19.11.08
6.11.08
With the vote total..continuing to decrease, I wonder if Norm Coleman slips behind Franken, whether he will do the prudent thing and concede to Franken in a tax-payer money saving non- partisan gesture. Hmm 336 205 Votes....
Considering one tally from a small township in Pine County gave Franken 24 votes instead of his earned 124, The number could disappear quick.
Lets Hope
Go Al!!
Considering one tally from a small township in Pine County gave Franken 24 votes instead of his earned 124, The number could disappear quick.
Lets Hope
Go Al!!
Franken gaining numbers in Canvassing
So- it looks as though on election night, Frankenn was down by as much as 800 votes on Tuesday, but due to the fct of accounting errors or possibly other irregularities have narrowed it down to 338 336 226 votes which is updated every hour and shown on MPR. Kare 11 said that as many as 6000 additional ballots may be counted. It would be interesting to see what precincts those ballots are coming from, but certainly this is a close raise with a margin of .o1% difference at this point. Coleman should be ashamed to try and claim an early victory and further calling for Franken to concede. The outcome is uncertain. I am nervous, but who knows what will happen. .01% thats insane!! Franken, keep on truckin' man
30.10.08
The actual report from Crew's most corrupt
"Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN)
Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) is a first-term senator, representing Minnesota. His ethics issues stem from lodging he accepted in violation of the Senate gifts rule.
Failure to Pay Rent
When in Washington, Sen. Coleman lives in a basement apartment in the Capitol Hill townhouse of Republican operative Jeff Larson. Mr. Larson runs FLS Connect, a telemarketing firm, which has been paid over $1.4 million since 2001 by Sen. Coleman’s leadership political action committee (PAC) and two campaign committees. Mr. Larson is also the treasurer of Sen. Coleman’s PAC and provides it with office space in St. Paul, MN. Adding to the relationship between the pair, Mr. Larson’s wife, Dorene Kainz, had been employed as a casework supervisor in Sen. Coleman’s St. Paul office, though after a news organization questioned Sen. Coleman about this, his staff announced that she would leave the office on July 10, 2008.
Over the past year, Sen. Coleman appears to have accepted lodging from Mr. Larson for at least three months without paying the agreed upon rent until caught by National Journal. Although Sen. Coleman paid $1,200 and Mr. Larson cashed a check for an additional $600 after National Journal questioned the pair about the payments, the fact that the payments were not made until flagged by the media heightens rather than diminishes the concerns over Sen. Coleman’s conduct. Sen. Coleman’s repeated missed rent and utility payments, and Mr. Larson’s failure to cash Sen. Coleman’s check suggest that Mr. Larson was not, in fact, necessarily expecting payment. Moreover, it is unclear whether the $600 rental rate represents the fair market value of the apartment considering other rental rates in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. After touring Sen. Coleman’s apartment, a Minneapolis Star Tribune reporter wrote that the space is not extravagant but well kept and renovated. A spokesman for Sen. Coleman said, according to their research, the senator is paying fair market value, but a Minnesota political group reported similar apartments on Capitol Hill rent for $1,100 to $1,450.
Because lodging clearly falls within the Senate’s definition of “gift,” Sen. Coleman appears to have violated the Senate gifts rule by accepting free lodging from Mr. Larson, someone who financially benefits from his relationship with the senator. Further complicating the issue is the question of whether the salary paid to Mr. Larson’s wife as an employee in Sen. Coleman’s office might constitute the true payment of the rent. Also troubling is the fact that Sen. Coleman paid his back rent, and Mr. Larson cashed Sen. Coleman’s checks, only once the media began questioning the living arrangement. Finally, by failing to pay his utility bills, which were valued at $532.88 – well over the $49.99 permissible gift limit -- Sen. Coleman accepted an improper gift from Mr. Larson.
Full Report Here
26.10.08
It's good to know that Franken's lead is consistent. Though small.. he is up in all the recent polls save 1, the conservative leaning survey USA. Pollster.com shows Franken leading.
Franken is the numbers on the left
Franken is the numbers on the left
| Rasmussen | 10/22/08 | 500 LV | 37 | 41 | 17 | +4D |
| Big Ten | 10/19-22/08 | 583 LV | 34 | 40 | 15 | - |
| Allstate/National Journal | 10/16-20/08 | 402 RV | 36 | 37 | 19 | - | | - | +1D |
|
17.10.08
13.10.08
WCCO picks up Coleman Add Fraud
WCCO has finally picked up the Franken distortion ads done by Norm an his NRSC buddies.
View Here
This shows and proves how horrible these lies can get, Lukily for Norm, these adds seemed to have happened before he suspended his negative adds. HMMMM
View Here
This shows and proves how horrible these lies can get, Lukily for Norm, these adds seemed to have happened before he suspended his negative adds. HMMMM
10.10.08
Franken rebuts Bad taste adds by NRSC
The National Republican Senatorial Committee has been running ads of Al Franken seemingly hysterical..... We watch this and see what you think
9.10.08
Correction
Correction on that last post 6000 points...Jeez guys.. way to go Bush and congressional allies (ie. McCain).
