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Generations, Part 3; Times a’ Changin’ on the Iron Range and in Duluth
Today I conclude my three part series on generational shifts that might influence races up and down this year’s Democratic (and, indirectly, Republican) ticket. Why? Well, I like to look at things through a historical lens and while history is known for taking a long time to transpire, there’s usually a tipping point where a…
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Generations Part 2; the SNL divide
Yesterday I talked about the generational divide that has influenced the race for President. Today I’ll talk about how this generational divide might be influencing our U.S. Senate race in Minnesota. Democrat Al Franken, an unusual candidate facing unusual challenges, is fighting to reestablish the narrative of a campaign which has been mired in talk…
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Generations, Part 1: Win or Lose, the Obama Era has begun
From the top to the bottom of the ticket, Democrats in Minnesota, indeed probably all over the country, face generational conflict this year. I imagine the same might be true of Republicans (but when your nominee is over 70 you might not be ready to talk about this yet). Politicos of all stripes are accustomed…
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This one is for the awards
When I worked in radio, there were stories you covered as part of your daily routine and there were stories that you were told were “awards” stories. These weren’t necessarily the top story of the day, but were compelling enough to enter in contests in order to win trophies and fodder for your resume. You…
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Forums set for Duluth House race
Two legislative forums have come to my attention for the hot Duluth House 7B race featuring a five-way DFL primary. There will probably be more. If you know of any, pass them along in the comments. Here is the first press release from Progressive Action: Progressive Action Hosts 7B Legislative Forum August 13 Progressive Action…
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Retiring Jaros endorses Stenersen in Duluth’s 7B
This is a nice endorsement for the Stenersen campaign. It’s not typical for a retiring legislator to make a full endorsement in a situation like this. Roger Reinert has many members of the Duluth city council on his side, so we’ll see who’s got the most sway. State Rep. Mike Jaros today says he will…
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Obama campaign opens Duluth HQ
The Barack Obama campaign opens its Duluth headquarters this Saturday the 19th at 10 a.m. The new HQ is located right on the corner at 302 E Superior St, right across from the Sheraton Hotel. Campaign officials tell me Duluth City Councilors Tony Cuneo, Sharla Gardner, Roger Reinart will be speaking and that U.S. Rep.…
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Iron Range Resources board hung up on budget
The Iron Range Resources board met yesterday and remains stymied over the 2009 budget. A provisional budget was passed and there will be yet another meeting scheduled to resolve the matter. (Read today’s story from the Mesabi Daily News). At issue were the complaints of Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia) who was critical of the concept…
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Duluth, Range races set
Filing for state offices has closed. On the Iron Range and in Duluth, all races will have Republican, DFL and, in some cases, Independence Party candidates. No free rides this year. On the other hand, I don’t see any major barriers to re-election for the majority DFL candidates in this region. The only chance for…
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Manageable U.S. Senate race wackiness
So, no Jesse this year. One poll shows an Al Franken lead, another shows Norm Coleman well ahead. So this Minnesota U.S. Senate race is just wacky. Not, uber-wacky, but a regular sort of smooth drinking wacky. And so we continue… Related posts: No related posts.
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Now to matters of importance …
The Minnesota House of Representatives committees on K-12 finance and policy will be holding a session to discuss the state of education at 7 p.m. on Aug. 26 in the Nashwauk-Keewatin High School gym. This is an opportunity to show how the state’s 20-year shift away from Wendell Anderson’s “Minnesota Miracle” of equal opportunity for…
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Range lawmakers decry KSTP story
For your viewing pleasure, here is a sternly-worded letter sent by members of the Iron Range legislative delegation to KSTP and most Minnesota media outlets regarding KSTP’s hit job on Ironworld last week. This letter originated out of State Rep. and House Majority Leader Tony Sertich’s office, is signed by the entire Range delegation and…
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Filing tidbits
Some northern Minnesota filing news … In Duluth’s House District 7B, Brandon Clokey has finally filed, rounding out the DFL pool at five candidates: Roger Reinert, Marsh Stenersen, John Derbis, Daniel Maryland and Clokey. I would put Reinert at the head of this pack with Stenersen within striking distance and the others looking for a…
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Cummins endorsed as Oberstar’s GOP opponent
Pine County energy efficiency consultant Mike Cummins was endorsed by the 8th District Republican Party for his run against U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar (DFL-Chisholm). A source familiar with the proceedings inside the convention tells me the response from many rank-and-file 8th CD GOPers is underwhelming. A movement to draft a Republican mayor from the district’s…
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Who will win? Who will vote?
I’m easing myself into the practice of reducing the amount of political polling I report here. Other blogs report it at great length and have faster access to the original polling data than me. Also, I think that polling should be reported as intended by pollsters: as a simple snapshot of one moment in time…