Submitted by Derek Brigham 

On November 1 we had our monthly BPOU meeting for SD45 Republicans. I am the A side chair, and my friend Guy Collins is one of the vice chairs on the A side. We both figured this would probably be a low attendance meeting since it followed so close after our Chili & Chat last week.

But then again, maybe there would be a lot of folks because we knew to expect a brief introduction speech form some candidates for the 2008 races. Among them Jeff Johnson and Barbara Davis White who has announced her candidacy for US house in CD5 against Keith Ellison. Now, I have gotten to know Jeff very well over the last few years but was very curious and anticipating my meeting with Barb. I expected she would be chok' full of personality after reading her "Barbography." And she delivered. Let's just say, Jeff wished he had gone first.

I introduced myself to her, talked briefly and got an immediate feeling of warmth. Not the usual "Hi I'm running for office" salesmanship, but a genuine feeling of ease, humor and grace. We got along like a house on fire right from the start, but we had to break it up so the meeting could start. These things can be painful—you know, people who have not run for office before getting on with a stilted speech—reading from notes, thankful as hell they are in a room of friendlies. That wasn't the case with Barb.

She stood up and just went for it, stating her case with ease as an unapologetic conservative Republican and Christian, and the room responded well. No prepared speech, lots of unique life stories, quick with wit and no trouble talking about her Christian faith and a lifetime of ease meeting people of all walks being a pastor in challenged neighborhoods—no country club Republican she.

So what is this glowing first impression worth when we stack it up in a competitive race against Keith Ellison? After all, Tammy Lee and Alan Fine together couldn't even dent Ellison's numbers . We all know Keith has a less than stellar record as a model of good civic virtue But that won't help in CD5, coupled with a coddling press on his side. Here are a few things that will help Barb.

Ellison comes off in general as a downbeat guy. His game is to paint the world as a pack of problems. Barb is a polar opposite. Unlike Alan Fine, I believe she will be running an all-smiles campaign. Meeting her, it's hard t oimagine her doing otherwise. It will be an easy switch for her to get heated on an issue with her personality—much easier, that is for her to take the occasional dig, than for Ellison to strike the occasional smile and joke. You can't fake personalities, especially in the era of YouTube. These two are like a rainy day vs. sunshine.

Issue 2: Ellison is a Muslim with connections to the Nation of Islam, along with a long history of polarizing statements and actions especially against Jews. Barb on the other hand is a respected Christian theologian, and let's take a quick look at her Barbography:

Barb’s maternal grandparents, Ida and Benjamin, were both Orthodox Jews who survived Nazi persecution by fleeing to Ellis Island, New York - she from Lithuania and he from Hungary. Barb’s great-aunt, Ida’s sister, was not as fortunate, but perished with the many others in Auschwitz.

Ida and Benjamin married and settled to raise their family in Minnesota, where they escaped the fate of many Jewish immigrants who, at that time, were being sent back to Europe. It was in Minnesota that Barb’s mother, Rose, was born and raised. As a young woman, Rose met and fell in love with Claude Penland, a Black Catholic North Carolinian.

Hmmmm. Which of these two will play easier in a population of mostly Christian and Jewish voters?

A woman vs. a man? I'd say voters would favor the woman.

Ethnic minority as a trump card for Ellison. Nope, that's a wash.

Standing up for more police and being tough on crime is a HUGE issue in Minneapolis. Sorry Keith, you've made the wrong choices there again. While Barb has been actively pushing Mayor Rybak to get active protecting troubled neighborhoods.

In addition to campaign experience, Ellison has three things going for him that can't be denied. The Letter (D), the letter (I) and the umbrella of the Star Tribune. Other than that, the heir to Martin Sabo's seat has a lot of negatives.

Well, that's a start, I'm sure there are more comparisons to be made, but my first impression of Barb Davis White was a good one. Nice to meet you Barb.

To the Citizens of Senate District 45:

Our Minnesota State Senate District is in the heart of the Robbinsdale School District, ISD 281. The upcoming referendum which increases funding for the school district by increasing taxes is a complex issue and has passionate folks on both sides of the issue. I appreciate the passion and I think that a civil debate on the issue is good for our community in so many ways. And, our Republican group and its members are examining the issues in many public and private forums.

