Democracy For Minnesota

Helping Families Affected by the Immigration Raids in Worthington

2006-12-15T14:53:00.000-06:00

These are some ways you can help the families and children affected by the abusive ICE raids in Worthington.

Donate Food, Clothes, Toys
Thanks to Latino Communications Network, this Friday and Saturday from 8am--8pm, donations will be collected at the La Invasora station in Plaza Verde, 2nd floor, located on the corner of Lake St. and Bloomington Avenue. Families have expressed the need for basic foods such as tortillas, beans, rice, cereal, crackers, maseca, baby formula and juice. Due to the holiday season right around the corner, people would like to see toys and children's clothes donated as well. Please drop off your donation at the Plaza Verde building. All donations will be transported to Worthington on Sunday, thanks to the support of Latino Communications Network. Once the donations arrive in Worthington, they will be given to the Distribution Committee who will make sure that all the donations get evenly handed out to the various locations/organizations that are actively connecting with families and children who have been affected by the issue.

Donate Money
Monetary contributions are being accepted by Darlene Maklin, United Way/Chamber of Commerce in Worthington. Please call Darlene at 507-372-2919 to let her know how much you'd like to contribute. Money is needed to help families pay rent and heating bills due to the economic hit some of these families are enduring because of the immigration raids.

Volunteers
People are needed in Worthington to help translate (Spanish-English) in various settings, from helping the media to connect with human stories of this issue to helping lawyers fill out intake forms. People are needed to help the union with food distribution logistics and database building, increasing capacity to connect with families, and to help provide general support for local happenings.

Media
You can help to take a stance against immigration raids by writing letters to the editor (the Star Tribune, Pioneer Press and your local newspaper) to point out the inhumane and unjust circumstances regarding the raids. These raids do nothing to help communities engage with the root causes of immigration. Raids are unacceptable. They devastate communities, heartlessly divide families, and negatively affect all people, not just Latinos. Try to reach out to members of editorial boards in any newspaper to see if they will publish an editorial taking a stance against these oppressive raids. Participate in web-based conversations to help educate the broader public about why you believe immigration raids are not the answer. We suggest logging on to:
The Star Tribune's Buzz http://www.buzz.mn/
The Star Tribune's Crib Sheet, for parents,
http://www.startribune.com/blogs/cribsheet/
The Worthington Daily Globe's commentary,
http://www.dglobe.com/talk/index.cfm?id=28&article_id=28

From Worthington, MN, la lucha sigue,
Alondra
MIFN Communications

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Minnesota Immigrant Freedom Network
2500 University Avenue, Suite C8
St. Paul, MN 55114il
651-287-0660n
freedomnetwork@gmail.com

See our history and visit our website at:
http://www.mnfr.org

World AIDS Day: Keeping the Promise

2006-12-01T05:04:00.000-06:00

People often ask me about the old Dean for America days and the many ways that Howard Dean shaped the issues for the 2004 election. Today, I fondly look back to 2003 when I attended a World AIDS Day event in Iowa with other Howard Dean supporters celebrating Dean's Campaign AIDS Policy. 2003 was the year that all Democratic Presidential Candidates signed the pledge for global AIDS action. As DNC Chair Dean marked World AIDS Day in 2005 by citing the president for his failure to join the global fight against AIDS and asked him to keep his broken promises. Dean appears to be ahead of the curve again as the 2006 World AIDS Day theme is “keeping the promise”.

So what can everyone do to help keep that promise?

Minnesota has alot of great events thru 12/09/06 and details for each event can be found here.

I've chosen to spotlight the events going on today below:

International HIV/AIDS and Human Rights - Minneapolis
In recognition of World AIDS Day, the School of Public Health will host a program on international human rights abuses and how they adversely affect the treatment, assessment, prevention and spread of HIV. Sponsored by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Center for Health Interprofessional Programs and the Minnesota Public Health Association. (FREE but registeration is requested)
Friday, December 1, 2006 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. at:

Coffman Memorial Union Theater (Event Details)
300 Washington Avenue Southeast
University of Minnesota East Bank Campus
Minneapolis, MN 55455

World AIDS Day March for Accountability – Minneapolis
Sponsored by Pillsbury House, Community Fitness Today and Minnesota Community PROMISE
Friday, December 1, 2006 at:

Sabathani Community Center
310 East 38th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55409

3:45 p.m. (interested participants will meet at Pillsbury House)
4:00 p.m. (march through the Central and Powderhorn neighborhoods)
4:45 p.m. (dinner, film showing, discussion and vigil)

South African Film Premiere – Minneapolis
In commemoration of World AIDS Day, Open Arms will present the Midwest premiere of a new documentary film, Bigger Than Barbie, by Norwegian filmmaker Tina Davis. The film chronicles the life of a Monkeybiz beader who is raising her niece and nephew who have been orphaned by AIDS. Friday, December 1, 2006 8:00 p.m. ($10 and doors open at 7:30) at:

The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis (details)
410 Oak Grove Street
Minneapolis, MN 55403

“Am I? Are you?” An Evening of Remembrance and Perspective – Minneapolis
Sponsored by the Minnesota AIDS Project and Intermedia Arts
Friday, December 1, 2006 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. at:

Intermedia Arts (flyer)

2822 Lyndale Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408

Faces of AIDS World AIDS Day Celebration – St. Paul
The National Youth Leadership Council will host an evening of music, spoken word, dance and light refreshments in solidarity with the global battle against HIV and AIDS. (FREE)
Friday, December 1, 2006, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at:

University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus
St. Paul Student Center Ballroom (2nd Flr)
2017 Buford Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108

Keeping The Promise – World AIDS Day – Duluth
In line with the World AIDS Day theme of “keeping the promise,” the students from Harbor City International School will host an evening of food, games, drama, open microphone and other activities aimed at teens (FREE). Friday, December 1, 2006 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. at:

Harbor City International School
332 West Michigan Street, Suite 300
Duluth, MN 55802

Interdenominational Healing Service – Bemidji
Sponsored by Rural AIDS Action Network (RAAN) and St. Bartholemew’s Episcopal Church
In observance of World AIDS Day, a service will be conducted by clergy from different faiths and will include meditation, prayer and testimonies. Refreshments will follow the service (FREE).
Friday, December 1, 2006 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at:

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church
1800 Irvine Ave NW
Bemidji, MN 56601

Play-Safe-Stay-Safe Dance – Bemidji
Sponsored by the Pheonix and Rural AIDS Action Network (RAAN)
In commemoration of World AIDS Day, a dance will be held with refreshments, HIV information and free confidential HIV testing (FREE). Friday, December 1, 2006 at:

Bemidji State University
Lower Hobson Union, Crying Wolf Room
1500 Birchmont Drive Northeast
Bemidji, MN 56601

Candle Light Remembrance Ceremony – Alexandria
In observance of World AIDS Day, there will be a reading of names with a chime sounded and a candle lit for each remembered person who has died of AIDS (FREE). Sponsored by Rural AIDS Action Network (RAAN) and First Congregational UCC Church.
Friday, December 1, 2006, 5:30pm at:

First Congregational UCC Church
221 Seventh Avenue West
Alexandria, MN 56308

St. Paul DFA Link Iraq War Forum on Cable

2006-11-30T19:59:00.000-06:00

In case you missed it, the St. Paul DFA Link Iraq War Fourm consisted of a panel of four experts, a moderator, and audience questions. The event was held at Macalester College on 9/11/06 and was moderated by David Perry, a faculty member in the Macalester College Department of History.

Panelists included:

Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer - Univ. of St. Thomas Peace and Justice Studies professor
Edward Morrissey - Heritage Foundation conservative blogger and radio show host
Phil Steger - Friends for a Nonviolent World director
Lou Ellingson - Swift Boat retired Navy captain and small business owner

St. Paul DFA Link member Stan Hilliard has arranged for the St. Paul DFA Link Iraq War Forum held on 9/11/06 to be aired on local cable access. The video of the forum is scheduled to be shown on Suburban Community Channels (SCC) Channel 15 and runs 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The current schedule is on the schedule-tab at: http://www.scctv.org and is listed below:

Saturday December 2, 2006, 3:00 PM
Sunday December 3, 2006, 3:00 PM
Saturday December 9, 2006, 3:00 PM
Sunday December 10, 2006, 3:00 PM
Saturday December 23,2006, 3:00 PM
Sunday December 24, 2006, 3:00 PM
Monday December 25, 2006, 3:00 PM

SCC does not go to all communities in the metro but does provide great outreach into the suburban areas. The program will be viewable in Birchwood, Dellwood, Grant, Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi, Maplewood, North Saint Paul, Oakdale, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, and Willernie. If you don't live in this viewing area but would like to have the St. Paul DFA Link Iraq War Forum aired on your local cable access channel, please contact St. Paul DFA Link member Stan Hilliard.

Stan is attempting to work with another local cable access provider (CTV15), which creates the content for channel 15 for in Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, New Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville, St. Anthony, and Shoreview. In order to be shown in the CTV15 area, a resident of the area must submit the program material. If you live in CTV15 area and would like to help ensure that the St. Paul DFA Link Iraq War Forum is aired on CTV15, please contact St. Paul DFA Link member Stan Hilliard.

Stan is also looking for volunteers willing to help place the St. Paul DFA Link Iraq War Fourm on the internet. (hint, hint)

Readers who have any ideas on how to increase viewership of the St. Paul DFA Link Iraq War Fourm are encouraged to post their thoughts in the comments section of this post.

Can MN Have a Peace Candidate for Senate in '08?

2006-11-21T00:43:00.000-06:00

Peace for Senate in '08 A discussion about the feasibility of electing a peace candidate in the modern age of big money and big media politics. Charley Underwood will be moderating the evening and the event is hosted by the DFL Progressive Caucus.

Peace for Senate in '08

MLK Recreation Center

4055 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55409 (map)

Tue Nov 21 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Please come a little early if you can to socialize.

This power-packed panel discussion will include:

Minnesota DFL Chair, Brian Melendez
U.S. Representative-elect (and local DFA Link endorsed candidate), Rep. Keith Ellison
Sharon Sudman of Peace in the Precincts and the Peace First! campaign
Author and Assistant Professor of Justice and Peace Studies at the University of St. Thomas and former U.S. House candidate Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer
Former U.S. Senate candidate Ford Bell
Former Gubernatorial candidate (and local DFA Link endorsed candidate), Senator Becky Lourey

Send Howard Dean a Birthday Card!

2006-11-17T20:29:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Howard Dean!

You know that Howard Dean's 50 State Strategy had a lot to do with last week's big Democratic victory. But Democratic political pundit James Carville is insisting that Howard needs to be "held accountable" for his "Rumsfeldian incompetence" as DNC Chair. Carville is getting a ton of press about it, and he's right about one thing. Howard Dean should be held accountable. He should be held accountable for helping state parties nationwide develop and support competitive campaigns in places where Democrats haven't won for years.

Today is Howard's birthday, and Democracy for America is sending him a giant birthday card.

Sign the card at: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/happybirthday

Andy Luger: Please Run Again!

2006-11-11T14:27:00.000-06:00

"We appreciate the sacrifice others are making in the quest to serve, and respect them for it."
-- Andy Luger

Op-Ed: Andy Luger: Candidates have so much in common

Published: November 11, 2006 (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

As a first-time candidate for public office, I received a lot of advice and guidance from political professionals and people with experience running campaigns. I developed a strategy and worked hard to implement and execute my campaign plan. But there is one thing about running for office I had not anticipated and I think remains a closely held secret: how well most candidates actually get along.

Read the complete article at the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Andy Luger understands that in order to build a better community we must find some common ground to work with our newly elected officials. Andy's words are also encouraging a new generation of candidates to run for office. Andy was the best local candidate I've seen in years and I hope he runs again. -EB

This is what Andy had to say on his web site, which I thought was the best local web site of the 2006 campaign cycle:

Dear Friends,

Thank you for all of your support, encouragement and good wishes over the past 22 months. I have been asked many times since Tuesday night how I feel. While I am disappointed that I will not serve as your Hennepin County Attorney, I am proud to have had the privilege to run for this office and to get to know so many of you personally.

Politics is not easy, and running for office brings great challenges. But you inspired me with your passion, your energy and your commitment to the shared values I talked about in this campaign. Thank you for marching in parades, making phone calls, going to caucuses, contributing money and standing with me through this long race.

This was my first run for office, and, despite the result, I will always cherish this campaign. Throughout this race I was lucky to work with a talented and dedicated campaign team and I received wise counsel from community, labor and business leaders.

Ellen and I are grateful for your support and your friendship.

Kind Regards,

Andy

Andy Luger was a candidate for Hennepin County attorney and a local DFA Link endorsed candidate in 2006.

Aren't you glad Howard Dean works for Democrats?

2006-11-10T18:11:00.000-06:00

From time to time DFM spotlights other MN Bloggers. This post was taken directly from our good friend and DFA Link member: Truth Surfer.

Aren't you glad Howard Dean works for Democrats? We're winning because of him and those that work toward his vision like DFL State Chair Melendez. We have an agenda, a plan, a goal and a message. They all support the Democratic vision.

Dean stuck to his principles in rebuilding the party. He and his supporters in the netroots movement believed that their party needed to rebuild from the ground up in every state, including many where the party existed in name only. Here in Minnesota that kind of committment has made all the difference. In the area I live in (south suburbs) we've put Democrats into office after hearing for a whole year that we lived in too red an area to elect democrats. Well, we're a very bluish violet today.

Thank you Mr. Dean. All the long hours and endless lit drops and doorknocks were worth it if for nothing else than the soon-to-be ex RNC chair Ken Mehlman.

Recap of Local DFA Link Races in MN

2006-11-08T16:05:00.000-06:00

The Mpls DFA IRV & Election Integrity Group is celebrating the success of the Minneapolis Charter Amendment to use Instant Runoff Voting. The IRV Amendment WON with 65% of the vote. There is a victory celebration on 11/14. Thank you to all who volunteered and supported this project.

Here is a recap of other local candidates with DFA Link Campaign Pages:

Tim Faust for MN House 8B WON (52.4-47.4 or +731 votes)
Melissa Jabas for MN House 17A LOST (49.4-50.5 or -195 votes)
Jeremy Kalin for MN House 17B WON (50.5-49.4 or +204 votes)
Eileen Weber for MN House 57B LOST (42.6-55.2)
Andy Luger for Hennepin County Attorney, LOST (40.37-59.11)
Chris Stewart for Minneapolis School Board WON (came in 3 of 6 to be elected one of the 4 seats)
Pam Costain for Minneapolis School Board WON (came in 1 of 6 to be elected one of the 4 seats)

Milestone:

Democrats now control the MN Legislature! They maintain the MN Senate with a 44-23 split (a gain of 6 seats) and took back the MN House with a split of 85-49 (a gain of 19 seats). Two of those 19 MN House seats were gained by DFA Link Candidates in greater MN:

1) Jeremy Kalin who was one of our 5 DFM Take Back the House candidates in 2004
2) Tim Faust who lost by only 87 votes in 2004

Congratulations and thank you to all the DFA Link candidates for their courage to run off office and their hard work to help Minnesota races turn blue across the state.

DFA Link Election Results: MN State and Federal Races

2006-11-08T14:57:00.000-06:00

Below are the election results of our State and Federal Races that have DFA Link pages in MN:

DFA & Local DFA Link Endorsed Candidates:

DFA-List Candidate for Secretary of State, Mark Ritchie: WON (49.1-44.2)
DFA Endorsed Candidate for MN-01, Tim Walz: WON (52.7-47.1)

Local DFA Link Endorsed Candidates for Federal Offices:

US Senate: Amy Klobuchar: WON (58-38)
MN-02: Coleen Rowley: LOST (40-56.2)
MN-03: Wendy Wilde: LOST (35-64.9)
MN-05: Keith Ellison: WON (55.6-21.3-21)
MN-06: Patty Wetterling: LOST (42-50)

Milestones:

1) The democrats took back the office of Secretary of State in Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa, New Mexico, and Nevada. This will bring back fair and clean elections in 2008 (thanks to the SOS Project). Minnesota also took back the office of the State Auditor and held the office of Attorney General.
2) Minnesota elected the state's first female senator and retired a republican congressman in the process.
3) Democrat, Tim Walz (MN-01) took back a congressional seat that was held by a republican for the past 12 years. Walz is also the first graduate from Camp Wellstone to win a federal office.
4) Democrat, Keith Ellison (MN-05) will serve as Minnesota's first elected congressperson of color and the first Muslim American in congress.

Post Election Update and Thank You

2006-11-08T14:34:00.000-06:00

Before I go into the elections results I wanted to say 3 quick things:

1) Sorry our blogging at DFM has been so spotty...we were in the field supporting our DFA Link candidates and didn't have time to write. This blog is still active but traffic will be slowing down to the level of weekly posts. Thanks for understanding.

2) Thank you to all of the DFA Link members who volunteered on campaigns in all over the nation with phone banks, lit drops, door knocks, data entry, on-line organizing, etc.

3) Celebrate with other DFA Link members in Minneapolis tonight at our DFA Link Meeting. (We meet at 7pm over at Diamond's Coffee Shoppe: 1618 Central Ave NE)

5 Days and Counting!

2006-11-02T18:19:00.000-06:00

With ONLY 5 DAYS to go until the Mid-term Election, the Luger Campaign is in full swing! Please read below about how you can help make Election Day a success by donating just a few hours of your time!

SATURDAY:
Join us for a scenic lit-drop near Lake Nokomis this Saturday, November 4, at 1245 pm. Afterward we'll join Andy and other volunteers for some homemade chili and political conversation at the home of Martin and Lois Regnier Conroy, 5044 17th Ave South, Mpls., with co-host Council member Scott Benson & 12-5 Chair Brad Gess. To RSVP, email hassan@andyluger.com.

SUNDAY:
Come and meet Tour de France winner Greg LeMond this Sunday, November 5, at 12:00 pm. Help lit drop in surrounding areas after the rally at the home of DFL Party Chair Brian Melendez, 1777 Dupont Ave S, Mpls., with special guests Mayor R.T. Rybak and members of the Mpls. City Council. RSVP by emailing hassan@andyluger.com.

Remember: Just a few hours of your time will make a BIG DIFFERENCE in this election! You can help by making phone calls and dropping literature with us this week. Check out the schedule below, and email us at hassan@andyluger.com to RSVP.

Phone Banks
Wednesday; 6:00pm-9:00pm
Law Office of Greene Espel
600 South 6th Street, Suite 1200, Minneapolis

Thursday: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Law Office of Greene Espel
600 South 6th Street, Suite 1200, Minneapolis

Friday; 6:00pm-9:00pm
Remax Office: 7450 France Ave S, Edina

Lit Drops
Afternoons and evenings; 4:00pm-6:00pm, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Luger HQ: 1200 Mainstreet, Hopkins

Visibility
Can you help with our visibility effort from 6:30am-8:00am on Election Day? Email hassan@andyluger.com to RSVP and we’ll assign you to a location.

Thank you for your support!
The Luger Campaign
(952) 938-2999

P.S. Join us on Election Night at the American Legion in Hopkins (10 12th Avenue S) to celebrate!

Secretary Kiffmeyer Continues to Misstate Her Record

2006-11-02T17:57:00.000-06:00

In Tuesday's debate on Minnesota Public Radio, Minnesota Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer continued to misstate her record on Election Day Registration. Kiffmeyer challenged Mark Ritchie, the DFL candidate for Secretary of State, on his statement that she has been quoted attacking Election Day Registration in books and newspaper articles, and that she had promoted a change to a new system requiring voters to register to vote at least thirty days before the election.

Kiffmeyer said, "That is absolutely not true, and you know better than that. And it is just that type of negative campaigning that is just plain wrong."

In the Secretary of State debate sponsored by the League of Women Voter's and KSTP, Secretary Kiffmeyer went even further by saying, "There's absolutely no truth to that I have ever spoken anywhere, including our state, against any of our policies."

Despite these recent claims, Kiffmeyer has been quoted repeatedly around the country criticizing Election Day Registration.

