As much as we don't like to chase stories of Republican bloggers, the video of Larry Jacobs' Senate race analysis caught our attention. Click here to watch the interview. This is a serious question: What will it take for the DFL to realize we need a new candidate? At this point in the election, the DFL endorsed Senate candidate is not leading among women or union members or urban residents or Independents. This is a dangerous path we find ourselves on.
While things can change in the coming months, we fear things will only get worse for the DFL as the constant dribble of bad news continues. Ventura is a wild card, but only Mike Ciresi can solve the problems we Democrats now face.
Monday, June 30, 2008
This Election Is Too Important
Chris Truscott wrote an excellent post a month back, and we thought we should look at it again. Chris Truscott: "With So Much on the Line, It’s Time for Franken to Go."
"On Sunday an American was killed in Iraq when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle.
Last night about 200,000 veterans went to sleep wherever they could find a place—in their cars, on benches, under bridges, in temporary shelters—because after serving their country honorably they returned to the United States of America and lost everything they had, including their homes.
Today 7.6 million people are out of work; 47 million people worry about getting sick because they don’t have health insurance; and 37 million Americans are living in poverty.
We need a senator with the courage to address these problems, to stand up at this defining hour and say 'enough is enough,' and to take on the special interests that will fight progress at every step of the way.
Norm Coleman is not that man. When the chips are down, Coleman will stand for the status quo, he’ll say 'more of the same,' and he’ll do the bidding of the special interests that fund his campaigns and pay for his travel. We know this because it’s the story of his tenure in Washington.
Unfortunately, however, each day we move one step closer to a fall election in which Coleman’s abject failure to deliver for our state and country takes a back seat to a fatally flawed DFL candidate—Al Franken.
But we don’t have to blindly walk off a cliff. We have choices. There is a way out. And there are others who see it:
'Heck,' wrote Hal Kimball of Blue Man in a Red District. 'If Al Franken really wants to see Norm Coleman defeated and Paul Wellstone’s seat back in the hands of a Democrat, he’ll step aside and help a suitable replacement.'
Hal is right and it’s about time people move beyond the warm feelings they have for Franken the political bomb thrower and replace them with serious reflection on what a Franken candidacy could mean for our cause.
Franken isn’t a bad man and he stands on the right side of the great challenges of our time, but the reality is he carries so much baggage into the fall campaign that he becomes the story in a media environment driven more by cheap, ratings-grabbing scandals than substantive coverage of the issues facing Americans.
The self-inflicted headlines about Franken's tax payments, workers’ compensation problems and vulgar humor scream louder than Page 3 stories about the war, economic duress and domestic turmoil. Sure, it’s a sad commentary on the state of our media—and perhaps our democracy—but it’s the gauntlet we must navigate to make the kind of change our country needs.
We have a great chance to retire Coleman to a K Street lobbying firm, but we’re not going to win by giving Republicans the race they want. We have to run on our terms—on the positions Coleman can’t defend, the record he can’t brag about, his legacy of utter incompetence and complete indifference.
It’s time for Franken to step aside so we can devote our efforts this fall to relentlessly challenging Coleman, rather than the futile endeavor of attempting to explain away Franken’s known problems and, even more ominously, his missteps yet to come."
The comment section of the post was filled with discussion of Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer. However, as much as we like Jack, he simply isn't electable. Republicans would paint him as too far left, too far out of the mainstream to be our Senator.
Since this post was written, has the election been focused on Coleman? No. Has the election been focused on Franken? Yes. How has this affected the DFL's chances? Well, the last two polls put Franken at least 10 points behind, and in serious trouble with crucial Independent voters. If nothing changes, the DFL will lose this election.
Mike Ciresi is the only Democrat who can salvage this election for the DFL. If Ciresi is the main candidate, there will be no inappropriate stories that surface, no legal problems whatsoever, no colorful remarks, and no question of his dedication to the state of Minnesota. The election would actually be focused on the war, on veterans, on health insurance, on poverty, and on Norm Coleman's friendly dealings. The election would be focused on all the areas that Norm Coleman and President Bush have failed us so greatly. That is an election we can win.
"On Sunday an American was killed in Iraq when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle.
Last night about 200,000 veterans went to sleep wherever they could find a place—in their cars, on benches, under bridges, in temporary shelters—because after serving their country honorably they returned to the United States of America and lost everything they had, including their homes.
Today 7.6 million people are out of work; 47 million people worry about getting sick because they don’t have health insurance; and 37 million Americans are living in poverty.
We need a senator with the courage to address these problems, to stand up at this defining hour and say 'enough is enough,' and to take on the special interests that will fight progress at every step of the way.
Norm Coleman is not that man. When the chips are down, Coleman will stand for the status quo, he’ll say 'more of the same,' and he’ll do the bidding of the special interests that fund his campaigns and pay for his travel. We know this because it’s the story of his tenure in Washington.
Unfortunately, however, each day we move one step closer to a fall election in which Coleman’s abject failure to deliver for our state and country takes a back seat to a fatally flawed DFL candidate—Al Franken.
But we don’t have to blindly walk off a cliff. We have choices. There is a way out. And there are others who see it:
'Heck,' wrote Hal Kimball of Blue Man in a Red District. 'If Al Franken really wants to see Norm Coleman defeated and Paul Wellstone’s seat back in the hands of a Democrat, he’ll step aside and help a suitable replacement.'
Hal is right and it’s about time people move beyond the warm feelings they have for Franken the political bomb thrower and replace them with serious reflection on what a Franken candidacy could mean for our cause.
Franken isn’t a bad man and he stands on the right side of the great challenges of our time, but the reality is he carries so much baggage into the fall campaign that he becomes the story in a media environment driven more by cheap, ratings-grabbing scandals than substantive coverage of the issues facing Americans.
The self-inflicted headlines about Franken's tax payments, workers’ compensation problems and vulgar humor scream louder than Page 3 stories about the war, economic duress and domestic turmoil. Sure, it’s a sad commentary on the state of our media—and perhaps our democracy—but it’s the gauntlet we must navigate to make the kind of change our country needs.
We have a great chance to retire Coleman to a K Street lobbying firm, but we’re not going to win by giving Republicans the race they want. We have to run on our terms—on the positions Coleman can’t defend, the record he can’t brag about, his legacy of utter incompetence and complete indifference.
It’s time for Franken to step aside so we can devote our efforts this fall to relentlessly challenging Coleman, rather than the futile endeavor of attempting to explain away Franken’s known problems and, even more ominously, his missteps yet to come."
The comment section of the post was filled with discussion of Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer. However, as much as we like Jack, he simply isn't electable. Republicans would paint him as too far left, too far out of the mainstream to be our Senator.
Since this post was written, has the election been focused on Coleman? No. Has the election been focused on Franken? Yes. How has this affected the DFL's chances? Well, the last two polls put Franken at least 10 points behind, and in serious trouble with crucial Independent voters. If nothing changes, the DFL will lose this election.
Mike Ciresi is the only Democrat who can salvage this election for the DFL. If Ciresi is the main candidate, there will be no inappropriate stories that surface, no legal problems whatsoever, no colorful remarks, and no question of his dedication to the state of Minnesota. The election would actually be focused on the war, on veterans, on health insurance, on poverty, and on Norm Coleman's friendly dealings. The election would be focused on all the areas that Norm Coleman and President Bush have failed us so greatly. That is an election we can win.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Mike Ciresi: Record Of Commitment To GLBT
In honor of the Twin Cities GLBT Pride weekend, we thought we should highlight Mike Ciresi's record of commitment to the GLBT community. Robins, Kaplan, Miller and Ciresi (RKMC) was one of the first lawfirms in the nation to work on ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act) which is a proposed US law that would prohibit discrimination against employees on the basis of sexual orientation. RKMC also represented the SAGE (Straights and Gays for Equality) student group with their case against the Osseo School District in 2005. Click here for the story.Jeremy Hanson, an openly gay longtime activist, explained his support for Mike Ciresi. "Part of the reason I'm supporting Mike Ciresi for U.S. Senate is because I know he takes seriously the challenges that GLBT people face and I know that as our senator he will take seriously the fight for GLBT equality and justice," he said in an interview. "It's unfortunate when GLBT people are needlessly used as fodder for political satire or humor." Mike Ciresi also had the support Rick Stafford, chair of the Democratic National Committee's GLBT Caucus. Click here for the story.
Mike Ciresi has a professional record of accomplishment and a proven commitment to the people of Minnesota. We need Mike Ciresi as our next U.S. Senator.
Calm Before The Storm
As previously noted, there has been an eerie silence from the Republican Party of Minnesota since the DFL convention in Rochester. There have been few attacks on Franken and the media has seemed to of forgotten about the Senate race. This calm could be attributed to the fact that the fourth of July in approaching or because the summer heat has made people tired of the constantly active Senate race. But make no mistake about it, this is part of the Republican strategy:
Phase 1 of the Republican's plan: Allow Franken to breeze past Ciresi into the position of the lead DFL candidate. Phase 2: Hammer Franken going into the convention (but not so much that he would be denied the endorsement) so that he will be stained and weak once he is the endorsed candidate. Phase 3: Go easy on Franken once he is endorsed so that other potential candidates do not reenter. Phase 4: Once the filing date (July 15) is past, distract from the issues by hammering Franken with the mountain of opposition research they have compiled. Phase 5: Celebrate victory.
The impending storm will be unrelenting and will not only destroy Franken's campaign, but also seriously damage other DFL candidates. Make no mistake about it, the relative calm we are experiencing now is not because Franken has found his footing. We need Mike Ciresi to keep this election focused on the issues and on Norm Coleman. That is an election we can win.
Phase 1 of the Republican's plan: Allow Franken to breeze past Ciresi into the position of the lead DFL candidate. Phase 2: Hammer Franken going into the convention (but not so much that he would be denied the endorsement) so that he will be stained and weak once he is the endorsed candidate. Phase 3: Go easy on Franken once he is endorsed so that other potential candidates do not reenter. Phase 4: Once the filing date (July 15) is past, distract from the issues by hammering Franken with the mountain of opposition research they have compiled. Phase 5: Celebrate victory.
The impending storm will be unrelenting and will not only destroy Franken's campaign, but also seriously damage other DFL candidates. Make no mistake about it, the relative calm we are experiencing now is not because Franken has found his footing. We need Mike Ciresi to keep this election focused on the issues and on Norm Coleman. That is an election we can win.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Political Atmosphere Ripe For Democratic Victory, But Many Fear Loss
The Quinnipiac University poll released this week shows an atmosphere in which Democratic candidates should thrive. The results of four questions from the poll are clear signs that Minnesotans want change.
