Our Tim Pawlenty Conundrum

Our Tim Pawlenty Conundrum
Horses, Wagons, and Political Trails

Conundrum is the perfect word when talking about our likable and popular Minnesota Governor. It is especially true as it relates to the political trail he has opted for onto the national scene. For those keeping score:

Conundrum is defined as either:

A: a question or problem having only a conjectural answer

B: an intricate and difficult problem

Conundrum is even more appropriate when talking about Pawlenty’s quick alignment with the John McCain 2008 Presidential Campaign. He has, as the subtitle suggests, hitched his horse to the McCain wagon. The quick decision has left many political junkies here in Minnesota scratching their heads when we look at the risk & reward for our Governor.

I should mention here:

• I’ve met the Governor and have watched his politics as Legislator & Governor. I honestly believe he is the best thing to happen to Minnesota politics in a long….long….time. He’s taken a lot of grief from conservatives and democrats on varying issues. Yet, he has remained true and shown leadership in what has been the most trying economic period in a long time.

• His record nationally will leave future party opponents scratching the bottom of the barrel looking for any “liberal” leanings. Issues like taxes, education, guns, abortion, and conservative family credentials are all there.
  

Pawlenty, by all accounts, is one of the remaining national Republicans that can point to true political strength and prowess in a BLUE state. In Minnesota all Constitutional offices, our Minnesota House and Senate ended up or stayed in Democratic control. Pawlenty was the lone exception to that rule who squeaked by. I would like to mention that in a normal political environment Pawlenty would’ve wiped the floor with Attorney General Mike Hatch.

Pawlenty is calculating and smart. His quick alignment accompanied by the “stock” reasoning has left the rest of us to contemplate the Pawlenty conundrum. Here are the three answers I have come up with. None fit well if you are a political observer of Pawlenty politics here in Minnesota. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

1. Pawlenty thinks McCain and the Republicans may or may not win in 2008 given the war and recent Republican defeats. A McCain alliance gets Pawlenty a dry run at the Republican primary nationally with face time, political connections, and fundraising links.
   
   
2. Pawlenty flew over to Iraq with McCain a few months ago. On that flight there were suggestions and offers of possible positions (wink....wink…nod….nod) at the cabinet or vice-presidential level. I don’t think if McCain wins the nomination Pawlenty is the right vice-presidential fit. He’s not a well known national conservative, so McCain will need someone to rally the base. Senator Fred Thompson or The Newt would fit that bill better.
   
   
3. Pawlenty, as he said, thinks McCain is the right guy to lead the country and wants to continue to be the Governor of Minnesota with no national ambitions at all.
   

As a fan of Pawlenty I worry about the quick alignment so soon when other leaders have waited. McCain’s more libertarian social views, contentious relationship with conservatives, and his view on the war are all risks that could hurt Pawlenty in the future when it didn't have to be. I hope the rewards far out way those risks and I’d love for the Governor to explain his reasoning behind the decision someday. We wish him the best.

The Colbert Report: He's Joking.....She's not!!!

A Note to Minnesota Democrats: It's the war.....Stupid!!

A Note to Minnesota Democrats:
It’s the war…..stupid!

I remember the past election well. I think Republicans knew it wasn’t going to be a good year. However, I think Republicans were all shocked by the dramatic political shift in one night. All the pundits and polling said it was overwhelmingly attributed to the war in Iraq.

If you had an (R) by your name the citizenry threw you out. In Minnesota it was no different with the exception of our affable Governor Tim Pawlenty. Most people I talked with said they went right down the ballot on a straight Democratic Party vote. Honestly they didn’t know much about the Republicans they voted against, however; they just wanted some checks and balances on the direction of the war.

So last night………………..

I was watching Almanac at the Capital. It felt as if I was watching clips of Walter Mondale give his “I’m going to raise your taxes” speech. Remember? It’s the only part of Mondale’s 1984 Campaign you remember twenty-something years later. To tell you how memorable it was for me I would point out I was nine years old. He looked right into the lens and after he said it you could hear the collective silence across America as people thought: “He said what!”