* In Stealing Elections: How Voter Fraud Threatens Our Democracy, Kiffmeyer said that she is "tired of hearing her state's same day registration extolled," and she compares Minnesota elections to holding a party and not knowing how much food to buy because no one sent in an RSVP. "Some precincts run out of ballots while others are overstocked." (pg. 140)

* Kiffmeyer was quoted in an opinion piece in the Times Republican (Iowa) as saying, "We have long lines because of same-day. People get frustrated and leave." ("Same Day Voter Registration Addressed," 11/21/05)

* In an article in the Los Angeles Times, Kiffmeyer said that Minnesota has had mixed results with Election Day Registration. She admitted that it has led to higher turnouts, but also said that Same Day Registration has led to long lines and confusion at the polling places. She said that she suspects that Same Day Registration has led to more voter fraud and advised, "You need to have integrity with your access. It is just as important and I highly recommend that California be careful about maintaining its integrity." ("Voters Consider Signups at the Polls," 10/1/02)

* Kiffmeyer told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that she would not recommend election voter registration to other states. "Pre-registration is the standard in most states, and that's the norm. It's much easier when you have a cutoff date for registration" ("Sabo introduces national same-day voter registration bill," 9/25/03).

* According to the Senate District 41 Republicans, Kiffmeyer said that voter fraud would be significantly reduced in the state if we switched to a 30-day pre-election registration period like most states. ("The Homegrown Optimist," 2/24/04: www.sd41gop.org/febuary_24_fcm_dinner.html)

"Given these documented statements, it clear that Secretary Kiffmeyer has spoken out against Minnesota's policy," said James Haggar, campaign manager for the Ritchie campaign. "If she does support Election Day Registration she should stop attacking it outside of our state."

Mark Ritchie, the founder of the national voter registration program NOVEMBER 2, is the Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate for Secretary of State. Go to http://www.markritchie06.net for more information.

Keith Ellison: Let's Grow Our Democracy

2006-11-02T17:46:00.000-06:00

Dear Friend,

The strength and verve of our democracy is literally at stake in next week’s election. You have the power to make this the most inclusive and embracing election we’ve seen in our lifetime. I am asking you to dig deep and please give once more to our campaign - $35, $50, whatever you can. Please give by clicking here:
http://www.keithellison.org/donate.htm

A $35 gift today will fuel a day of voter rides to the polls for those in need. A donation of $50 today mails 150 households a piece of positive, issue-based literature. If you act today, your $250 (or more) will go toward a media campaign that calls to our best hopes over our darkest fears. With resources from committed folks like you, we’ll use every tool we have to build the broad majority we’ll need to continue our proud tradition - that of Humphrey, Mondale, Sabo, and Wellstone.

As more and more voters join the process, we all reap the rewards. From here on out we’ll be spending every penny, putting every ounce of energy and dedicating every waking moment to contacting the voters of the Fifth District. We’ll be reaching disaffected voters face to face. We’ll be reaching disadvantaged voters at their doors. We’ll be reaching disheartened voters in personal ways with our positive message: in our America everybody counts and everybody matters. Be sure we reach them all.
http://www.keithellison.org/donate.htm

President Bill Clinton reminded Democrats in a recent appeal what is really at stake on Tuesday. He wrote, “The extreme ideological approach of the Republican leadership in Washington is spectacularly ill-suited to face the challenges of today and tomorrow. We need a Democratic majority to take us in a new direction.” I want to be your Democrat, working hard on the issues that matter most to you. But we won’t be able to weave together the many threads of our community without a strong loom. Our strong GOTV plan will engage voters of all walks all over the district – with your help.

Please contribute today. President Clinton finished his message with these words: “This is a serious election. We, as citizens, have some fundamental decisions to make about what kind of people we are, what kind of country we are going to leave our children and our grandchildren, and how we are going to relate to the rest of the world.” Next week we start in a New Direction. Start us on the right foot. Your help is needed now.
http://www.keithellison.org/donate.htm

My sincere thanks,

Representative Keith Ellison
Minnesota House District 58B
DFL Candidate for Congress, District 5

Prepared and Paid for by Keith Ellison for Congress

Ellison Extra: Five Days Out, One Clear Choice

2006-11-02T17:34:00.000-06:00

Dear Friend,

As we approach Election Day, it’s important that we and our families, friends, and co-workers are crystal clear about the choice before us. You have an important role to play in letting people know about Keith and why we need him to be our next Congressman!

We still need a lot of help spreading the word about Keith to voters in the 5th District. Click here to volunteer and help us do this!
http://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/266/mtglist.asp?formid=calendar

There are powerful differences between Keith and his opponents. View last weekend’s League of Women Voters debate on KSTC-Channel 45: http://kstp.dayport.com/viewer/viewerpage.php?Art_ID=169943&NoAds=true.

On the War in Iraq…
Keith stood up against the war before it was popular; before others got wise to the lies. When Paul Wellstone spoke out against the war, it wasn’t because of “faulty intelligence”; it was because he knew it was wrong. Keith wants to bring our troops home NOW because the evidence shows our presence in Iraq is making things worse, not better. This is the right plan for our men and women in uniform – and for our country.

On health care…
Most know that Keith strongly supports universal, single-payer health care. And right now, for our seniors, Keith seeks changes to Medicare Part D because he knows the hardship this flawed program has caused. It prohibits the government from negotiating prescription drug prices – proof of the role big business plays in Republican policymaking. Keith Ellison will support the health care needs of our country against the interests of big drug companies and HMOs.

On voting rights…
There is little more fundamental to our democracy than voting. Minnesota is a leader in voter participation because our laws encourage, not discourage, voting. Keith’s opponents support requiring voters to show ID at the polls, and they don’t support our current law allowing voters to vouch for other voters at the polls. Mandatory voter ID is not the American way and certainly isn’t the Minnesota way. Keith believes in the right to vote – it’s about as simple as that.

Next Tuesday, November 7 – six days from now – we have a clear choice. We must elect Keith Ellison to Congress because he is the only true progressive in this race.

We still have a lot of work to do. We need to turn out the 5th district for all Democrats. The only way that happens is if the lifeblood of this campaign – volunteers – helps us talk to voters on Election Day and the weekend before. Our historic get-out-the-vote effort led to a Primary win. We need to pull it off one more time to put Keith and the whole DFL ticket over the top!

Go to http://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/266/mtglist.asp?formid=calendar or call Batala at 612.522.4416. You can volunteer for any of the activities below to ensure our progressive future:

A) TAKE ELECTION DAY OFF!
Many Democratic voters need information and help in voting. On Tuesday, November 7, we need your help talking to them at their doors and taking them to the polls. If you can’t take the whole day off, you can still sign up for a shift. We’ll take whatever time you have!

B) Volunteer this weekend!
On the weekend before the Primary, we had enough volunteers to knock and call entire Senate Districts. It made the difference then, and we know it can again with your help!

C) Help with weekday phone banks and doorknocks!
There are voters in the 5th District whose doors we can’t knock, but who we can talk to on the phone. If you have an hour – or two or three – on a weeknight, please sign up to help!

Now it the time to make history. With you, WE WILL WIN!
http://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/266/mtglist.asp?formid=calendar

For additional information, visit http://www.keithellison.org/.

Prepared and Paid for by Keith Ellison for Congress

Ritchie Reader- November 2

2006-11-02T17:16:00.000-06:00

Fantastic Letter by Representative Hilty
Representative Bill Hilty of Finlayson had an amazing letter printed in the Duluth News Tribune today. Read it at: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/articles/index.cfm?id=27333§ion=Opinion (It is the third letter down.)

5 Days Left!
There are only 5 working days, including today, until the election! We need your help in these last crucial hours to talk to voters and help us get Mark’s name out there. We’ll be phone calling, doing visibility, and preparing for the big day almost 24/7 from here on out. If you can commit even a few hours it will make a big difference. This race will be very close and we need to put Mark over the top! To sign up, contact us at 612-229-1962 or info@markritchie06.net

Special Note for Folks Who Live Out of State
Get in on the action – you can call from the comfort of your own home or from the beach wherever you are. Contact us at 612-229-1962 or info@markritchie06.net

Election Day
On the big day we’ll be working hard all day as part of a coordinated effort to get out the vote. We need door knockers, phone callers, drivers, people to make and deliver food, and much more. If you can give all or part of Election Day to this effort contact us at 612-229-1962 or info@markritchie06.net

Focused on Protecting Voters
Even as the campaign nears the end, Mark is focused on protecting Minnesota voters. Today Mark and Vice President Walter Mondale will be attending an election protection training and talking about the need to make sure everyone can vote easily.

Get-Out-the-Vote with Greg LeMond!

2006-11-02T16:48:00.000-06:00

Help Andy Luger Get Out the Vote

with

Tour de France Winner Greg LeMond

and
Mayor RT Rybak and City Council Members
Scott Benson * Elizabeth Glidden * Lisa Goodman * Betsy Hodges

Diane Hofstede * Barb Johnson * Robert Lilligren * Ralph Remington

Don Samuels * Gary Schiff

Join us for a Rally and Get-Out-the-Vote Lit Drop for
Andy Luger
and other DFL candidates!

At the home of DFL Party Chair Brian Melendez
1777 Dupont Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Sunday, November 5
12:00pm – 3:00pm

Questions or RSVP to Stephanie or Lara at (952) 938-2999 or email stephanie@andyluger.com

Prepared and paid for by Luger for Hennepin County Attorney

Minneapolis School Board Race – It's Incredibly Important

2006-11-02T16:38:00.000-06:00

Dear Friend,

The vote you cast for school board will be one of your most important votes in this year's election. Your vote will help determine the direction of our school district for years to come and the quality of leaders who will guide it. There is nothing more crucial to the future of our children and our city.

I am very proud to be running for school board with three other excellent candidates – Chris Stewart, T. Williams, and Tom Madden. Since receiving the DFL endorsement, we have built a strong working relationship, become familiar with the critical issues in our district, and opened a dialogue with people in every corner of the city. Now we are ready to get to work!

I ask you to vote for the DFL-endorsed School Board team, and to encourage others to do so as well. Because school board is truly at the bottom of a very long ballot, this race might be overlooked or forgotten. It is critical to remind people what is at stake and why you are voting for the candidates you support. Please consider sending an email to friends and neighbors about your vote for Minneapolis School Board.

Finally, thank you to the hundreds of people who have shared their passion for public education and to those of you who have volunteered and donated money. We hope you will join us for a victory celebration with the Keith Ellison campaign after the polls close at 8:00 pm. The party will be at Trocaderos Nightclub, 107 3rd Ave N, Downtown Minneapolis.

For more information on the campaign, please check out my website. http://www.pamcostain.org

Pam Costain

Blog For America Gets a Face Lift

2006-10-30T11:23:00.000-06:00

Check out the new look and feel to DFA's Blog for America: http://www.blogforamerica.com.
To make sure that you visit the revamped site, there will be a special MN post featured today announcing the national endorsement of Tim Walz (MN-01).

BFA, as it's lovingly called, is merging features with our wonderful DFA-Link tools. Speaking of the DFA Link, we now have over 540 MN members on the site and we expect more new members.

Star Tribune Endorsement: Andy Luger for Hennepin Attorney

2006-10-27T13:19:00.000-05:00

The Luger Campaign is excited to announce today’s endorsement from the Star Tribune! Andy’s vision and plan for the office of Hennepin County Attorney were highlighted throughout the article.

“The coming years offer challenges a world apart from those of the 1990s, and Hennepin needs a forward-looking county attorney to face them. That's where Luger…could prove indispensable. Well aware that today's petty crime ripple can become tomorrow's tidal wave, Luger is keen to act now to keep community waters calm.”

“Having spent a long time mulling the county's most worrisome crime trends…Luger has a plan.”

“In short, Luger is perfectly situated to serve as the next Hennepin County attorney – and voters should not hesitate for a moment to send him to work.”

To read the full article, click here: http://www.startribune.com/561/story/766635.html

Now, there are only 12 days until the election! Here’s how you can help elect Andy Luger as our next Hennepin County Attorney!

Contribute. We need your help to keep our TV ads on the air and mail delivered to voter’s doors.
http://andyluger.com/index.asp?Type=CONTRIBUTION&SEC=%7b4521C672-171C-4D4C-A448-BA48E378571F%7d

Volunteer. We’re lit dropping and phone banking every Monday – Thursday until election day. Call (952.938.2999) or email our campaign at hassan@andyluger.com for details.

Election Day. Take Election Day off and help us Get-Out-the-Vote for Andy Luger! Email us at hassan@andyluger.com and let us know you can help.

The momentum has been with us throughout this campaign – and we need your help in these final days to keep it up!

Thank you for your continued support,

Gia Vitali
Campaign Manager
Luger for Hennepin County Attorney
www.andyluger.com

Rebecca Needs Your Help

2006-10-25T19:56:00.000-05:00

Calling all supporters! Rebecca needs your help today!

In the closing days of this campaign, we expect several papers around the state to endorse her opponent as their "token" Republican. The thinking goes like this: the State Auditor race is not a policy position, and it has something to do with taxes, and that's (supposedly) a Republican issue, so throw them a bone since we're endorsing a lot of Democrats.

To counter this, we need you to write a letter to the editor and email it to all your local and major city papers TODAY. You can find your local papers’ email addresses here: http://www.mnnews.com/

Below are 7 talking points to choose from.

Please keep your letters SHORT (150 words or less). Keep them CORDIAL. Make them PERSONAL--why you care about Rebecca's race. And be certain to include your name, address, and phone.

Please email a blind copy of your letters to me at shawn@rebeccaotto.com and let me know where you sent them so we can track to see if they are printed.

Finally, please do this TODAY so they will still get in.

Help us make Rebecca the first woman Democrat elected to the office!

Best,

Shawn Otto
_____________________________________

7 talking points to choose from:
(more info on Rebecca's website: www.rebeccaotto.com)

1. Rebecca is endorsed by all three of the last State Auditors of both parties - Arne Carlson, Mark Dayton, and Judi Dutcher. Between them they have 24 years of experience, and there's a good reason why they are all endorsing Rebecca.

2. Judi Dutcher, who has been both a Republican and a Democrat, perhaps said it best. "We need to rebuild the reputation of the office and restore a non-partisan approach which is not guided by politics but by sound auditing principles. Rebecca Otto has a non-partisan approach that is similar to mine."

3. The State Auditor is supposed to be a non-partisan position. For the first time in our history we have a highly partisan state auditor. For example, she was the first one to recommend cuts to local government aid, doing the bidding of the Minnesota Taxpayer's League but driving up property taxes. Recently, in an election year, she released a report that said schools had $87.5 million more revenue and 1,675 fewer students that the Department of Education showed, making school finances look rosier. Distorting numbers for politics is wrong.

4. Rebecca has a long track record of being bipartisan. She united legislators of 3 parties behind her call for a truly balanced state budget.

5. Rebecca has caught the current auditor making millions upon millions of dollars in errors - repeatedly. One was over $180 million - which is the size of the annual budgets of Duluth and Bloomington - Minnesota's third and fourth largest cities - combined.

6. When confronted about this, the current auditor has either denied wrongdoing, accused Rebecca of making mistakes, or minimized the errors in the press. But then she's gone back and secretly changed her reports to Rebecca's numbers, which is a violation of the generally accepted accounting principles she's supposed to be enforcing. If she can change the numbers after the fact, it bcomes difficult to rely on any report she issues. The State Auditor is supposed to be ensuring financial integrity, not calling it into question.

7. Rebecca is working to strengthen community and school finances by opposing state or federal policies (like the cuts to LGA) that weaken communities and schools, and supporting ones that strengthen their finances. That's the appropriate job of an auditor.

PS: Please help us finish fundraising. We have to raise $5,000 by the end of the week. Click here to help:
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/227/donate.asp?formid=DONATE

Watch Rebecca’s “Bipartisan Bio” TV ad here:
http://www.rebeccaotto.com/Media/bio_ad.htm

Watch Rebecca’s “Living Green Values” TV ad here:
http://www.rebeccaotto.com/Media/living_green_values.htm

Message paid for by Otto for Auditor
12697 N 177th St Marine on St Croix MN, 55047

Ellison Extra: STAR-TRIBUNE ENDORSES KEITH!

2006-10-25T19:41:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend,

If you haven’t already heard it, today the Minneapolis Star-Tribune endorsed our Keith Ellison for Congress! (http://www.startribune.com/561/story/764051.html)

We’re extremely pleased that the Star-Tribune has recognized some of Keith’s finest qualities, ones we’ve known about all along: his ability to get results for his constituents, his knack of getting along with a wide range of people, and his talent for bring people together.

The endorsement is also huge step forward toward sending Keith to Congress, where he will prove to Washington what he’s already proved to the 5th District – that he is a progressive fighter who delivers for people and for principle by building bridges and bringing people together.

Be sure to let your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers know about this great endorsement. It’s a clear statement that now more than ever, Keith is the right choice, in the best of our Minnesota traditions, for our progressive 5th District. He’s already been there for us, for our values and for our ideals, and he will be there every day for us and for our hopes for our families and neighborhoods, our district, our country, and our world.

This is what it’s all about.

Selections from the endorsement are below:

“The race to succeed Martin Sabo in Congress has turned into such a brawl of personal revelations and unseemly attacks that voters must be feeling starved for substance. When they do look at issues of substance, however, we think they'll prefer state Rep. Keith Ellison.”

“Critics have tried to paint the Minneapolis DFLer as a radical and a divider. That simply doesn't square with the view of people who know him. Colleagues at the Legislature describe a congenial and productive lawmaker. Fellow lawyers say Ellison is a hardworking and talented attorney. During two terms in the Minnesota House, he has authored bills on lead paint abatement, voter fraud, retail crime and a healthy range of other issues, often building bipartisan alliances in the process. His trademark is bringing people together, and he has a gift for enfranchising the disenfranchised, a talent that Minnesota needs.”

“We are mindful that Ellison has a history of carelessness that is more than personal peccadillo -- unpaid parking tickets, late taxes, missed deadlines for campaign finance documents. He has promised to run a tighter ship, and he will have to if he wants to secure the confidence of Fifth District constituents and survive the brutal politics of Washington. But his talent, legislative track record and passion for a better society justify the voter's gamble on his future.”

http://www.keithellison.org/

Three Former State Auditors Endorse Rebecca

2006-10-25T19:38:00.000-05:00

Thanks to your many contributions, we've been making history! We've expanded our media buy and are now running on broadcast TV or cable in several key parts of the state.

Please help us finish fundraising. We have to raise $5,000 by the end of the week. Click here to help!
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/227/donate.asp?formid=DONATE

This went out to the press tonight:

3 former state auditors of both parties endorse Rebecca Otto for State Auditor
October 24, 2006

SAINT PAUL – In an unusual, perhaps unprecedented, move, the last three state auditors, of both parties, have endorsed Rebecca Otto for the post. Between them, they encompass twenty-four years of experience in the job. Judi Dutcher, Mark Dayton, and Arne Carlson all say they are backing Otto because of the partisanship of the current auditor, and Otto's non-partisan track record.

"We need to rebuild the reputation of the office and restore a non-partisan approach which is not guided by politics but by sound auditing principles," Dutcher said. "Rebecca Otto has a non-partisan approach that is similar to mine."

Dutcher was elected twice to the post as a Republican, but is now the DFL-endorsed candidate for Lieutenant Governor.

Carlson, who held the post for three terms from 1979 to 1991 before serving two terms as Governor, says he's switched his support from Republican Pat Anderson to Otto over concerns about how partisan Anderson has become. A Republican himself, Carlson said Anderson's predecessors made a point of avoiding partisan behavior, and that it is important that the state auditor be independent-minded.

"I think that independence has been lost," Carlson said.

"Rebecca Otto is dedicated and hard-working," said Dayton, who held the post after Carlson and before Dutcher. "She will make a great state auditor."

If Otto wins on November 7, she will be the first woman Democrat to be elected to the job.

Contribute to help Rebecca air these ads more:
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/227/donate.asp?formid=DONATE

Watch Rebecca's "Bipartisan bio" TV ad here.
http://www.rebeccaotto.com/Media/bio_ad.htm

Watch Rebecca's "Living Green Values" TV ad here.
http://www.rebeccaotto.com/Media/living_green_values.htm

Contact Info for Rebecca:
651-433-2982
rebecca@rebeccaotto.com

Join Keith Ellison at the Wild Rumpus Room

2006-10-25T19:27:00.000-05:00

Lynnell Mickelsen and Tom Braun
invite you to a little
one-on-one with Keith Ellison

Sunday, October 29, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
2720 W 43rd Street
Third floor, above Wild Rumpus
Enter front middle door and follow the signs--elevator at rear entrance of building.

...Come for the conversations, celebrate the community, and stay for the free-throw contest!