The poll asked "Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as President?" 70 percent if Minnesotans disapprove of the President. The poll asked "In general, how satisfied are you with the way things are going in the nation today? Are you very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?" Nearly 80 percent of Minnesotans are dissatisfied with the way things are going. The Poll asked "Do you think going to war with Iraq was the right thing for the United States to do or the wrong thing?" 61 percent of Minnesotans think going to war the wrong thing to do. The Poll asked "Which best describes your family's financial situation - Getting ahead, falling behind or holding steady?" Only 15 percent of Minnesotans said things were going well.
Norm Coleman has been a close ally of President Bush. Norm Coleman is in a large part responsible for putting this country in the wrong direction. Norm Coleman recently said that going to war in Iraq was the right decision. Norm Coleman is in a large part responsible for the economic downturn we find ourselves in.
Even with such a Democratic-favored political atmosphere, Democrats find themselves down 10 points is the Senate race. This can cannot be attributed to a liking of Norm Coleman, but to a disliking of Al Franken. This is a serious problem for the DFL. Norm Coleman should be the underdog on the defensive this election season, but it appears that he is headed for victory. The current Democratic Senate candidate is a drag on all DFL candidates this year. Unless a new candidate comes forward, Minnesotans will be forced to reelect Norm Coleman.
If Mike Ciresi enters the DFL Primary and thoroughly campaigns across this state, Minnesotans will rush to him as an alternative to the worthless Coleman and divisive Franken. On September 9, If Ciresi has entered the race, he will come forward as the leading candidate to defeat Norm Coleman.
The poll asked "Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as President?" 70 percent if Minnesotans disapprove of the President. The poll asked "In general, how satisfied are you with the way things are going in the nation today? Are you very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?" Nearly 80 percent of Minnesotans are dissatisfied with the way things are going. The Poll asked "Do you think going to war with Iraq was the right thing for the United States to do or the wrong thing?" 61 percent of Minnesotans think going to war the wrong thing to do. The Poll asked "Which best describes your family's financial situation - Getting ahead, falling behind or holding steady?" Only 15 percent of Minnesotans said things were going well.
Norm Coleman has been a close ally of President Bush. Norm Coleman is in a large part responsible for putting this country in the wrong direction. Norm Coleman recently said that going to war in Iraq was the right decision. Norm Coleman is in a large part responsible for the economic downturn we find ourselves in.
Even with such a Democratic-favored political atmosphere, Democrats find themselves down 10 points is the Senate race. This can cannot be attributed to a liking of Norm Coleman, but to a disliking of Al Franken. This is a serious problem for the DFL. Norm Coleman should be the underdog on the defensive this election season, but it appears that he is headed for victory. The current Democratic Senate candidate is a drag on all DFL candidates this year. Unless a new candidate comes forward, Minnesotans will be forced to reelect Norm Coleman.
If Mike Ciresi enters the DFL Primary and thoroughly campaigns across this state, Minnesotans will rush to him as an alternative to the worthless Coleman and divisive Franken. On September 9, If Ciresi has entered the race, he will come forward as the leading candidate to defeat Norm Coleman.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Obama Supporters Are Looking For Alternative Senate Candidate
The results of the recent Quinnipiac poll should be alarming to DFL leaders. Many Minnesotans who will be voting for Democrat Barack Obama will not be voting for Democrat Al Franken.
Minnesota Public Radio discusses this surprising trend in an article released Friday.
It is clear that many Democrats (at least 1/5) and most Independents are not going to support Al Franken in November. These Democrats and Independents are not supporting Coleman happily, they simply cannot support divisive Al Franken and view Coleman as the only alternative.
Minnesotans have made up their minds on the split ticket. If this week's Quinnipiac University poll proves predictive, it will take a new candidate to change the direction of this election. Mike Ciresi is the candidate who can appeal to those lost Democrats, dissatisfied Republicans, and crucial Independents.
DFL leaders should be alarmed by the direction of this election. Democrats needs to gather the strength to support a new candidate.
Minnesota Public Radio discusses this surprising trend in an article released Friday.
It is clear that many Democrats (at least 1/5) and most Independents are not going to support Al Franken in November. These Democrats and Independents are not supporting Coleman happily, they simply cannot support divisive Al Franken and view Coleman as the only alternative.
Minnesotans have made up their minds on the split ticket. If this week's Quinnipiac University poll proves predictive, it will take a new candidate to change the direction of this election. Mike Ciresi is the candidate who can appeal to those lost Democrats, dissatisfied Republicans, and crucial Independents.
DFL leaders should be alarmed by the direction of this election. Democrats needs to gather the strength to support a new candidate.
Polinaut: Will Mike Ciresi Get Back Into The Race?
MPR's Polinaut adds a new spin on whether Mike Ciresi will reenter the Senate race and asks the question everyone is thinking about:
"Here's the Senate question of the day: Do the Quinnipiac poll results (nearly 1 in 5 Democrats are supporting Coleman) and a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Millionaire's amendment prompt Mike Ciresi to get back into the race?"
What's the Millionaire's Amendment? Good Question. The Star Tribune has more:
"WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down the 'millionaire's amendment,' a campaign finance law intended to level the field for House candidates facing wealthy opponents who spend lots of their own money.
The law says that when candidates spend more than $350,000 from their own pockets, opponents may qualify to accept larger individual contributions than normally allowed and can receive unlimited coordinated party expenditures.
The justices, in a 5-4 ruling that reflects skepticism of campaign finance overhauls, said the law violates the First Amendment."
It is well known that Ciresi is wealthy and that he hasn't been shy of spending his own money. If Ciresi does indeed reenter the Senate race, the Court ruling will give him the upper hand if does use some of his own money. The ruling means that in an election against Norm Coleman, Mike Ciresi can give his fundraising a boost without giving Coleman an expanded contribution limit. It could prove to be key to victory in November for Democrats.
Couple this ruling with the last two polls (1 in 5 Democrats are supporting Coleman), and it makes an inviting climate for a primary challenge by Mike Ciresi.
"Here's the Senate question of the day: Do the Quinnipiac poll results (nearly 1 in 5 Democrats are supporting Coleman) and a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Millionaire's amendment prompt Mike Ciresi to get back into the race?"
What's the Millionaire's Amendment? Good Question. The Star Tribune has more:
"WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down the 'millionaire's amendment,' a campaign finance law intended to level the field for House candidates facing wealthy opponents who spend lots of their own money.
The law says that when candidates spend more than $350,000 from their own pockets, opponents may qualify to accept larger individual contributions than normally allowed and can receive unlimited coordinated party expenditures.
The justices, in a 5-4 ruling that reflects skepticism of campaign finance overhauls, said the law violates the First Amendment."
It is well known that Ciresi is wealthy and that he hasn't been shy of spending his own money. If Ciresi does indeed reenter the Senate race, the Court ruling will give him the upper hand if does use some of his own money. The ruling means that in an election against Norm Coleman, Mike Ciresi can give his fundraising a boost without giving Coleman an expanded contribution limit. It could prove to be key to victory in November for Democrats.
Couple this ruling with the last two polls (1 in 5 Democrats are supporting Coleman), and it makes an inviting climate for a primary challenge by Mike Ciresi.
National Journal Highlights Coleman's Friendly Dealings
The National Journal has an article examining the relationship between Senator Norm Coleman and well-connected GOP operative Jeff Larson. This relationship could cause some deserved damage to Coleman's campaign:
"Most curiously, Larson provides Coleman with a place to live in Washington. In July 2007, Coleman began paying Larson $600 a month in rent for a portion of a one-bedroom basement apartment in a Capitol Hill town house that Larson owns. The way Coleman explained the arrangement, the apartment serves as a crash pad. The 58-year-old senator sleeps in a bed shoehorned into a 10-by-10 bedroom, and he said he spends perhaps only 'three waking hours a night' in the place.
Earlier this month, after National Journal questioned Coleman and Larson about the living arrangement, the senator said he discovered that his rent for last November and January had not been paid. In mid-June, Coleman covered the back rent with a personal check for $1,200 made out to Larson and signed by the senator's wife. Last year, Coleman sold furniture to Larson to cover one month's rent, according to Larson. And Larson held on to yet another month's rent check for three months, cashing it a few days after NJ's inquiries.
Larson's St. Paul-based company, FLS Connect, is a critical component of Coleman's political operation. The firm, which has raised money and hustled up voters for Coleman, has been paid about $1.6 million since mid-2001 by Coleman's Northstar Leadership political action committee and two Senate campaigns, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. Larson serves as the PAC's treasurer and provides it with office space in St. Paul; Coleman's Senate campaign stopped renting space from Larson last year."
Click here to read the full article.
We fear information like this won't have traction during this campaign because the GOP will dodge and distract. Make this election about the issues, make the election focused on Norm Coleman. That is an election Democrats will win.
"Most curiously, Larson provides Coleman with a place to live in Washington. In July 2007, Coleman began paying Larson $600 a month in rent for a portion of a one-bedroom basement apartment in a Capitol Hill town house that Larson owns. The way Coleman explained the arrangement, the apartment serves as a crash pad. The 58-year-old senator sleeps in a bed shoehorned into a 10-by-10 bedroom, and he said he spends perhaps only 'three waking hours a night' in the place.
Earlier this month, after National Journal questioned Coleman and Larson about the living arrangement, the senator said he discovered that his rent for last November and January had not been paid. In mid-June, Coleman covered the back rent with a personal check for $1,200 made out to Larson and signed by the senator's wife. Last year, Coleman sold furniture to Larson to cover one month's rent, according to Larson. And Larson held on to yet another month's rent check for three months, cashing it a few days after NJ's inquiries.
Larson's St. Paul-based company, FLS Connect, is a critical component of Coleman's political operation. The firm, which has raised money and hustled up voters for Coleman, has been paid about $1.6 million since mid-2001 by Coleman's Northstar Leadership political action committee and two Senate campaigns, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. Larson serves as the PAC's treasurer and provides it with office space in St. Paul; Coleman's Senate campaign stopped renting space from Larson last year."
Click here to read the full article.
We fear information like this won't have traction during this campaign because the GOP will dodge and distract. Make this election about the issues, make the election focused on Norm Coleman. That is an election Democrats will win.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Dirt On Mike Ciresi
We recently stumbled upon a research briefing on Mike Ciresi compiled by the Republican Party of Minnesota. The briefing is titled "The Facts About Mike Ciresi." Included is a series of supposedly bad things from Ciresi's past. We encourage everyone to read through the information the MN GOP has on Ciresi.
Click here to read the document.
You will notice that it's pretty weak stuff. They seem to imply that because Ciresi wants to get things done, it makes him wrong for the Senate. Then they say that because Ciresi's not a Washington insider or an active DFLer, that he's not competent to be a Senator.
They supply a few quotes that are weakly supported and not very damaging in any depiction. Then they falsely paint Ciresi as a sexist because he used the word "cutesy" in a debate with a woman. It just doesn't seem as damaging as jokes about rape.