We want to be informed, and we want information to be available to those who consider themselves Republicans (and anyone else who seeks it). We are for an informed electorate and we are for open, civil debate. We are in favor of working through the American system that we all call democracy. We are for private citizens of all political persuasions working to advance their convictions in the public arena in a decent and lawful manner. The referendum issue allows many venues of expression and this is a good thing. Public involvement and debate is a good thing for our community when done with character and civility.

If you see a mean and vicious dog, this does not mean that all dogs are mean and vicious. It is the same way for individuals on both sides of the political aisle. Not all Republicans believe and act the same way, and it is similar for Democrats. Most Republicans stand together in opposition to higher taxes and we are for higher efficiency in government. However, on this complex and multifaceted referendum issue, things are not necessarily clearcut to many. On our local Senate District 45 Executive Committee for instance, we have some that are clearly against the referendum, some that are for it, and we have a number that are yet undecided as to how they will vote in November on the referendum.

As I have said, Republicans in general are for lower taxes and more efficient public endeavors. However, I think most Republicans would also say that we have to support and maintain our public infrastructures. The public school system is a vital part of that infrastructure. So, while no one on either side of this issue is against children or against education, we do disagree on how much funding for the school district is enough or too much. We do disagree on whether the school district has been a good steward of public resources. This is often sincere, honest, and heartfelt disagreement from both sides. However, because of the complex nature of the issue, it would be unreasonable to take one's vote on this issue as a defining vote, or litmus test for Republicanism. It is not.

So, this is the official stance of area Republicans: We have taken no stance on the referendum. Not because we lack the courage or integrity to do so, but because this is not an issue that we can say is clearly Republican. While there may be loud barkings on both sides of the issue (and some of that barking may come from those calling themselves Republicans), I can assure you that they do not speak for the Senate District 45 Republican organization. They absolutely speak for and represent themselves on the referendum issue.

Thank you for reading. Enjoy the debate on this topic. And, be sure to exercise your voting privileges in November on this important community issue.

Ray Narveson, Chair
Senate District 45 Republicans
Serving you in Crystal, New Hope, Robbinsdale,
and parts of Golden Valley and Plymouth

Our dedicated SD-45 web site is up at http://www.sd45-republicans.org with interactive features, news and links.

This TownHall blog is the place to post your thoughts and opinions. E-mail them to the webmaster.

An estimated 7,000 showed up at the steps of the Capitol April 14 for a Tax Cut Rally. Hosted by Clear Channel with legislators and organizer radio host Jason Lewis, the event was a great success. Over 18,000 Minnesotans signed the Tax Cut Coalition Petition, which was delivered to the Governor and legislative leaders.

Commentary with images and video can be found at Residual Forces and FreedomDogs.

The rally may have also contributed to this latest development (posted at Let Freedom Ring):

Earlier today, I got an email from Assistant Minority Leader Laura Brod. She was excited to say that the tax cuts that she proposed the first week of this session will get a hearing Monday in the Tax Committee. You’ll recall that her tax cuts were ruled “not germane” to the tax conformity legislation that’s now law.

I’m planning on attending the Tax Committee hearing Monday, April 16. The hearing is scheduled to start at 12:30 to 1:00 pm. I’d love meeting other MOBsters (MN Organization of Bloggers) if they’re able to attend and/or liveblogging the hearing. If they can’t attend, then I’d strongly urge MOBsters to call their representatives to register their support for the GOP tax cuts & show their disdain for the DFL’s tax increases. Let’s use this opportunity to tell the DFL that people are watching & they aren’t pleased with their major tax increases.

Seems that at long last our voices are being heard.  

Kudos to Jerry Lindberg of Crystal, who penned this excellent letter to the editor in the MN Sun Newspaper this week:

To the editor:

When the final history of the United States is written, it will show we were a land of achievement, courage, opportunity, faith, principle and yes, wealth. It will also show we apparently took a long nap in the late 20th and early 21st centuries when politicians figured out that robbing Peter to pay Paul will always meet Paul's approval.

Which brings us to our $2.2 billion tax surplus. A tax surplus is an overpayment, the result of legislators reaching into our back pockets and taking more money than they asked for.

The options are:

Return it to its rightful owners.

Readjust the tax code to insure it won't happen again.

