Final Thoughts From Draft Ciresi!

Draft Ciresi! was created following the DFL convention in order to express the concerns of many Minnesotans over Al Franken, specifically, his ability to defeat Norm Coleman. We have criticized Franken for his faults and Norm Coleman for his downright sleaziness, all while emphasizing the potential candidacy of Mike Ciresi. We have made our position clear on all three candidates.

Earlier today we learned that Mike Ciresi would not be entering the DFL primary to challenge Al Franken. This has brought us disappointment, but also the confidence to say that Norm Coleman will unfortunately be our Senator for the next six years.

In the coming months, Republicans will assail Al Franken for his comedy, satire and character. Al Franken’s history that we have come to term as ‘baggage’ will not appeal to rural or Independent or Conservative voters, and even some Democrats. Republicans will unite behind Norm Coleman, not in support of the Senator, but in a general determination to defeat Al Franken. The Republican attack machine will push Independent and moderate voters to both Norm Coleman and IP candidate Dean Barkley. Republicans will be able to distract from the issues by releasing the mountain of opposition research that has been conducted on Franken, all while Norm Coleman pretends to be a moderate, bipartisan Senator. By mid October, Franken will be trailing Sen. Coleman in the polls and Dean Barkley will have little support.

Norm Coleman will be reelected by a wide margin of at least 10 points on election day; a landslide victory by any standard. The Senator will view his reelection as a mandate to continue his partisan policies, rather than as protest vote against the Democratic candidate. This election will be divisive, partisan and damaging to Minnesota. It is a depressing prediction, but a truthful one.

We understand the reasons why Mike Ciresi passed on challenging Al Franken in the primary, even though he could have achieved victory had he run. A lengthy, bitter primary fight would only sully Mr. Ciresi’s name and created a divide in the DFL party.

Those of us who had wished for Ciresi to reenter now find ourselves in a great deal of difficulty in what has turned to a depressing Senate race. We are faced with Al Franken, the man who returned after thirty years to continue his career of partisan attacks. There is Norm Coleman, who has spent his life doing what is best for himself over the interest of Minnesotans. And, of course, there is Dean Barkley, who has settled with running for Senate because he has nothing better to do and because he thinks the job is easy; that is true commitment to Minnesota. All other candidates in the race will not amount to anything deserving of mention. It is not our role to influence who you will support.

Many have suspected us of being a Republican creation; that is surely not true. Now that Mike Ciresi is no longer viable, our site will discontinue. We do not mean to affect the discussion further, not that have at all. We only ask that as the election unfolds that you remember what we have said in this short time and remember that it could have been different.

Thank you to those who applauded our efforts, criticized our motives, and merely observed from a distance.

The Draft Ciresi! Team

Ciresi Passes On Primary Challenge

Mike Ciresi did not file for Senate to take on Al Franken in the DFL primary, virtually assuring a Coleman victory. Please stay posted for an important final Draft Ciresi! Statement later tonight.

Election Turmoil

KSTP is reporting that Dean Barkley will enter the race. His entrance will not affect the polls to the degree that Ventura has and would have. Priscilla Lord Faris should not be a major obstacle for Al Franken to overcome. No major candidate has emerged to challenge Al Franken in the primary.

Jesse Ventura's decision not to run is good news for Franken, so long as Ventura's decision does not push Ciresi into the election. In the Survey USA/KSTP poll released yesterday, Al Franken was 13 points behind Sen. Coleman. The poll also shows that Mike Ciresi trails Sen. Coleman by 18 points. This is not surprising because Mike Ciresi has not been in the race since March. If Ciresi enters the race and begins to define himself once again, he will defeat Franken. Candidates must file by 5:00 tonight, stay posted.

Jesse Ventura: I'm Not Running #2

As predicted here on Draft Ciresi!, Jesse Ventura has decided not to run for Senate in 2008. We will not disparage him because of his decision, even though this charade has been for selling books. Recent polls have shown that Jesse Ventura would have been a formidable candidate in the race. This is because Minnesotans are looking for an alternative candidate in the Senate race.

With Jesse Ventura not running, the only remaining viable potential candidate is Mike Ciresi. Minnesotans are looking for change but are not comfortable with Al Franken. Mike Ciresi can serve as the change Minnesotans are looking for while being a candidate of experience and integrity.

With Ventura out, all eyes should be on Mike Ciresi.