Of course, they try to paint Ciresi, who is a lifelong hunter, as a wacky liberal. "If being liberal is saying I want to look at the condition of the country and [find] things we can do to give people the tools to achieve their potential, and are willing to say government can be a catalyst, not to finance everything, but to be a catalyst, then, yeah, I'm a liberal." "I'm not ashamed of that. . . . While I'm not attuned to labels, I'm not going to run away from them either," said Ciresi.
In summary, this and any other material collected by the Republicans to damage Ciresi are and will be pathetic and meager attempts. They could never distract the election from the issues. In an election between Mike Ciresi and Norm Coleman, the focus will be on Coleman. That is an election Democrats will win.
Click here to read the document.
You will notice that it's pretty weak stuff. They seem to imply that because Ciresi wants to get things done, it makes him wrong for the Senate. Then they say that because Ciresi's not a Washington insider or an active DFLer, that he's not competent to be a Senator.
They supply a few quotes that are weakly supported and not very damaging in any depiction. Then they falsely paint Ciresi as a sexist because he used the word "cutesy" in a debate with a woman. It just doesn't seem as damaging as jokes about rape.
Of course, they try to paint Ciresi, who is a lifelong hunter, as a wacky liberal. "If being liberal is saying I want to look at the condition of the country and [find] things we can do to give people the tools to achieve their potential, and are willing to say government can be a catalyst, not to finance everything, but to be a catalyst, then, yeah, I'm a liberal." "I'm not ashamed of that. . . . While I'm not attuned to labels, I'm not going to run away from them either," said Ciresi.
In summary, this and any other material collected by the Republicans to damage Ciresi are and will be pathetic and meager attempts. They could never distract the election from the issues. In an election between Mike Ciresi and Norm Coleman, the focus will be on Coleman. That is an election Democrats will win.
New Poll Shows Opening For Senate Primary Challenge
A new poll shows Democrat Barack Obama with a decisive lead over Republican John McCain. Obama leads the Arizona Senator by 17 points, proving that Minnesota is thoroughly blue.
The poll also shows that while Minnesota may be in the blue, the majority of Minnesotans do not support Democrat Al Franken. Norm Coleman leads Franken by 10 points, 51-41 percent.
The poll conducted by Quinnipiac University and the Washington Post shows another problem for Team Franken. Franken trails Coleman in support among independents by 20 points.
This poll seems to confirm the SURVEY USA poll from last week that put Franken 12 points behind.
Word is also breaking that Franken owes taxes in 11 more states and the District of Columbia. This news will only compound problems for Franken.
"At this point it's going to take major shifts in events to turn the tide in either race in Minnesota," says pollster Clay Richards.
There is a clear opening for another candidate to enter the Senate Primary and challenge Al Franken. Every political observer has said that independents will decide this election. Franken is struggling with not only independents, but also the Democratic base. These are both warning signs for defeat.
Norm Coleman is poised for victory; we must shake up this race. This poll confirms our belief that Minnesotans are looking for another candidate. Independent voters don't want to vote for Coleman, but see no other option. Many Democrats are unenthusiastically supporting Franken because there is no alternative.
Mike Ciresi is that alternative. If Ciresi puts together a solid campaign effort he can appeal to independents and those weary Democrats, maybe even some dissatisfied Republicans. His life story will appeal to a broad range of voters and his history of working for Minnesotans will demonstrate his worth. Victory is not yet out of our grasp, we Democrats need to open our eyes and oust Franken and then support Ciresi to victory in November.
The poll also shows that while Minnesota may be in the blue, the majority of Minnesotans do not support Democrat Al Franken. Norm Coleman leads Franken by 10 points, 51-41 percent.
The poll conducted by Quinnipiac University and the Washington Post shows another problem for Team Franken. Franken trails Coleman in support among independents by 20 points.
This poll seems to confirm the SURVEY USA poll from last week that put Franken 12 points behind.
Word is also breaking that Franken owes taxes in 11 more states and the District of Columbia. This news will only compound problems for Franken.
"At this point it's going to take major shifts in events to turn the tide in either race in Minnesota," says pollster Clay Richards.
There is a clear opening for another candidate to enter the Senate Primary and challenge Al Franken. Every political observer has said that independents will decide this election. Franken is struggling with not only independents, but also the Democratic base. These are both warning signs for defeat.
Norm Coleman is poised for victory; we must shake up this race. This poll confirms our belief that Minnesotans are looking for another candidate. Independent voters don't want to vote for Coleman, but see no other option. Many Democrats are unenthusiastically supporting Franken because there is no alternative.
Mike Ciresi is that alternative. If Ciresi puts together a solid campaign effort he can appeal to independents and those weary Democrats, maybe even some dissatisfied Republicans. His life story will appeal to a broad range of voters and his history of working for Minnesotans will demonstrate his worth. Victory is not yet out of our grasp, we Democrats need to open our eyes and oust Franken and then support Ciresi to victory in November.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Coleman's Out Of Touch Record
Jeff Rosenberg over at MN Campaign Report has "the first in a series of weekly articles exposing Norm Coleman's record on the issues." This will is a great series to remind us where our Senator stands on the issues and why this election is so important. "Norm Coleman has been running toward the center, trying to fool Minnesotans into thinking he is more moderate than he really is. He knows his positions on the issues are out of touch, and so he's hoping the voters have short memories."
Norm Coleman has not been a moderate Senator who works across party lines, he has been a partisan rubber stamp for President Bush and Republicans. We cannot allow Norm to hide his partisan record behind a veil of advertising. Shining a light on Senator Coleman's record is the best way to expose him for who he truly is. Democrats can only defeat Norm Coleman if the election is focused on the issues. Do not allow this election be focused on the DFL candidate. Mike Ciresi will keep the public scrutiny where it belongs, on Norm Coleman.
Norm Coleman has not been a moderate Senator who works across party lines, he has been a partisan rubber stamp for President Bush and Republicans. We cannot allow Norm to hide his partisan record behind a veil of advertising. Shining a light on Senator Coleman's record is the best way to expose him for who he truly is. Democrats can only defeat Norm Coleman if the election is focused on the issues. Do not allow this election be focused on the DFL candidate. Mike Ciresi will keep the public scrutiny where it belongs, on Norm Coleman.
Chris Truscott: "DFL Senate Primary Would Be More Democratic Than Endorsement Fight"
Christopher Truscott has posted a brief, but insightful analysis of the possible upcoming DFL Senate primary fight. We at Draft Ciresi! have consistently stated that the system for nominating DFL candidate is broken. Mike Ciresi was tied or stronger than Franken in every state poll leading up to his withdrawal, but Ciresi was forced out because the delegates who nominate the DFL candidate do not reflect the general population.
"Primary challenges to party-endorsed candidates are generally greeted about as warmly as a White Sox fan at the Metrodome.
But the fact remains that the ballot box is a far more democratic way of selecting party nominees than the endorsement process as employed by the DFL and Republican parties.
For instance, a record-smashing 214,066 people turned out to DFL caucuses on Feb. 5. It’s an impressive figure for a Tuesday night in the middle of winter, sure, but it pales in comparison to what Minnesotans do in traditional elections.
In 2006, 316,470 people voted in the lightly contested DFL gubernatorial primary between party-endorsed Mike Hatch and then-state Sen. Becky Lourey.
Two months later, statewide DFL candidates Amy Klobuchar, Hatch, Lori Swanson, Mark Ritchie and Rebecca Otto received an average of 1,112,331 votes.
As a share of the total number of potential DFL voters, February’s caucus turnout was paltry at best, so to say that Mike Ciresi challenging Al Franken in the Senate primary would be some kind of sin against the party completely ignores the “d” in DFL—unless democratic now means 20 percent of the people should have the right to pick for the rest of us.
If he chooses to run, Ciresi should be given a fair hearing and accepted or rejected on his merits as a candidate and potential senator, not his adherence to an antiquated and less-inclusive political process."
Mike Ciresi will appeal to a broad group of voters, including Democrats, Republicans, and moderates. Mike Ciresi will secure the pivotal independent vote. Mike Ciresi will make this an election about the issues. Mike Ciresi will not be smeared by the Republican machine. Mike Ciresi will defeat Norm Coleman.
If Ciresi chooses to run, Minnesotans will have the opportunity to show us what they truly believe.
"Primary challenges to party-endorsed candidates are generally greeted about as warmly as a White Sox fan at the Metrodome.
But the fact remains that the ballot box is a far more democratic way of selecting party nominees than the endorsement process as employed by the DFL and Republican parties.
For instance, a record-smashing 214,066 people turned out to DFL caucuses on Feb. 5. It’s an impressive figure for a Tuesday night in the middle of winter, sure, but it pales in comparison to what Minnesotans do in traditional elections.
In 2006, 316,470 people voted in the lightly contested DFL gubernatorial primary between party-endorsed Mike Hatch and then-state Sen. Becky Lourey.
Two months later, statewide DFL candidates Amy Klobuchar, Hatch, Lori Swanson, Mark Ritchie and Rebecca Otto received an average of 1,112,331 votes.
As a share of the total number of potential DFL voters, February’s caucus turnout was paltry at best, so to say that Mike Ciresi challenging Al Franken in the Senate primary would be some kind of sin against the party completely ignores the “d” in DFL—unless democratic now means 20 percent of the people should have the right to pick for the rest of us.
If he chooses to run, Ciresi should be given a fair hearing and accepted or rejected on his merits as a candidate and potential senator, not his adherence to an antiquated and less-inclusive political process."
Mike Ciresi will appeal to a broad group of voters, including Democrats, Republicans, and moderates. Mike Ciresi will secure the pivotal independent vote. Mike Ciresi will make this an election about the issues. Mike Ciresi will not be smeared by the Republican machine. Mike Ciresi will defeat Norm Coleman.
If Ciresi chooses to run, Minnesotans will have the opportunity to show us what they truly believe.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Coleman Just Doesn't Get It #2
The DSCC just released this web video. It doesn't include some of the things we mentioned, but provides an equally compelling message.
This question should be asked of every Republican candidate and politician.
Norm Coleman and Al Franken would both have voted for this war knowing what they know now. Mike Ciresi had the judgment and courage to oppose and raise questions about this war from the start.
This question should be asked of every Republican candidate and politician.
Norm Coleman and Al Franken would both have voted for this war knowing what they know now. Mike Ciresi had the judgment and courage to oppose and raise questions about this war from the start.
Ridiculous Debate on the Blogs
I was just paging through various blogs and came upon a ridiculous debate on Minnesota Democrats Exposed. After liberal bloggers wrongfully suspected that Senator Coleman's wife was 'green screened' into the campaign's most recent ad, the Coleman campaign fired back with an internet video. This caused some of the ususal blogger suspects to argue back and forth about the primary residences of Norm Coleman and Al Franken. It's funny to see such a pathetic and backward debate on a blog that is run by a man who works for Erik Paulsen’s congressional campaign. I'm sure Mr. Paulsen really appreciates having a consultant who facilitates bitter partisan bickering.