7.10.08
Well 5000??
The NYSE has shrunk 5000 points since the beginning of the Year. 5000 points? Well that means the U.S. Economy has shrunk 25% in a year. Looks bad for McCain. His numbers are slipping and rightly so, he has supported Bush economic policies, even before they were Bush's policies. Remember McCain has been a Senator for 26 years and has a clear record. Hey John McCain....you may try to connect Obama with a man he was appointed to serve together with on 2 boards of education reform in Chicago.....but your record is clearly connected with deregulation and consequentially this crisis.
5.10.08
4.10.08
Attack Adds on Franken have backfired
Good News
Star Tribune reports that the attack adds that have been so prevalent in the Senate race has backfired on both Coleman and Franken ..... but mostly on Coleman.
"The survey shows that 56 percent of poll respondents consider ads criticizing Franken to be “mostly unfair personal attacks.” Only 42 percent said the same about ads criticizing Coleman" - Star Tribune
The poll shows that Franken has taken a large lead over Coleman:
Franken: 43
Coleman: 34
Barkley: 18
It is nice to see voters have now come to how unfair the Coleman adds really are. Franken has give a great populist message over the past few months. If no good comes from the stock market situation other then the economic policies of non-regulation Bush republicans...like Coleman are bad for the average person. The Middle class needs better economic policies then we have been getting.
Hopefully the DFL can capitalize on this... and build on the 9 point advantage. It is not time to celebrate yet...there is still a month until election day... get out and doorknock ..make phone calls and do some grassroots organizing!!
Star Tribune reports that the attack adds that have been so prevalent in the Senate race has backfired on both Coleman and Franken ..... but mostly on Coleman.
"The survey shows that 56 percent of poll respondents consider ads criticizing Franken to be “mostly unfair personal attacks.” Only 42 percent said the same about ads criticizing Coleman" - Star Tribune
The poll shows that Franken has taken a large lead over Coleman:
Franken: 43
Coleman: 34
Barkley: 18
It is nice to see voters have now come to how unfair the Coleman adds really are. Franken has give a great populist message over the past few months. If no good comes from the stock market situation other then the economic policies of non-regulation Bush republicans...like Coleman are bad for the average person. The Middle class needs better economic policies then we have been getting.
Hopefully the DFL can capitalize on this... and build on the 9 point advantage. It is not time to celebrate yet...there is still a month until election day... get out and doorknock ..make phone calls and do some grassroots organizing!!
28.9.08
Good News for Obama
Good News....After the CNN poll showed that Obama had successfully won the first debate according to most Americans ....
" Fifty-one percent of those polled thought Obama did the better job in Friday night's debate, while 38 percent said John McCain did better.
Men were nearly evenly split between the two candidates, with 46 percent giving the win to McCain and 43 percent to Obama. But women voters tended to give Obama higher marks, with 59 percent calling him the night's winner, while just 31 percent said McCain won.
"It can be reasonably concluded, especially after accounting for the slight Democratic bias in the survey, that we witnessed a tie in Mississippi tonight," CNN Senior Political Researcher Alan Silverleib said. "But given the direction of the campaign over the last couple of weeks, a tie translates to a win for Obama."" -CNN
....More good news, Obama nationally has a 8 point lead in the Daily Gallup poll and has now reached 50%. This poling data doesnt have post debate responses..which may give Obama an even larger lead over McCain in the coming days.
"The full impact of the debate and its aftermath will not be reflected in the tracking data until Tuesday's report, which will be based on interviewing conducted Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Still, Gallup's one-day read on the standing of the two candidates on Saturday suggests that Obama held the lead over McCain among registered voters that night, just as he had for the two previous nights." - Gallup
" Fifty-one percent of those polled thought Obama did the better job in Friday night's debate, while 38 percent said John McCain did better.
Men were nearly evenly split between the two candidates, with 46 percent giving the win to McCain and 43 percent to Obama. But women voters tended to give Obama higher marks, with 59 percent calling him the night's winner, while just 31 percent said McCain won.
"It can be reasonably concluded, especially after accounting for the slight Democratic bias in the survey, that we witnessed a tie in Mississippi tonight," CNN Senior Political Researcher Alan Silverleib said. "But given the direction of the campaign over the last couple of weeks, a tie translates to a win for Obama."" -CNN
....More good news, Obama nationally has a 8 point lead in the Daily Gallup poll and has now reached 50%. This poling data doesnt have post debate responses..which may give Obama an even larger lead over McCain in the coming days.
"The full impact of the debate and its aftermath will not be reflected in the tracking data until Tuesday's report, which will be based on interviewing conducted Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Still, Gallup's one-day read on the standing of the two candidates on Saturday suggests that Obama held the lead over McCain among registered voters that night, just as he had for the two previous nights." - Gallup
27.9.08
McCain doesn't understand Obama Understands
McCain time after time attacked Obama on foreign policy with possibly a new change again in campaign strategy. Obama showed a lot of poise and calm demeanor in tough attacks. He showed a real separation of real change, versus the Bush Doctrine and the foreign-policy of the last 8 years. The change McCain offers just seems more of the same talking points, and more of the same policies.