The Writing Is On The Wall

The writing is on the wall: MDE is reporting that a new Survey USA/KSTP poll released tonight gives Sen. Coleman a 13 point lead. The DFL must realize that the Franken campaign is dead in the water and sinking quickly. A powerful new candidate must emerge to save the Democrats from defeat in November. Mike Ciresi is the only candidate who has the support, finances, and recognition to enter this primary, win, and defeat Norm Coleman in November.

Doug Grow: Mike Ciresi Back Into The Race?

"One of the many questions that Lord Faris' entrance into the race raises is whether it will nudge Mike Ciresi back into the race. Ciresi, who dropped out of the race before the DFL's convention, has indicated that he might get back into the race for the primary, but has been silent for weeks. He was not immediately available for comment." Source: Doug Grow, MinnPost.

Lord Faris' entrance into the race reinforces our belief that Minnesotans are discontent with the current DFL endorsed candidate and are looking for an alternative candidate. Mike Ciresi is the most viable alternative candidate not in the race.

Crunch Time

Well folks, we are getting down to the wire on this Senate race. Whether or not Ventura or Ciresi get into this race, it will be wild, partisan and bitter. This election will not advance the cause of political bipartisanship, even if Ciresi chooses to enter. If Jesse Ventura chooses to run, it will be an even more rocky election. If Ventura decides not to enter, it leaves a gaping hole for Ciresi to fill.

While we firmly believe Mike Ciresi is the only candidate who can defeat Norm Coleman, while we firmly believe Mike Ciresi is the only candidate who would fulfill his promises and work honestly for Minnesotans, if Ciresi chooses not to run, we cannot chastise his decision. We respectfully understand the decision not to run. However, we cannot implore Ciresi more to enter.

We have consistently stated that unless Mike Ciresi enters the primary and defeats Franken, Norm Coleman will be our Senator for the next six years. Nether Jesse Ventura nor Priscilla Lord Faris will defeat the Republican strategy for victory.

After Ventura, All Eyes On Ciresi

The filing date is Tuesday at 5:00pm. Jesse will be announcing his decision Monday at 9:00pm. That leaves plenty of time for Mike Ciresi to take Jesse's decision into account on whether he will enter the primary to challenge Al Franken. After Larry King Live on Monday night, all eyes should be on Mike Ciresi.

If Jesse decides not to enter the race, it will give Mike Ciresi a major boost if he decides to enter. If Jesse decides to run, Mike Ciresi can still seriously change this election by defeating Franken in the primary.

UPDATE: Click here to send in a question to the show.

Eric Black: Jesse Hurts Franken Most

"Cutting right to the chase: If Jesse Ventura gets into the Senate race, it's another serious blow to the Al Franken candidacy," writes Eric Black with MinnPost. He does a nice job of outlining why Jesse could tip the scales in Coleman's favor.

If Ciresi challenges Franken in the primary, he would not damage Franken or the Dems in the same way Jesse would. If Ciresi loses the primary, he gets out of the race and isn't a factor on election day. If Ciresi wins the primary, then it proves Dems will have a better chance with Ciresi on the ticket.

Jesse Ventura: 9/11 Was An Inside Job

We've said it before, but we want to reiterate just how crazy this guy is. He holds the most unpatriotic, anti-American, and delusional belief about the 9/11 attacks on this country. This is probably something the Republicans were hoping to hammer him with later, but we think it deserves viewing now.

We don't like attacking, or whatever this may be, but if Jesse Ventura is a US Senator he will have the power to investigate this matter--Minnesotans will look likes crazies for electing him.

Ventura: "I keep saying to myself, if not me, then who?" How About Mike Ciresi? Duh!

The Star Tribune is reporting that Jesse Ventura will announce his intentions on Larry King Live on Monday night. We still believe he will decide not to run, and that this latest news is further hype. Looking through the comments section of the online article, it's clear that Minnesotans want an alternative to Norm Coleman, Al Franken and Jesse Ventura. Mike Ciresi is the levelheaded alternative to the rubber stamp, divisive comedian, and 9/11 truth believer.

Last weekend of hope...

As we approach the filing deadline, it's time for each of us to look inside and ask if we've done enough to save this Senate race.

I wish I could say that I have. We should have done so much more. Life got in the way, and I've relied on Moderate Thinker too much for the maintenance of this blog.

But it's not just a blog. Its a last ditch attempt to save this seat.

I was in the ballroom in St. Paul when Mondale conceded to Coleman.
I was one of the people there, who swore that we'd do everything we could to make sure that he never won re-election.

That's why we started this blog. To meet our obligation to our state, or party, and to ourselves.