Let's clear up some things. Al Franken has lived in New York for the past thirty years and only came back to Minnesota three years ago so he could run for U.S. Senate. Franken still maintains an apartment in NYC. Norm Coleman is semi-estranged with his wife but tried to fake it in an ad. Neither of them are all that forthright.
Mike Ciresi, however, was born and raised in St. Paul. He went to school here, he stayed here, and he still lives here. Ciresi doesn't need an ad to show he's close with his family. What a ridiculous debate that, once again, Ciresi would win.
Let's clear up some things. Al Franken has lived in New York for the past thirty years and only came back to Minnesota three years ago so he could run for U.S. Senate. Franken still maintains an apartment in NYC. Norm Coleman is semi-estranged with his wife but tried to fake it in an ad. Neither of them are all that forthright.
Mike Ciresi, however, was born and raised in St. Paul. He went to school here, he stayed here, and he still lives here. Ciresi doesn't need an ad to show he's close with his family. What a ridiculous debate that, once again, Ciresi would win.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Coleman Just Doesn't Get It
This week Senator Norm Coleman was asked "Based on what you know now, was your support for the war then wrong?” In other words: has the Iraq War been worth the cost? Well, to answer this, let's look at what the cost has been:
4102 American deaths since the war began on 1/19/03
30,333 American wounded
85,141 Iraqi casualties
530,598,000,000 Dollars spent on military action in Iraq
Iranian influence in Middle East strengthened
Thousands of Iraqi refugees have flooded into bordering countries creating instability
Al-Qaeda/Taliban given renewed strength in Afghanistan because forces have been diverted to Iraq
World opinion of America tarnished
What have we achieved from the war?
Saddam Hussein is gone
Stability has been restored because of the surge, but there has been no political progress
The question was NOT whether we should stay in Iraq until we achieve victory or whether we should withdraw immediately. That is a different question. The question was whether the war has been worth the cost and whether it was a mistake. Even when many other Republican Senators have said the war was a mistake, Norm Coleman still believes the war has been worth the cost. Whether Norm Coleman said this out of stupidity or something else, his statement shows a massive failure in judgment and shows a lack of courage to stand up on principle.
Al Franken has said he would have voted for the war. Norm Coleman has said he made the right decision in supporting the war. Mike Ciresi had the judgment and courage to oppose this war from the start. Unlike Al Franken, who has been on both sides of this this issue, and unlike Norm Coleman, who has been consistently out of touch with Minnesotans, Mike Ciresi has been the candidate who has been against the war from the start and provided responsible plan for getting us out of Iraq.
Mike Ciresi cannot be criticized for flip-flopping on the war, but he can assail Norm Coleman for his support of President Bush and his war.
What have we achieved from the war?
The question was NOT whether we should stay in Iraq until we achieve victory or whether we should withdraw immediately. That is a different question. The question was whether the war has been worth the cost and whether it was a mistake. Even when many other Republican Senators have said the war was a mistake, Norm Coleman still believes the war has been worth the cost. Whether Norm Coleman said this out of stupidity or something else, his statement shows a massive failure in judgment and shows a lack of courage to stand up on principle.
Al Franken has said he would have voted for the war. Norm Coleman has said he made the right decision in supporting the war. Mike Ciresi had the judgment and courage to oppose this war from the start. Unlike Al Franken, who has been on both sides of this this issue, and unlike Norm Coleman, who has been consistently out of touch with Minnesotans, Mike Ciresi has been the candidate who has been against the war from the start and provided responsible plan for getting us out of Iraq.
Mike Ciresi cannot be criticized for flip-flopping on the war, but he can assail Norm Coleman for his support of President Bush and his war.
The Mississippifarian: "Is Mike Ciresi The Answer?"
It seems Mark Gisleson over at the Mississippifarian may still not trust our motives, but he certainly agrees with what we say.
"Mike Ciresi is still valuable to the DFL, but only if he puts his name on the ballot in the DFL column as the anti-Ventura. Early polls show Ventura handing victory to Norman Bertram Coleman, the senior U.S. Senator from Minnesota who’s been conjugally linked to Laurie Coleman (reputedly his wife but if so the relationship must be fairly strained if every joint appearance triggers greenscreen debates).
If Jesse stays out, Ciresi can still pull his name or, if that’s not within the rules, just not campaign. If Jesse gets in, DFLers have a last chance at going with someone who can match up well with a snake oil salesman and a former pro wrestler. A two-timing weasel and a steroid-using atheist running against a Catholic Dad of the Year, the hero of Bhopal, the guy who got Big Tobacco to subsidize Minnesota’s tax base. I like that match up.
Ciresi would hold the Dems and cause Jesse to dig into Norm’s base. Franken would just split the extremists and nuts with Jesse; Franken telling the jokes, Jesse repeatedly revealing that he is the joke.
Ciresi getting publicly geting back in could scare Jesse off. It’s pretty obvious that Al and Norm don’t scare Mrs. Janos’ boy James in the slightest. And after the filing deadline? Expect the ‘pugs to dribble out the Franken f-bombs and rape jokes one after another after another.
Once the ‘pugs get past that summer filing deadline, it will be all bad jokes all the time right up until November, and then Norm Coleman and his cheatin’ heart will be back in DC for another six years of selling his vote to the most loathesome bidder. [Note: if you substitute "Al Franken" for "Norm Coleman" in that cheatin' heart search, you'll get twice as many matches, but none of which talk about Al as unfaithful. The Norm matches? Pretty much what you'd expect from a philanderer who knows to tip the doorman heavily: lots of innuendo, light on the photographic evidence.]
Is Mike Ciresi the answer? Maybe, maybe not. But he is the anti-Jesse, a vaccine against the dreaded 3-way (a race Dems always seem to lose in MN), assuming he files. I hope he does, because right now Republican money men are promising Jesse the world if he gets in because they, like me, are certain that Jesse in the race means Norm’s on pace to get re-elected."
It sounds strikingly similar to our last post "Ventura for Senate? Not So Fast." We are not encouraging Ciresi to run a fourth-party candidacy, that would just be loony. We are simply pointing out the fact that if Ciresi enters, it may discourage Ventura from entering, and Ciresi can act as a safety net for the DFL for when Franken collapses.
"Mike Ciresi is still valuable to the DFL, but only if he puts his name on the ballot in the DFL column as the anti-Ventura. Early polls show Ventura handing victory to Norman Bertram Coleman, the senior U.S. Senator from Minnesota who’s been conjugally linked to Laurie Coleman (reputedly his wife but if so the relationship must be fairly strained if every joint appearance triggers greenscreen debates).
If Jesse stays out, Ciresi can still pull his name or, if that’s not within the rules, just not campaign. If Jesse gets in, DFLers have a last chance at going with someone who can match up well with a snake oil salesman and a former pro wrestler. A two-timing weasel and a steroid-using atheist running against a Catholic Dad of the Year, the hero of Bhopal, the guy who got Big Tobacco to subsidize Minnesota’s tax base. I like that match up.
Ciresi would hold the Dems and cause Jesse to dig into Norm’s base. Franken would just split the extremists and nuts with Jesse; Franken telling the jokes, Jesse repeatedly revealing that he is the joke.
Ciresi getting publicly geting back in could scare Jesse off. It’s pretty obvious that Al and Norm don’t scare Mrs. Janos’ boy James in the slightest. And after the filing deadline? Expect the ‘pugs to dribble out the Franken f-bombs and rape jokes one after another after another.
Once the ‘pugs get past that summer filing deadline, it will be all bad jokes all the time right up until November, and then Norm Coleman and his cheatin’ heart will be back in DC for another six years of selling his vote to the most loathesome bidder. [Note: if you substitute "Al Franken" for "Norm Coleman" in that cheatin' heart search, you'll get twice as many matches, but none of which talk about Al as unfaithful. The Norm matches? Pretty much what you'd expect from a philanderer who knows to tip the doorman heavily: lots of innuendo, light on the photographic evidence.]
Is Mike Ciresi the answer? Maybe, maybe not. But he is the anti-Jesse, a vaccine against the dreaded 3-way (a race Dems always seem to lose in MN), assuming he files. I hope he does, because right now Republican money men are promising Jesse the world if he gets in because they, like me, are certain that Jesse in the race means Norm’s on pace to get re-elected."
It sounds strikingly similar to our last post "Ventura for Senate? Not So Fast." We are not encouraging Ciresi to run a fourth-party candidacy, that would just be loony. We are simply pointing out the fact that if Ciresi enters, it may discourage Ventura from entering, and Ciresi can act as a safety net for the DFL for when Franken collapses.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Ventura For Senate? Not So Fast.
Jesse Ventura has been included in the two most recent Senate race polls. Impressively, he has polled in the mid twenties. It is clear that his entrance into the Senate race would shake things up, but do his his high polling numbers mean something else?
We think they do.
Al Franken appeals to maybe 4 out of 5 Democrats. That means 20% of Dems are looking for a different candidate. Coleman is stronger among Republicans than Franken is among Dems, but Coleman too has a gap in base support. Where are these two groups of voters turning towards? It looks like Ventura. However, they may just be turning to him because he's not Franken or Coleman, and he has no name recognition problem. Do Minnesotans really want six years of Jesse Ventura in the Senate? We think his high numbers only show the growing discontent with the two endorsed candidates.
But why isn't Ciresi polling as well as Ventura in the same polls?
The recent Survey USA poll asked "What if the three candidates on the ballot were Republican Norm Coleman, DFL candidate Mike Ciresi, and Independent candidate Jesse Ventura?" Ciresi still did better than Ventura (28% to 26%), however, they were nearly tied with a margin of error of 4.1%. Yes, Franken did better against Ventura (31% to 23%), but Franken and Ventura are household names and Franken has been campaigning for the last 4 months. Oh Yes, and Franken was endorsed by the DFL, that probably helped him also (even thought the DFL likely regrets that now).
Franken will stumble.
The support Franken has among Dems and Independents will certainly erode once the MN GOP attack machine is up and running. The issues of Franken's taxes and writing were only previews of what's to come. The voters in the middle will be unwillingly pushed to Coleman because they will be offended by Franken. Let's pretend everything goes fine for Franken and there are no more damaging stories, he will still lose. Once Ventura enters the race, the Dems will be split at least partially, ushering in six more years of Norman.
Coleman, Franken, Ciresi and Ventura?
Ventura has said we will wait until the final hour of the final day to file with FEC. Why? He's waiting to see what move Ciresi will make. If Ciresi and Ventura enter the race, it will be ugly, but Coleman will likely win. We feel that Ventura does not want to see a four man race, and that he would sit on the sidelines if Ciresi entered before him. Ventura has openly and rightfully criticized Coleman for his worthlessness (not to mention his support for the war and the fact he still thinks it was a good idea) and Ventura has criticized Franken for being a carpetbagger and joke (no comment), but he has remained silent on Ciresi. If Ciresi enters the race he will secure the voters who support Ventura, he will secure many of Franken supporters (once the MN GOP tear in Franken) and he will pull away about 15% of Republicans. It would be close, but it's the best shot we have at defeating Coleman.
