I haven’t had time to fully develop my thoughts about today’s Lt. Gov. pick of John Gunyou by Margaret Anderson Kelliher, the DFL endorsed candidate for governor, other than “Kelliher/Gunyou” is a very menacing name for a ticket. That’s a ticket that rolls in its 5.0 with its rag top down so it’s hair can blow. But seriously, I do have real opinions and will share them after Mark Dayton and Matt Entenza announce their picks next week. In essence, I agree with Doug Grow’s assessment today in MinnPost. The thoughts I have are related to regional politics specific to the Iron Range and how they contrast with the general election/governing strategy Anderson Kelliher is using here.
A MAK/Gunyou tidbit for now
May 21, 2010 by 5 Comments
It is an interesting pick – not what I expected for someone still in a battle for the nomination. Show she understands the key problems we face and, if this signals her approach, is willing to take tough measures to address them. Encouraging.
-Chuck
I think it’s a great pick that will do a lot for giving Kelliher a good chance at the governorship.
(I tried posting this earlier but nothing happened. Sorry if this ends up as a double post.)
A while ago I wrote here that I thought Melanie Ford would be a good pick. Now that Gaertner is out of the race (Ford had been supporting her) she may be available again.
But I suppose we’ll see. My opinion is based solely on how she looks on paper, so if she has some major skeleton in her closet or doesn’t present well or doesn’t want the job, then that’s that.
Range politics were one of the first things that came to mind for me as well. Gunyou’s a good guy, but he plays to the type of upscale, MPR-listening, social liberals/fiscal conservatives who mostly vote DFL but occasionally cross over for Republicans like Arne Carlson or Jim Ramstad. Which is fine for the suburbs in November, but as far as carrying the Range in the primary, this pick isn’t going to do much for her.
Thanks for the thoughts on this, folks. All opinions that I value. I’m working on something that I hope to have up Sunday night or Monday … you know, for the “rush.”
Press Advisory:
Mark and Yvonne Launch “Serve our Seniors”
Mark Dayton and Yvonne Prettner Salon will hold a press conference at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 in room 125 of the State Capitol.
At the press conference, Mark and Yvonne will detail their plan to better seve Minnesota’s senior citizens. They will also kick-off a “Serve our Seniors” on Wednesday, starting with a three-day swing to senior centers in Northeast Minnesota. Next week the tour will go to Southeast Minnesota, and will continue to every region of the state in the coming weeks.