Or, they could redirect it to their favorite unions, er, constituents.

Anyone want to bet which idea wins?

Our local state representatives - Carlson, Peterson and Rest - have been strangely silent on the surplus. I, for one, would like to read their thoughts on the surplus in these pages. I would like to read - in plain English - why they believe government has earned a cash bonus. These are liberals, folks, and they're in the majority! They're going to spend the money, regardless. The least we can do is make them dance for their dinner! Demand they explain their actions here. It might be a teaching moment for our kids - a living demonstration that the most destructive force in nature isn't a hurricane, earthquake or tornado - but a tax-and-spend politician with an unspent pot of money.

Jerry Lindberg

Crystal

This is how to change hearts and open eyes. Jerry will get a huge round of applause at our Chili & Chat event this Tuesday -- and we promise he won't have to dance for his dinner!

GOP State party activists were given a list of 82 DFL-sponsored bills at the Leadership Summit February 17 in Bloomington.

82. And it's only February.

A sampling:

1. CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF KETCHUP: Rep. Andy Welti (D-Plainview) wants to impose severe criminal penalties if you "carry, use, or possess" a glass container on a watercraft or along Minnesota's public waters. You could get 270 days in jail if you have a picnic on the lake and bring glass bottles of ketchup, mustard, and relish. If you have a six-pack of Buddy's Cola from New Ulm on your pontoon boat, you would face 540 days behind bars, because each bottle would be a separate offense under the precise language of the bill. If you bring a jar of cold cream when you go sunbathing, you could do 90 days for that misdemeanor. Rep. Welti later said he introduced the bill as an anti-littering proposal, but his bill outlaws mere "possession" of the deadly glass containers. (House File 522)

2. I HAVE A RIGHT TO USE YOUR NON-PUBLIC RESTROOM (aka The Freedom to Poop Act): You could face a $100 fine if your "retail establishment" has a non-public restroom and you do not allow anyone to use that restroom if they have floating back teeth, nausea, or the trots. Rep. Erin Murphy (D-St. Paul) wants to fine firms and employees $100 if they do not let a customer use the firms' non-public restroom if the customer has any "medical condition that requires immediate access to a toilet facility." This could apply to your residential bathroom if you are having a yard sale or running a daycare center, because the bill is so vague. (House File 1015)

3. YOU SHOULD HAVE A WRITTEN RIGHT FOR BATHROOM BREAKS: Rep. Rick Hansen (D-South St. Paul) wants the state to require written policies for employees of meatpackers to provide "adequate time for necessary bathroom breaks." The bill would also create a "Meat-Packers' Bill of Rights," calling for written job descriptions and written salary descriptions. The bill would also create a state bureaucracy to guarantee these rights. (House File 643).

Folks, we're off to a surreal 2007. SD-45 lists all 82 bills. Take a hit of bourbon first.

Hat tip: Minnesota Democrats Exposed

Contributed by Scott Brooks, CD-5 resident and party activist

Only the other day I found a voicemail in my box inviting me to a Republican Party town hall meeting with State Chairman, Ron Carey for this evening on the hill in St. Paul. What, with the discontent floating around since November's defeats and Senator Norm Coleman's nuanced position on the surge, I thought it would be a good thing to attend this meet and listen to what Republicans are saying.

First off, I was surprised to see that this was not a roomful of the usual faces. Doug Daggett, my colleague in Uptown Minneapolis party activity was in attendance, but I didn't know any other names. There was little to no surprise, however, to hear the grievances. These people are disappointed in state Republican leadership. There is a discontent that Republican candidates and elected leaders are watering down the party message and running on a DFL-lite platform.

The main issue seems to be Senator Norm Coleman's lack of support for the surge in Iraq. And of course, there was the obligatory grousing about that other surge, the surging support for a statewide ban on smoking.

Credit must go to Chairman Carey for his skills as a listener. The participants never smelled blood in the water never going for his throat to avenge the lost adherence to conservative principles. I would characterize the meet as very positive in nature. The criticisms were, in the final analysis, positive...always a sign of good health in a political organization. A polling sheet was distributed, asking for participants' opinions on the three most important issues facing our country, facing our state, asking for a grade on how well the party is performing as well as other evaluation questions. All of this left attendees with a very real
perception that our opinions and ideas matter.