The bottom line:
No Republican will vote for Franken over Coleman. Some Democrats will disaffect form Franken to Coleman. And moderates/undecideds will be turned away from Franken because of the GOP smear machine.
No Democrat will vote for Coleman over Ciresi. Some Republicans will disaffect from Coleman to Ciresi. And moderates/undecideds will view Ciresi as a positive alternative to Coleman.
You decide what the end result looks like.
We think they do.
Al Franken appeals to maybe 4 out of 5 Democrats. That means 20% of Dems are looking for a different candidate. Coleman is stronger among Republicans than Franken is among Dems, but Coleman too has a gap in base support. Where are these two groups of voters turning towards? It looks like Ventura. However, they may just be turning to him because he's not Franken or Coleman, and he has no name recognition problem. Do Minnesotans really want six years of Jesse Ventura in the Senate? We think his high numbers only show the growing discontent with the two endorsed candidates.
But why isn't Ciresi polling as well as Ventura in the same polls?
The recent Survey USA poll asked "What if the three candidates on the ballot were Republican Norm Coleman, DFL candidate Mike Ciresi, and Independent candidate Jesse Ventura?" Ciresi still did better than Ventura (28% to 26%), however, they were nearly tied with a margin of error of 4.1%. Yes, Franken did better against Ventura (31% to 23%), but Franken and Ventura are household names and Franken has been campaigning for the last 4 months. Oh Yes, and Franken was endorsed by the DFL, that probably helped him also (even thought the DFL likely regrets that now).
Franken will stumble.
The support Franken has among Dems and Independents will certainly erode once the MN GOP attack machine is up and running. The issues of Franken's taxes and writing were only previews of what's to come. The voters in the middle will be unwillingly pushed to Coleman because they will be offended by Franken. Let's pretend everything goes fine for Franken and there are no more damaging stories, he will still lose. Once Ventura enters the race, the Dems will be split at least partially, ushering in six more years of Norman.
Coleman, Franken, Ciresi and Ventura?
Ventura has said we will wait until the final hour of the final day to file with FEC. Why? He's waiting to see what move Ciresi will make. If Ciresi and Ventura enter the race, it will be ugly, but Coleman will likely win. We feel that Ventura does not want to see a four man race, and that he would sit on the sidelines if Ciresi entered before him. Ventura has openly and rightfully criticized Coleman for his worthlessness (not to mention his support for the war and the fact he still thinks it was a good idea) and Ventura has criticized Franken for being a carpetbagger and joke (no comment), but he has remained silent on Ciresi. If Ciresi enters the race he will secure the voters who support Ventura, he will secure many of Franken supporters (once the MN GOP tear in Franken) and he will pull away about 15% of Republicans. It would be close, but it's the best shot we have at defeating Coleman.
The bottom line:
No Republican will vote for Franken over Coleman. Some Democrats will disaffect form Franken to Coleman. And moderates/undecideds will be turned away from Franken because of the GOP smear machine.
No Democrat will vote for Coleman over Ciresi. Some Republicans will disaffect from Coleman to Ciresi. And moderates/undecideds will view Ciresi as a positive alternative to Coleman.
You decide what the end result looks like.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The Republican Silence That Speaks Volumes; Predictions For The Election
Maybe you haven't noticed, but the Republican Party of Minnesota has been oddly silent recently. They did recently release a list of Al Franken's questionable investments, but nothing truly vile or striking. Why? Well, it seems that the MN GOP and Michael Brodkorb are taking it easy on Franken until he is truly confirmed as the DFL's candidate. That is, they are waiting until July 15, the filing date for the MN Senate race.
If they [MN GOP/MDE] hammer Franken too hard before July 15, they risk turning DFLers against Franken and towards Mike Ciresi. If they go easy on him until July 15, it will give the DFL a false sense of security, and therefore making it unlikely Ciresi will try to reenter the race. If Ciresi chooses not to reenter because the political atmosphere is not conducive, the MN GOP/Brodkorb will hammer Franken starting July 16. If Ciresi enters the race, the MN GOP/Brodkorb will stay silent so that the DFL is divided and crippled for November. It's a brilliant political strategy on the party of Republicans, but it can be beaten.
Ciresi must act as a safety net for the DFL party, so to speak. He needs to reenter the race and file with the FEC by July 15. However, he should not launch a full scale campaign — that would play right into the Republicans' strategy. Once he's in, Ciresi needs to campaign quietly. Ciresi needs to garner party support behind the scenes while Franken conducts a full scale public campaign. The Republicans will be forced to hammer Franken because we bet they won't sit idly by as the DFL attacks them. As Franken and the Republicans fight, Ciresi will work carefully and diligently in the background. If Franken wins, then fine, the Democrats gain another seat in the Senate. But if Franken goes down in flames before November, as we suspect he will, then Ciresi will be waiting to salvage the election for the DFL and he will already have major support that he has quietly built. If this happens, Franken will hopefully realize he cannot win, and Franken will step aside for Ciresi to carry on the fight.
It's not a perfect scenario, and it likely won't work out this way, but it's an interesting thought.
If they [MN GOP/MDE] hammer Franken too hard before July 15, they risk turning DFLers against Franken and towards Mike Ciresi. If they go easy on him until July 15, it will give the DFL a false sense of security, and therefore making it unlikely Ciresi will try to reenter the race. If Ciresi chooses not to reenter because the political atmosphere is not conducive, the MN GOP/Brodkorb will hammer Franken starting July 16. If Ciresi enters the race, the MN GOP/Brodkorb will stay silent so that the DFL is divided and crippled for November. It's a brilliant political strategy on the party of Republicans, but it can be beaten.
Ciresi must act as a safety net for the DFL party, so to speak. He needs to reenter the race and file with the FEC by July 15. However, he should not launch a full scale campaign — that would play right into the Republicans' strategy. Once he's in, Ciresi needs to campaign quietly. Ciresi needs to garner party support behind the scenes while Franken conducts a full scale public campaign. The Republicans will be forced to hammer Franken because we bet they won't sit idly by as the DFL attacks them. As Franken and the Republicans fight, Ciresi will work carefully and diligently in the background. If Franken wins, then fine, the Democrats gain another seat in the Senate. But if Franken goes down in flames before November, as we suspect he will, then Ciresi will be waiting to salvage the election for the DFL and he will already have major support that he has quietly built. If this happens, Franken will hopefully realize he cannot win, and Franken will step aside for Ciresi to carry on the fight.
It's not a perfect scenario, and it likely won't work out this way, but it's an interesting thought.
Senate Race Discussion on At Issue
“Frankly he hasn’t done a very good job of talking about what he [Franken] is for… Democrats will be thinking about all their options between now and then.”
- Blois Olson
“Al Franken hasn’t sealed the deal with statewide Democrats and when you’re a challenger if you’re on defense, you’re not scoring points, you’re losing, and he [Franken] has been on defense for quite a while. I think Mike Ciresi can make a pretty good point that this guy can’t close the deal with voters, he can’t even close the deal with mainstream Democrats.”
- Annette Meeks
It's clear that Democrats are looking for another candidate who can appeal to the whole party and moderate voters. If Al Franken remains on the defense, he cannot win this election. We need a candidate who can come into the race without problems attached to his name. Mike Ciresi is a candidate who Democrats will have no reservations about supporting. While he may not be some Democrats' first choice, he's a strong alternative who can appeal to the whole party and Independents and Republicans.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Survey USA Poll: Ciresi Stronger Than Franken
In a Survey USA poll conducted for 5 Eyewitness News KSTP-TV, Mike Ciresi is 2 points stronger than Al Franken. Mike Ciresi, who has not been campaigning for months, is still a viable alternative to Franken.
This poll serves as warning #3 to the DFL: Franken will stumble; Ciresi remains strong
This poll serves as warning #3 to the DFL: Franken will stumble; Ciresi remains strong
Sunday, June 15, 2008
--Statement #2--
Sunday June 15, 2008
Statement on Draft Ciresi! Movement
Concerns over the candidacy of Al Franken have reverberated through this state. Voters are tired of President Bush and the damage he and his enablers have wrought on this country. Norm Coleman has only been successful in protecting his own political career, and has stood by President Bush doing nothing while our country has been in pain. Our economy is ailing; we are in an indefinite war; gas prices have soared; social security is bankrupt; our healthcare system is overburdened; the debt is reaching ten trillion dollars; the list goes on. The call for change in Washington can be heard across the country and the world. Yet, here in Minnesota, where this call for change is equally strong, we are not discussing the problems we face, but the offensive statements made by a comedian-turned-politician
This November, the issues that we face, the issues that are so important and the ones we must debate, will not be the issue. Franken will be the issue. By defending his satire as training for the Senate, he has opened the door for a GOP assault on his record of offensive and indecent words, just as Republicans so gleefully proclaim.
This election will prove to be bitter, divisive and futile for Democrats. Republicans will volley attack after attack on Al Franken. These attacks will not be on the issues, but on him personally. They will dredge up things Franken said in 1970 and 1995 and 2000. Franken will be characterized has an offensive joke, as a New Yorker who lacks the experience and judgment for the job. The rural voter, the moderate Republican or Democrat or Independent who was looking for an alternative to Senator Coleman will not be satisfied with Franken, and will in turn settle for six more years of someone who they would rather not have voted for.
Time is running out to change course, but it can still be done with your help. Mike Ciresi possesses the intelligence, the experience, the strength, and the gravitas to be a great Senator. He can appeal to broad group of voters who are dissatisfied with the current candidates. Most of all, he will keep the issues of the election on the issues. Across Minnesota there are whispers of dissent, but they are kept in check to preserve the appearance of unity.
We have started this movement not because we have buyer’s remorse or are bitter that our candidate wasn’t endorsed. We have started this movement because someone needs to stand up for what they believe in. There are too many people in this state who feel as we so strongly do for us to simply stand idly by as the DFL forgets what it stands for.
We call on those elected officials who are concerned about their chances in the fall. We call on all those Minnesotans who have remained quite in appearance but are greatly concerned inside. We call on people who have lost faith in politics to rally one last time for something that is just and right.