"It ain't over 'til you take the ball(ot) to the HOOP!"

Co-hosts:
Mark Anderson and Julie Costin
Stu Abraham
Michael and Susan Boucher
Bruce and Maggie Drew
Kaye and Brad Englund
Sara Fischer
Dan Froelich
Bryce Hamilton
Betsy Hodges
Frank Hornstein
Lisa Kimball
Larry LaVercombe
John Madole
Lynn Mitchell
Deborah Morris-Kahn
Jack Newton
Myron Orfield
Heidi and Brian Rich
Julie Ristau
R.T. Rybak
Rosie Turner
Ellen Young
Jay Walljasper

Questions? Call Anna at 612-522-4416.
Can't attend our party, but would still like to help Keith?
Donate to the campaign: http://www.keithellison.org/donate.htm

The Star Tribune and PB & J

2006-10-25T19:19:00.000-05:00

The Star Tribune endorsed Mark on Saturday!
In their article, “Mark Ritchie is best,” the Star Tribune editorial board wrote, “After eight years of distractions, diversions and general retreat from the scrupulous professionalism of Joan Growe, the secretary of state's office needs Mark Ritchie and his steady emphasis on ensuring that all Minnesotans can vote with ease -- and with confidence in the system's fairness and security.” Read the endorsement on our website:

http://www.markritchie06.net/

PB & J
What does PB & J stand for? Phone Banking and JIM (the name of the map we’ve put on the wall where we track how many phone calls our dedicated volunteers have made). We’re making good progress, but we need your help! We’re calling every day, and we’re flexible with your schedule. We also need help with data entry. It's easy and fun to do. Two weeks left, contact us to volunteer today! Call us at 612-229-1962 or e-mail info@markritchie06.net.

Urgent info from the Walz campaign

2006-10-20T22:12:00.000-05:00

We’ve received numerous complaints in the last two days from citizens across the 1st District. Paid telemarketers are making blatantly false accusations about Tim Walz’s position on taxes.

Many times these callers do not identify themselves at all. They are often pushy and frightening, especially to some of our elderly voters. Sometimes the telemarketers have identified themselves as being from groups such as the NRCC, RNC, and Republicans for Gutknecht.

Know your rights when it comes to calls like these:

1. You have the right to hang up!

2. You have the right to know who is calling and what organization they are with.

3. You have the right to insist that they remove you from their call list.

4. You have the right to ask questions about the source of the information they claim to provide.

If you receive a suspicious call, you may be able to record it by hitting the “record” button on your answering machine. If you choose to do so, you should inform the caller that you are recording the call. Providing these recordings to the Walz campaign will help us shed light on the effort to smear Tim Walz.

Know your facts!

The non-partisan, non-profit organization Project Vote Smart condemned Gil Gutknecht this week for distorting Tim’s position on taxes in his advertisements. In its statement to the press, Project Vote Smart said,

“Gil Gutknecht, a candidate for the 1st Congressional District in Minnesota, has attacked his opponent, Timothy Walz, with misleading information and used Project Vote Smart’s name to give his accusations credibility. This kind of negative campaign activity is precisely the sort of tactic that the Project attempts to counter with its factual database. By using the Project’s name to give credibility to these attacks, Gil Gutknecht is cheating the public out of their need for trusted, abundant, accurate, factual information.

“The Project prohibits the use of its name and programs, including the National Political Awareness Test (NPAT), in partisan political advertising. All candidates in Minnesota have been notified of this policy in writing. Additionally, this policy is posted prominently on the Project Vote Smart website.

This kind of behavior occurs in less that 00.05 percent of all races nationally. It is our policy to condemn this misuse of Project Vote Smart’s name and reputation and to alert the public to any misuse of our name or programs for negative political activities.”

Click here to read the truth about Tim’s position on taxes:
http://www.timwalz.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7bF4087AC5-328C-4413-893C-AA89215E9960%7d&DE=%7bB3A2CEAF-7612-4BCC-800F-67D1768FD3A4%7d

Prepared and paid for by Tim Walz for U.S. Congress. http://www.timwalz.org/

Ritchie Action Alert!

2006-10-20T21:55:00.000-05:00

Vote for Mark-TODAY
That's right, we need you to vote for Mark today. Mark is one of 9 candidates in the running to receive a $5,000 donation from Senator Russ Feingold's "Progressive Patriots Fund." The winner will be chosen by who gets the most votes. Please go vote for Mark today and e-mail your friends to tell them to as well!
http://www.progressivepatriotsfund.com/pickapatriot/vote-2.html

See Mark on TV- TOMORROW
Tomorrow night (Saturday) at 8:00 p.m. on Channel 45, Mark and the other candidates for Secretary of State will appear in a taped debate. The debate will be taped tomorrow morning, and is sponsored by KSTP and the League of Women Voters. Tune in and support Mark!

Ritchie Reader -- October 19

2006-10-19T16:02:00.000-05:00

Come See Mark and Governor Howard Dean
Mark is taking part in a rally today at 2:30 with Governor Howard Dean and other DFL candidates at the Coffman Union Theater at the U of M. They'll be rallying students and then door knocking in the dorms. Come join the fun! Go to www.standupnow.mn for info.

Check out the TV Ad!
Mark's TV ad has been on the air for half a week, and it's getting rave reviews. Catch it on KARE 11 and FOX 9, our website, and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnCtC7GU3AE ). This very positive and upbeat ad is narrated by former Secretary of State Joan Growe. To help us keep it on the air until Nov. 7, click here to donate:

https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/214/donate.asp?formid=CONTRIB

Albert Lea Tribune Endorses Mark
One of the largest papers in southern Minnesota, The Albert Lea Tribune, endorsed Mark on Wednesday. They said,

"...Mark Ritchie wants to bring respect and integrity back to the office, and it's high time. The people who seek the office belong to a political party, but the office holder should act nonpartisan. Minnesotans recall the fair, evenhanded ethic secretaries of state followed for decades. We believe Ritchie will follow that ethic."

You can read the article on The Albert Lea Tribune's website: http://www.albertleatribune.com/articles/2006/10/18/opinion/opinion1.txt

Mark has been supported by a number of newspapers in this race. Check out our website!

http://www.markritchie06.net/

The Great Grassroots Campaign
With less than 20 days until the election, we need your help more than ever to get Mark's message out all across the state. Please volunteer one shift over the next two and a half weeks and help us call as many undecided voters as possible. Contact us at 612-229-1962 or email info@markritchie06.net if you can help with phoning or in any other way.

Spend Election Day With Us
Please consider taking all or part of Election Day off so you can help us get people to the polls. We'll be joining a coordinated effort to call, doorknock, and drive thousands of voters to the polls. Contact us at 612-229-1962 or info@markritchie06.net for more information.

Your door-knocking for Coleen Rowley has helped close the gap!

2006-10-19T15:35:00.000-05:00

Polls are showing that District 2 is no longer "safe" Republican!

Your door-knocking has helped make the difference as we continue to close the gap for Coleen Rowley.

In just 19 days, Coleen has gained 12 points. Join the district-wide door-knocking campaign and help all our Second Congressional District candidates this weekend as well as any day or evening!

You have proven that one-on-one contact with voters is critical to winning this election. Join us in door-knocking or literature dropping through the rest of October. A few hours of your time and enthusiasm will make the winning difference for Coleen on Election Day!

A complete list of October events is available on the NE Mpls DFA blog: http://www.dfalink.com/blog_post.php?id=62433. November door-knocking dates and times to follow!

Contact Information:

Josh Brand, Field Organizer: 40a, 37b, 57a
412-973-9867, jbrand@dfl.org

Melissa Jamrock, Field Organizer: SD 34, 28a
414-403-4128, mjamrock@dfl.org

Michael Beckel, Field Organizer: 26b, SD 36
719-331-0610, mbeckel@dfl.org

Danielle Most, Field Organizer: SD 38, 57b, 35b
651-303-6367, dmost@dfl.org

Peter Polga, Field Organizer: 37a, 35a, SD 25
952-992-9393, ppolga@dfl.org

ALSO ... JOIN COLEEN'S BANNER BRIGADE!
Gather with Coleen's "Banner Brigade" on overpasses on Tuesdays during rush hour. Assemble at 4:30 pm at Burger King on Cliff Road off I-35E. You'll enjoy the thousands of honks and waves from voters passing under our banners.

SAY IT WITH A YARD SIGN!
We still have yard signs at the Rowley home and the Northfield Office. Call (507) 664-3850 to get a sign.

To sign up or for more information please contact us!
952 686-7735; office: (507) 664-3850
e-mail: coleen@coleenrowley.com
http://www.coleenrowley.com/

PAID FOR BY COLEEN ROWLEY FOR U.S. CONGRESS
Coleen Rowley for Congress
P.O. Box 241598
Apple Valley, MN 55124

Dean Rock's the U: Location Change (Bigger Venue)

2006-10-18T23:02:00.000-05:00

Due to the high demand, the Dean visit to the U of MN Campus has moved to a larger venue. Thanks to the UDFL blog, Standupnow.mn and the facebook team for noting the update.

Please join Howard Dean (Chairman of the Democratic National Committee), Keith Ellison (Minnesota's next US congressman from 5th district), and Mark Ritchie (Minnesota's next Secretary of State) at the Coffman Memorial Union Theater on Thursday October 19th!

Invite your friends and bring your friends --- this will be an awesome event and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Howard Dean!

Date: Thursday, October 19, 2006
Time: 2:15pm - 5:00pm
Venue: Coffman Memorial Union Theater (directions, map, & parking info)
300 Washington Ave. S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55455-0110
Questions Email: esteban@standupnow.mn

CD5: Musical Chairs and Debates

2006-10-18T16:47:00.000-05:00

Keith Ellison (MN-05), local DFA Link endorsed candidate, took part in two debates last night:

1) Air America's Minnesota Matters live radio debate at Rossi's in Downtown Minneapolis
2) Jewish Community Relations Council's debate at Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park

Polinaut and MinMon had interesting event recaps. MPR now has the audio up of the later debate. The Air America debate audio can be found here. The republican candidate skipped the first debate at the last minute (without an explanation) so a photo of him was placed in his seat. At the second debate the green candidate was stuck in the audience, despite attempts from the the democrat and independent candidates to have him join them on the stage. It looks like seating at debates is becoming a campaign issue.

Feel like you've missed out by not being there? What to see who attends the next round of debates and where they will be seated? There are two more debates this week that you can attend:

Wednesday, October 18

CD5 Candidate Debate hosted by MPIRG
(Minnesota Public Interest Research Group)
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
University of MN
Room 250 Anderson Hall, 257 19th Ave SE, Minneapolis

Thursday, October 19

CD5 Candidate Forum hosted by the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Radisson Hotel
35 S. 7th Street, Minneapolis

Pick a Progressive Patriot: Vote Today to Protect the Vote

2006-10-18T16:30:00.000-05:00

The Progressive Patriots Fund is holding a contest to choose five Secretary of State candidates to receive financial support. (See below for details.) Please go to http://www.progressivepatriotsfund.com/pickapatriot/vote-2.html and vote for Mark Ritchie, then tell all your friends to do the same. Voting ends at midnight on October 23.

Joelle Riley
NE Mpls DFA organizer

-----------------------------------------------------

Since the 2004 election, thousands of people have contacted me about the need to protect the integrity of our voting system through fair and verifiable elections. I tell them that one of the biggest steps we can take to protect our votes is to elect strong qualified candidates to the office of Secretary of State. In places like Ohio in 2004 and Florida in 2000, Secretaries of State were able to determine the number of voting machines allotted to each precinct, what type of voting machines are used, and how provisional ballots would be counted. That's why today we begin a new round of "Pick a Progressive Patriot" focused on supporting candidates for Secretary of State.

http://www.progressivepatriotsfund.com/pickapatriot/vote-2.html

I won my first State Senate race by 31 votes after an extensive recount. I understand firsthand the importance of electoral integrity. Recently I have co-sponsored legislation to demand a paper trail for all federal elections. I have also worked to provide funding for states to have paper ballot backups and also to randomly verify the accuracy of voting machines. But right now, the most important thing we can do to protect democracy is to elect fair and just Secretaries of State, and that's why I want your support determining which candidates we should support.

Please take the time to vote for your favorite candidate. Whoever receives the most votes will receive a $5,000 contribution to his or her campaign. We'll also be giving smaller contributions to candidates in second through fifth place to help their campaigns – $15,000 in all. So please take the time to help us determine how we should distribute these contributions.

http://www.progressivepatriotsfund.com/pickapatriot/vote-2.html

Thank you for your support – voting will be open until Midnight on October 23, so make sure you tell your friends as well!

Sincerely,

Russ Feingold
United States Senator
Honorary Chair, Progressive Patriots Fund

DCCC: MN-01 Race Jumps to the #1 Spot

2006-10-18T15:59:00.000-05:00

The momentum for Tim Walz (MN-01), our DFA Link candidate with the most local endorsements is simply amazing. I will be visiting the 1st CD this weekend and will blog about my volunteer experience for Tim Walz.

DFA is watching this race but if you want DFA to take action (a national endorsement) they need to hear from DFA Link members. Show your support for Walz to DFA by adding your name to the Walz DFA Link candidate page. Not yet a member of the DFA Link? Join over 530 MN DFA Link members at www.dfalink.com.

I can't keep up with all of the local and national news on the MN-01 race but bluestemprairie can. Thank you to all of the MN Bloggers who are part of the DFA Link for covering the DCCC story so well.

Below is an excerpt from a recent BSP post on the DCCC's support for Tim Walz for all of our DFM readers:

[WASHINGTON POST: GUTKNECHT HEADS NEW LIST OF DCCC TARGETS
An article in today's Washington Post suggests that the Fighting First has become number one on the Dee-Trip's new list:

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Rahm Emanuel (Ill.) has privately signed off on targeting a new group of GOP incumbents who were once considered safe for reelection, starting with Rep. Gil Gutknecht in rural Minnesota, officials said.

Fundraising is an issue, as the article's headline indicates: "Funding Constrains Democrats;Party Chiefs See Chance to Take 40-Plus Seats With TV Push."

We ordinarily urge readers to contribute to Tim Walz directly or via ActBlue, but this might be a time to throw some coin at the DCCC to help pay for those ads in MN-01. Contribute through October 20 (Friday) and your dollars will be matched 3-to-1 by Democratic leadership.

News of this race is busting out all over. Last night, we posted about the New York Times coverage of the Walz-Gutknecht race, with a strong dose of local coverage thrown in. ]

Campus Canvass with Howard Dean

2006-10-17T18:46:00.000-05:00

This is an update to our previous posts: 1 & 2

The location has been finalized and more candidates will be participating, including local DFA Link endorsed candidate, Keith Ellison (MN-05) and National DFA List candidate, Mark Ritchie (MN-SOS). Rep. Phyllis Kahn (59B), who represents the campus area, will also take part on the canvass. Howard Dean and all of the participating candidates are strong supporters of Instant Runoff Voting (IRV), which means that we'll have Minneapolis IRV lit at the canvass. To volunteer for this important campus canvass, email esteban@standupnow.mn.

Below are the latest details: (updated 10/18)

Date: Thursday, October 19, 2006
Time: 2:15pm - 5:00pm
Venue: Coffman Memorial Union Theater (directions and map)
Questions or to RSVP Email: esteban@standupnow.mn

MN DFA Link Milestone!

2006-10-17T18:42:00.000-05:00

In MN our goal was to get 500 people to join the DFA Link before election day. As of today we are up to 525 MN DFA Link Members. Welcome All! Have you been to the DFA Link lately?

More Iraq for Sale Screenings

2006-10-14T09:08:00.000-05:00

Last weekend DFA sponored a half dozen Iraq for Sale screenings in Minnesota and hundreds of events around the nation. DFA's coalition partner, MoveOn.org PAC, is sponsoring (~20) local screenings around the state this weekend (10/14-10/15) as part of their Call for Change Program. Event listings can be found here. DFA is a proud co-sponsor of the Call for Change Program and DFM will post more MN Call for Change events on this blog in the future.

There is also one last large DFA sponsored screening next week:

10/19 Screening in St. Paul with the Parade Brigade Minnesota DFA Link Group and the MN DFL Veterans Caucus at the UAW Union Hall.

Tim Walz Baby News!

2006-10-13T17:51:00.000-05:00

It's been a nice day for DFA Link Endorsed Candidate, Tim Walz (MN-01). Walz was featured on Air America (Nationally) early this afternoon and was done in time for the birth of his second child. You can see a baby picture on his web site: http://www.timwalz.org.

update: Walz grassroots organizing stories (via the article in the nation), were featured on the DNC blog on Friday!

DFL Fundraiser with DNC Chair Howard Dean

2006-10-13T17:50:00.000-05:00

Please join the Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor Party for an evening with DNC Chair Howard Dean in support of the MN DFL Party
Thursday, October 19, 2006
8:00 – 9:00 p.m.
at the home of State DFL Chair Brian Melendez

Event details and ticket information can be found here.

As mentioned earlier, Dean will be on the University of Minnesota campus on Thursday for a student GOTV rally and afternoon campus canvass kick off.

Dean also plans to participate in an afternoon roundtable discussion with local party leadership regarding party building. The topic of the roundtable will be the DNC'scommitment to the leadership and members of our growing number of minority caucuses and the outreach plans to these specific underrepresented communities.

Democracy for Minnesota hopes to have event reports from all 3 of these Dean related events.

Daily Kos - Act Blue Launches Wendy Wilde $20 Challenge

2006-10-13T16:01:00.000-05:00

A post on Daily Kos today challenges Wendy supporters to donate $20 to our campaign via Act Blue. If 10 people donate $20 the writer will triple the contribution.

Your $20 can make a big difference! With barely 3 weeks to election day, we still need funds to get the mass media out to as many voters as possible. Every penny you donate will go toward literature, lawn signs, and advertising.

Here's the Act Blue link to make your contribution to Wendy: http://webmail.registeredsite.com/agent/mobmain?mobmain=1

The first run of radio ads brought a large number of emails and phone calls from new potential supporters who are unhappy with Washington and looking for new leadership. Can you help us reach more voters who want change to tell them about Wendy?

Thanks! Hope to see you Sunday at the Wilde Music Fest at the Narrows North in Maple Grove.

Paid for by Wendy Wilde For Congress, Bruce Brillhart, Treasurer
6950 France Avenue South Suite 108, Edina, Minnesota 55435
Telephone (952) 486-8746 email: wendy@wildeforcongress.com

Wilde Music Fest - This Sunday, October 15, in Maple Grove!

2006-10-13T15:57:00.000-05:00

The Wilde Bunch Presents: Wilde Music Fest

Sunday October 15, 4:00 - 9:00 pm
The Narrows Saloon North, 9375 Deerwood Lane No. Maple Grove. (formerly Polaskis Palace)

Live Music by:
Three Sheets to the Wind
THE ROADIES
Cigarette Muffin

With a special appearance by Moondog from the Wendy Wilde show, singing "The Emperor's Got No Clothes"

$25 suggested donation (but you can always give more!)

-----------------------------------------------

Spread the Word:
To organize a Banner Brigade
contact Betsy at 952 486-8746.

Lawn signs are going fast! Call for yours now: 952 486-8746.

Contribute online: http://www.electmom.com/id5.html

Thank you for all your support!

Meet Keith Ellison at the Golden Valley Country Club

2006-10-13T15:51:00.000-05:00

Meet Keith Ellison
at the Golden Valley County Club
7001 Golden Valley Road

Sunday, October 15th 3:00 - 5:00 pm

Sam & Sylvia Kaplan
Former Rep. Betty Folliard
Marcy Shapiro
Ted & Martha Lofstrom

Invite you to an afternoon with our next Congressman
Keith Ellison

featuring
Music by SpiritJazz and Jelloslave
Art by Donald Walker
Desserts & coffee will be served
~cash bar available~

Co-hosts
Senator Steve Kelley
DFL Chai Brian Melendez
DFL Associate Chair Donna Cassutt
CD5 Chair Dave Lee
Chair Larry Fonnest SD45
Chair Joel Jensen SD44
DNC Member Jackie Stevenson
Elaine Wynne & Larry Johnson

Tickets
$50 * $100 * $250 * $500 * $1000
(receive a complimentary print by the artist
with a contribution of $250 or more)
Tickets available at: www.keithellison.org
or call Anna 612-522-4416

Click here to RSVP!
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/266/donate.asp?formid=golden

Prepared and Paid for by Keith Ellison for Congress * www.keithellison.org

Polls!