It’s obvious to me the Democrats need a lesson in public relations and quick. Luckily America’s Small City Mayor is here to help……no extra charge.

Honestly, I felt that if Democrats played their cards right they could easily hold onto power for a decade minimum. Maybe longer if they tried hard and were really, really good. I watched last night and literally felt bad for their supporters. The TV spots last night gave enough campaign commercial material to last Republicans for years.

There was one legislator who went on and on about how he was going to take your money for education, take your money for transportation. I kept waiting for the Speaker of the House to run down the isle and tackle him to shut him up. It wasn’t one spot either. It literally sounded as if Mary Lahammer couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It sounded like they could’ve played different sound-bites all night.

Democrats have a problem because what they say and what they mean are two different things. I remember them saying here in Clarissa: "we’re going to make investments in education, transportation, etc." That is okay to say because it sounds good. It makes you look as if you’re concerned and care about those specific issues. It also covers up what you actually mean which is: “I’m going to raise your taxes to fund education”

So two pointers I’ll give you tax & fee free Minnesota Democrats:

• First, the election was about the war. You are trying to spin the election into an agenda and areas of policy that never existed. Minnesota voters are smart and you won’t fool them. Keep it up and you risk the House of Representatives for sure.

• Second, please pay attention to when you’re talking. What went on last night was that Democrats went around saying what they mean, and not saying what they should say. That is a big difference! I understand when you have to differentiate so often it can get confusing so............keep your heads up and best of luck next time.

Open Letter to MCCL: Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life

Open Letter to MCCL
Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life

I released a Letter to the Editor during the last election cycle. (Posted Below)

I am wondering what the status is of all the pro-life legislation in the Minnesota Legislature?

I think Mr. LaLonde and Mr. Fischbach should elaborate on all of their successes this legislative session on behalf of the unborn.

Note to those not involved in-depth in politics:

• MCCL is the untouchable and revered organization in "conservative" Minnesota politics that has really gone unquestioned. Recently MCCL has demonstrated questionable leadership and also authored dangerous legislation in my view.
  
  Original legislation like: providing pain medication for children before they are aborted. I received an email from the two leaders saying I just didn’t understand what they were trying to do. They were trying to show that babies can feel pain in the womb. My reply below was:

So we’re going to show babies have pain by inflicting pain on them…..brilliant MCCL!! I understand since then this bill has modified becasue their appear to be others who also didn't see the brilliance of the original bill.

I renew my call: Mr. LaLonde and Mr. Fischbach should step down.
_____________________________________________________

MCCL President LaLonde and Executive Director Fischbach should step down!

To the editor:

• I found MCCL President LaLonde’s editorial in the Alexandria ECHO press a few months ago to be upsetting as someone who is concerned about the number of abortions that occur here in the State of Minnesota. Now published in the Independent News Herald in Todd County we have Scott Fischbach, MCCL Executive Director, viciously attacking pro-life candidate Austin Bleess. This is two separate attacks by MCCL on a pro-life candidate.
  
• Together their editorials show me gross incompetence and a true lack of strong leadership at the top of MCCL. It is making me reconsider my support of the organization, but not the cause itself. I was under the impression that you stood solely for the pro-life agenda, and all other political agendas were irrelevant.
  
• In our district house race we have a pro-life Democrat - Mary Ellen Otremba running against a pro-life Republican - Austin Bleess. So, instead of MCCL spending time, energy, and resources trying to defeat pro-abortion candidates around the state, you have your Executive Director Scott Fischbach; write a letter to the editor in my local newspaper attacking the pro-life Bleess.
  
• That's just great, now we have a supposedly pro-life organization attacking a pro-life candidate. This must leave the pro-abortion folks in pure joy. If the pro-life agenda was the only agenda you had in mind, then obviously you don't have a dog in this fight. What exactly is your point here?
  
