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Political blogs at the Minnesota Capitol
The Forum Communications legislative bureau ran a story on the role of blogs in Minnesota politics in their state papers. Marisa Helms interviewed me and used a quote at the end of the story. I was dubbed a “liberal blogger” in the story, though I bet other “liberal blogs” don’t support legalized moonshine and automatic…
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May 8 PUC meeting could reveal fate of Mesaba boondoggle
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will revisit the second phase of the Mesaba Energy Project Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Xcel at its May 8 meeting. Two major questions are to be answered. Will the PUC recognize Excelsior Energy’s proposed coal-gas power plant as a “least cost” innovative project AND will they set a deadline…
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Losing mind, one child at a time
This is my weekly Hibbing Daily Tribune column for Sunday, April 27, 2008. I archive my columns at my writing site. Losing mind, one child at a timeBy Aaron J. BrownSo we’ve got these babies all over the house. Two actually. Twins. And a toddler. All boys. And while that particular configuration is neither historically…
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Overheard at Senate District 3’s endorsing convention
Today, the Minnesota Senate District 3 Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party held its endorsing convention for House district’s 3A and 3B. Rep. Loren Solberg (DFL-Grand Rapids) and Rep. Tom Anzelc (DFL-Balsam Township), both incumbents, were endorsed for re-election. The biggest news of the day was the terrible weather that many believed would keep people away from the convention.…
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48 hour media blitz
Within 48 hours, I’ll cover all major forms of media. Tonight at 6 and 10 I’ll be on Range 11’s TV newscast talking about Dylan Days (May 22-25 in Hibbing); tomorrow the radio commentary on KAXE, Sunday morning’s Hibbing Daily Tribune column and, of course, the omnipresent blog you see here. I’m riding the air.…
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Sertich’s take on state budget fix
Iron Range State Rep. Tony Sertich (DFL-Chisholm), the Minnesota House Majority Leader, offers his take on the state budget fix over at MNPublius. Related posts: No related posts.
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Snow no
Forecasters are calling for more snow, about six inches in some places, for parts of northern Minnesota tonight and tomorrow. The melt off to this point has already flooded many roads up here. This brings to mind an interesting question. Should I be building an ark and, if so, should it have skis? The Senate…
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Controversial one-eared bear dies
Folks may remember the Christmas-time controversy of Solo the one-eared bear and her cubs who hibernated under a cabin near Tower. The DNR initially expressed an intent to kill the bears before a public outcry demanded her rescue. Gov. Tim Pawlenty pardoned the bears and the DNR instead sent them to a bear farm in…
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Brown on the Air: Parties!
My weekly radio essay for KAXE’s “Between You and Me” this Saturday, April 26 will cover the topic of parties. What makes a good one? What makes a bad one? I also talk about the importance of fire in any Iron Range gathering. Tune in between 10 a.m. and noon on 91.7 FM in northern…
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Update: 4A endorsement race
It’s looking like Irene Folstrom vs. John Pernell for the DFL endorsement in House District 4A. For now, I’ll just try to share as much information as I can. Irene contacted me with information about a candidate meet and greet next week. Meet the Candidate:Irene FolstromFriday, May 25-8 p.m.At her home, 300 Irving Beach DriveBemidji,…
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Updated: Persell to join 4A hunt
When Rep. Frank Moe made his surprise announcement Saturday that he would not seek reelection in Minnesota House District 4A, the Bemidji Pioneer quoted two names as being on the minds of 4A DFL delegates: Irene Folstrom and John Persell. Folstrom officially joined the race for the DFL endorsement on Tuesday; Persell did so Wednesday.…
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Pop a top to get through another month
Wednesdays remain busy at my real job so I didn’t get to offer my post-Pennsylvania analysis this morning. Just as well. I had nothing to add that others weren’t saying. Clinton won by 9 points giving her a reason to continue the campaign while Obama ensured that he will win the pledged delegate race and…
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Folstrom out first in 4A DFL race
Irene Folstrom has entered the race to succeed Rep. Frank Moe (DFL-Bemidji). The Bemidji Pioneer reported this Tuesday. From what I know in my political endeavors (I chaired Tom Anzelc’s campaign in 2006, which involved an incumbent stepping down after the county convention), ramping up early is crucial in special endorsement conventions. In this regard…
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Hey Pennsylvania relatives, please end this
Oh hell, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. I’m trying to avoid excessive thought about today’s Pennsylvania primary. I’d really like this race to wrap up soon, not because I’m an Barack Obama supporter (I am, but that’s so cliche) but because this campaign has become something of a self-satire. In other words,…
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Hometown Focus to start weekly newspaper
There are two community journalism Internet presences on the Iron Range. (Compare that to your blue collar network of small towns). One is KAXE’s nonprofit Community Journalism Project (for which I am a paid blog instructor) and the other is the commercial Hometown Focus, which is run by folks I used to work with. Both…