2006-10-12T23:59:00.000-05:00

Kos has the lowdown on the polls. Why it's worth a read....the comments have a lot of chatter about the MN-06 and some great support for MN-01.

MN-06
Wetterling: 50 (DFA Link Endorsed Candidate)
Bachmann: 45

MN-01
Gutknecht: 48
Walz: 47 (DFA Link Endorsed Candidate)

Polinaut (MPR's Political Blog), mentions the poll and focuses on the national spotlight on MN-06.

BSP notes that Gutknecht told the press that the race is close. Even The Nation is taking note of Walz's positive grassroots campaign.

MNCR says: More Foleygate bounce in the Sixth? Steady progress in the First?

Sounds like at least two MN red districts will turn blue in November!

Howard Dean to Visit the U of MN!

2006-10-12T17:10:00.000-05:00

What: Howard Dean Rocks the U
Host: standupnow.mn
Type: Causes - Rally (the event is on Facebook)
Date: Thursday, October 19, 2006
Time: 2:30pm - 5:00pm
Location: TBA
Details crossposted over at the UDFL Blog.

Four Weeks to Victory! (An Andy Luger Update)

2006-10-10T20:54:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

As a federal prosecutor, Andy handled a variety of complex cases ranging from drug trafficking and gang-related cases to child abuse and white collar crime. Andy's second TV ad begins airing today, and shares his experience prosecuting one of the most notable white collar criminals in U.S. history. Click here to view the new ad.

Election Day is just 4 short weeks away. For an update on Luger campaign activities, read below!

Candidate Forum
Andy will join his opponent tomorrow afternoon for a candidate forum sponsored by the Hennepin County Bar Association. Join them as they discuss the important issues facing our criminal justice system.

Hennepin County Bar Association Forum
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
12:00pm - 1:00pm
600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 390, Minneapolis

Volunteer on the Luger Campaign!

DOOR KNOCKING
Door Knock with Council Member Glidden
When: Saturday, October 14 at 12:45 p.m.
Where: Meet at the Campaign HQ, 1200 Mainstreet, Hopkins

When: Every Sunday at 12:45 p.m.
Where: Meet at the Campaign HQ, 1200 Mainstreet, Hopkins

Email hassan@andyluger.com to let us know if you are able to help with a door knock this weekend.

PHONE CALLING
When: Every Monday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: 1428 West 28th Street, Minneapolis

When: Every Tuesday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: 6950 France Ave, Edina, Ste 108

When: Every Wednesday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Greene Espel, 200 S. 6th St, Ste 1200, Minneapolis

When: Every Thursday, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Luger HQ, 1200 Mainstreet, Hopkins

GOTV EFFORTS
It’s not too early to start thinking about Get Out The Vote efforts! Email hassan@andyluger.com if you are willing to help us on Election Day [November 7] by making phone calls or with visibility efforts.

STILL NEED A LAWN SIGN?
Please email hassan@andyluger.com or call (952-938-2999) to request a sign – or let us know if you’re willing to help distribute signs throughout Hennepin County.

Contribute to the Luger Campaign!
We’re in the final stretch of the campaign and we need your help! Andy has been working hard to raise the dollars necessary to reach out to voters on the phone and at the door. Now, your financial contribution of $500, $250, $100 or whatever you can afford will help keep our TV ads on the air! To make a financial contribution safely and securely on our website, click here: http://andyluger.com/index.asp?Type=CONTRIBUTION&SEC=%7b4521C672-171C-4D4C-A448-BA48E378571F%7d

As always, thank you for your support,

The Luger Campaign

Prepared and paid for by Luger for Hennepin County Attorney
www.andyluger.com

Ritchie Reader -- October 10

2006-10-10T20:43:00.000-05:00

Are You Registered? Have You Signed Up To Vote Absentee?
October 17 is the last day to pre-register to vote in Minnesota. Yes, you can register on Election Day, but it is best to get on the list beforehand. Ask your friends, family, and colleagues to make sure they are registered and if you need more info go to our website: http://www.markritchie06.net/register/. If you are planning to help turn out the vote on Election Day, you might want to vote early via an absentee ballot in case you will be out of your precinct.

Watch for Our TV Ad
We are starting our TV commercials on October 16. We have an exciting ad to kick this off, but we need your help to get and keep it on the air. Every dollar that you contribute will help us buy more TV time in key markets. Help us reach many more Minnesotans by making a contribution, go to http://www.markritchie06.net/ and click on "Contribute."

Calling All Introverts and Extraverts
We are running an aggressive grassroots campaign throughout the state—phone banking every night, door knocking on the weekends, and working many of the key public events. We've put a giant map of Minnesota on the office wall to track our progress. We're filling it in every night to show how many calls we've made and how much of Minnesota is hearing from Mark. We're up to Rochester, and we’ve got to get to International Falls by Election Day!

We need your help to fill in the state. There are lots of different activities for all kinds of volunteers—introverts and extroverts, doorknockers and lit droppers, smooth talkers and data enterers. To help for one hour, one day, or a month email info@markritchie06.net or call 612-229-1962.

Getting Out the Vote
We are going to need every volunteer possible on the weekend and Monday before the election, along with Election Day. If you can take one or more days off to help us, please email info@markritchie06.net or call 612-229-1962.

In Case You Missed It
After skipping out on two debates, the current Secretary of State came to a televised debate on Minnesota Public Television. Check it out here: http://video1.tpt.org:8080/ramgen/almanac/show/2005.rm?start=29:32 (RealPlayer is required to view this video.)

http://www.markritchie06.net/

Mark Ritchie launches the "Ritchie Neighbor to Neighbor Campaign"

2006-10-10T20:25:00.000-05:00

Start Spreading the News!

Here is your chance to make a difference and help elect Mark Ritchie our next Secretary of State!

We are launching the "Ritchie Neighbor to Neighbor Campaign." We have said all along that we are running a grassroots campaign and what better way to get Mark's name out there then by talking with your neighbors!

What we are asking each of you to do is call, email, or write a note to at least five people who are not strong Democrats. Tell them why you support Mark Ritchie and think he will be a great Secretary of State. If you would like a suggestion of what to write about, contact us at info@markritchie06.net or 612-229-1962. Our goal is to have people talk to as many people as they can about Mark and get his name and message out there, so make sure to help us out!

Don't forget that one person's vote can make a difference!!!

Phonebanks ContinueWe are phoning Sundays through Thursdays for swing voters. We need your help to reach 11,000 voters! Our phonebanks run Sundays 1-4 and 5-8, and Monday through Thursday 6-9 at 2829 University Ave SE in Minneapolis.

Chris Stewart for School Board Update

2006-10-10T20:18:00.000-05:00

Friends, we need your help more than ever!

You may thing the school board race is a done deal. It's not. There are 6 candidates running for 4 school board seats. Do you know who the serious candidates are?

Unfortunately, there may be name confusion between Chris Stewart and another candidate.

Help us win big!

We must raise awareness of the DFL endorsed candidates for Minneapolis school board.

We need help deploying lawn signs, dropping lit, and getting our positive message out to the public.

It's the last month of our campaign and your help is critical for a big win!

There are several ways that you can help:
 Request a lawn sign immediately
 Volunteer your time to our campaign
 Door-knock on your block for Chris Stewart, or drop literature
 Organize a house party to introduce friends and neighbors to Chris Stewart
 Make a financial contribution to help us get a last-minute mailing out

Whatever you like to do, just visit http://www.betterminneapolis.com/contact.html to let us know how you'd like to help.

Click here to learn more about Chris: http://betterminneapolis.com/

Let's work together for better schools and a better Minneapolis! Contact us today!

Chris Stewart
Candidate for Minneapolis Public School Board, DFL and Labor endorsed

email: chris@betterminneapolis.com
phone: 612.229.8586
web: http://betterminneapolis.com/

DFA Link, Night School, and Bloggers Oh My!

2006-10-10T17:51:00.000-05:00

Looking for something to do tonight from 7:30-8:30 CT?

Try the DFA Night School! Tonight's lesson is all about GOTV. Can't make it but want to cram for the elections? All of the DFA Night School resources are on-line.

The DFA Link is fun and easy to use and the DFA Night School group is just one example. Our goal is to have 500 MN members on the DFA Link by the November Elections (hint we are really close). Have you joined the DFA Link yet? Already a DFA Link member? Now is the time to invite your friends.

MN Bloggers have also joined the DFA Link and are blogging about local DFA Link endorsed candidates. We'll be spotlighting some of these local bloggers from time to time, especially on busy news days.

mncampaignreport (MNCR):

Top Stories for Joe Today Include:

A New Focus on Down Ballot Races: Secretary of State Project and DFA-List Candidate, Mark Ritchie (MN-SOS) are mentioned.

MN-01: Gutknecht Attacks Ads, Walz Camp Responds: On the surface the AFSCME ads in CD1 and Gil's attack that are the focus of this post, however, it's the response by the campaign team of Tim Walz (MN-01) to this latest rant that steals the show:

"The Congressman's staff needs to spend less time worrying about his fashion and more time trying to solve America's problems. For the sake of our voters and our soldiers, I sincerely hope they're able to turn their attention from expensive men's clothing to the extremely expensive war we're fighting in Iraq."

Now that's a campaign that can stay on message! With action like this, no wonder Tim Walz is the MN Candidate with the most local DFA Link endorsements!

MNCR also does interviews and Joe's latest is with another local DFA Link endorsed candidate, Wendy Wilde (MN-03). You can read the interview here. Wendy's "elect mom" campaign is helping turn CD3 blue. She's doing her part to make the area welcoming and safe to be a democrat again. Go to her web site to find out how you can help.

Democracy for America Recap

2006-10-09T15:43:00.000-05:00

1) DFA revamped their homepage today...check it out here. Democracy for Minnesota (DFM) is listed under the coalition partner tab by state. Mark Ritchie (MN-SOS), is also listed as one of the Nationally Endorsed DFA-List Candidates under the candidate tab.

2) Keith Ellison (MN-05), a local DFA Link Endorsed Candidate, was mentioned in Blog for America's Sunday News Round Up. They linked to the NY Times Article: Democrat Poised to Become First Muslim in Congress

3) On 10/4 Blog for America linked to Patty Wetterling's latest ad on the Foley/Republican scandal. Wetterling (MN-06) is also a local DFA Link Endorsed Candidate and on Saturday delivered the Democratic response to President Bush's weekly radio address.

Thank you to DFA for supporting our efforts in MN!

PS: Back in September, Blog for America had a great post about our Iraq War Forum, our primary GOTV with Keith Ellison, and our Fighting Dem and Netroots darling, Tim Walz (MN-01). Tim Walz is the only MN candidate with 4 local DFA Link endorsements.

Wilde Times Friday, October 6, 2006

2006-10-09T13:47:00.000-05:00

Pledge to Restore Integrity and Trust in Congress
See Thursday, October 5, 2006 Star Tribune, bottom page 12, for story.

Wendy Wilde visited Jim Ramstad's Minnetonka office today to invite him to join her in a non-partisan show of leadership by signing a pledge to Restore Integrity and Trust in Congress. The 4 points included in the pledge are:

1.) The immediate resignation of Speaker Dennis Hastert, Representatives Reynolds and Boehner, and any other congressional representatives or staff who had knowledge of Congressman Mark Foley's sexual predatory behavior and failed to disclose it and report it to the proper authorities.

2.) A full criminal investigation by an Independent Counsel of the Foley scandal and the failure to investigate by House leadership and the Page Board.

3.) The adoption of a new policy in the Congress for transparent oversight and higher standards in administration of youth programs such as the Congressional Page and College Intern programs.

4.) The return of higher House ethics standards for investigations and oversight that were weakened on January 4, 2005, when the House of Representatives voted to ease the standards.

On the Air! Radio and TV.
We have gotten some fun and positive response to our radio spot flights running this week! We are also getting an increase in inquiries from people who appear to be newly interested in learning more about our candidate for Congress.

The spots have been airing on the WCCO AM830 morning show from 5–9 am and on select shows on Air America AM950, including Franken (11 am–2 pm) and Minnesota Matters (5 pm–6 pm), and will run Saturday and Sunday on Ring of Fire (5–6 pm).

We have begun hearing from new interested voters, outside the usual active Democratic circles, who are learning about Wendy from the literature, radio ads, lawn signs, and banner brigades! Thank you for helping us raise the funds to raise the voters' awareness in the 3rd CD.

3rd CD Challenge
Cheryl Poling has challenged supporters to match her $250 contribution for cable TV ads. Visit http://www.electmom.com/id5.html to contribute online or mail your match to Wilde For Congress, 6950 France Avenue So. Suite 108, Edina, MN 55435. We can also take credit card numbers over the phone—call 952 486-8746.

More Mass Media News
Wendy is being scheduled for a mid- to late-October debate with Jim Ramstad organized by the League of Women Voters. It is a closed studio taping, no audience allowed, and broadcast dates and times are not yet set.

MPR has invited Wendy to tape an interview in mid-October. The air date has not yet been announced.

Channel 5 KSTP TV has invited Wendy Wilde to speak for 2 minutes, live, on October 19 during the 6 pm news.

The Wilde Bunch Presents: Wilde Music Fest
Sunday, October 15, 4:00–9:00 pm
The Narrows Saloon North, 9375 Deerwood Lane No., Maple Grove (formerly Polaski’s Palace)

Live music by:
Three Sheets to the Wind
THE ROADIES
Cigarette Muffin

$25 suggested donation (but you can always give more!)

---------------------------------------------------------

Campaign Calendar
Sat. Oct. 7: 3rd CD Lit Drop
Edina/Bloomington
10am-4pm
6950 France Ave So.

Eden Prairie/Minnetonka
10am-4pm
Purgatory Park

Lake Country
9:45am-2pm
Caribou Coffee, hwy 101 at hwy 6

Plymouth/Minnetonka
3-6pm
1315 Oakview Lane, Plymouth

Brooklyn Park/Brooklyn Center/Maple Grove/Champlin
10am-530pm
8501 Wyoming Ave No

Sat. Oct. 7: 3rd CD Potluck Dinner
Brooklyn Park Campaign office
8501 Wyoming Ave No
after the lit drops
Info: Mary Marquardt 763-566-2674

Amy Klobuchar
4pm
The Lookout Grill, 8672 Pineview Lane No, Maple Grove

Sat Oct 7: Wellstone premiere
8pm
History Theatre, St. Paul

Sun Oct 15: Wilde Music Fest
A night of music and friends
4pm-9pm
Narrows North, Maple Grove

To organize a Banner Brigade, contact Betsy at 952-486-8746.

Election Night, November 7, 2006
We will have a suite at the DFL event at the Crowne Plaza in St. Paul. The Wilde Bunch wants to share election night with all the other DFL campaigns at DFL HQ. Please come and join us all November 7.

CONTRIBUTE ONLINE
http://www.electmom.com/id5.html
Thank you for all your support!

Northeast Community Town Hall Forum

2006-10-09T13:41:00.000-05:00

Representative Keith Ellison
candidate for U.S. Congress
invites you to a

Northeast Community Town Hall Forum

6:30–8:00 pm Thursday, Oct. 12
Logan Park park building, 690 13th Ave NE
(one block N of NE Broadway off Monroe Street)

* Promote safe & livable communities
* Ensure affordable health care
* Support high-quality schools
* Protect the environment in Northeast and beyond

Please bring your questions! Be heard!

Let Keith work for you in Washington.
Vote Tuesday, November 7!

If you have questions, call Mary at 612-522-4416.

Prepared and paid for by Ellison for Congress • printed in house • www.keithellison.org

Star Tribune's Top Ten Reasons for IRV

2006-10-08T23:50:00.000-05:00

Editorial: Minneapolis should try voting by number

Top 10 reasons (most of them serious) to vote YES on the instant runoff voting charter question on the November ballot.

10) If you like majority rule, you need a new voting method. The one Minnesota uses now is plurality rule.

9) Third parties -- and fourth, fifth and sixth parties -- are here to stay. Without a change, pluralities, not majorities, will decide the winners in more and more elections.

8) Rank three or more candidates in order of preference, and you've cast a guilt-free ballot. You can vote for your favorite without worrying that you've actually helped elect your least favorite.

7) Getting the whole state to switch to an untested new way of voting is nigh unto impossible. Instant runoff voting needs a test.

6) Long-ballot Minneapolis, where just about everybody except the dog catcher is elected, is a great IRV testing ground. If instant runoff voting can make it there, it can make it anywhere.

5) A new way of voting will take some explanation. Where better to do that than in the city that may be the Public Meeting Capital of the World?

4) Instant runoff voting would eliminate the city primary, which isn't the great exercise in democracy it's cracked up to be. Only about one out of seven of the city's registered voters came to the polls on Sept. 13, 2005, to decide which candidates would advance to the ballot two months later.

3) Keeping more candidates in the running in October will enrich the political stew. The ideas they tout will get wider exposure.

2) Instant runoff voting will inspire candidates to appeal for those important second-choice votes. That should stifle at least some of the smear tactics Minnesota is seeing too often today.

1) If kids can learn to paint by number, grownups can learn to vote by number.

Source: Minneapolis StarTribune, Published Oct. 9th, 2006

Max Cleland Returns to Support Tim Walz (MN-01)

2006-10-07T18:02:00.000-05:00

MAX CLELAND TO CAMPAIGN WITH DFA LINK ENDORSED CANDIDATE TIM WALZ (MN-01)

The Walz Campaign sent out a press advisory about former U.S. Senator Max Cleland's campaign tour through southern Minnesota with Tim Walz. Now you too can join in the fun!

Public Schedule for Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Mankato:
Coffee & Donuts with Max Cleland and Tim Walz
7:30-8:30am North Mankato Police Annex
1001 Belgrade Ave
North Mankato, MN 56003

Waseca:
Coffee & Conversation with Max Cleland and Tim Walz
10-11amState Street Bistro
118 South State Street
Waseca, MN 56093

Winona:
Coffee & Conversation with Max Cleland and Tim Walz
2-3pm Winona American Legion
265 E 3rd Street
Winona, MN 55987

Austin:
Fundraising Rally with Max Cleland and Tim Walz
6:30-8pm
Austin American Legion
809 12th St SW
Austin, MN 55912

PS: Don't forget to watch all of the amazing Tim Walz ads, which are now linked on the front page of Walz web site. (Walz ads are also on you tube.)

Nice Week for Tavis Smiley

2006-10-07T00:33:00.000-05:00

Tavis Smiley had a great week and now you can too. On Monday he was joined by DFA Link Endorsed Candidate, Keith Ellison (MN-05). Today's show included Howard Dean. In case you missed it, the links to the podcasts, transcripts, etc. are listed below. Enjoy!

Monday, October 2, 2006: Keith Ellison

Friday, October 6, 2006 (hour one): Howard Dean

Wilde Times Oct 2, 2006 - Thank you! $50,723 and Radio Spots too!

2006-10-04T13:16:00.000-05:00

We raised $50,723 by Saturday! Thank you!

Your contributions put us over the top of our $50,000 goal on Saturday. It is exciting to see CD-3 Democrats building a strong campaign challenge!

If you didn't make the deadline, we want you to know that every penny contributed from today forward will go directly to more radio ads, more literature, and more lawn signs so we can get the word out to the voters. 2006 is the year to clean up Congress!

We're on the Air!
We have the coolest radio ads in the world, a fun little song by the Squirrel Nut Zippers and Ricky Lee Jones. You can hear it and get to the video at www.electmom.com

Our first flight of radio ads will run this week as follows:
Tuesday-Saturday this week 5am-9am on WCCO AM830
Tuesday-Sunday on Air America Minnesota AM950, on Franken, Minnesota Matters, Big Brain Radio, and Ring of Fire.

LIT DROP this weekend!
Please join the Wilde Bunch as we team up with CD-3 state candidates for lit drops this weekend. Contact Betsy O'Berry at (952) 486-8746 or email: betsy@wildeforcongress.com to sign up to get the word out across CD-3.

Adopt a Spot
You or your group can help us buy radio ads...also called SPOTS. The top rate for radio is $330 per spot. The Maple Grove Links have already "Adopted a Spot." Can you or your group collect $330 to "Adopt a Spot" too?