A movement cannot succeed unless it has its followers, its foot soldiers, its outspoken believers. Join our movement and we can still change course.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
- Margaret Mead
Moderate Thinker
DFL Activist Anonymous
Dump Coleman
Concerns over the candidacy of Al Franken have reverberated through this state. Voters are tired of President Bush and the damage he and his enablers have wrought on this country. Norm Coleman has only been successful in protecting his own political career, and has stood by President Bush doing nothing while our country has been in pain. Our economy is ailing; we are in an indefinite war; gas prices have soared; social security is bankrupt; our healthcare system is overburdened; the debt is reaching ten trillion dollars; the list goes on. The call for change in Washington can be heard across the country and the world. Yet, here in Minnesota, where this call for change is equally strong, we are not discussing the problems we face, but the offensive statements made by a comedian-turned-politician
This November, the issues that we face, the issues that are so important and the ones we must debate, will not be the issue. Franken will be the issue. By defending his satire as training for the Senate, he has opened the door for a GOP assault on his record of offensive and indecent words, just as Republicans so gleefully proclaim.
This election will prove to be bitter, divisive and futile for Democrats. Republicans will volley attack after attack on Al Franken. These attacks will not be on the issues, but on him personally. They will dredge up things Franken said in 1970 and 1995 and 2000. Franken will be characterized has an offensive joke, as a New Yorker who lacks the experience and judgment for the job. The rural voter, the moderate Republican or Democrat or Independent who was looking for an alternative to Senator Coleman will not be satisfied with Franken, and will in turn settle for six more years of someone who they would rather not have voted for.
Time is running out to change course, but it can still be done with your help. Mike Ciresi possesses the intelligence, the experience, the strength, and the gravitas to be a great Senator. He can appeal to broad group of voters who are dissatisfied with the current candidates. Most of all, he will keep the issues of the election on the issues. Across Minnesota there are whispers of dissent, but they are kept in check to preserve the appearance of unity.
We have started this movement not because we have buyer’s remorse or are bitter that our candidate wasn’t endorsed. We have started this movement because someone needs to stand up for what they believe in. There are too many people in this state who feel as we so strongly do for us to simply stand idly by as the DFL forgets what it stands for.
We call on those elected officials who are concerned about their chances in the fall. We call on all those Minnesotans who have remained quite in appearance but are greatly concerned inside. We call on people who have lost faith in politics to rally one last time for something that is just and right.
A movement cannot succeed unless it has its followers, its foot soldiers, its outspoken believers. Join our movement and we can still change course.
- Margaret Mead
Moderate Thinker
DFL Activist Anonymous
Dump Coleman
Friday, June 13, 2008
--Statement--
Draft Ciresi! Statement on Website Unveiling
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday June 12, 2008
Draft Ciresi! website unveiled on June 12, 2008 with the hope of revitalizing the movement to elect Mike Ciresi as our next US Senator.
Al Franken cannot beat Norm Coleman, but instead will bring the DFL Party down in flames with him. He will fail in his attempt to defeat Senator Norm Coleman and Norm Coleman MUST be defeated. The people of Minnesota cannot afford for us to fail.
For every uninsured family, for every family facing foreclosure, for every family with a loved one in Iraq, we call on those Democrats who are quietly expressing their concerns about Al Franken to friends, family members, and colleagues to become more vocal.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday June 12, 2008
We have taken a risk by starting this website. We care deeply about the issues of this election, and we know that one of the risks of this website is that it could backfire. In fact, that is what the GOP hopes it will do. They WANT Franken to be the candidate and they will do anything to compromise our site. Michael Brodkorb and Ron Carey are snakes and dirtbags, and they will stop at nothing to manipulate the debate over who should represent our party. They have no constructive roll to play in this debate. We have not asked MDE to cover our website and the fact that they did makes us want to bathe with Lava soap.
~Dump Coleman
--------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday June 12, 2008
Mike Ciresi was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, to a middle class family. His father, who never received a college education, spoke broken English. Mike was in the seventh grade when his mother died from breast cancer. Even in the face of adversity, Mike took is upon himself to achieve an education. He worked as a janitor in order to pay his way through law school.
Eventually, through hard work, determination, and perseverance, Mike became what he is today, a prominent and successful attorney. Mike used his legal skills to take on the entrenched special interests.
Representing the State of Minnesota, Mike took on the tobacco industry and won when all others believed they could not be beaten. The tobacco suit won the State of Minnesota more than 6 billion dollars and up to 200 million dollars a year as long as cigarettes are sold to Minnesotans.
When a chemical spill killed thousands in Bhopal, India, Mike represented the Government of India. The Bhopal disaster suit was a massive victory for India, and forced chemical companies to fundamentally change their ways.
When the pharmaceutical industry was selling faulty birth control products to women, Mike took them on and made the companies change their products.
In these, and countless other cases, Mike Ciresi has put himself on the line for the common good—even when no one else would. He has gone face to face with the most powerful special interests, and not once blinked. As one of the leaders of the the law firm Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, Mike knows what it means to employ hundreds of Minnesotans, provide health and workers' compensation insurance, and run a business. Throughout his career, Mike has represented only one special interest, that of Minnesotans.
After years of success in the courtroom, Mike began to quietly pursue his philanthropic goals for the community. He serves on countless community boards and donates generously to good causes. He has does this all quietly, without praise or mention.
Mike has a wealth of experience that would make him a uniquely effective Senator. He will work across party lines to get things for Minnesotans and the country. Mike has proven that he is not afraid of a fight. No matter how much influence special interests have over Washington, they will not influence Mike Ciresi.
In an election against Norm Coleman, Mike will keep the focus of the debate on the issues that matter—this is a debate Mike Ciresi will win.
A lifelong Minnesotan, Mike knows what the middle class is facing, because he has faced it also. Send him to Washington and he will represent the interests of Minnesotans on a higher level.
This election is too important to lose. We must defeat Norm Coleman, and to do that we must elect Mike Ciresi.
~ Moderate Thinker
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday June 12, 2008
Draft Ciresi! website unveiled on June 12, 2008 with the hope of revitalizing the movement to elect Mike Ciresi as our next US Senator.
Al Franken cannot beat Norm Coleman, but instead will bring the DFL Party down in flames with him. He will fail in his attempt to defeat Senator Norm Coleman and Norm Coleman MUST be defeated. The people of Minnesota cannot afford for us to fail.
For every uninsured family, for every family facing foreclosure, for every family with a loved one in Iraq, we call on those Democrats who are quietly expressing their concerns about Al Franken to friends, family members, and colleagues to become more vocal.
For every parent who can’t afford to send their daughter or son to college, for every college student facing mountains of debt, for every working parent who is counting on card-check elections to form their union, we call on Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Congressman Tim Walz, Congressman Keith Ellison, Congressman Jim Oberstar, and Congressman Collin Peterson to do what they know is right and to speak out.
We call on Mike Ciresi to re-enter the US Senate race and defeat Norm Coleman.
We have not seen the last of Al Franken’s troubling past. The Republican Party of Minnesota will release damming information about Al Franken in the months leading up to the election. If Team Franken is embroiled in controversy, we cannot focus on Norm Coleman’s record of supporting special interests and big business; we cannot focus on Norm Coleman’s record of showing zero oversight on the Iraq war; and we cannot focus on Norm Coleman’s unwavering support of President Bush. We cannot afford the reelection of Senator Norm Coleman. We cannot afford to have Al Franken as our candidate. We need Mike Ciresi.
Why do we remain anonymous? We remain anonymous because we are not just three people speaking out about this election. We remain anonymous because we represent the growing dissatisfaction among Minnesotans who have been thrust into a choice between Norm Coleman and Al Franken.
~DFL Activist Anonymous
-----------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday June 12, 2008
We have taken a risk by starting this website. We care deeply about the issues of this election, and we know that one of the risks of this website is that it could backfire. In fact, that is what the GOP hopes it will do. They WANT Franken to be the candidate and they will do anything to compromise our site. Michael Brodkorb and Ron Carey are snakes and dirtbags, and they will stop at nothing to manipulate the debate over who should represent our party. They have no constructive roll to play in this debate. We have not asked MDE to cover our website and the fact that they did makes us want to bathe with Lava soap.
~Dump Coleman
--------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday June 12, 2008
Mike Ciresi was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, to a middle class family. His father, who never received a college education, spoke broken English. Mike was in the seventh grade when his mother died from breast cancer. Even in the face of adversity, Mike took is upon himself to achieve an education. He worked as a janitor in order to pay his way through law school.
Eventually, through hard work, determination, and perseverance, Mike became what he is today, a prominent and successful attorney. Mike used his legal skills to take on the entrenched special interests.
Representing the State of Minnesota, Mike took on the tobacco industry and won when all others believed they could not be beaten. The tobacco suit won the State of Minnesota more than 6 billion dollars and up to 200 million dollars a year as long as cigarettes are sold to Minnesotans.
When a chemical spill killed thousands in Bhopal, India, Mike represented the Government of India. The Bhopal disaster suit was a massive victory for India, and forced chemical companies to fundamentally change their ways.
When the pharmaceutical industry was selling faulty birth control products to women, Mike took them on and made the companies change their products.
In these, and countless other cases, Mike Ciresi has put himself on the line for the common good—even when no one else would. He has gone face to face with the most powerful special interests, and not once blinked. As one of the leaders of the the law firm Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, Mike knows what it means to employ hundreds of Minnesotans, provide health and workers' compensation insurance, and run a business. Throughout his career, Mike has represented only one special interest, that of Minnesotans.
After years of success in the courtroom, Mike began to quietly pursue his philanthropic goals for the community. He serves on countless community boards and donates generously to good causes. He has does this all quietly, without praise or mention.
Mike has a wealth of experience that would make him a uniquely effective Senator. He will work across party lines to get things for Minnesotans and the country. Mike has proven that he is not afraid of a fight. No matter how much influence special interests have over Washington, they will not influence Mike Ciresi.
In an election against Norm Coleman, Mike will keep the focus of the debate on the issues that matter—this is a debate Mike Ciresi will win.
A lifelong Minnesotan, Mike knows what the middle class is facing, because he has faced it also. Send him to Washington and he will represent the interests of Minnesotans on a higher level.
This election is too important to lose. We must defeat Norm Coleman, and to do that we must elect Mike Ciresi.
~ Moderate Thinker
Who decides this election?
The recent gubernatorial race was a close one. Tim Pawlenty beat Mike Hatch by only 1% (21,108 votes) demonstrating that this state is closely divided along party lines. It also shows how important moderate and independent voters are in deciding these close elections.
Maybe you also remember that the two candidates were neck and neck. In fact, Mike Hatch appeared stronger than Pawlenty in many polls. But what happened? Well, in the latter period of the election, due to a speaking error by his candidate for lieutenant governor, Mike Hatch went ballistic at the media, and specifically KSTP-TV. As his anger surfaced during the campaign, Republicans exploited his minor outbursts and colorful language. This caused more and more voters to turn away from the DFL candidate.
This is exactly how Norm Coleman will beat Al Franken. Because Coleman cannot win on the issues alone, he will need to distract from DFL criticisms by attacking Al Franken's colorful history. The amount of material the MN GOP has on Franken vastly outweighs anything the MN GOP could even think of saying about Mike Hatch.