As we sit here watching the filing deadline draw closer and closer, we're also watching the slow suffocation of any hope of winning in the fall.

Draft Ciresi!
Draft Walz!
Draft Ryback!
Draft Anyone who can beat Coleman!

At this point I'm not sure I even care who it is, just that it has to be someone who can win.

This isn't even a debatable question anymore. This Senate race has gone from a tough-shot to a long-shot to a no-shot-in-hell, and anyone who says otherwise is fooling themselves.

I know that its not the most recent poll, but the Quinnipiac poll really should be a wake-up call to those out there who still say that Franken should be allowed to be our party candidate.

13 Points behind Obama! 13! Franken is doing almost as badly in MN as McCain! Does anyone think that McCain can win MN?!?!?!

And the worst part is that what this shows is that Obama doesn't even have any coat tails for Franken. This race is over, if Franken is the DFL candidate.

It doesn't even matter if Jesse Venture enters the race. Either way we get 6 more years of Norm, and probably Norm for life...

All I can say is that I wish I had done more, and I'm sure that I'm not alone in that sentiment. This mess isn't just Franken's fault. We all need to take ownership in this mess.

But we have one last chance to redeam ourselves. Call your favorite State Senator, or House Member, or your Congressman or Congresswoman. Call your favorite Mayor or City Councilmember. Call your favorite Lawyer, Teacher, Serviceman or woman, and tell them to run.

Tell them that they owe it to their country. Tell them that they owe it to their state. Tell them that they owe it to every DFLer before them that did everything in their power to find for those who didn't have the strength to fight.

Tell them that they probably will lose to Franken, but that Franken will surely lose to Coleman.

Ciresi is still my pick. We've made our case for him in the past, and you all know it.

But please, if you know a credible candidate who's considering challenging Franken, encourage them to run. Offer to work on their campaign. Tell them you'll doorknock and help them with fundraising calls.

This is too important to give up on yet. Please make one more push with me.

Ciresi Primary Challenge Would Drastically Shake Up Election

There has been much speculation about whether Jesse Ventura will run for Senate. Political observers have said that a Ventura run would shake up the election, however, a primary challenge by Mike Ciresi has the potential to be far more interesting.

If Jesse Ventura runs for Senate, he can only serve to spoil the chances of victory for Democrats. Ventura will likely take a large block of Democrats and a majority of Independents. Coleman will likely take the remaining Independents and some Democrats. Coleman will lose some Republican support, but not enough to amount to any change to the election.

That leaves Franken with a weak Democratic base and little strength among Independents. It leaves Jesse with much Democratic and Independent support. And, it leaves Coleman with a solid Republican base and some Independent and Democratic support. That means Norm Coleman will be our Senator for the next six years.

If Mike Ciresi reenters the race to challenge Al Franken in the primary, it could be a very different story. Say Ciresi defeats Franken in the primary, leaving Ciresi as the Democratic challenger to Norm Coleman. Ciresi is not the wacky Ventura or the divisive Franken, nor the Republican rubber stamp Coleman. Ciresi would have full Democratic support and strong support among Independents; even some Republicans would view him as an acceptable alternative to Coleman. That amounts to victory for Democrats.

Think about it: A primary challenge by Mike Ciresi can only make Franken a stronger candidate by making Franken face his negatives early in the election. A primary challenge by Mike Ciresi may scare away spoiler Jesse Ventura. A primary challenge by Mike Ciresi would allow the Minnesotans who didn't participate in the DFL endorsement process to have a say who the DFL candidate should be. If Franken defeats Ciresi in the primary, then it is the ultimate endorsement of Franken. If Ciresi wins the primary, then it will confirm all we have written.

Think about it. It's too important to pass off.

Minnesotans Should Decide This Election

It seems pretty simple: Minnesotans should decide this election. Each state elects its own Senators and Representatives without the input of other states and peoples; at least, that's how it should be. We don't want another Kansas-Nebraska fiasco. However, something caught our eyes when we received the Franken for Senate press release announcing "that the campaign raised $2.26 million in the second fundraising quarter of 2008." Wow! That's impressive, but wait, the press release also said this: "In total, over 104,000 individuals - including almost 18,000 Minnesotans - have helped the campaign raise more than $11 million with an average contribution of just $64."

Only 17.3% of Franken's contributors are Minnesotans. We don't even know what to say about this, but it's not good. Franken has propelled himself to where he is now because of his massive fundraising, which is fine, but not when non-Minnesotans are changing the course of Minnesota's Senate election. Minnesotans should be the only ones deciding who raises the most money and who can buy the most TV ad time—it's that simple.