• In my opinion, if you have two pro-life candidates running against each other, you should keep your nose out of it, and use your time, energy, and effort in defeating pro-abortion candidates, which I thought was the sole reason you existed? I am extremely disappointed in MCCL. I am sad to say that at this time I really have to consider discontinuing my support of MCCL, and will seek out another pro-life organization that doesn't seem to have a hidden political agenda.
  
• I wonder if Mr. LaLonde and Mr. Fischbach are looking forward to all the legislation they will get passed should we be looking at a Speaker Entenza, or a similar protégé? Do they know why the Health and Human Services bill failed in the Minnesota State Senate and did not come to a floor vote? It was because there was fear that pro-life legislation would be added to the bill, so it was aborted.
  
• For Mr. LaLonde and Mr. Fischbach to say that Mary Ellen Otremba is courageous by not voting to me is incredible! If courage is showed by doing nothing we have a problem and it starts with the leadership of MCCL.
  
• The representation by Mr. LaLonde and Mr. Fischbach does not show strong leadership and it is time they should step down.

___________________________________________________

1/27/2005: Personal Email:

Dear MCCL & Representative Otremba:

I have always been a supporter of MCCL, and think all of you do a great job of influencing policies here in Minnesota on behalf of all unborn children. I have also been appreciative of Representative Otremba’s support of life and realize she takes a stand unpopular within her party.

I was confused by an article in the Independent News Herald (Clarissa) regarding “painless abortions”. It referenced Rep. Mary Ellen Otremba and MCCL both supporting this position. It stated that MCCL and Rep. Otremba are authoring/supporting a bill to give mothers the option of administering pain medication to unborn children before they are aborted. I understand the concept of reducing human suffering, but feel this position is extremely misguided and potentially sends a wrong message.

If we want to end the suffering of children in the womb the end of the practice of abortion is the ultimate goal. I understand there are legislative practices that aid in bringing this about over time through incremental steps, yet I am missing how this specific bill aids in that process. Again the article basically states we are supporting a bill that would enable the mother to have the option of making the suffering of their child less while being aborted.

I would like a more detailed explanation behind the support of this bill and how it fits into the overall strategy of MCCL. I think the press release as written will cause much confusion and disappointment among many of your supporters and hope both of you will clarify the position being taken here.


Sincerely,

Nathan P. McLaughlin
Mayor of Clarissa

Rudy, Rudy, Rudy Giuliani

Uninspired & The 2008 Presidential Elections

Rudy, Rudy, Rudy Giuliani
(Part II)

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani entered the 2008 Presidential Campaign on February 5th by stating: “I’m in this to win.” It appears if the election was held today from the latest polls he’d be leading the pack with what appears to be a great opportunity.

Rudy certainly has proven his courage as we watched the video footage of him running towards the Twin Towers that had yet to fall. I believe Rudy understands better than any leader the threat that this new brand of terrorism poses to a country like the United States.

Rudy is a great public speaker and has a very likable personality. His past stints on Saturday Night Live show he understands how the political game is played. Rudy can certainly inspire a crowd, and is a sought after speech maker telling of the heroic and courageous actions that were required on September 11th.

I will not spend a lot of time on the Giuliani Campaign and in the words of FDR I will: “Be sincere, be brief, and be seated.”

The world of Presidential politics fully vets each candidate. I remember the pre-September 11th Rudy, and so does everyone else. The Rudy that as Marc Humbert of ABC News writes on March 10th:

“In fact, Giuliani's support for abortion and gay rights, his backing of gun control measures and his very New Yorkness already had given conservatives pause about his candidacy. He has also marched in gay pride parades, dressed up in drag and lived temporarily with a gay couple and their Shih Tzu.“

And……Checkmate…..Rudy has to know the gay pride photos with him in drag are out there. I’m sure there are a few stories the gay couple can be persuaded to share as well. Photos speak louder than words, and to Conservatives "loud words" mean something.

Now where’s my chair so I can sit down.