If Franken is portrayed as an angry, out of touch New Yorker who has said offensive things, he will not win the election no matter how hard he fights. Moderates, Independents and those rural Minnesota voters will not like him, and they will run to Norm Coleman as the lesser of two evils. We cannot afford to have this happen.
Mike Ciresi will not fall into this trap. His history is stronger and more connected to Minnesota than that of Franken or Coleman. Mike Ciresi has brought more money into this state than Norm Coleman ever has in his time in the Senate. Mike Ciresi has always represented the little guy or the just cause. Mike Ciresi's story is one that will appeal to Moderates, Independents, and rural Minnesotan voters. His history will not be used against him, but by him to prove his worth. Mike Ciresi will be able to keep the election focused on Norm Coleman and the issues—that is a fight he will win.
The person who will win this election will be the person who appeals to the middle group of voters who decide elections. That person, more than any other, will be Mike Ciresi.
Maybe you also remember that the two candidates were neck and neck. In fact, Mike Hatch appeared stronger than Pawlenty in many polls. But what happened? Well, in the latter period of the election, due to a speaking error by his candidate for lieutenant governor, Mike Hatch went ballistic at the media, and specifically KSTP-TV. As his anger surfaced during the campaign, Republicans exploited his minor outbursts and colorful language. This caused more and more voters to turn away from the DFL candidate.
This is exactly how Norm Coleman will beat Al Franken. Because Coleman cannot win on the issues alone, he will need to distract from DFL criticisms by attacking Al Franken's colorful history. The amount of material the MN GOP has on Franken vastly outweighs anything the MN GOP could even think of saying about Mike Hatch.
If Franken is portrayed as an angry, out of touch New Yorker who has said offensive things, he will not win the election no matter how hard he fights. Moderates, Independents and those rural Minnesota voters will not like him, and they will run to Norm Coleman as the lesser of two evils. We cannot afford to have this happen.
Mike Ciresi will not fall into this trap. His history is stronger and more connected to Minnesota than that of Franken or Coleman. Mike Ciresi has brought more money into this state than Norm Coleman ever has in his time in the Senate. Mike Ciresi has always represented the little guy or the just cause. Mike Ciresi's story is one that will appeal to Moderates, Independents, and rural Minnesotan voters. His history will not be used against him, but by him to prove his worth. Mike Ciresi will be able to keep the election focused on Norm Coleman and the issues—that is a fight he will win.
The person who will win this election will be the person who appeals to the middle group of voters who decide elections. That person, more than any other, will be Mike Ciresi.
Thanks for the input!
We're working to follow the advice and critique given by more experienced bloggers out there. We know that we're going to have a high bar to reach to win over the trust of the DFL blog community, but we're going to try. We also don't want to lose sight of our goals while we do this.
Political Muse: Thanks for the update. We're working on applying your advise.
Blue man (see comments on above link): We're going to work hard to earn your support. As far as Franken's flaws go, we still think that the only thing that publishing them now does is that A) we may get another DFL candidate and B) they can't be used as an October Surprise by MDE. Imagine if Franken had been hit with Porn-o- Rama 3 days before election day...
MNPublius: chirp chirp.... chirp chirp... do I hear crickets?
Political Muse: Thanks for the update. We're working on applying your advise.
Blue man (see comments on above link): We're going to work hard to earn your support. As far as Franken's flaws go, we still think that the only thing that publishing them now does is that A) we may get another DFL candidate and B) they can't be used as an October Surprise by MDE. Imagine if Franken had been hit with Porn-o- Rama 3 days before election day...
MNPublius: chirp chirp.... chirp chirp... do I hear crickets?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Let us address some concerns:
1) We are not affiliated with the Republican Party of Minnesota or any other conservative blogger out to tank the Franken campaign. In fact, we are staunch Democrats who want to see a victory in November.
2) Al Franken is not our target. Our goal is to put Mike Ciresi, the best possible candidate, in the Senate. However, Al Franken is an obstacle for our effort. Some believe our posts are unbalanced against Franken; this is true. However, first things come first, and we must defeat Franken before we can take on Coleman.
3) We do not like negative attacks, but touting Ciresi's record alone cannot force change.
4) We realize bloggers like Michael B. Brodkorb will spin our site for their own purposes. MBB is the type of person who does not care about the greater good, but only what's politically expedient for his party. People like him are the reason why we want Mike Ciresi to be our US Senator.
Stay tuned for a more detailed statement about our site.
2) Al Franken is not our target. Our goal is to put Mike Ciresi, the best possible candidate, in the Senate. However, Al Franken is an obstacle for our effort. Some believe our posts are unbalanced against Franken; this is true. However, first things come first, and we must defeat Franken before we can take on Coleman.
3) We do not like negative attacks, but touting Ciresi's record alone cannot force change.
4) We realize bloggers like Michael B. Brodkorb will spin our site for their own purposes. MBB is the type of person who does not care about the greater good, but only what's politically expedient for his party. People like him are the reason why we want Mike Ciresi to be our US Senator.
Stay tuned for a more detailed statement about our site.
Ciresi: "We have to get this race back to the issues"
In an MinnPost article, Ciresi was quoted saying: "It is my belief that we have to get this race back to the issues... It is important that Minnesota send a Democrat to Washington, but instead of talking about issues, instead of spending our energy on defeating Norm Coleman, we're in this morass."
Through this election, Al Franken has not been able to speak about the issues. Team Franken has been in constant defense from MN GOP attacks. While Franken defends comments about the drugging and raping of a woman, Norm Coleman releases an ad in which he talks about bringing people together and building things up rather than tearing things down. This is not a good strategy for the DFL.
As expressed by many DFLers, Franken's candidacy will harm the party during this election. We simply cannot afford to have him as our US Senate candidate. Why do you think Betty McCollum wants nothing to do with Franken? She knows Mike is the best choice and that Franken is a ticking time bomb who will go down in flames in November.
Through this election, Al Franken has not been able to speak about the issues. Team Franken has been in constant defense from MN GOP attacks. While Franken defends comments about the drugging and raping of a woman, Norm Coleman releases an ad in which he talks about bringing people together and building things up rather than tearing things down. This is not a good strategy for the DFL.
As expressed by many DFLers, Franken's candidacy will harm the party during this election. We simply cannot afford to have him as our US Senate candidate. Why do you think Betty McCollum wants nothing to do with Franken? She knows Mike is the best choice and that Franken is a ticking time bomb who will go down in flames in November.
NYT: LIABILITY LITIGATOR: Michael Ciresi; WINNING WITH HARD WORK AND HISTRIONICS
Unlike Al Franken, whose history is a sore spot that will be used against him, Mike Ciresi's past is proven strong. Here's a New York Times article we dug up from 1988:
"LEAD: It was a classic performance by Michael Ciresi. Armed with stacks of previously undisclosed company documents, a sharp instinct for the holes in his opponent's case, and an even sharper tongue for opposing witnesses, the 42-year-old attorney persuaded a St. Paul jury last month that G. D. Searle & Company had intentionally misled his client about the safety of its Copper-7 intrauterine birth control device."
"Unlike some of his colleagues, he does not go parachuting into lands where there's been a disaster, or drop his business card out of airplanes. He obtains his clients on the merits of his reputation, skills and results," said Victor Schwartz, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University.
Ciresi is a man of courage, intelligence, and proven results. Click here to read the article.
"LEAD: It was a classic performance by Michael Ciresi. Armed with stacks of previously undisclosed company documents, a sharp instinct for the holes in his opponent's case, and an even sharper tongue for opposing witnesses, the 42-year-old attorney persuaded a St. Paul jury last month that G. D. Searle & Company had intentionally misled his client about the safety of its Copper-7 intrauterine birth control device."
"Unlike some of his colleagues, he does not go parachuting into lands where there's been a disaster, or drop his business card out of airplanes. He obtains his clients on the merits of his reputation, skills and results," said Victor Schwartz, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University.
Ciresi is a man of courage, intelligence, and proven results. Click here to read the article.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Draft Ciresi wish down in Albert Lea!
Below is a letter to the editor in the Strib. Glen Olson of Albert Lea wants to Draft Ciresi.
If you want to see a real challenge to Norm Coleman, send us your letter, or record a message asking Mike to get into the race.
If you scroll to the bottom of the page, there's a place to enter your phone number. As soon as you do, our phone system will call your phone and put you through to our voice mail. Leave a message urging Mike to run and we'll post it on the blog!
"Waiting for Ciresi
If you want to see a real challenge to Norm Coleman, send us your letter, or record a message asking Mike to get into the race.
If you scroll to the bottom of the page, there's a place to enter your phone number. As soon as you do, our phone system will call your phone and put you through to our voice mail. Leave a message urging Mike to run and we'll post it on the blog!
"Waiting for Ciresi
I am dismayed that Al Franken was endorsed by the DFL for the U.S. Senate. Jokes he made about rape are not funny!
It is my hope that Mike Ciresi will get into the primary.
GEN OLSON, ALBERT LEA, MINN."
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/letters/19733569.html?page=2&c=y
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Politicis on Minnesota: DFL feminist leader resigns over Franken
"Mari Urness Pokornowski, of Cokato, president of the Board of Directors of the DFL Feminist Caucus, resigned Saturday because of the group’s endorsement of Al Franken over his opponent in the Democrat’s nomination battle in the U.S. Senate race." Source: Politics In Minnesota, June 8, 2008
Click here for the complete story.
Click here for the complete story.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Franken's own words #2
The following is from a Pioneer Press article that quotes Al Franken's explosive comments
“The Republican Party’s latest release from the archives of Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken’s past is a 13-year-old New York Magazine description of a Saturday Night Live writers’ meeting.
During the meeting, writers are brainstorming about how to develop a sketch in which one of the actors plays ‘60 Minutes’ commentator Andy Rooney, who finds an empty pill bottle in his desk.
According to the article, Franken’s suggestion includes Rooney saying: ‘I give the pills to Leslie Stahl. Then when Leslie is passed out, I take her to the closet and rape her. Or ‘That’s why you never see Lesley until February.’ Or, ‘When she passes out. I put her in various positions and take pictures of her.’
Republicans women held a news conference today to say the skit suggestion reflects badly on Franken’s character. They said he should at least explain it and perhaps drop out of the running for this weekend’s DFL Senate endorsement.” Source: Pioneer Press, June 5, 2008
“The Republican Party’s latest release from the archives of Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken’s past is a 13-year-old New York Magazine description of a Saturday Night Live writers’ meeting.
During the meeting, writers are brainstorming about how to develop a sketch in which one of the actors plays ‘60 Minutes’ commentator Andy Rooney, who finds an empty pill bottle in his desk.
According to the article, Franken’s suggestion includes Rooney saying: ‘I give the pills to Leslie Stahl. Then when Leslie is passed out, I take her to the closet and rape her. Or ‘That’s why you never see Lesley until February.’ Or, ‘When she passes out. I put her in various positions and take pictures of her.’