Lawn Sign Spots
Contact our office to have a lawn sign delivered to your house, or a bumper sticker sent in the mail. (952) 486-8746

36 Days to Election Day
Visit http://www.electmom.com/id5.html to contribute online now.

Countdown to Election Day: A Celebration!

2006-10-02T18:55:00.000-05:00

Let’s get together for food and fun, and a little door knocking:

When: Saturday October 7, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: CD 3 Coordinated Campaign Office
6950 France Ave S, Edina
Please email hassan@andyluger.com to RSVP for this event.

If you are not able make it to the Countdown to Election celebration, you can still help by volunteering at one of these other events. Here is what we have going on:

DOOR KNOCKING
We’re door knocking every Sunday afternoon out of the Luger Campaign Headquarters (1200 Mainstreet, Hopkins) at 12:45pm. To sign-up to help make a difference in this race, please email hassan@andyluger.com.

Door knocking isn't your thing? We're also making phone calls:

PHONE CALLING
We are making phone calls across the County to share Andy's vision for Hennepin County and we need your help!
What: Phone BankWhen: Monday and Tuesday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Where: CD3 Coordinated Office, 6950 France Ave S, Edina

What: Phone Bank When: Wednesday, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Where: Greene Espel, 200 S. 6th Street, Suite 1200, Minneapolis

What: Phone Bank When: Thursday 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Where: Luger HQ, 1200 Mainstreet, Hopkins

GOTV EFFORTS
It’s not too early to start thinking about our Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts! Please take a moment to look at your calendar and pencil in some time to help with visibility on Election Day or phone calls the week leading up to the election! Your efforts will help ensure great turnout numbers for Andy at the polls on Election Day! Email hassan@andyluger.com to volunteer on November 7.

STILL NEED A LAWN SIGN?
Please email us at hassan@andyluger.com or call (952-938-2999) if you would like a lawn sign or if you would like to help distribute signs around Hennepin County.

Thank you for your time and support,
The Luger Campaign Team

Mark Ritchie Phonebanks Need Volunteers!

2006-10-02T18:44:00.000-05:00

Hi there,

As a supporter of Mark I am hoping you can help us reach 11,000 voters before the election!

We are calling 11,000 swing voters twice before the election, and I need 10 phoners per shift. The phonebank shifts are:

Sundays 1–4 pm and 5–8 pm
Monday–Thurs 6–9 pm

Ritchie Headquarters is at 2829 University Ave SE, Mpls. It’s a 9-story white building with windows that look like TV screens. It is between the U of MN and KSTP TV.

Any and all time you can give would greatly be appreciated. I am trying to get volunteers to commit to 1 day a week for the 5 weeks left, or more if you can. Every phone call we make gets Mark's name out there, and with only approximately 25% name recognition now we really need it!

Please email this to your friends, family or co-workers, anyone who would be able to help us make the calls.

If you can help, please contact me at maryb2279@juno.com or 612-414-6899.

MaryB

Ritchie: Sending out an SOS

2006-10-02T18:35:00.000-05:00

Minnesota voters are sending out an SOS for a new SOS. We're receiving email after email and call after call about the need for change in the Secretary of State's office. People are tired of partisanship in the office and they want someone who will champion democracy and work to protect voters and restore trust in the system.

Thankfully their calls for change are being answered. Mark Ritchie is working day and night, traveling the state and talking to voters. He's answering the call and tirelessly fighting for voters.

But we've got to make sure Mark gets elected. So we're sending out our own SOS. We are calling on Mark’s supporters to commit to helping us get him elected. He can't do it alone, we need people to help bring his message to the voters. We're calling voters Sundays and Monday through Thursday evenings, and door knocking on Saturdays. Now is the time to volunteer for Mark; now is the time to fight for change; now is the time to help us answer the call and give Minnesota's democracy the help it needs!

Contact us today at 612-229-1962 or email info@markritchie06.net

Wilde Calls for Hastert Resignation

2006-10-02T18:28:00.000-05:00

Edina, Minnesota. October 1, 2006

Wendy Wilde, DFL candidate for Congress in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District, called on Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert to resign for his role in covering up the activities of the sexual predator Congressman Mark Foley of Florida.

"It is inconceivable to me that Speaker Hastert and other key members of the Republican leadership knew about Congressman Foley's inappropriate contact with teenage pages and yet continued to allow Congressman Foley to serve as Co-Chair of the House Committee on Missing and Exploited Children. As a high school teacher and coach, Speaker Hastert is a mandated reporter. It is inconceivable to me as a mother, and as the founder of a non-profit teen center, that Speaker Hastert would put kids at risk in the interest of political power. This is another example of the kinds of incompetence and secrecy which have no place in our democracy."

"It has become increasingly clear over the last several days that congressional Republican leaders have engaged in a pattern of denial, deceit and cover-ups to protect a sexual predator serving in the U.S. House of Representatives."

“The pattern of denial and secrecy rivals that of the Catholic Bishops who continued to cover up for predator priests in the face of overwhelming evidence of criminal behavior" she continued. "As a mother, youth volunteer leader, and citizen I am outraged and demand the immediate resignation of Speaker Hastert and all other House leaders who knew about this issue for the last eleven months. They failed to report it to the proper authorities and to take steps to protect the young men serving as congressional pages from this predator."

"I am also calling for my opponent, Congressman Jim Ramstad, to call for Speaker Hastert's resignation and for an independent investigation into Congressman Foley, the House Leadership, and the congressional page program. As a member of Congress for sixteen years, and having voted to weaken house ethics rules on January 4, 2005, Congressman Ramstad must accept the responsibility his position requires and demand true moral leadership within his party," finished Ms. Wilde.

Wendy Wilde is running for congress in Minnesota's 3rd congressional district and has almost thirty years experience as a radio broadcaster, including several years at Minnesota powerhouse WCCO and the local Air America station. Wilde is a mom and a community leader who founded and runs a non-profit teen center to keep local teens safe.

Paid for by Wendy Wilde For Congress, Bruce Brillhart, Treasurer
6950 France Avenue South Suite 108, Edina, Minnesota 55435Telephone (952) 486-8746 email: wendy@wildeforcongress.com

Ellison for Congress Open House

2006-10-02T18:06:00.000-05:00

Please join the Ellison for Congress Campaign at our
Open House

4604 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis
(former Women's Cancer Resource Center)

Wednesday, October 4
5:30-7:30 pm

If you have any questions, please contact Trayshana at 612-722-5233

Wendy Wilde: Saturday Fun Event + Almost $50,000

2006-09-29T20:44:00.000-05:00

-1-

Saturday morning, come join us and meet the candidates at the Brookdale Library! Wendy Wilde will join other local and state candidates from 9am to 11am.

WHAT: Candidate Meet & Greet
WHERE: Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center 55430
WHEN Saturday morning September 30, 9am-11am

A really big "thank you" to Don Carey for organizing this event!

-2-

We're almost there. We are now within $1000 of our $50,000 goal... and Saturday at midnight is the FEC filing deadline. If you can help with a $50 donation, please post it online at http://www.electmom.com and click on Mom's money jar.

Thank you for supporting the hard work of our campaign staff and many volunteers! Let's take back Congress in 2006!

Paid for by Wendy Wilde For Congress, Bruce Brillhart, Treasurer
6950 France Avenue South Suite 108, Edina, Minnesota 55435
Telephone (952) 486-8746 email: wendy@wildeforcongress.com

Mark Ritchie on Almanac TONIGHT!

2006-09-29T13:16:00.000-05:00

Watch Mark debate on Almanac TONIGHT!

What: Secretary of State debate on Almanac
When: Tonight (Friday, Sept. 29) at 7:00 p.m. on TPT
Who: Mark Ritchie and the other candidates for Secretary of State

Watch Mark on Almanac tonight as he shares his vision for the Secretary of State's office and points out why change needs to be made.

For questions or more details call us at 612-229-1962 or email info@markritchie06.net.

To donate to the campaign visit our website at www.markritchie06.net and click "Contribute."

The Rockridge Institute Needs Your Help!

2006-09-28T12:50:00.000-05:00

We Need Your Help

In this issue:
1. Help Build Rockridge Nation
2. Biconceptualism
3. What Would Real Election Integrity Mean?

1. Help Build Rockridge Nation

"Liberalism needs strong, well-funded institutions fighting the rhetorical battle."
-Thomas Frank
Author, What's the Matter With Kansas

To our constituents:

We need your help.

Until now the Rockridge Institute has relied nearly exclusively on support from a relatively small number of major contributors. But in order to expand our service to the progressive community, we have to broaden our base of support.

Four years ago, hardly anybody had heard of framing, and we were just beginning to study how framing works in politics. Now, thanks to those contributions, framing is cited everywhere, and we have figured out the basics of how widely and deeply framing operates. We are releasing our results to the public in the form of a handbook.

The Progressive's Handbook, Thinking Points (http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/thinkingpoints), will be available this week, both at your local bookstores and online, for $10 retail - and will soon be available for free download from this site.

Thinking Points is a systemic overview of what every citizen needs to know about framing. It will be the cornerstone of our greatly expanded framing activities, to be conducted online and interactively.

A "must-read," says both Arianna Huffington and the ACLU's Anthony Romero. "Essential reading," says MoveOn's Eli Pariser.

Having achieved the goals of Rockridge 1.0, we are moving on to Rockridge 2.0.

First, we will be extending Thinking Points to cover the full spectrum of issues as they arise.

Second, and most exciting, we will be forming Rockridge Nation, a national speak-out network of people and organizations who want to use our materials as a basis for speaking out with an authentic voice in a proactive, well-framed, values-driven way.

We believe that an active grassroots national progressive voice will be absolutely necessary if we are to take country back from conservative rule. This is not just about elections or slogans. It is about how America thinks about its future and its politics. You can be a part of this.

But we need your help.

You have the power to change America's future. Please give what you can—either as a one-time gift or, better still, as a monthly recurring contribution—by clicking this secure donation link: https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?id=2299. Our future depends on you.

In return, you have our commitment that we will continue to speak for the progressive values and ideals that you hold dear.

Bruce Budner
Executive Director

George Lakoff
Senior Fellow

"The work at Rockridge seems to me to be the most hopeful effort to be undertaken in the last 50 years for reforming our political systems."
-Rockridge online contributor

"Behind every effective political or social movement, there is a guiding philosopher to articulate theory and, sometimes, strategy. For communism it was Karl Marx. For democracy it was Thomas Jefferson. And for secular progressivism, it is George Lakoff."
-Bill O'Reilly in Culture Warrior

2. Biconceptualism
Our new book, Thinking Points: Communicating Our American Values and Vision, includes an explanation of the so-called political center. We have just posted Chapter 2, entitled "Biconceptualism," which examines this topic and why progressives can best appeal to self-proclaimed moderates by remaining true to their progressive values, in the Thinking Points section of our website. [The preface through chapter 2 are also available on the NE Minneapolis DFA-Link page: http://www.dfalink.com/uploads/files/604451c07112f63a/Thinking%20Points.doc]

3. What Would Real Election Integrity Mean?
Learn about the challenges our voting system faces and how progressives can respond by reading this new article on the Rockridge website: http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/research/rockridge/electionintegrity

The Rockridge Institute
http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/

2105 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
First Floor
Berkeley, California 94704
United States

Election Integrity Action Alert

2006-09-28T11:24:00.000-05:00

The MN Daily this week had a great op-ed: Voting machines need paper trail.

This week emergency contingency paper ballot legislation was introduced in both the senate & house. The national organization VoteTrustUSA has the details.

UPDATE:

Citizens for Election Integrity-MN a group endorsed by local DFA Link Groups, sends the following action alert from their partner VoteTrust USA:

URGENT ACTION ALERT!
TELL CONGRESS TO PASS EMERGENCY PAPER BALLOT BILLS NOW!

With only two days remaining before Congress recesses until after the November 7 election, and with the failures and malfunctions of electronic voting machines finally receiving real attention from the mainstream media, emergency bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate to make contingency paper ballots available in all touchscreen jurisdictions. On Tuesday, Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) Chris Dodd (D-CT), and Russ Feingold (D-WI) introduced S. 3943, the "Confidence in Voting Act" that would provide funding to jurisdictions for the printing of emergency paper ballots, and on Wednesday, Rep. Rush Holt introduced a similar mesasure, HR 6187, in the House.

This morning (Thursday, September 28) at 10 am the House Administration Committee will hold a previously scheduled -- and long awaited hearing on "Electronic Voting Machines: Verification, Security, and Paper Trails." The word on the Hill is that the Committee will discuss this emergency legislation during the hearing. VoteTrustUSA will be at the hearing, providing background information to Committee members, and hosting a press event after the hearing. This is our last, best chance to make a difference in the 2006 election!

It All Comes Down to You! Your Calls Make a Difference.

Call Your Representative NOW!

A flood of phone calls from constituents could be all it will take to break the roadblock at this critical moment. Pick up the phone NOW and call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-225-3121. Tell your Representative that Congress must pass HR 6187 before they adjourn, to make sure that every vote will count when voting machines malfunction or count votes incorrectly as they have in every primary this year. (DC contact information (phone, fax, email, web) to all of MN Representives can be found here.)

Then Immediately Call Both of Your Senators

As soon as you hang up with your Representative's office, call the Senate switchboard at 202-224-3121 to speak with both of your Senators' offices. Tell them to pass S. 3943 before Congress adjourns to ensure that every vote will count in November. (DC contact information (phone, fax, email, web) to our MN Senators can be found here.)

Every moment counts, so please don't delay. Make those phone calls as if our democracy depended on it -- because that's what it comes down to today.

October Iraq for Sale Screenings in MN

2006-09-28T08:40:00.000-05:00

Republicans don't want you to know

Find a Free Screening near You!

Over the past couple of weeks, as Robert Greenwald's new movie Iraq For Sale: The War Profiteers has been screened in theatres across the country, the buzz has been fantastic. The New York Times review says:

"Mr. Greenwald compiles a horrifying catalog of greed, corruption and incompetence among private contractors in Iraq, focusing primarily on Halliburton, Blackwater Security Consulting and CACI International... the movie goes on to trace connections between the contractors and the Republican Party, assert the buying of influence and explores what it says are questionable accounting systems that encourage an exorbitant waste of taxpayer money. And that's just the first 30 minutes."

Halliburton, Dick Cheney and Republican leaders everywhere don't want you to see this movie, especially in October, just a few weeks before Election Day. That's why DFA groups around the country have set up almost 200 screenings of Iraq for Sale so you can see it FREE.

Search for a free screening nationwide:

http://www.dfalink.com/iraqforsale

Current MN Screenings Include:

10/8 Screening in Burnsville sponsored by mnpACT! ( South Metro Progressive Community)
10/9 Screening in St. Paul with the The Saint Paul Democracy for America Group
10/10 Screening in St. Paul with the J&S Bean Factory DFA Link Group and special sponsors: Merriam Park and Crocus Hill/West 7th Neighbors For Peace
10/10 Screening in Chanhassen with the SD34 DFL
10/12 Screening in Richfield with the Parade Brigade Minnesota DFA Link Group and the MN DFL Veterans Caucus

Luger Campaign Launches First TV Ad!

2006-09-27T12:55:00.000-05:00

The Luger Campaign is proud to introduce our first television ad. Andy is an experienced prosecutor committed to tackling the challenges ahead, and this ad shows it. Visit http://www.andyluger.com/ to view the ad!

Plans for a Safe Hennepin County
Last week, Andy joined elected officials and community leaders to discuss his plans for a safer Hennepin County. Andy will focus on dismantling gangs, targeting repeat offenders, and building effective re-entry services. Read Andy’s speech and press release on http://www.andyluger.com/. (Click on the “Latest News” button, then select “Andy Luger and Hennepin County Community Leaders Spell Out Safety Agenda.” The link at the bottom will take you to the speech.)

MN Campaign Report
This week Andy Luger sat down with MN Campaign Report bloggers to talk about his vision and goals for the Hennepin County Attorney's office. Visit http://www.mncampaignreport.com/?p=351 to read the interview in its entirety.

Countdown to ELECTION DAY: A CELEBRATION!
Join us for food, fun, and doorknocking at our Election Day Countdown Celebration.
When: Saturday October 7, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: CD 3 Coordinated Campaign Office, 6950 France Ave S, Edina
Please email hassan@andyluger.com to RSVP for this event.

DOORKNOCKING
Join Andy in door knocks taking place across the county.
When: Every Sunday, 12:45 p.m.
Where: Luger HQ, 1200 Mainstreet, Hopkins

Doorknocking isn't your thing? We are also making phone calls:

PHONE CALLING
When: Every Monday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: 6950 France Ave, Edina- Ste 108

When: Every Tuesday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: 6950 France Ave, Edina, Ste 108

When: Every Wednesday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Greene Espel, 200 S. 6th St, Ste 1200, Minneapolis

When: Every Thursday, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Luger HQ, 1200 Mainstreet, Hopkins

GOTV EFFORTS
It’s not too early to start thinking about Get Out The Vote efforts! Email hassan@andyluger.com if you are willing to help us on Election Day [November 7] by making phone calls or with visibility efforts.

STILL NEED A LAWN SIGN?
We've received an overwhelming number of requests for Luger Lawn Signs and our THIRD order has just arrived! Please contact us at hassan@andyluger.com or 952-938-2999 to request a sign – or let us know if you’re willing to help distribute signs throughout Hennepin County.

Contribute to the Luger Campaign!
We’re in the final stretch of the campaign and we need your help! Andy has been working hard to raise the dollars necessary to reach out to voters on the phone and at the door. Now, your financial contribution of $500, $250, $100 or whatever you can afford will help keep our TV ads on the air! To make a financial contribution safely and securely on our website, visit http://www.andyluger.com/ and click the “Contribute Online” button.

As always, thank you for your time and support,
The Luger Campaign Team

Prepared and paid for by Luger for Hennepin County Attorney

America Votes National Day of Action (9/30)

2006-09-26T22:16:00.000-05:00

Saturday, September 30th, America Votes - a historic coalition of the largest grassroots progressive organizations in the country - is sponsoring a National Day of Action, a day for hitting the streets and talking directly to voters about the importance of this years elections.

Democracy for America is part of this coalition and invites you to join the day of action as we work to take back the MN House!

No matter which issue concerns you most this year - the direction of our nation, the mess in Iraq, our weakening economy, skyrocketing health care costs, the state of our environment, choice, workersrights, civil rights - you can make a difference with America Votes on September 30th. America Votes unites the entire progressive movement and ensures that we all work together for our common goals.

The Minneapolis Day of Action event is scheduled from 10am-1pm. Jeff Blodgett, former Wellstone campaign manager and executive director of Wellstone Action, will be the featured speaker. Following the speeches there will be a massive phone bank at Clean Water Action. A volunteer canvass will also go to SD51A to doorknock for DFL Endorsed Candidate Scott Kranz.

Update: Check out the Minneapolis Flyer (it's a PDF). The Minneapolis event is also listed on the DFA Link Events Page.

There is also a Day of Action event in Duluth from 10am-2pm. Speakers include: Pastor Kathy Nelson and Mary Theurer, executive director of AFSCME Council District 5.

Minneapolis Instant Runoff Voting Update

2006-09-25T22:25:00.000-05:00

The Minneapolis Better Ballot Campaign (MBBC) is working hard to educate voters on the charter amendment on the November 7th ballot. Be sure to check the MBBC's web site as they have a boat load of upcoming events and constantly update the site. The MBBC is also looking for volunteers to participate in small lit drop routes all over the city. To learn more about how you can help, click here.

The former Mayor of Minneapolis, Don Fraser, also wrote a wonderful Op-Ed supporting Instant Runoff Voting in the Star Tribune.

The Minneapolis Better Ballot Campaign has a great IRV educational video on their site and it was recently added to you tube. You can watch it here:

Luger Campaign Update

2006-09-20T16:26:00.000-05:00

The Luger campaign is in high gear as we count down to Election Day!

But we still need your help talking to your friends and neighbors about the reasons why Andy is the right candidate to be the next Hennepin County Attorney! You can help us by knocking on doors, making phone calls, and lending a hand with our GOTV efforts. By pledging 2–3 hours of volunteer time once a week, you can make a huge difference in the success of this campaign and help Andy win on November 7!

Here’s how you can help!

Countdown to ELECTION DAY: A CELEBRATION!
Join us for food and fun, and door knocking at our Elections Day Countdown Celebration.
When: Saturday October 7, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: CD 3 Coordinated Campaign Office, 6950 France Ave S, Edina
Please RSVP for this event by sending an email to hassan@andyluger.com.