Uninspired & The 2008 Presidential Elections (John McCain)

Uninspired & The 2008 Presidential Elections
John McCain (Part 1)

It’s been a while since I’ve envied the Democratic Party…..a long while.

The news, in conservative and mainstream arenas, are filled with articles, interviews, and polls focusing on Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and yes…….that Oscar attending, Nobel Prize nominated super star: Al Gore. It is a political story with big personalities and bigger story lines. Yes I admit it…… I’m jealous, and lots of Republicans I know are too.

So what is wrong with the Republicans? Oh let me count the ways. (Part 1)

FLASHBACK: Dole for President 1996:

Bob Dole was a Republican, distinguished war hero, skilled senior U.S. Senator, and ultimate Washington insider who ran for President in 1996. I mention this, not to insult your intelligence, but because it is highly possible you missed it even if you were paying attention. I know…..I know…..it is surprising given the passion Bob Dole inspired from the true Republican Party faithful and conservatives from around the nation. How he lost we may never know.

FLASHFORWARD: so enters a Republican, distinguished war hero, skilled senior U.S. Senator, and ultimate Washington insider who is running for President in 2008. The last time I saw him was on CNBC’s Hardball, where he was succinctly stating his position on the hot button issue of same-sex marriage.

I thought John…here is your chance…..could you at least try and inspire the people who want to knock on doors and have a winning campaign. Well, after a few false starts and the commercial break he finally clarified his position one more time, and asked his handler if “that was better”.

Surprised….No!! Wishing for good old days of 1996 Presidential Politics……YES!!!

McCain’s problem is bigger and much, much, much worse. First, Republicans and Conservatives who haven’t met him or know him personally don’t like him, nor do we exactly trust his new found conservatism. Also, Senator Dole didn’t run around the country making it a point to bash social and religious conservative’s year in and year out when he wasn’t running for President. Dole didn’t pass the Incumbent Protection Act which killed much of the grass roots political party units, and ensured only the wealthy or connected could compete in elections.

• Note: Elephants have good memories.
  

The Coming Smoking Ban in Minnesota:

The Coming Smoking Ban in Minnesota:
How we just changed the definition of “public” to include your

“private property”.

I should start off by saying I don’t smoke………….never have. I encourage my kids not to use tobacco products. I’m aware of all of the science and health related facts. In fact, most people who smoke…. I believe….would encourage people not to start.

Enter our Democratic Legislature and our Governor. God bless them so concerned about our CHILDREN and our HEALTH. Who in the name of apple pie and the flag are going to tell law abiding citizens and business owners what they can and cannot do in private establishments.

I’m a big believer in free markets and individual freedoms. If our politicians don't want to have their health endangered or smell like smoke when in a "private" business I'd encourage them to use our good old fashioned free market here in Minnesota. Instead they have decided to take away the space once owned by private individuals on their property and claim it for the state because politicians know best.

I choose to patron restaurants that control the smoking areas, or choose to not have smoking in their establishment. I guess in St. Paul politicians would rather legislate their viewpoint by redefining the word "public" to include the Mom & Pop "private" restaurants, bars, and other establishments all over the state?

I'm not sure which is more dangerous now: the redefining of the word "public" to include our "private" property or smoke.

A new business owner is required to invest 20% of their personal assets in a new venture. That business owner will devote 40 to 60 hours per week working to see their dream come true. All the while hiring employees, buying products and services, and generating economic activity in their area.

This new law is about as “self-serving politician knows best” a solution that has come down the pike in a while. The entrepreneur is the life-blood of a rural economy here in central Minnesota. As the Mayor of Clarissa I’m concerned about the new entrepreneurs, and I hope citizens will call St. Paul and let their legislature know.

P.S………….If the politicians are truly concerned with our health then they should have the political will to ban this killer. Why won’t they ban a killer?

Follow the money……..it generates a TON of money from lawsuits and taxes.

If anyone should be ashamed for blowing smoke our Governor, State Representatives, and Senators should take a good look in the mirror.