We only pick on Franken because his campaign highlighted this fact in its press release; we are sure Coleman's money is no more clean than Franken's. It's already long been established that Coleman gets hundred of thousands of dollars from big oil and special interests. Neither Coleman nor Franken can claim their fundraising numbers represent Minnesotans' feelings. We need to get this election back to the issues and back to the people of Minnesota.

Mike Ciresi Would Lower Coleman Fundraising Numbers

If you have ever received a piece of mail or literature from Norm Coleman for Senate, you would have noticed that Al Franken's name appears more often than Coleman's name. Why? Well, it is obvious: Republicans hate Franken and will write large checks to keep him out of the Senate. It also makes sense that if Coleman was facing a different candidate, say a less-hated DFLer, Republicans would be less likely to shell out big bucks to take down the DFLer. Mike Ciresi is the sort of Democrat who Republicans would not be in such a tizzy over. In fact, some Republicans may actually see Ciresi as a bearable alternative to Coleman. We will admit that Franken rallies the Democrats, but when facing Ciresi, having Republicans that much less determined to win could be the difference between victory and defeat for Dems.

Dissent is Not Disloyalty

Political dissent is not wrong or disloyal. When an American, especially a Democrat, protests the Iraq War or the President or even criticizes the country, they are immediately called unpatriotic by the Right. Even when a Democrat tries to make a legitimate criticism, they are bashed for hating the United States. We saw it with John Kerry, we saw it with Michelle Obama. This often angers Democrats and deepens partisan divisions. However, we are now seeing this same mentality here in Minnesota in our own party. If a Senate candidate pledged not to abide by the endorsement, they would have been viewed as disloyal or even a traitor to the party. When Al Franken was endorsed by the DFL, all Democrats were expected to unite unquestionably behind him. It was a you're either with us or against us policy. Betty McCollum was booed and heckled at the DFL convention because she lightly criticized Franken's past statements.

The DFL endorsement is not the only decider of who the main Democratic candidate should be, it is the primary that decides who the two parties' major candidates will be. If a candidate or Minnesotan does not approve of the DFL endorsed candidate, they should be allowed to express their concerns. We must be loyal to our party and not only to our party's endorsed candidate. Many Minnesotans feel we have not nominated the best possible candidate on both a question of electability and character.

The primary should decide who is the best possible candidate. If Mike Ciresi challenges Al Franken in the primary, it can only make Franken a better candidate and determine who is truly the strongest candidate.

Strategy To Win Primary

In less than one week, we will know if Mike Ciresi is jumping back into the race. We have thought long and hard about whether this would be a good idea or a bad idea for both Ciresi and the DFL. We think you know how we have decided.

The following is briefly what we believe Mike Ciresi would need to do in order to win the primary:

• Conduct opposition research on Al Franken and himself (Ciresi, that is).
• Communicate with and gather support of DFL party leaders who are concerned about Franken.
• File with Secretary of State's office.
• Hold announcement/press event to declare reentrance into race for US Senate. At the event should be major supporters and family standing behind in support of Ciresi.
• Take advantage of the Supreme Court's ruling on the Millionaire's Amendment.
• Conduct a massive media blitz; meaning give interviews with every TV station, radio station, newspaper, and blogger.
• Launch wave of ads; themes of ads would be family values, Minnesota roots, getting things done by working together, taking on special interests (hopefully he could steal Coleman's moderate look). The ads would have no attacks or political rhetoric; they would only serve to reintroduce Ciresi to the public.
• Campaign across the state, etc.
• Push elected supporters to actively campaign for Ciresi.
• Allow outside groups to hammer Franken with the piles of opposition research; primarily through blogs that would eventually reach the press.
• Franken would need to be under constant assault by the press and blogs for his 'satire' while Ciresi pushes forward with his positive message and focus on Coleman

It is easier to reintroduce someone who is unknown than to reintroduce someone who has high negatives. Ciresi CAN win the primary, DFL leaders just need the courage to stand up for what they believe, not what gives the appearance of unity.

MDE AND MNPublius Bi-Partisan Happy Hour, What A Great Idea

Tonight starting at 5:30 is the Minnesota Democrats Exposed and MNPublius Bi-Partisan Happy Hour at Billy’s on Grand in St. Paul. While none of us from Draft Ciresi! will be in attendance, we think that these types of events are great. In the end, Republicans, Democrats and Independents are not all that different and we shouldn't let politics cloud that truth. However, debate is a healthy thing. We encourage everyone who is able to attend to do so.