DOOR KNOCKING
Join Andy in door knocks taking place across the county.
When: Every Sunday, 12:45pm
Where: Luger HQ, 1200 Mainstreet, Hopkins
Help us call people across Hennepin County and help Andy win in November!

Door knocking isn't your thing? We are also making phone calls:

PHONE CALLING
When: Every Monday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 6950 France Ave, Edina- Ste 108

When: Every Tuesday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: 6950 France Ave, Edina, Ste 108

When: Every Wednesday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Greene Espel, 200 S. 6th St, Ste 1200, Minneapolis

When: Every Thursday, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Luger HQ, 1200 Mainstreet, Hopkins

GOTV EFFORTS
It’s not too early to start thinking about our Get Out The Vote efforts! Send a message to hassan@andyluger.com if you are willing to help us on Election Day [November 7] by making phone calls or with visibility efforts.

STILL NEED A LAWN SIGN?
We've received an overwhelming number of requests for Luger Lawn Signs and our THIRD order has just arrived! Please email us at hassan@andyluger.com or call (952-938-2999) to request a sign – or let us know if you’re willing to help distribute signs throughout Hennepin County.

As always, thank you for your time and support,
The Luger Campaign Team

Prepared and paid for by Luger for Hennepin County Attorney

Who Wants Mark Ritchie as the Next Secretary of State?

2006-09-19T15:42:00.000-05:00

We all do, right?

Things are getting exciting over here at Ritchie HQ and if you agree that Minnesotans need a Secretary of State we can trust, then we need your help! We've got projects every day and voters to talk to every night and we would love to have you join us. (We'll give you chocolate!)

To sign up for any of the options below, e-mail us at info@markritchie06.net or call 612-229-1962.

We're Dialing Away!
We have phone banks every Sunday from 1-4 and 5-8, and Monday-Thursday nights from 6-9pm. Voter contact is critical to get Mark's name out to the state and remind voters how important this race is.

Please join us for a shift or two or three before the General Election.

More callers equals more people learning who Mark is and what he will do to ensure fair elections. Join us! And don't forget, chocolate!

Doorknocks are coming!
Starting Sept. 30 the Ritchie campaign will be hitting the doors fast and furious with the help of our dedicated volunteers.

This is one of the best ways to contribute to Mark, and it's the most fun as well because you get to talk to voters face to face and tell them why Mark is so great!

Sign up for a shift or two or three before the General Election.

Get Your Name in Print Explaining Your Support!
We are continually wanting people to write in to their paper to talk about why they support Mark and many other topics.

Contact us and we can help you figure out where to submit a letter and what it should be about.

Help Us Enter All the Info We're Getting
We have data entry daily and other easy tasks at the office. We use a simple system for data entry that we can easily teach to you. If chatting with voters or writing letters just isn't your thing, you can help us by coming by for part or all of a day. We'll keep you busy, and the office is where we keep the chocolate!

We only have approximately 50 days to get Mark elected and every day is critical. Once again, send an e-mail to info@markritchie06.net or call 612-229-1962 to sign up to volunteer right now!

Join the Wilde Bunch doorknocking Saturday!

2006-09-19T15:36:00.000-05:00

Please join our dedicated Wilde Bunch volunteers and staff as we join the statewide DFL doorknocking on Saturday! Choose a CD 3 location and time near you and help us get the word out about our great candidates! Please wear your Wendy Wilde for Congress tee-shirt!

Edina / Bloomington
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Normandale Park (Picnic tables near the Bandstand)
84th and Chalet Rd, Bloomington
To RSVP, contact Kari at 952-929-4035 or klundstad@dfl.org

Eden Prairie
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Purgatory Park in Eden Prairie
To RSVP, contact Lori at 952-929-4035 or lelliot@dfl.org

Minnetonka
9:30 a.m. Training
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Purgatory Park in Eden Prairie
To RSVP, contact Lori at 952-929-4035 or lelliot@dfl.org

Lake Country
9:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Home of Marjie Vigoren
5249 Main St E
Maple Plain, 55359
To RSVP, contact Joe at 763-242-6483 or jcupka@dfl.org

Maple Grove
10:00 a.m. - Noon
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
CD3 Field Office
8501 Wyoming Ave N
Brooklyn Park
To RSVP, contact John at 952-929-4035 or jmoore@dfl.org

Brooklyn Park / Brooklyn Center
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
CD3 Field Office
8501 Wyoming Ave N
Brooklyn Park
To RSVP, contact Scott at 763-425-7883 or smorrison@dfl.org

Paid for by Wendy Wilde For Congress, Bruce Brillhart, Treasurer
6950 France Avenue South Suite 108, Edina, Minnesota 55435

From Keith: Thank you for your amazing support!

2006-09-19T15:33:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend,

What a whirlwind it’s been since our victory on September 12! Since last Tuesday it's been so exciting to be able to show off to the local, state, and national media that have contacted us the amazing grassroots coalition we’ve built here in the 5th Congressional District. And we haven't stopped working hard in the last week to keep out in front of voters as we continue to put forth our positive message for the November 7 general election.

Still, I didn't want to let another moment go by without thanking each and every one of you for the incredible support, heart-felt encouragement, and tremendous effort you put into our victory. It was awe-inspiring to see the difference that real people at the grassroots can make to counter negativity and raise hope! I’m told we had around 900 volunteers on Election Day alone who helped raise turnout dramatically in some parts of the district and bring thousands of new primary voters to the polls.

We'd love to hear your stories from September 12! Tell us how you knocked on people's doors and helped bring them to the polls, what you heard or saw that day or the night before, or how you felt when you voted or we won, so that we can share them with everyone else. Send us an email by Friday to cd5stories@yahoo.com and we'll send them out in a special edition of the Ellison Extra.

We can be proud that this is the kind of campaign we have run. This just goes to show once again that this election has not been about whether I would get to Congress; rather, it’s been about the kind of democracy we want to build and the kind of future we want to make for ourselves.

If you were able to join us at our victory party at the Blue Nile on Tuesday night, you know it was amazing! I’ve been so touched by the number of people who have shared with me since then how beautiful it was to celebrate with people from every faith, race, age, and circumstance. The feeling of good will, fellowship and shared commitment to a better future was magical. No one wanted to go home! (If you couldn’t be there, you can still catch part of it at http://blip.tv/file/73328 or http://www.mnstories.com/archives/2006/09/index.html. Thanks to Chuck Olson for filming!)

I promise you that for the next 50 days, we will continue to run a positive campaign. We will run the campaign that talks about peace as our guiding principle, that talks about human rights, that talks about universal health care, that talks about economic and environmental justice. Above all, we will be the campaign that stands boldly and unapologetically for the principle that everybody counts.

But once again, we cannot do this without your grassroots help. I hope you will continue to be involved with our campaign and to volunteer as much time as you are able to create our future together. Please give us a call.

I am humbled by the faith you have shown in me. I thank you again for all the work, energy and love you have shown our campaign.

With deepest gratitude,
Keith

Murtha to rally veterans and raise funds for Tim Walz

2006-09-15T12:15:00.000-05:00

Murtha to rally veterans and raise funds for DFL congressional candidate Tim Walz

Rally will kick off Veterans for Walz organization

Congressman John Murtha and Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede will join Tim Walz on Sunday, September 17, 2006 in Rochester, Minnesota, for a rally.

What: Rally with Congressman John Murtha in honor of Tim Walz

When: Sunday, September 17, 4pm

Where: At the home of Home of Sarah and John Pacchetti, 930 8th Ave. SW, Rochester

The event is open to the press and to the public.

Veterans for Walz was founded to support Tim Walz in his bid for U.S. Congress. The veterans will have boots on the ground at events, will door knock key precincts, and will telephone fellow veterans to discuss Tim's candidacy. Co-chairs of Veterans for Walz are Bob Montague, Tim Eggenberger, and John Borman. If you would like to receive Veterans for Walz e-mails in the future, please respond to Tim Eggenberger at eggenbergertimothy@hotmail.com.

Congressman Murtha is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and an outspoken critic of the Bush Administration's handling of the war in Iraq. Elected in 1974, Murtha continues to serve the people of Pennsylvania in Congress today. Murtha is the recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and is the ranking minority member on the House Appropriations subcommittee on Defense.

Walz, a retired Army National Guard Command Sgt. Major, has also been critical of the President and of his opponent for his failure to understand the situation. Although Walz and Murtha have differing opinions about the best way to resolve the situation in Iraq, they do agree that the Republican plan is not working.

Walz is endorsed by VETPAC and today received the endorsement of Veterans and Military Families for Progress. VMFP is a an organization made up of members from across the country, and from across the breadth of rank and military services, who served, are serving, or are members of families of those who have heeded the call to serve their country in the U.S. military.

In a release, VMFP said, "Walz’s strong commitment to the issues that are critical to veterans, active serving members and their families is unsurpassed. His public support for mandatory full funding of the Veterans Administration and his declared determination to fight for Concurrent Receipt of Pension and Disability give veterans and their families hope that at long last a Congressman will vote in such a way as to keep faith with those who have served and sacrificed."

To see a list of veterans and other organizations endorsing Tim Walz, visit http://www.timwalz.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7bB1F177E9-C5F5-4502-ABDB-0A39DE25570D%7d. Press inquiries should be directed to Walz Communications Director Meredith Salsbery, 507-351-7730.

Prepared and paid for by Tim Walz for U.S. Congress.
http://www.timwalz.org/

Murtha Coming to Town for DFA Link Candidates

2006-09-15T10:33:00.000-05:00

Congressman John Murtha (PA-12) is coming to MN on Sunday, September 17th to show support for our DFA Link Candidates! Congressman Murtha is a 37-year Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who has served in the U.S. Congress since 1975. He has taken the lead in Washington by proposing to redeploy American troops in Iraq with a resolution widely known as “The Murtha Plan."

The events are open to the public and everyone is urged to attend.

Congressman John Murtha and Congressman Jim Oberstar (MN-08) will join candidate Coleen Rowley (MN-02) on Sunday at Noon in Rosemount, Minnesota for a rally. Details are on the DFA Link. A full press release for this event can be found here. Our newest DFA Link group, Parade Brigade Minnesota, is a proud co-sponsor of this event.

Congressman John Murtha and Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede will join candidate Tim Walz (MN-01) on Sunday at 4PM in Rochester, Minnesota for a rally. Details are on the DFA Link. This event is sponsored by a new group called simply Veterans for Walz. These veterans will have boots on the ground at events, will door knock key precincts, and telephone fellow veterans to discuss Tim's candidacy.

Thank Yous from Kelley and Lourey

2006-09-15T10:24:00.000-05:00

Thank You

Dear Friends,

A heartfelt thank you to all of our supporters and volunteers who helped carry this campaign forward. I feel honored and privileged to have had the experience and to have earned your support.

I am confident that we ran a strong, positive campaign. I am proud of my campaign team and my volunteers who put their hearts into making a difference through politics. It was a pleasure to travel the state and meet so many fellow Minnesotans who are working for a change.

The DFL has a strong, progressive vision based on opportunity and justice. We as Democrats must work together to make this vision a reality for Minnesota.

Steve Kelley

------------

Becky Lourey - Primary Election Night Remarks

It is amazing how far we have come this summer in building friendships and coming together for a cause. Tim Baylor and I have always said that this campaign isn't about ego - and every one of you has taken that sentiment that to heart. And in our hearts, we know this was a great team with a strong spirit against all odds. This campaign has grown and benefited so much from the hundreds of volunteers who have put forward a brilliant and determined effort. You are striving for a new style of leadership, a new vision, a new day. All I can say to each and every one of you is thank you - thank you -- thank you! Read the complete statement here.

Ritchie Reader -- September 14

2006-09-14T17:26:00.000-05:00

Yes, Mark Won!
Minnesota's primary was Tuesday, and Mark won big! According to the final numbers, Mark got over 70% of the vote. Now comes the fun!

Speaking of Fun
We're doing two big fundraisers next week. Join Mark and special guest Jennifer Brunner (the fabulous Democratic candidate running to replace Ken Blackwell as Ohio's Secretary of State) at 1900 LaSalle (the Van Dusen Event Center) on Wednesday September 20 at 5:30-8. The next night (September 21), we have another event in St. Paul. Check your email or call us at 612-229-1962 for more details. Not many more days left to enjoy the fun, so come on!

National Folks are Tuning In
Mark's race has been getting more and more national attention and support. Democracy for America (DFA) joined Governor Vilsack's Heartland PAC and the Secretary of State Project in endorsing Mark. Check out these great groups online for more details.

The Stories that Matter
From time to time, we hear heartwarming stories about this campaign, elections, and the power of the vote. These make our day and remind us why it's so important to get Mark into office. We'd like to start featuring these stories on our website to share with you, but we need more stories! Please send us yours to info@markritchie06.net, and we'll post them on our blog "Inside the Campaign" (http://www.markritchie06.net/insidethecampaign/). Check it out!

Make New Stories
We need more volunteers to do research, letter writing, door knocking, phoning, mailings, and joining us at parades and events! If you can help one hour, one day, or the entire next month, call Mary B today at 612-414-6899 or email mbreitenstein@dfl.org.

Help Us Stay FocusedThe less time we have to spend fundraising, the more we can spend talking to voters. Help us stay focused on spreading Mark's message about the importance of having fair and open elections to Minnesotans all across the state, by contributing $25, $50, or up to $250 right now! Remember all Minnesotans can get their first $50 donation of the year back from the state. Go to www.markritchie06.net and click "Contribute" to ensure Minnesota has clean elections in 2008.

Rebecca Otto Fundraiser

2006-09-14T17:22:00.000-05:00

Please join special guest

Senator Mark Dayton

At a fundraiser honoring Rebecca Otto
DFL Candidate for State Auditor

"Rebecca is dedicated and hard working. She will make a great State Auditor."
-US Senator Mark Dayton

Friday, September 29, 20066:30-8:30pm

At the home of Rick & Barbara Kahn
2895 Ella LaneMinnetonka, MN 55305

Suggested Donation of $100 but ALL are welcome
Maximum of $500 per individual and $1000 per couple.
Contribute to Rebecca at https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/227/donate.asp?formid=DONATE
Donations eligible for the Minnesota Political Refund Program.

Rebecca Otto pledges to work to ensure accountability at all levels of government - not just local government - by advocating for sound fiscal policy both locally and at the state capitol. She will stand up against bad state fiscal policy that weakens school and local government finances or forces property tax increases.

Rebecca’s 7 charts—How “No New Taxes” is distorting state fiscal policy
http://www.rebeccaotto.com/Vision/mnfinances.html

Local Press: read what local papers around the state are saying about Rebecca Otto
http://www.rebeccaotto.com/localnews.html

Meet Rebecca
http://www.rebeccaotto.com/Personal/experience.htm

Family
http://www.rebeccaotto.com/Personal/family.html

News & Hot Topics
http://www.rebeccaotto.com/Personal/news_&_hot_topics.htm

Contribute to Rebecca
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/227/donate.asp?formid=DONATE

Add your name as a public supporter
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/227/personal.asp?formid=vol

Rebecca's Contact Info:
tel 651-433-2982
rebecca@rebeccaotto.com

Message paid for by Otto for Auditor
12697 N 177th St, Marine on St Croix MN, 55047
www.rebeccaotto.com

Primary Results

2006-09-12T22:47:00.000-05:00

We are still waiting on the AG race but in CD5, DFA Link Endorsed Candidate, Keith Ellison has won the primary. We'll post the other updates here later.

Live Blogging on the Primary

2006-09-12T14:12:00.000-05:00

No not us. DFM members are out in the field today helping candidates and I'm too sick to venture out right now with my laptop. If you do need your fix of live blogging from the many campaigns check out:

If there are any bloggers in greater MN live blogging from campaigns, please post them in the comments and I'll add them to this post.

About Last Night...

2006-09-12T12:54:00.000-05:00

I'm home sick yet again today (yes, I voted) but I thought I'd provide some quick event recaps from yesterday. Please note that we hope to have information and photos from the St. Paul DFA Iraq Forum later in the week.

1) On Blog for America this weekend, we mentioned that Tim Walz (MN-01) had his 3rd debate scheduled for 9/11. BSP has the update, including links to the youtube footage of the debate.

2) The CD5 DFL GOTV Rally and Litdrop went well according to MNBlue:

About 250 people turned out for midnight madness for Keith. A whole mess of folks talked to pump up the crowd. Frank Hornstein, Robert Lilligren, Peggy Flanagan, Patricia Torres Rey, Steve Kelly and R.T. Rybak. Rybak might've had the best line of the night:

"Look around the room tonight, because we're going to make history in electing the first African-American to Congress from Minnesota. There's going to be a whole lot of folks who weren't here that are going to say they were. So take a close look around ... we're the one's who are going to make history."

[Ok, so many of us were there in spirit but we can all do our part today to make history. -eb]

3) DFM wasn't the only political blog to go purple last night. Rew over at Powerliberal has a great recap of the MN Vikings first win.

Wilde Times PRIMARY ELECTION EDITION

2006-09-11T19:19:00.000-05:00

In this issue:

1) Wendy Wilde receives major new endorsement!

2) Your invitation to our Primary Election Victory Party

3) 2 house parties & 2 parades this week

4) ELECT MOM yard signs are here!

5) Our campaign is getting more muscle!

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VOTE FOR WENDY TUESDAY VOTE FOR WENDY TUESDAY VOTE FOR WENDY TUESDAY
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1) Minnesota AFL-CIO endorses Wendy Wilde for the United States House of Representatives in Congressional District 3. Wendy is a candidate who will stand up for the interests of working families, not only in her campaign, but after she is elected. The endorsement evaluated Wendy's positions and record on issues of importance to workers and their families.

Besides winning the DFL endorsement with a 98.5% vote after a lengthy debate in May, Wendy has also been screened and is endorsed by the United Food and Commercial Workers local 789, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49, and Teamsters Joint Council 32 DRIVE. Wendy Wilde is supported by the Minnesota Women's Campaign Fund. Blog endorsements: American Hot Sausage Co. and Wonkette.

--------------------------------------------------------

2) Join us Tuesday night for our Primary Election Victory Party at Don and Laura Carey's house in Brooklyn Park.

Join us at 8pm when the polls close for munchies and great democratic friends.

1316 77th Way, Brooklyn Park, 55444

Here's a mapquest link: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?address=1316%2077th%20Way&city=Brooklyn%20Park&state=MN&zipcode=55444%2d2168&country=US&title=%3cb%3e1316%2077th%20Way%3c%2fb%3e%3cbr%20%2f%3e%20Brooklyn%20Park%2c%20MN%2055444%2d2168%2c%20%20US&cid=lfmaplink2&name=

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3) House parties & parades this week:

THURSDAY September 14:
Hosted by Sunday Alabi
Brooklyn Park
for address and to RSVP call Betsy 952 486-8746

FRIDAY September 15:
Hosted by John and Ruth Buuck
Edina
for address and to RSVP call Betsy 952 486-8746

SATURDAY September 16 parades:

Plymouth
lineup 11:30am - need 6 walkers (parade rules)

Dayton
lineup noon - unlimited walkers & sign carriers
(cookout for parade volunteers at John DeSantis's house afterward)

--------------------------------------------------------

4) ELECT MOM yard signs are here!

4x2 foot signs... great visibility locations wanted... smaller signs and bumper stickers available too.

Call Betsy at 952 486-8746 or email betsy@wildeforcongress.com

--------------------------------------------------------

5) Our campaign is getting more muscle!

Thanks to your support, Wilde For Congress is pleased to announce the addition of Nate Williams as our Financial Director. Nate's campaign experience includes working for Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl, Denver Mayor Wellington Webb, and New Mexico Representative Bill Richardson. Nate will help build our financial strength to get the word out about Wendy Wilde to the voters of the MN-3 Congressional District.

Contact Nate at 952 486-8746 or email nate@wildeforcongress.com

Paid for by Wendy Wilde For Congress, Bruce Brillhart, Treasurer
6950 France Avenue South, Suite 108, Edina, Minnesota 55435

Ellison Daily, Part 1 - Less Than 36 Hours to Make Our Future Happen

2006-09-11T18:20:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend,

Our campaign has rounded the final stretch and the finish line is in sight! We feel great about our vital grassroots energy and extremely positive voter response – but IT'S NOT OVER YET. There are just two things left we need to do: VOLUNTEER and VOTE.