Money quote from Chairman Carey; "We've got to do more than simply rely on Republicans to cast their votes for GOP candidates. We've got to have people who passionately get out there and work for winning. And I tell our elected officers that if they can't take a stand that the base agrees with and is energized by, then when the time comes that they call out to charge the hill, they just might turn around and find that no one is following."

The question I heard asked a couple of times was; "What do we have to do to get their attention?" Someone suggested returning financial contribution mail with a handwritten message that there will be no money unless conservative principles are touted.

I had a chance to talk with Ron Carey face to face after the meeting was concluded. He points out that while Republicans have a tough line to haul, Democrats have their own problems as well. He says there is no doubt that Norm Coleman will be the party's nominee for U.S. Senate.

These are tough times we're living in. Politics is the art of compromise. But if the battle for Iraq is the most important front in the Global War on Islamic Fascism, doesn't winning that battle trump party loyalties, as Hugh Hewitt claims it does? How does one compromise on that issue while strongly defending our country and our liberties? I can say that I believe Senator Norm Coleman, despite his nuanced position on the surge, is in favor of victory in Iraq. That is a stark contrast with candidate Al Franken's position.(?)

But where's the passion? I think all Minnesota Republicans want to see Senator Coleman benefit politically from victory on the battlefield in Mesopotamia. The Republican rank and file believe he can do that because they are still optimistic we can win in Iraq. We want Senator Coleman to take a strong stand refusing to buckle to perceived political pressure.

That passion is what we all ache for. Give us a reason to fire our passions and we'll take the hill by storm.

Guy Collins (SD-45A) has been posting his thoughts on the '06 elections: national, state, and local, (with more of a tilt toward the local) This is a multi-part series with the theme of Pride, Perspective, and Perseverance. He concludes the series with:

Pride Perspective Perseverance (Part V - Perseverance)
 
Based on the election results a week ago Tuesday, where do we go from here?  The consensus  is that conservatism won last Tuesday, while Republicans - fat and happy, drifted from the platform, and snubbed the constituents - lost.  So its easy, and obvious to state that the party has to return to its conservative roots and conservative platform. 
 
But I also agree with Michael Barone that a "return to conservatism" has to be more than pining for the Reagan Revolution or hoping for another Contract with America.  As Mr. Barone has pointed out, many of the problems outlined during these lionized eras have been solved for the most part.  Michael stated that there currently is a vacuum of ideas, and the winners will be people who articulate and promote new ideas that resonate to voters across party lines. 
 
I agree with Michael Barone.  We need a return to conservatism, but conservatism strongly influenced by new ideas on topics such as:

•  Significant tax system  alternatives
•  A comprehensive immigration policy (no, border enforcement alone won't fly with the majority of voters in this nation)
• Market-driven research and development of alternative energy sources
• Choice and freedom for individuals in their retirement savings plan 
• Parental choice and alternatives in education
• Hillary-care (just kidding)

In closing, I'd encourage people to get involved in the process, to increase awareness of communities and neighborhoods of issues that impact them.  We live in dangerous, serious times, and leadership at every level of government does matter.  I know I'm excited about the upcoming work to do, and I look forward to joining my friends in the effort. 

Over the next few weeks Guy Collins (SD-45A) will post his thoughts on the '06 elections: national, state, and local, (with more of a tilt toward the local) This is a multi-part series with the theme of Pride, Perspective, and Perseverance.

Pride Perspective Perseverance (Part IV - Perspective)
What do the results form the recent election mean, on a state and national level?  

I believe at both levels there is a consensus among activists and pundits that on Tuesday, while Republicans lost fairly big, conservatism did not lose.  Cases in point include Michele Bachmann in MN CD 6, and the success of the marriage amendment again in 7 of 8 states,  successful eminent domain-curbing legislation, and so on. 
 
While the defeats were discouraging, they could have been even worse if the volunteers nationwide in the 72 hour GOTV effort had not done an excellent job in turning out known Republicans.  Sadly, too many of these people that we did turn out ended up voting against the Republicans. 
 