Coleman's Out Of Touch Record: Environment

Jeff Rosenberg over at MN Campaign Report has "the third 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."

UPDATE: Ventura denies reports he's running for Senate

"WASHINGTON — Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura is shooting down media reports that he's decided to run for Senate.

National Public Radio today reported that Ventura says he's running for the seat, quoting him as saying "I run" because of Senator Norm Coleman's support for the Iraq war. But Ventura tells the Associated Press he had been speaking hypothetically." Source: Star Tribune.

Click here for the full article.

Although he doesn't say he's not running, this only reenforces our belief that this is all for show, and money.

ABC News: Jesse Ventura To Run for Senate

ABC News' Jake Tapper is reporting that Jesse Ventura will run for US Senate. However, we still believe Ventura is not jumping into the race. Tapper is basing his report on an NPR piece by David Welna. In the piece, Ventura never directly says he's going to run. We don't think we can officially say that Jesse is running, yet. We will see on the 15th.

Let's review why we think he won't run:
- Senate elections have no campaign financing; Jesse would need to raise at least a million dollars. Something we don't think he wants to do.

- Running for Senate requires a massive amount of work: campaigning across the state every day. Something we don't think he wants to do.

- Jesse is selling a book. It it advantageous to keep his name in the public eye.

- If Ciresi reenters the race, we believe it will scare off Jesse. Ventura will wait until the last moment to see what Ciresi does.

One never knows with Jesse Ventura, so we will only know if he's running when he files.

July 15, The Storm Will Follow #2

Well, it appears that the DFL's problems will revolve around taxes for now. We at Draft Ciresi! are surprised that the Republicans have decided to push forward with their attacks on Franken; it seems to conflict with phase 3 of the MN GOP's strategy. However, it is best for the DFL if Franken is hammered early on; it will expose Franken's massive weakness before it's too late, thus allowing another candidate to enter the field. We will see if the latest news has any traction with the press and is possibly the last string for DFL party leaders.

July 15, The Storm Will Follow

MDE is still reporting on the NRSC press release that alleges Franken owes taxes in more states and the District of Columbia. Brodkorb asks the question "Is Team Franken keeping Franken's latest tax problems under wraps until filing deadline closes?" Of course they are keeping things under wraps, Michael. Both Franken and Coleman benefit from keeping things quiet until after July 15.

Franken wants to be a Senator just as much as Coleman wants to keep his seat. It serves Franken well to keep things calm so that he is the only challenger. At the same time, the Republicans want to face Franken because they view him as the easiest candidate to attack, so they also want things calm so that Franken is the only challenger.

Unfortunately or fortunately, however you may look at it, Franken's problems are not over and they don't solely involve taxes. After a life of making jokes at the expense of everyone, now masked as satire, there are bound to be more offfensive things from Franken's life that Republicans will dredge up. 'Porn-O-Rama' and stories of Lesley Stahl are only the tip of the iceberg.

The better question we must all be asking ourselves is do we want to defeat Norm Coleman or do we want to stand by DFL superstar Franken through thick and thicker.

Ventura For Senate? Not So Fast. #2

It appears that Jesse Ventura is putting together a campaign. As Truscott noted last week, jesseventura.com is "under construction" and there have been rumors of him building a campaign team. We have said before that Jesse is just trying to create buzz so that he can sell books and yes, make money.

However, if Ventura runs, he will likely split the Democratic vote and steal maybe 10 percent of Republicans. When Brodkorb reveals that Jesse is a 9/11 truth believer, he will likely become a joke who loses all Republican votes.

If the vote is split three ways, Coleman will be reelected by a safe amount. The only way we can defeat Coleman is if a DFLer challenges Franken in the primary and wins. Mike Ciresi is the only candidate who can do this. We have explained why we think Ciresi can scare off Ventura. Also, fundraising is the most intimidating part of a primary challenge--Ciresi shouldn't have too much difficulty with this aspect.

If Franken cannot survive a primary challenge, he will never survive an election against the Republican attack machine. A primary challenge could only serve to better determine who is the strongest candidate to defeat Norm Coleman.

We believe that candidate is Mike Ciresi.

We're Back

Just when you thought we had gone away, we have returned to make our voices heard (at least until the 15th). Stay posted.