VOLUNTEER
As we bet you know by now, there are two more chances for you to put your enthusiasm for Keith and for our progressive future out there in the world:

1) TONIGHT – MIDNIGHT MADNESS!AMERICAN INDIAN CENTER, 1530 E. FRANKLIN. AVE., MINNEAPOLIS(at the corner of Bloomington)
Join hundreds of us as we make sure everyone in Minneapolis wakes up in the morning to a reminder to vote for Keith! Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Mayor R.T. Rybak and CD5's own Mark Ritchie, the DFL-endorsed candidate for Secretary of State, will be there to get us pumped!

2) TOMORROW – TAKE THE DAY OFF and GET OUT THE VOTE!
From 9:00 am– 8:00 pm tomorrow we will be running Get-Out-The-Vote operations from two centers:

Capri Theater
2027 W. Broadway, Minneapolis

American Indian Center1530 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis

We will make sure that ALL of our supporters, no matter what neighborhood or community they come from, have the chance to MAKE THEIR VOTE COUNT.

Why should we volunteer? Congresswoman Maxine Waters made it personal for us yesterday in a barnstorming rally at North High School: She's been traveling the country this year because she and her progressive colleagues NEED more strong voices, uncompromising values and bold visions in Congress in order to move our country toward the progressive future we must have.This is why she spent so much time in Connecticut this summer helping Ned Lamont defeat Joe Lieberman, because she saw in Ned just that kind of honest, forward-looking Democrat Washington needs.Congresswoman Waters told us how extremely pleased she was to come to the Fifth District yesterday to support a progressive, truth-talking, uncompromising Democrat in the tradition of Paul Wellstone. And she told us she supports, us, too, as we seize the historic opportunity to send Keith to Congress.

VOTE!
It's FINALLY time to VOTE! TOMORROW – September 12 – is the day we get express our fundamental right to choose our future. Don't let someone else choose your future for you – VOTE!

You may vote anytime between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm tomorrow. Remember: your employer is legally obligated to allow you to take one-half hour off work anytime before 12:00 noon in order to vote.

Not sure where to vote? It's easy to find out! You can check quickly online at http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us. Or just call us at 612-522-4416 and we'll be happy to tell you.

If you're not registered to vote – because you've never voted before, you moved recently, or you've gotten "off paper" – YOU MAY REGISTER TO VOTE AT YOUR POLLING PLACE TOMORROW! It can be as easy as showing up at your polling place with state-issued ID that shows your current address! Click here (http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp?page=12&select_faq_by_faq_cat=2#39 ) to read all the ways in which you can register at the polls tomorrow.

THIS IS IMPORTANT: If for any reason you believe you have been unfairly denied your right to vote , CALL 1-866-OUR-VOTE.

Oh, wait, we forgot one more thing:

PARTY!
You didn't really think the only two things left were volunteering and voting, did you? After 8:00 pm tomorrow there's one more thing to do – party with us! Join us tomorrow night starting at 8:00 pm at the Blue Nile, 2027 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis – just east of Cedar/Minnehaha/Franklin Ave. LRT station. We GUARANTEE a GOOD TIME!

TONIGHT: Join Mark and GET OUT THE VOTE!!!

2006-09-11T18:13:00.000-05:00

What: Get Out the Vote Rally and Lit Drop

When: TONIGHT! 9:00 p.m. There will be a short rally and then lit drop

Where: American Indian Center- 1530 E. Franklin Ave, Minneapolis

Mark will be speaking at the rally and then dropping lit. High turnout is crucial for Mark both tomorrow and in November! Join Mark and hundreds of others to GET OUT THE VOTE!!!

Chris Stewart for School Board Update

2006-09-11T18:07:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends and Supporters,

The election for Minneapolis School Board has been mostly quiet. Let's change that by making some noise!

We have a lot of work to do if we're truly going to win this November. By winning, I mean bringing people into the fight for public education!

Let's harness the excitement surrounding tomorrow's primary election and use it to better Minneapolis Public Schools.

Let's kickstart the movement to improve schools

The summer is over. Kids are back in school. Politicians are filling our mailboxes with pro-education literature. This is the best time to turn attention back to Minneapolis Public Schools.

Winning for us is starting a movement and expanding the base of people who work to improve public education. We're asking that you stand up, show up, and act up for Minneapolis Public Schools.

There are several ways that you can help:
· Volunteer your time
· Door knock on your block for Chris Stewart
· Request a lawn sign
· Organize a house party
· Make a contribution

Whatever you like to do, just reply to this email or visit http://www.betterminneapolis.com/contact.html to let us know how you'd like to help.

Click here to learn more about Chris: http://betterminneapolis.com/

Your time and support can truly help us create a better Minneapolis!
I hope to see you soon!

Chris Stewart
Candidate for Minneapolis Public School Board, DFL and Labor endorsed

email: chris@betterminneapolis.com
phone: 612.229.8586
web: http://betterminneapolis.com/

The Last Big Push for Keith Ellison!

2006-09-11T18:00:00.000-05:00

We really need your help for an hour or two early on Tuesday morning. If you can be at the Capri Theater at 2027 West Broadway between 7 and 9 AM, we can really use your help! We'll start you off with some terrific Bean Scene coffee and send you to do a quick route of GOTV doorhangers. Then you can go off to work!

Wear comfy shoes!

Please come help!!!!!

Senator Linda HigginsDistrict 58, Keith's home district

Five Years After 9/11: Drop the War Metaphor

2006-09-11T17:49:00.000-05:00

Language matters, because it can determine how we think and act.

For a few hours after the towers fell on 9/11, administration spokesmen referred to the event as a "crime." Indeed, Colin Powell argued within the administration that it be treated as a crime. This would have involved international crime-fighting techniques: checking banks accounts, wire-tapping, recruiting spies and informants, engaging in diplomacy, cooperating with intelligence agencies in other governments, and if necessary, engaging in limited "police actions" with military force. Indeed, such methods have been the most successful so far in dealing with terrorism.

But the crime frame did not prevail in the Bush administration. Instead, a war metaphor was chosen: the "War on Terror." Literal - not metaphorical - wars are conducted against armies of other nations. They end when the armies are defeated militarily and a peace treaty is signed. Terror is an emotional state. It is in us. It is not an army. And you can't defeat it militarily and you can't sign a peace treaty with it.

Read the full article at http://www.dfalink.com/group_files.php?gid=249.

Primary GOTV Help Needed!

2006-09-11T17:33:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the big day here in CD5! If you have not already signed up to help, please call the Ellison campaign at 612-522-4416 and get plugged in. The DFL coordinated campaign, our local campaigns, etc., are all working together in this effort.

Monday, September 11, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Ellison Phone Bank. RSVP to Allison at 612-978-3168.

Monday, September 11, 9:00 p.m.: "Midnight Madness" GOTV (get-out-the- vote) lit drop. Meet at the American Indian Center, 1530 E. Franklin Avenue. No need to sign up, just come on over.

Tuesday, September 12: VOTE! (Or even better yet, vote on Monday and help volunteer as much as possible on this day!) Encourage everyone else you know to vote for our DFL-endorsed candidates!

Tuesday, September 12: three GOTV shifts: 9:00 a.m.–noon, 1:00–4:30 p.m., and 5:00–8:00 p.m., out of the following locations:
American Indian Center, 1530 E Franklin Ave
Capri Theatre, 2027 W Broadway
Lyndale United Church of Christ, 810 W 31st St

Please sign-up for a shift(s) by calling Korla at 612-251-1430 or call the Ellison Campaign HQ at 612-522-4416.

Thanks for all of your help!

Ann

Vote for Mark on Tuesday!

2006-09-11T17:29:00.000-05:00

Make sure to vote for Mark Ritchie on Tuesday in the Primary Election! It is essential that we have a high turnout on Tuesday to show that Minnesotans support Mark's commitment to protecting our right to vote!

If you need information about who is eligible to vote and how to register at the polls (since it is now too late to register before Election Day), check the "Register to Vote" page of our website: http://www.markritchie06.net/register/.

To find out where your polling place is, go to our website (http://www.markritchie06.net/) and put your zip code in the box under "Find your polling location" on the left hand side of the page.

If you need any other information, please contact us at 612-229-1962 or info@markritchie06.net.

Letter to Progressives: Why Keith Must Win

2006-09-11T17:20:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, September 12, is the big day. On Tuesday, Democrats from CD 5 will pick the replacement for 28-year incumbent Martin Sabo. At this point, the race is too close to call between frontrunners Keith Ellison, Ember Reichgott Junge, and Mike Erlandson.

On this election eve, I want to express why I feel why this primary is so important, why it represents far more than the political futures of just these candidates.

First, Keith is a grassroots candidate. The others are not.

You have seen Keith for years at community meetings and events. He speaks at large peace rallies, has fun at Minneapolis Gay Pride, marches for immigrant rights, and quietly attends vigils for victims of violence. If you have been on the streets or at community meetings, you have seen Keith.

Keith’s rivals have their own positive experiences, of course. Reichgott Junge spent a number of years in the Minnesota Senate and had some legislative success. Erlandson has spent much of his adult life working for Martin Sabo and has certainly picked up some knowledge of D.C. shenanigans. These experiences have very little to do with grassroots organizing work, or actually with any lengthy experience in actually listening to people.

How will you feel if you see grassroots candidate Keith Ellison lose the primary to someone with better insider connections or just more money? What could you say about the power of the people in electoral politics?

Second, Keith is the endorsed candidate. The others are not. This race has been going on for over six months. Citizens participate in the very inclusive endorsing system by going to caucuses and sending representatives on to endorsing conventions. Thirteen candidates participated in speeches, debates, and Q & A sessions in the hope of winning the DFL endorsement. At the CD5 convention, the delegates found a candidate that we could all support and agree on: Keith.

What will the endorsement process mean if a well-financed rival can buy the primary a few months later? Who will then be willing to mobilize at the precinct caucuses? What sort of persuasion will get citizens to spend their Saturdays at the various district conventions? Why bother, if expensive television ads can replace the role of the citizen-activist in the party?

Third, we must beat back the power of racism and religious sectarianism.

This campaign has been a dirty, Rovian experience. Attacks on Keith’s race (African-American) and religion (Muslim) have passed from Keith’s rivals to Republican blogs to the pages of the Star Tribune. Keith has endured references to being in the company of “looming but silent black men in dark suits.” He has been attacked for not paying parking tickets and for a garage that needed paint.

By lightly coding the racism, it has been possible for some voters to act on racist assumptions without examining them. Two race myths have been used. The false association with the Nation of Islam has allowed some to believe that he might be a Dangerous Black Man. The parking tickets and missed deadlines references allow some to believe that he might merely be an Irresponsible Negro.

The reality, of course, is that Keith is one of the warmest and most personable people you will ever meet, neither dangerous nor lazy. Those who know him best and longest speak with admiration about how he stood up to anti-Semitism and gay-bashing, even at the height of his work with the Million Man March or during his most passionate U of M law school days.

The question for me, however, is whether or not race and religion should be a legitimate factor in Minnesota campaigns in 2006. Aren’t we beyond that? Shouldn’t we be having at least a few discussions about policy issues concerning war, healthcare, civil liberties, and the environment?

Fourth, we must undermine the power of money.

Reichgott Junge has received large contributions from Republicans and insurance industry executives (while claiming she will reform health care). Erlandson accepts money from defense contractors and Iraq war profiteers (while claiming to be a peace candidate). Keith gets his money from unions, the DFL, and friends. They all get money from law firms and lawyers. You can check the documents at www.fecinfo.com

Who do you want your next U.S. Representative to be answering to?

Fifth, Keith Ellison will broaden the base. The others will not. Keith’s win will give encouragement to Northside residents, who have been beaten down by decades of racism, violence and neglect. Keith’s win will encourage electoral participation by his supporters, including Somalis and other immigrants, the peace community, the environmental community, and the progressive religious community.

Now try to imagine how Mike Erlandson and Ember Reichgott Junge could possibly reach out to underrepresented communities. I can’t. Can you?

Last, Keith Ellison is the very best candidate for all progressive issues.

Many of you have seen Keith at your meetings, or heard him talk at your rallies. You know where he stands. Clearly, he will be one of the very strongest advocates in Congress for ending the disastrous war against Iraq, as well as standing up against any new wars that the imperialistic neocons might be planning. Clearly, he will advocate intelligently for education, the environment, GLBT rights and civil liberties. He brings to that work inspiring words, intelligence and thoughtfulness, accurate information, and his own charismatic charm.

Did you know that only two legislators, both Republican, passed more legislation than Keith in the Minnesota House? Many people would consider that body as a hostile work environment for Democrats, but Keith worked very well there. He has an extremely rare combination of passionate convictions and personal warmth, so he is able to take strong moral stands while working with those across the aisle. He has the strength to stand up to the Bush agenda, yet do so with humanity, warmth, and class.

During all the smears against Keith, have you ever heard stories about any angry outbursts or even defensiveness? Keith doesn’t storm out of meetings or call his opponents names. He takes passionate positions for justice, yet he doesn’t make enemies. Consider the contrast with his rivals in the primary. All the pretty slogans in the world won’t get us better policy. All the best insider connections in Washington won’t compensate for thin-skinned peevishness and a wounded sense of entitlement.

What we must do:

Vote on Tuesday. If you don’t know your polling place, go to http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/ or call 311 for Minneapolis info. If you’ve moved and you’re not registered, prove your current address by either bringing a state ID with your new address, an old-address state ID with a current utility bill or cell phone bill, or go to the poll with a registered neighbor. (Other methods are found at www.sos.state.mn.us)

Call your friends in the Fifth Congressional District. Remind them that polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm, and that lines are usually short for primaries. Talk to them about how crucial this particular vote is. Call them right away, before you forget.

On Tuesday, greet friends with, “Hi! Did you vote yet?” Suggest to the coffee server or receptionist or clerk to do the same.

This is history. Let’s make it.
Charles Underwood

What Are You Doing Tonight?

2006-09-11T15:43:00.000-05:00

Here are a few options for tonight:

1) Attend the St. Paul DFA Link Iraq War Forum:

WHAT: As the Iraq War continues to garner attention as one of the most significant issues of this election cycle, the St. Paul DFA Link Group is hosting a special Iraq War Forum on 9/11. The primary purpose of this forum is to open up a discussion, as opposed to a debate, to this critical issue that concerns us all. The forum will consist of a panel of four experts, a moderator, and audience questions.

Panelists include: Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer - Univ. of St. Thomas Peace and Justice Studies professor * Edward Morrissey - Heritage Foundation conservative blogger and radio show host * Phil Steger - Friends for a Nonviolent World director * Lou Ellingson - Swift Boat retired Navy captain and small business owner * Moderator: David Perry - Faculty member in the Macalester College Department of History

WHEN: Monday, September 11th - 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Macalester College - Weyerhaeuser Memorial Chapel
1600 Grand Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105

2) Attend the CD5 DFL Monday Night Midnight Madness GOTV Rally and Lit Drop:

When: Monday, September 11, starting at 9:00 pm (after the Vikings game)

Where: American Indian Center, 1530 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis 55404 (at the corner of Bloomington and Franklin)

What: Featuring remarks Betty McCollum, R.T. Rybak, Mark Ritchie, and Keith Ellison. After the rally we'll going out in groups to leave literature in every neighborhood that will remind voters Tuesday is Primary Day!

3) Watch/Listen to the 1st Vikings game of the season. (6-9PM)
*try ESPN, or some form of radio since it's likely that Bush will cut into the air time of the game on the local station starting at 8pm

Quick Weekly Wrap Up

2006-09-11T09:01:00.000-05:00

Just in case you missed it here is a weekly wrap up:

DFA posted a MN Grassroots update on Blog for America. The main topic of the post was the war and had links and weekend updates for the both Keith Ellison (MN-05) and Tim Walz (MN-01). The post higlighted the Iraq War Forum to be held tonight over at Macalester College, which is hosted by the St. Paul DFA Link Group the J&S Bean Factory DFA Link Group.
Bloggers in MN, like MNCR, have caught on that Mark Ritchie is now on the special DFA List of Secretary of State Candidates. BSP wants readers to help DFA Link endorsed candidate, Tim Walz (MN-01) earn the DFA List endorsement.
DFA Link endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Attorney Andy Luger noted that he has outraised his opponent 3 to 1.
Endorsements keep rolling in for candidates who are facing Tuesday's Primary. DFA Link endorsed candidate for Attorney General (AG), Steve Kelley had his latest endorsement from the DuluthNewsTribune. Keith Ellison (MN-05), who has been a DFA Link endorsed candidate since May, was endorsed last week by the American Jewish World plus the Sierra Club North Star Chapter and Clean Water Action.

Don't forget to vote tomorrow in our statewide primary!

Sunday GOTV Recap

2006-09-11T08:49:00.000-05:00

Many of our DFA Link endorsed candidates came out for the Primary GOTV Rally hosted by the Black Democrats of Minnesota. Speakers included Keith Ellison, Steve Kelley, Andy Luger, and others. There were actually 3 events yesterday and you can see those photos here. (photo of Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) and our next Congressman from MN-05, Keith Ellison)

Our First 2006 National DFA List Endorsement: Mark Ritchie

2006-09-08T07:59:00.000-05:00

Mark Ritchie

Mark Ritchie -- Minnesota. Mark emerged as a national leader on voting rights issues in 2004 when he headed the National Voice Coalition. This nonpartisan Get Out the Vote campaign that coordinated the work of over 1000 groups nationwide and resulted in 5 million new registered voters. Mark is a champion in the fight against voter suppression, and is an ardent proponent of a voter verified paper trail. As Secretary of State, he will be a leader in removing unfair and discriminatory barriers to civic participation.

It's only fitting that Mark Ritchie (MN-Secretary of State), should be the first candidate from MN to join the 2006 National DFA List as he was the first state-wide candidate endorsed by MN DFA activists. See the full list of DFA List Secretary of State Candidates here. (Update: DFA now has the direct link to the announcement)

Ritchie now joins Mayor RT Rybak, who was our 2005 National DFA List Candidate.

MN Bloggers and DFA Link members are also working hard to help earn another important National DFA List endorsement in MN for Congressional Candidate Tim Walz (MN-01). You can do your part by going to Tim Walz's DFA Link campaign page and adding your name and comments to his supporters list.

A Celebration in Support of our next Secretary of State

2006-09-07T17:47:00.000-05:00

A Celebration in Support of our next Secretary of State

Mark Ritchie
DFL Candidate for Secretary of State

Wednesday, September 20, 2006
5:30-8:00 p.m. (Remarks at 6:30)
The Van Dusen Mansion
1900 LaSalle Ave, Minneapolis
Drinks and Appetizers
$50 Suggested Donation (more if you can, less if you can't)

Betsy Allis, Amalia Anderson, Dick Anfang, Don Arnosti, Jeremy Aufderheide, Peter Bachman, Patricia Baldwin, Harriet Barlow, Scott Benson, Joel Bergstrom, Shayna Berkowitz, Jim Bernstein, Daniel and Karla Bigham, Eileen Bloodgood, Daniel Boivin, Sandra Boone, Dana Borowski, Aviva Breen, Mary Breitenstein, Sean Broom, Amy Brugh, Brett Buckner, Stacey Burns, Donna Cassutt, Pam Costain, John and Sage Cowles, Alex Cutler, Cynthia Daggett, Marilyn Daggett, Hetal Dalal, John Daniels, Lisa Daniels, Rep. Jim Davnie, Sen. Scott Dibble, Adam Duininck, Darcy and James Dungan-Seaver, Sarah Duniway, Sheila Ehrich, William Elwood, Sarah Farley, Peggy Flanagan, Kathleen Fluegel, Bonnie and Steve Francisco, Arvonne and Don Fraser, Beth Fraser, Dave Frederickson, Ann Friedrich, Paula Fynboh, Alan and Laurie Gaschott, Nancy Gaschott, Matt Gladue, Elizabeth Glidden, Naiche Graves, Michael Guest, Barbara Gutkin, James Haggar, Carolyn Halliday, Lindsay Hanson, Jack Harris, Bernie and Vickie Hesse, Oran Hesterman, Mark Hiemenz, Sen. Linda Higgins, Kathy and Kent Hiltsley, Rep. Bill and Laurie Hilty, Arthur Himmelman, Betsy Hodges, Kate Hoff, Alan Hooker, Rep. Frank Hornstein, Sen. John Hottinger, Anne Johnson, Jean Johnson, Larry Johnson, Barb and Rick Kahn, Jeremy Kalin, Sam and Sylvia Kaplan, Diane Katsiaficas, Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Matt Klaber, Jackie Krammer, Michael Krouse, Doug Kress, Rod Krueger, Lucinda Kurtz, Amy Lange, David Lee, Lydia Lee, Jim and Susan Lenfestey, Cara Letofsky, Juanita Lewis, Ben Lilliston, Ann and Don Luce, Wade Luneberg, Alyssa Macy, Ruth Brooke Markowitz, Bill McCarthy, Jason McGrath, Ana Micka, Lynnell Mickelsen, Jane Miles, Skylark Miles, Lisa Miller, Marian Moore, Cynthia Moothart, David Morris, Mark Muller, Nancy and Patrick Mulloy, Kathleen Murphy, Michael Nicholls, Jim Niland, Tracy Nordstrom, Kelly O'Brien, Scott Persons, Alana and Thom Petersen, Sue Ponsford, Beth Popalisky, Corinne Rafferty, Sen. Jane Ranum, Ralph Remington, Sen. Ann Rest, Janet Rice, Julie Ristau, Niel Ritchie, Charles Rounds, Jorge Saavedra, Chris Saffert, Betsy Scheurer, C.R. Schult, Ashley Schweitzer, Jill Schwimmer, Dick Senese, Dan Shaw, Cindy and Jim Smart, Archie and Tina Smith, Allan Spear, Rick Stafford, Isis Stark, Luchelle Stevens, Jason and Shireen Stone, Aaron and Nena Street, Julie Strother, Dave and Jenny Thomas, Marcus and Megan Thygeson, Betty Tisel, Junjiro Tsuji, Rosie Turner, Kat and Steven Vann, Jay Walljasper, Kurt Waltenbaugh, Larry Weiss, Mattie Weiss, Kevin Whelan, Dale Wiehoff, Phyllis Wiener, Ann Wiesner, Medora Woods, Elaine Wynne, David and Wendy Zwick, and Winnie Zwick

We're proud for you to meet and be inspired by Mark Ritchie, one of Minnesota 's progressive leaders of the future.