Republicans women held a news conference today to say the skit suggestion reflects badly on Franken’s character. They said he should at least explain it and perhaps drop out of the running for this weekend’s DFL Senate endorsement.” Source: Pioneer Press, June 5, 2008
Franken's own words
When the story broke about Al Franken's Playboy article, news organizations did not give Franken's actual words from the article because they were too graphic for the airwaves. However, the following are his actual words that have created such a controversy. We thought you should read them for yourself. What Al Franken has written is what Republicans are using to sink his campaign and our chances at defeating Senator Norm Coleman.
Warning: The following material is highly graphic!
“I’m talking, of course, about the Internet, which is a terrific learning tool. For example, a couple years ago, when he was 12, my son used the Internet for a sixth grade report on bestiality. Joe was able to download some effective visual aids, which the other students in his class just loved. See, at that age the kids are sponges!” Source: Al Franken, Playboy, January 2000
---
“At first I thought it was my imagination, but when Dr. DeVine escorted me into the virtual reality room, she seemed to be coming on to me. She allowed her bodacious breasts to brush against my face as shelowered me into the prototype of the Virtu-Screw 2000. ‘How does that feel?’ she cooed. I didn’t know if she was referring to the Naugahyde bucket seat or to the two erect nipples pushing through her white lab coat and nearly poking my eyes out.
Then Dr. DeVine placed the Virtu-Screw helmet over my head. Sitting in the pitch dark, I felt slightly vulnerable but also excited. Sheasked me which setting I wanted. Since I’ve been married 23 years, I naturally chose ‘blow job.’ My chair abruptly tilted backward, and I ‘felt’ my pants being unzipped. If I hadn’t known I was sitting in the most state-of-the-art virtual reality sex machine, I would have sworn that a real woman’s hand had pulled my cock from my pants.
My nervousness disappeared, and I sat back and enjoyed the amazingly realistic cyber job. It was every bit as good as the last real blow job I had gotten 23 years earlier-if not better-because when I shot my wad, the virtual mouth swallowed.” Source: Al Franken, Playboy, January 2000
---
“I found myself extremely attracted to the vulnerable side of this sexy scientist, and when I offered to comfort her, she accepted, kissing me full on the lips and inserting her tongue into my mouth and moving it around suggestively. Then she reached down and started rubbing my crotch, and within just five or ten minutes my cock was again hard and ready for action.
That’s when Dr. DeVine took my hand in her other hand, and said, ‘If you think VRS is the future, wait until you see this.’
While still rubbing my crotch, Dr. DeVine led me through the Future wing to the Sexbot room. Once inside I was surprised to see a vinyl blowup doll wearing crotchless panties.
Dr. DeVine explained that the blow-up doll was the prototype for the Sexbot, and scientists at the IPS keep her around to remind themselves just how far they have come and how far they have to go.
And indeed they do have a long way to go. The most current Sexbot prototype, Connie, while quite attractive, has moving parts made of plastic and metal alloys and is considered quite dangerous. In fact, as a futurist, Dr. DeVine believes that the first Sexbots to hit the market will result in class-action suits filed by severely injured men.
That’s why Dr. DeVine urged me to forgo Connie and introduced me to Wilhelmina, a beautiful young German-born researcher who, while human, more closely approximates the Sexbot of the 22nd century. Wilhelmina escorted me to a private room with a bed and removed her clothes.If this is what Sexbots will look like a hundred years from now, I envy my great-great-grandsons. We made passionate love for two or three minutes before being joined by Dr. DeVine, who wanted to make the point that Sexbots will be used for threesomes.
I could describe the incredible sex the three of us had, but this is a piece of journalism about the future of pornography and not one of those cheesy letters from a horny reader. Suffice it to say that everyone came several times, except me, who came only once.” Source: Al Franken, Playboy, January 2000
Warning: The following material is highly graphic!
“I’m talking, of course, about the Internet, which is a terrific learning tool. For example, a couple years ago, when he was 12, my son used the Internet for a sixth grade report on bestiality. Joe was able to download some effective visual aids, which the other students in his class just loved. See, at that age the kids are sponges!” Source: Al Franken, Playboy, January 2000
“At first I thought it was my imagination, but when Dr. DeVine escorted me into the virtual reality room, she seemed to be coming on to me. She allowed her bodacious breasts to brush against my face as shelowered me into the prototype of the Virtu-Screw 2000. ‘How does that feel?’ she cooed. I didn’t know if she was referring to the Naugahyde bucket seat or to the two erect nipples pushing through her white lab coat and nearly poking my eyes out.
Then Dr. DeVine placed the Virtu-Screw helmet over my head. Sitting in the pitch dark, I felt slightly vulnerable but also excited. Sheasked me which setting I wanted. Since I’ve been married 23 years, I naturally chose ‘blow job.’ My chair abruptly tilted backward, and I ‘felt’ my pants being unzipped. If I hadn’t known I was sitting in the most state-of-the-art virtual reality sex machine, I would have sworn that a real woman’s hand had pulled my cock from my pants.
My nervousness disappeared, and I sat back and enjoyed the amazingly realistic cyber job. It was every bit as good as the last real blow job I had gotten 23 years earlier-if not better-because when I shot my wad, the virtual mouth swallowed.” Source: Al Franken, Playboy, January 2000
“I found myself extremely attracted to the vulnerable side of this sexy scientist, and when I offered to comfort her, she accepted, kissing me full on the lips and inserting her tongue into my mouth and moving it around suggestively. Then she reached down and started rubbing my crotch, and within just five or ten minutes my cock was again hard and ready for action.
That’s when Dr. DeVine took my hand in her other hand, and said, ‘If you think VRS is the future, wait until you see this.’
While still rubbing my crotch, Dr. DeVine led me through the Future wing to the Sexbot room. Once inside I was surprised to see a vinyl blowup doll wearing crotchless panties.
Dr. DeVine explained that the blow-up doll was the prototype for the Sexbot, and scientists at the IPS keep her around to remind themselves just how far they have come and how far they have to go.
And indeed they do have a long way to go. The most current Sexbot prototype, Connie, while quite attractive, has moving parts made of plastic and metal alloys and is considered quite dangerous. In fact, as a futurist, Dr. DeVine believes that the first Sexbots to hit the market will result in class-action suits filed by severely injured men.
That’s why Dr. DeVine urged me to forgo Connie and introduced me to Wilhelmina, a beautiful young German-born researcher who, while human, more closely approximates the Sexbot of the 22nd century. Wilhelmina escorted me to a private room with a bed and removed her clothes.If this is what Sexbots will look like a hundred years from now, I envy my great-great-grandsons. We made passionate love for two or three minutes before being joined by Dr. DeVine, who wanted to make the point that Sexbots will be used for threesomes.
I could describe the incredible sex the three of us had, but this is a piece of journalism about the future of pornography and not one of those cheesy letters from a horny reader. Suffice it to say that everyone came several times, except me, who came only once.” Source: Al Franken, Playboy, January 2000
Star Tribune: Planned Parenthood email blasts 'degrading' Franken essay
"In an unusual move, a top official with Planned Parenthood sent an email to DFL legislators saying the organization is concerned over 'the misogynist remarks of some of these statements and find them degrading to women.'
Connie Perpich, the organization's senior legislative director, said in the email that some of Franken's commentary had 'gone beyond the bounds of what is appropriate for any candidate for elected office. If half these allegations are true, it is very difficult for us to foresee the Planned Parenthood of Minnesota Action Fund Board endorsing the candidacy of anyone with such extreme perspectives.'" Source: Star Tribune, June 5, 2008.
Connie Perpich, the organization's senior legislative director, said in the email that some of Franken's commentary had 'gone beyond the bounds of what is appropriate for any candidate for elected office. If half these allegations are true, it is very difficult for us to foresee the Planned Parenthood of Minnesota Action Fund Board endorsing the candidacy of anyone with such extreme perspectives.'" Source: Star Tribune, June 5, 2008.
Preview of Attack Ads on Al Franken
While Norm Coleman conducts his "bringing people together" campaign, Al Franken will deal with unrelenting attacks that distract from Norm Coleman's record of voting against the people of Minnesota and for the special interests that Mike Ciresi tirelessly fought against while representing the State of Minnesota, the Government of India, and the Women of the United States.
Out taking a nap!
So what does Franken do once he's endorsed by the DFL? According to the Uptake's live coverage. He went for a nap. If you're looking for the source, go to the uptake and look for the commentary between Chris Coleman's speech and Doug Peterson's speech.
When will the other shoe drop?
So "Porn-O-Rama" is bad enough, but the real question is what is the other shoe and when will it drop? And, for that matter, how many shoes are in Al Franken's closet?
I say this because we know that Michael Brodkorb and the Republican Party of Minnesota both have a ton more dirt on Franken, but are biding their time, waiting for it to be too late for Mike to get back into the race. So its going to be up to the DFL base to get this dirt out NOW! This will allow for DFL voters to pick a candidate who can beat Norm in the fall.
Let me repeat, Michael Brodkorb and the Republican Party of Minnesota both have files on Franken and if we do nothing, they will use them against Franken at the time of their choosing, and you will not like that time!
They will save their most damning dirt for the days right before the general election and it will be beyond ugly.
So I'm asking you to post in the comments any leads you have on dirt on Al Franken. We need to get this out now, so that it's all out in time to do something about it!
Some will say that this is hurting Franken. Maybe it will hurt his feelings that DFLers are the source of this info, but it will help us beat Coleman in the fall. So post below!
I say this because we know that Michael Brodkorb and the Republican Party of Minnesota both have a ton more dirt on Franken, but are biding their time, waiting for it to be too late for Mike to get back into the race. So its going to be up to the DFL base to get this dirt out NOW! This will allow for DFL voters to pick a candidate who can beat Norm in the fall.
Let me repeat, Michael Brodkorb and the Republican Party of Minnesota both have files on Franken and if we do nothing, they will use them against Franken at the time of their choosing, and you will not like that time!
They will save their most damning dirt for the days right before the general election and it will be beyond ugly.
So I'm asking you to post in the comments any leads you have on dirt on Al Franken. We need to get this out now, so that it's all out in time to do something about it!
Some will say that this is hurting Franken. Maybe it will hurt his feelings that DFLers are the source of this info, but it will help us beat Coleman in the fall. So post below!
Walz Seeking Ciresi Senate Run?
Checks and Balances is reporting that on the eve of the DFL State Convention, Tim Walz is trying to call Mike Ciresi, with the goal of getting him to re-enter the senate race. They don't give away their source, but from my calls, it sounds like there is some truth to the rumor. We don't know if he wanted Mike to declare in the endorsement race, or to challenge Franken in the primary, but we hope its the latter.
Leave a comment if you know of another Minnesotan for Drafting Ciresi!
Leave a comment if you know of another Minnesotan for Drafting Ciresi!
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