The most discouraging part of the results was the loss of great candidates -  people who have, and would continue to,  fight hard to serve  ALL people.  Sadly these public servants got swept up in this mini-wave of anti-Republican revolt.  I'm not talking about people like George Allen- who by all accounts ran a poor campaign, or Lincoln Chafee - "don't let the Republican door hit you where the good Lord split you", or even Mark Kennedy, who was fighting a steep uphill battle from day one, in a race that would've been tough for any candidate to win, even in a Republican neutral race. 
 
I'm talking about people like Rick Santorum, who was unfairly, and frequently, savaged for saying what he believes and sticking to it (the horrors!).  What is under-reported (surprise) is that he was a bi-partisan champion for the less privileged in America and abroad, doing way more in his few years as a Senator, than liberal heroes like the late Paul Wellstone and Ted Kennedy have done in their entire careers. 
 
I'm also talking about a wonderful woman named Mary Kiffmeyer, who worked harder than any public servant I know, excelling in her job, traveling to every nook and  cranny of this big state, to educate and motivate ALL voters - yes, even including dark blue places like Duluth, inner city Minneapolis, and St. Paul.  She gets rewarded by being replaced by a former communist who is proclaiming to "protect your vote"  We'll need to wait and see if the "your" he's referring to includes illegal aliens. 
 
I'm also talking about people like Pat Andersen, Jeff Johnson, and Phil Krinkie, who in their past have excelled in their jobs, and have been largely non-partisan (Andersen even was endorsed by the Star Tribune).  The saddest part about this, I believe if people knew more about these candidates, they would have fared better.  Again. part of their loss is due to  anti-Republican sentiment, but also, I believe the state party could have used their financial and human resources much more wisely in supporting state candidates.  Here's hoping our party sees the opportunities and adjusts for them in 2006.  The difficult pat is, once lesser known constitutional offices are lost, its difficult to get them back, until you have a party wave like we experienced this year.  People just don't take the time to know or care about what these office holders do.
 
But the silver lining is, by all accounts, the local and national activists and pundits are fired up and rededicated, vowing to redouble their efforts to bring true conservatism back in the mix between 2006, and 2008.  I'll post more on that upcoming in "Pride, Perspective, Perseverance, Part 5 - Perseverance"

Over the next few weeks Guy Collins (SD-45A) will be posting his thoughts on the '06 elections: national, state, and local, (with more of a tilt toward the local). This is a multi-part series with the theme of Pride, Perspective, and Perseverance.

Grass Roots Leaders and Volunteers (Pride Part 3)
I am PROUD of the grass roots organization in our state, and their tireless work even in the face of often grim / daunting reality. As Diamond Dog said, people could just give up and go watch TV, or spend more time with their friends or family. But, as DD also said, we can't give up. The stakes are too high. As Rush Limbaugh recently stated, "We must be recommitted to communicate and educate. Recently, we've thought the conservative education process was complete. The conservative education process is never complete."

If I tried to name everyone who deserves recognition here, I'd surely miss some people, but I'll point out some great role models for activism:

• Carole Christianson - who worked tirelessly to plan so much of the SD 45 work, then stepping up to do so many things when there wasn't anyone else to perform the work. The MN state party would be in great shape if we had a half dozen Carole Christiansens in each district.

• Folks such as Len Thiede, who are willing to go above and beyond in raising money for local candidates; having the big-picture / long-term vision of Republican party presence and expansion within the district, regardless of the current term prospects.

• Ron Stocke - who put some common sense organization and execution into place regarding lawn sign programs

• My wife Anita - picking up many activities for the Brigham campaign (as if she doesn't have enough to do with home schooling, raising 3 kids, and managing our household).

• Andy Aplikowski & the Northern Alliance Radio Network (and the rest of the blog / talk radio new media coalition): leading the charge in transforming communication and education via new media, while diminishing the old media's importance, and holding old media and opposition candidates accountable.

• Grassroots guys such as Rob Hewitt and Scott Brooks, working tirelessly to promote the conservative cause, despite facing long odds and sometimes even violent hostility in the belly of the Minneapolis beast. Guys like these are true soldier/heroes in the fight to save our traditional conservative way of life, and in keeping our nation strong and secure.

Stay tuned for Perspective - What do the results really tell us? What can we do better?

Over the next few weeks Guy Collins (SD-45A) will be posting his thoughts on the '06 elections: national, state, and local, (with more of a tilt toward the local). This will be a multi-part series with the theme of Pride, Perspective, and Perseverance.