As Secretary of State of Minnesota, Mark will ensure fair and honest elections and restore public trust in our election system.

We hope you’ll join us!

RSVP appreciated to events@markritchie06.net
To learn more about Mark, sign up as a supporter or contribute to the campaign, visit www.markritchie06.net

Ellison Daily, Part 2 - The Real Truth About Our Man Keith - It's Finally Getting Out There!

2006-09-07T17:39:00.000-05:00

Our dynamic, historic campaign is on the final roll before the election next Tuesday, September 12, and the media are beginning to give our grassroots campaign the attention we deserve ! On Tuesday the Star-Tribune published a solid article about Keith’s momentum, as well as a Letter to the Editor from Keith, and in Thursday's paper they highlighted a very strong Letter to the Editor on Keith's behalf. (And you know, even though our favorite "Running Man" is no longer on the cover, we can't get enough of last week's City Pages article - http://citypages.com/databank/27/1343/article14661.asp . Read it again and pass it on!)

Then after you've read our press and feel our passion and momentum, there are two important things left for you to do:

1) VOLUNTEER ON ELECTION DAY or anytime before! Not sure where you fit or what you can do or what you want to do? Call Trayshana at 612-722-5233 or email her at trayvolunteer@keithellisonorg - she'll hook you up!

2) VOTE FOR KEITH on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12! Not sure about your polling place? Call the campaign at 612-522-4416 or search at http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us (Mary Kiffmeyer notwithstanding).

** Tuesday's Star-Tribune article about Keith by Rochelle Olson - http://www.startribune.com/587/story/655305.html
Our favorite part of the story talks about Keith’s background, his family’s passion for justice and how he translated his life experience into public service.

“His affinity for the underdog came from an upbringing steeped in civil rights, human rights and racial equality. He was often told by his mother about how his maternal grandfather -- who died before he was born -- organized black voters in rural Louisiana more than 50 years ago. His father was a United Auto Workers member who paid his own way through medical school by working on the assembly line. ‘We never had the lights turned off. We always had food in the house, but service was important. Justice was important,’ Ellison said.

“He grew up Catholic, but converted to Islam while studying economics at Wayne State University. He was drawn to the law, especially litigation and defense, out of a desire to see that ‘vulnerable people, poor people, politically unpopular people have a fair shake.’

“About 10 years ago, he complained to his wife about a lack of progress on an issue at the Legislature and she surprised him, he said, by challenging him to do something about it. ‘It's easier to shake a tree than to gather up all the berries and make jam,’ Ellison said.”

**In Tuesday's Strib letter to the editor Keith wrote about Donald Rumsfeld’s despicable comments comparing opponents of the disastrous Iraq war to Nazi “appeasers.”
http://www.startribune.com/563/story/654775.html

Cut from the letter before publication was the fact that Keith takes comparisons to the Holocaust personally: he has visited Nazi concentration camps in Europe, and was one of the leaders in the Minnesota House in bringing a censure motion against former Rep. Arlon Lindner, who made homophobic and anti-Semitic remarks in public, denying that gays, lesbians and others were victims of the Holocaust. (You can read Keith's fuller statement about Indefensible Secretary Rumsfeld at http://keithellison.org/news-DenouncesRumsfeldRemarks.htm .)

Voters of the 5th CD know that it’s not enough to for candidates just to call for Rumsfeld’s resignation, and to do so only since they entered the race. Rumsfeld’s resignation alone will do nothing to get us out of Iraq, end torture, or make our troops and Iraqis safe. And we know that we cannot send any more Democrats to Washington who stick their fingers in the wind before they take a stand.

Instead, we know that the 5th CD deserves a candidate who has always spoken out against the war, since before it began and before it was trendy to do so. We know we deserve a candidate who will respect and protect our right to speak out when the government is wrong, as so many of us have done in relation to this war, and has a strong record of doing so. And that's Keith Ellison.

** Thursday's LTE about our campaign's grassroots momentum - http://www.startribune.com/563/story/660301.html

The author makes the great point that 1) our candidate is the only one who will fight for real people in Washington, and 2) opposing campaigns know that at this point, their only chance of stopping our positive, passion-driven, volunteer-fueled effort is by flinging mud.
But hey - we're not afraid of a little dirt, and next Tuesday it will all be washed away by the water of hope and truth!

Endorsements from the Heart

2006-09-07T17:31:00.000-05:00

Today we have three more passionate endorsements of Keith that we want to bring to your attention (well, really more than three, but read on). We find these endorsements particularly powerful because they clearly come from the heart as well as the mind. Each in its own way encapsulates the reason we believe so strongly in Keith and are fiercely committed to making history through our campaign.

1) The first is not a single endorsement, but rather an impressive group of endorsements from elected officials across our district. Look through this list of some of the most accomplished and dynamic public servants anywhere and we bet you’ll find at least one of your personal favorites:

State Rep. Paul Thiessen (63A)
http://keithellison.org/news-ThissenLetter.htm

State Sen. Scott Dibble (60), State Rep. Frank Hornstein (60B), Minneapolis City Councilmembers Ralph Remington (Ward 10) and Betsy Hodges (Ward 13)
http://keithellison.org/news-DibbleEtAlLetter.htm

State Rep. Jean Wagenius (62B)
http://keithellison.org/news-WageniusLetter.htm

State Rep. Jim Davnie (62A)
http://keithellison.org/news-DavnieLetter.htm

State Sen. Linda Berglin (61)
http://keithellison.org/news-BerglinLetter.htm

Minneapolis City Councilmember Elizabeth Glidden (Ward 8)
http://keithellison.org/news-GliddenLetter.htm

Minneapolis City Councilmember Betsy Hodges (Ward 13)
http://keithellison.org/news-HodgesLetter.htm

Now this is a diverse group, to be sure; but they agree on the essentials that matter most to CD5 when making the once-in-a-generation choice of a new member of Congress. Some brief selections:

“He has devoted his career to serving the public interest, fighting for social justice and working with coalitions to address the issues we face today.” (Elizabeth Glidden)

Keith has gotten “good ideas passed into laws that will help real people. The DFL has been in the minority for Keith’s and my entire time in the House. But he has not allowed that to be an excuse.” (Paul Thiessen)

“He was the first candidate in the race to oppose the war, and has done so with passion and vigor that is needed now, more than ever, in Washington.” (Scott Dibble, Frank Hornstein, Ralph Remington, Betsy Hodges)

“He digs down into the real life experiences of his constituents and finds inventive legislative responses…I trust no one more in this race to stand up against the dangerous excesses of the Bush Administration.” (Jim Davnie)

“Those of us who were serving in the House when Keith was first elected knew from the beginning that he was a different kind of politician…Keith is not a ‘go-along-get-along’ politician and never will be.” (Jean Wagenius)

2) Joel Jensen is not an elected official, but he is the DFL Party Chair in Senate District 44 (St. Louis Park, Hopkins and Golden Valley), one of the most politically aware and engaged districts in the whole state. His very thoughtful endorsement of Keith (http://keithellison.org/news-SD44-ChairLetter.htm) is all the more powerful as he admits up front that he and others have had reservations. Some excerpts:

“Based on his whole life history and certainly his history as a legislator and community activist, this is what I know - Keith Ellison will not sell out his fellow citizens, he will pay attention to what really matters and he will not lie down for the powerful corporate interests that exert a growing and malignant influence on our government. Nothing I have seen, read, or heard would indicate otherwise.

“Keith will speak truth to power, but beyond that he will speak with principle to power. When Keith says that “there are no throwaway people” and that “everybody counts”, I believe that is exactly what he believes and that these words reflect precisely the principles he will fight for in Congress. That is pretty rare.”

3) Finally, some of you may read a lot of political blogs, and others of you may not read any. We’ve found quite a few really great ones, so many that we could never link to them all. Even so, one post we read today really stood out for us, so much so that we really wanted you to know about it (“Why Ellison?” on http://greatdivide.typepad.com/across_the_great_divide/).

We admit this isn’t an endorsement in the traditional sense, but there’s no denying it’s a powerful exhortation to the voters of CD5 to trust their collective gut and go with the candidate who touches their most passionate beliefs about how the world should be. All we really have to say about it is, we couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Quick teasers:

“I want Keith Ellison in Congress, a Black, Catholic-raised Minneapolis Muslim fireball who knows street kids and criminals as well as Sam Kaplan and Walter Mondale.”

“I want Keith Ellison's heart in the room. There will be plenty of other people who know how to cut the deal.”

“I look at Keith Ellison, and I see a man focused on being a servant.”

Tim Walz is on the air!

2006-09-07T11:04:00.000-05:00

Tim’s first radio ad is on the airwaves throughout the First District this week and it’s a big hit! We are on the air 3 weeks earlier than planned and we intend to stay up. Because he is on the air before his opponent goes negative, Tim will be defined by Tim, not by his opponent.

Check out our ad, "Hearing Hope," at www.timwalz.org. And while you’re there, check out our upcoming events!

We need your continued support to be heard by a majority of southern Minnesota voters. Our research shows that when people hear Tim’s positive message, independents and swing voters swing hard to Walz.

Early, frequent, and continuous media will make the difference in this race.

Your help today lets us add more spots to our next radio purchase.
• $32 buys an ad on evening drive time on a country station
• $26 buys an ad on morning drive time on a light rock station
• $ 9 buys an ad on late night easy listening

To sponsor one or more spots, visit http://services.myngp.com/ngponlineservices/contribution.aspx?X=VY+P6pStlMidPvE/UCe++xf4h8MYJ03O.

We’ll be up early….we’ll be up continuously…...you determine how frequently.

In other news, the Democratic National Committee chose Tim Walz and Eric Massa of NY to give the Democratic response to George Bush and Donald Rumsfeld’s recent “stay the course” entreaty. Tim’s fiery denunciation of the administration’s failure in Iraq drew national attention, and was followed by a call for a vote of ‘no confidence’ for Rumsfeld by the U.S. Senate. Times are changing, and on November 7, we will take control of our country and put it back on the right track.

Please contribute today, as much as yo u are able. This week we hit the 60 day mark – the hard work of the last 20 months comes down to 60 days. If Tim’s message is heard by the voters, I am certain we will be the victor on Nov. 7.

Sincerely,

Kerry Greeley
Campaign Manager
Tim Walz for US Congress

P.S. To donate, visit https://services.myngp.com/ngponlineservices/contribution.aspx?X=VY%2bP6pStlMidPvE%2fUCe%2b%2bxf4h8MYJ03O or send your check to Tim Walz for US Congress, PO Box 938, Mankato MN 56002.

P.P.S. Tim Walz and Gil Gutknecht will debate again on Sept 11, 2006 in Rochester. The event is sponsored by the Rochester Chamber of Commerce. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.rochestermnchamber.com/register/index.php?eventID=206.

Prepared and paid for by Tim Walz for U.S. Congress.
http://www.timwalz.org/

Luger Out-Raises Opponent 3-to-1

2006-09-06T19:10:00.000-05:00

Andy Luger’s Support Overwhelming - Fundraising Goals SurpassedDFL and Labor endorsed candidate out-raises opponent by a 3-to-1 margin

Hopkins, MN – DFL and Labor endorsed and first-time candidate for Hennepin County Attorney Andy Luger released his 2006 fundraising numbers today. Support for a new generation crime fighter for a new generation of crime shows in the numbers.

The Luger campaign reported raising $339,567 in 2006 with $219,972 cash on hand. To date, Luger has raised $456,000, compared to Mike Freeman’s $141,000 – a 3-to-1 margin.

“As a first time candidate you are judged on a variety of tasks along the campaign trail – fundraising is one of them. We set our goals high this year, and blew past them. We thank the thousands of supporters who have been with us to date. They have given us the energy, ideas and funds necessary to win in November,” Luger said of his fundraising boost.

Luger went on to say, “But, fundraising strength is only one important indication of support for the campaign. I am very pleased that such a broad cross section of Hennepin County voters -- from business and labor leaders to lawyers and community leaders -- have all decided to support my campaign financially. These fundraising numbers clearly indicate that our campaign has the broad support and momentum necessary to win this race.

Andy Luger is a former federal prosecutor who launched his campaign for Hennepin County Attorney over a year ago. Luger’s priorities as County Attorney include dismantling gangs, targeting repeat offenders, aggressively prosecuting domestic abuse and white collar crime, and investigating and prosecuting crimes against vulnerable adults. In addition, he has vowed to take a leadership role in creating an innovative and effective prisoner re-entry program in Hennepin County to reduce recidivism.

Candidates are required to file an annual report in non-election years. At the end of 2005, Luger had raised $117,000 compared to $37,000 from his opponent. He overwhelmingly defeated his opponent for the DFL endorsement this past June.

###

Prepared and paid for by Luger for Hennepin County Attorney

". . . . nothing more than a political attempt to cover the GOP's behind"

2006-09-06T19:05:00.000-05:00

"And when the whole story is known, it’s clear that Kiffmeyer’s change in fee policy was nothing more than a political attempt to cover the GOP’s behind."

The quote above is what the Mesabi Daily News thought of Mary Kiffmeyer's announcement last week that she would cut the $20 fee that is charged to small businesses and nonprofits for expedited service. The catch? Kiffmeyer's annoucement came just hours after Mark Ritchie called on her to do so. You can read the full article at www.virginiamn.com/mdn/index.php?sect_rank=8&story_id=206926, or learn more on our website at www.markritchie06.net

Yesterday Mark continued his fight to make voting easy and safe for all Minnesotans by holding a press conference to expose two important pieces of mis-information coming out of the Secretary of State's office. www.markritchie06.net/press/Statements/html%20statements/sept5.html .

It's clear that Mark is doing great things at the Secretary of State's office, and he hasn't even been elected yet! We're going to get him there, but we need your help. Your contribution today of $25, $50, or $100 will help Mark focus his time on traveling the state and protecting Minnesota voters! Donate NOW by going to www.markritchie06.net and clicking "Contribute." Remember that the state of Minnesota will refund up to $50 of your donation.

Ellison Daily, Part 2 - Keith Takes On His TOUGHEST INTERVIEW YET

2006-09-05T18:42:00.000-05:00

Keith Takes On His TOUGHEST INTERVIEW YET

We all know by now that Keith Ellison is NOT one to blink or shrink when faced with a challenge – everything in his progressive record and his positive, history-making campaign shows us that.

That’s why we’re proud to show you a video of Keith’s toughest interview – and toughest interviewer – yet.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7090263354995685661

Frankly, the interview’s creating something of a sensation on the Internet:
http://blip.tv/file/68598 http://www.mnpublius.com/2006/09/ellison_launches_1st_ad.php http://rahelio.typepad.com/ahs/2006/09/watch_keith_ell.html http://newpatriot.org/

And since we’re not afraid of a little publicity, click below to see a longer, uncut version of how Keith does when the interviewer really comes on strong:
http://www.mnstories.com/archives/2006/09/how_can_we_make.htm

Can there be any doubt that someone who can keep his cool under this kind of pressure will be able to stand up and fight every day in Congress for the fundamental values we share of peace, fairness and justice, values that make CD5 one of the most progressive and forward-looking districts in the entire country?

We don’t think so, either.

We know you agree: Only one candidate is the right fit for CD5 – the one who has never compromised his progressive values, the one who is not afraid to stand up to powerful special interests…or hug the occasional 9-year-old interviewer.

Keith Ellison – A proven, progressive fighter who is not afraid to hug his daughter!

Ellison Daily, Part 1 - ONE WEEK LEFT TO MAKE HISTORY HAPPEN!

2006-09-05T18:40:00.000-05:00

ONE WEEK LEFT TO MAKE HISTORY HAPPEN!

This election is about us! Volunteer on Election Day, on campus, on the phones and on the doorstep!

THIS IS IT! There is just ONE WEEK LEFT to go until Tuesday, September 12 – the election that will MAKE HISTORY in Minnesota when we send Keith Ellison to Congress!

We already know that Keith is the only candidate in the race who has never compromised on his progressive politics , the only candidate in the race who has run a 100% positive campaign, and the only candidate in the race who has a proven record of standing up to powerful special interests and improving our communities’ lives.

This is why our campaign has won the broadest range of endorsements in the race (http://www.keithellison.org/endorsements.htm): not only the DFL Party and many elected officials, but newspapers ranging from American Jewish World to La Prensa and Insight News, unions representing all range of working people, almost all important environmental advocates, and key grassroots political organizations.

What this means is that this election isn’t really about Keith.

Instead, THIS ELECTION IS ABOUT US, about choosing the kind of future we want, about our creating the kind of community we want. It’s about choosing to make history.

That means it’s UP TO US toMAKE HISTORY HAPPEN! With just ONE WEEK LEFT, HERE'S HOW we can do that:

1) Tuesday, September 12 – TAKE ELECTION DAY OFF!
WE NEED YOU for Election Day! On Tuesday, September 12, please plan to take the whole day off, or as much of it as you possibly can. We will be doorknocking and phoning Keith's supporters to make sure their vote counts! We'll also need help coordinating food at our vote centers.

2) Tuesday, September 12 - BRING FOOD TO A GET-OUT-THE-VOTE CENTER!
We need lots of fuel for our fabulous volunteers, everything from bottled water and coffee (we'll be starting before dawn, so lots of coffee!) to sandwiches and hot meals. Anything you can offer will be most welcome! To help, call Clare at 612-229-4191 or email her at clare@keithellison.org .

3) Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10 – GET OUT THE VOTE!
In the last push before Election Day we'll be contacting voters in every neighborhood in the district. Bring your family and friends, and join loads of other folks like you who believe passionately in a truly fair, equal and just country. It’s going to be a lot of fun!

4) Every day – Contacting fellow progressive voters
Whenever you have a few hours free, no matter what time of day, we have voters you can contact to share your passion about Keith. We'll make it easy, so give us a call!

5) ON CAMPUS, Every day – STUDENTS FOR KEITH!
If you're back at U of M or Augsburg College, your energy, support and vote are crucial to Keith's broad coalition. Please contact Shaun at shaun@keithellison.org or 612-718-9070 to mobilize students to put Keith over the top!

To sign up for one or more volunteer activities (other than campus organizing or food on Election Day), call Trayshana at the Keith Ellison campaign at 612-722-5233, or email her at trayvolunteer@keithellisonorg.

We are THIS CLOSE to making history! LET'S DO IT!