Independence Day

We will be taking the time this weekend to celebrate our Independence Day; we will be back on Monday with new posts, including one about a new poll being conducted that tests the field for a possible Ciresi primary challenge.

The Fourth of July is not just about fireworks and summer fun; it is the celebration of our nation. Sometimes it seems that we American forget what it means to be an American. We forget what is means to sacrifice. We forget what it means to not just be handed something, but to work for something. America is the greatest country on earth because of our culture, our history, our government, and our people. We should never forget where we came from and what challenges lie ahead; that is why we celebrate Independence Day.

This is one of the most pivotal periods in our nation's history, and this Senate election is a major part of it. We ask you to think carefully about which of the candidates, Norm, Al, Jesse and Mike, is the person who can most effectively carry your principles and ideals to the U.S. Senate.

Click here to watch Barack Obama's speech on patriotism, it's a good one! Have a wonderful Fourth and we will be back on Monday.

David Schultz: Election Dragged Into Innuendo, Rumor, Mud-throwing

Political observer David Schultz makes an observation about the Senate race:

"Besides the phenomenal amount of money thrown at the contest, says Schultz, one of the more remarkable aspects of Coleman v. Franken so far is the largely issue-free tenor of the campaign. 'What we've really had is a discussion almost totally devoid of [discussions] about the war, the economy, the subprime meltdown--the things voters want to hear about. Instead it's been dragged rapidly into a lot of innuendo and rumor and mud-throwing.'" Source: Minnesota Independent.

Minnesotans do not want this type of election. Mike Ciresi will make this an election about the issues. Mike Ciresi will keep this election focused on Norm Coleman's record. That is an election Democrats would win.

Can Jesse Ventura Legally Run For Senate?

The Minnesota Independent's Paul Demko has a story discussing whether Jesse Ventura can legally run for Senate in Minnesota. We don't think this will actually become an issue, but an interesting thought nonetheless.

Click here to read.

Is This What You Want?

At this moment in time, our nation is in peril. We are at war in two countries, the state of our economy is getting worse with each day, there are veterans living on the street, and the national debt is nearly 10 trillion dollars. Minnesota families are having to choose between putting food on their their tables and traveling for this Independence Day weekend. Instead of discussing how we can reduce gas prices or how we can give every American healthcare or how we are going to get out of Iraq, we are embroiled in a meaningless partisan flight. For months Al Franken and Norm Coleman have bickered over anything but the issues. For once, we would like to go to Minnesota Democrats Exposed or MNpublius and see debate over economic and heathcare plans, and not posts on apartmentgate or angry Al. We do not need an Independent revolution, we only need strong candidates who are competent enough to discuss the issues rather than throwing mud. Minnesotans deserve better than Al Franken and Norm Coleman.

Ethics Debate That Ciresi Would Win

Norm Coleman has recently come under fire for his questionable dealings with a Republican operative. Coleman has been renting a room from the operative for less than fair market value, he also didn't pay a few months rent until exposed by the National Journal. That could break Senate ethics rules on gifts. Now CREW has filed an ethics complaint against the Senator. However, CREW has close ties with Al Franken. Many of its members have supported Franken's campaign and the DSCC.

The moral of the story: Coleman is vulnerable. This story should cause serious damage to his campaign, yet this revelation will not hurt Coleman. Republicans will distract by attacking Franken.

Democrats cannot afford to have these stories not damage Coleman. When we are down in the polls by 10 points, we need every bad story to stick. When will the DFL realize that we need a new candidate who can keep the focus of the election on Coleman?

Mike Ciresi's history will be used as proof of his worth, not as a distraction from the issues. Minnesotans deserve an election focused on the issues, Minnesotans deserve a solid Democratic candidate and an ethical Senator.

Last Chance To Defeat Norm Coleman

Even though President Bush is leaving office after this year, unless we remove his supporters in the Senate, we will never have real change. We continue to hold the belief that Mike Ciresi is the only person who can defeat Norm Coleman. We cannot allow our overexcitement cloud our judgment. This is a Democratic year; let's not blow it by allowing Norm Coleman to continue Bush's policies for six more years.

Day One Of Filing Period

July 1 marks the first day of the filing period. We suspect it won't be until July 15, the final day for filing, when we learn the decision of Mike Ciresi, or even Jesse Ventura for that matter. As we have consistently stated, we believe Mike Ciresi is the only candidate who can defeat Norm Coleman. None of the endorsed candidates has proven his worth to be our next U.S. Senator. We now find ourselves in phase 3 of the Republican's strategy, please do not let our fears become reality.