jeffers for Governor > People Before Politics
P.O. Box 120015
New Brighton, MN 55112
651-636-6355
info@suejeffers.org
http://www.suejeffers.org

Jeffers Makes It Official: Will Seek GOP Endorsement

St. Paul, MN – April 25, 2006 – Sue Jeffers will make an official announcement, Thursday, April 27 at 12:00 o'clock noon that she will seek the Republican Party endorsement for governor. The announcement will be held in the Rotunda of the State Capitol Building. Voters of all parties are invited to join Sue in this effort to make People Before Politics a reality.

Although Jeffers has not officially accepted the Libertarian Party endorsement, she is seeking support from various parties, in order to win this election. Since no one is challenging Tim Pawlenty from within the GOP, Jeffers had no other choice but to enter the race.

Sue believes the Republican party no longer represents the principles it once stood for – freedom and personal rights, smaller, affordable, and effective government.

Jeffers, who worked on the Pawlenty campaign in 2002, said "Take a look at the voting records for our elected officials and ask yourself if it sounds like the Republican platform? Apparently, anyone is welcome to run as a Republican unless you are Sue Jeffers and want to challenge Tim Pawlenty's record."

"The Republican leadership thought I could run for every other office as a Republican, just not governor. Now they want to play insider games, and try to change the rules on a whim, to prevent a new voice from being heard. Thankfully those days are over, and the general public and Republican delegates will not tolerate it."

Four years with a Republican governor, Republican House, and a split Senate have not changed Minnesota for the better. Instead, Minnesota is still on the top ten list for one of the highest taxed states in the nation. "I know we can do better. We deserve better."

Re: Whose Side is Tim Pawlenty On?

April 25, 2006

Dear Fellow Minnesotan:

This campaign is about Minnesota’s future.

On Tim Pawlenty’s watch, health insurance premiums have skyrocketed by 50 percent.

College tuition has skyrocketed by 50 percent.

Minnesota is 12th from the bottom in highest class sizes.

And 5th from the bottom in classroom technology.

And our highways are clogged with traffic jams.

But Tim Pawlenty did have some “firsts.” He was the first governor to cut K-12 education funding, and the first governor to shut down the Minnesota government.

We need a Governor who will work on our future. Not just his own.

Minnesota’s future is in your hands. It has been 20 years since we’ve elected a Democrat as governor. Please help me position our state for the future by making an online donation today to our campaign.

As Governor, I will fight day and night for Minnesota’s values. I ask for your support, and I thank you for any help you can give.

Sincerely,


Mike Hatch

JOHNSON FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL E-MAIL UPDATE - April 24, 2006

Greetings from the Johnson for Attorney General campaign. We have been very busy since the last time you heard from us. With session getting ever closer to its end, we are getting things ramped up for the summer.

We have been spending our weekends traveling around the state visiting the local BPOU Conventions. Attendance has been great, and our message has been very well received. This was the last weekend of BPOU conventions, and now we will be moving on to the Congressional District conventions, followed by the state convention on June 1-3.

I have also been traveling outside of MN. Two weeks ago I was in Washington, D.C. testifying before the U.S. Senate on my attempt to pass a MN law restricting children's access to adult video games without running afoul of the U.S. Constitution.

I have also been working very diligently at the Capitol to get fundamental eminent domain reform passed. We passed my reform bill off the House floor last week. Sen. Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook) passed a similar bill in the Senate. We are now working out the differences in Conference Committee and should have a final vote within the next 10 days. The Eminent Domain legislation has been hard work, but the state of MN and its citizens will be much better off when it is passed.

With the close of session nearing, we are planning to move campaign headquarters to the west-metro. If anyone knows of office space that may be available, please let us know.

Also we will have many volunteer opportunities that arise throughout the summer. We will need help at parades and other events. Another way to get involved is by joining in on the letter to the editor campaign. All it takes is to write a letter on my behalf and send it to your local paper. This will be an important aspect of the campaign in the coming weeks! If you're willing to volunteer, please let us know.

Fundraising is also a crucial part of the campaign, as my opponent has millions of his own money to spend. If you would be willing to host a small home or business fundraiser, please let us know.

Thank you again for your interest in the campaign. We hope to hear from and see you all on the campaign trail soon.

Sincerely,



Jeff Johnson

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