Local Candidates (Pride Part 2)
I am PROUD of our new local candidates in SD 45: Derek Brigham, and Sara Durenberger. Both entered the race fairly late; both did yeoman's work, learning as they went since this was the first venture into politics for both of them. On top of that, they had to shoulder a lot of the strategic and tactical load, since they didn't didn't have a developed SD 45 campaign structure or experience base to rely upon, and received little help from the state party.

Its easy to look at the results and be discouraged, especially after working so hard. These candidates (and all local candidates) need to know this year's results weren't a reflection of their efforts. It was a horrible national environment for Republicans.

I believe many of the voters just irrationally said: "I'm mad at Bush and the direction of the Iraq war, and corruption in DC, therefore I'm voting for the alternative party, whether the race is US Senator, state representative, or even a soil and water commissioner." It makes no sense, but unfortunately this is the illogical sentiment I believe ruled the day. I honor these candidates and appreciate all their work - so much of it going unnoticed. I strongly encourage them to stay involved in building the party in future years.

Stay tuned for Pride Part 3.... Grass Roots

Guy Collins (SD-45A) offered some excellent insight after the November 7 election:

Over the next few weeks I'll post some thoughts on the '06 elections: national, state, and local, (with more of a tilt toward the local) I plan to do this in a multi-part series with the theme of Pride, Perspective, and Perseverance. Or to put it another way:

I'll start with some notes on why true conservatives at every level should be proud. Here goes.....

Pride
I am very PROUD to be a conservative Republican in Minnesota. I am proud of what true conservatives in our party stand for, and and their integrity, demeanor, intelligence, and spirit. I am proud of how they work tirelessly to educate and communicate conservative ideals.

Graciousness and Humility in Defeat (Pride Part 1)
I am PROUD of how our party faithful, candidates, party leadership handles itself in defeat, in contrast to the opposition:

1) we don't blame the other party for lying or scare-mongering, or pandering to the fringe "extremists";

2) we don't complain about election fraud, or "stolen elections". We don't make these claims focal talking points every time the election results are brought up historically. (BTW- its not for lack of material to investigate - see ACORN, Philly fraud, etc).

3) we don't drag the country through weeks of shady partisan recounts and lawyering. See Burns in MT and Allen in VA. Both were well within the range of a state-paid recount - neither has asked for one. Both accepted defeat graciously, and have helped the nation move on. (Note: kudos to former AG Hatch in MN for not asking for a recount - give credit where its due).

A US Senate recount stakes would've been huger. A gain of a couple thousand votes, and a related Senate seat would've allowed Republicans to retain control of the Senate. Ask yourself: would Schumer, Reid, Gore, Kerry, etc. concede, in the same position? HA! Oh yeah, algore, I painfully remember you've already answered that for us.... gee thanks.

4) we don't ask "what's wrong with those stupid, hayseed, knuckle-dragging, Christianist voters? And more importantly, how can we marginalize them or remove their voice from the public square?"

We instead hear and respect the voter's voice, and say, "what did WE do wrong, and how can WE fix it to win the voters back, or to inspire them to vote for us?"

5) we are rational enough to calmly and coolly assess the damage, but also assess what worked, in this cycle and in the past, then determine what is a winning strategy in the future. This is opposed to the liberals':

Stay tuned for Pride Part 2.... Local candidates

I joined our BPOU in 2006, and was honored to be a part of a great group -- including hard-working SD-45 chairs and fellow delegates. I had the privilege to volunteer for several excellent candidates: Derek Brigham, Gregg Prest and Sarah Durenberger. Even though Republicans lost the majority in the state and nation, this is a great opportunity for us to strengthen our team and candidates for 2008.

St. Paul will be host to thousands of GOP delegates and candidates at the '08 Presidential Convention. Now's the time for us to regroup and recharge. You can be a part of this exciting election year, by joining us for our precinct caucuses on February 5, 2008. Go to our web site to learn what caucuses and BPOUs are all about, and how you can be a part of the process!

With your help, SD45 will become stronger -- and this blog will be be your sounding board for opinions and input. Come back often and please email me with your suggestions and comments: SD45_MN *at* yahoo.com (edit address to the @ symbol when mailing).

- Nancy