26.9.08
Debate Tonight
The First Debate is tonight of course and unfortunately like many other people, I'll be working. The foreign policy section may be short, but look for the key differences on Obama and McCain. Obama will offer a solution that gets the American troops out of Iraq in 16 months. This will be an interesting debate considering the US will loan Wall Street unsaid billions of dollars in addition to the massive deficit it already holds. If Obama can successfully tie the billions a month that we needlessly spend in Iraq (while they run a surplus), with the financial security of our country, then Obama may see a spike in support among undecided voters.
This will be interesting.
This will be interesting.
25.9.08
Palin Fumbles Opportunity to show Expertise
Sarah Palin fumbled Couric's butter ball of a question. If people were worried about Obama's ability to lead on foreign policy, Palin has butchered another interview. This shows how dangerous of a pick this could be for America. The sooner Palin's honeymoon period comes to an end....the better. Read this and tell me this doesn't concern you at all.
CBS News
"Couric: You've cited Alaska's proximity to Russia as part of your foreign policy experience. What did you mean by that?
Sarah Palin: That Alaska has a very narrow maritime border between a foreign country, Russia, and, on our other side, the land-boundary that we have with Canada. It's funny that a comment like that was kinda made to … I don't know, you know … reporters.
Couric: Mocked?
Palin: Yeah, mocked, I guess that's the word, yeah.
Couric: Well, explain to me why that enhances your foreign-policy credentials.
Palin: Well, it certainly does, because our, our next-door neighbors are foreign countries, there in the state that I am the executive of. And there…
Couric: Have you ever been involved in any negotiations, for example, with the Russians?
Palin: We have trade missions back and forth, we do. It's very important when you consider even national security issues with Russia. As Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border. It is from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on this very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right there, they are right next to our state."
CBS News
"Couric: You've cited Alaska's proximity to Russia as part of your foreign policy experience. What did you mean by that?
Sarah Palin: That Alaska has a very narrow maritime border between a foreign country, Russia, and, on our other side, the land-boundary that we have with Canada. It's funny that a comment like that was kinda made to … I don't know, you know … reporters.
Couric: Mocked?
Palin: Yeah, mocked, I guess that's the word, yeah.
Couric: Well, explain to me why that enhances your foreign-policy credentials.
Palin: Well, it certainly does, because our, our next-door neighbors are foreign countries, there in the state that I am the executive of. And there…
Couric: Have you ever been involved in any negotiations, for example, with the Russians?
Palin: We have trade missions back and forth, we do. It's very important when you consider even national security issues with Russia. As Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border. It is from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on this very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right there, they are right next to our state."
Pawlenty leaves Minnesota right when crisis hits
Star Tribune reports - "ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is heading to Europe this weekend.
Pawlenty's office says he flies to Madrid Sunday and on to London on Wednesday as part of a trade mission."
It is nice to know Pawlenty decides to leave the state, right when our economy is hurting. Apparently the projected budget shortfall doesn't mean anything, and a trade mission is in hand. We can spend unsaid amounts of money travelling but can't fund budget priorities. Looks like Pawlenty isn't worried bout job security.
Race getting close according to recent Polls
Pollster.com results show that the senate race is seemingly getting a lot closer after the primary. The four major polls posted in September have an average of Norm receiving a 3.25% lead over Al. With the entry of Barkley, a former Senator, this race is getting interesting. The DFL has the resources to help Franken. Franken should stress his common roots and Midwestern values. This in addition to questionable votes and motives he has shown about Coleman is the formula to success. The race is winnable, especialy with the Economy now in the forefront. Senators shouldn't be getting trips all over the world, when their constiuents can't pay their bills.
MCCain: Above Politics or Political manuevering
Here's the Truth: McCain has suspended his campaign as of this morning. McCain doesn't belong to any key committee, his vote probably won't sway his Republican colleagues, and he hasn't been part of any key negotiations, partly from the fact that he is about 10 days to late to the table.
""I don’t think anyone takes that seriously," said Frank of McCain's suggestion that Friday's debate be delayed. "Sen. McCain trying to use the necessity for his presence to reach a deal that we’ve already reached as a reason to duck the debate is unworthy of him. There is absolutely no reason not to go to the debate."" -Politico
""I don’t think anyone takes that seriously," said Frank of McCain's suggestion that Friday's debate be delayed. "Sen. McCain trying to use the necessity for his presence to reach a deal that we’ve already reached as a reason to duck the debate is unworthy of him. There is absolutely no reason not to go to the debate."" -Politico
Bailout, but for Who?
The Bailout plan in Washington at a massive 700 Billion. Democrats have successfully negotiated at least preliminarily to help include average citizens. Politico reports that the democrats have given the administration some room to breathe and but with some help for homeowners and average folk that has been stalled for months on Capital Hill. The Bailout Bill hopefully really can help homeowners who have often been coaxed into mortgages
Criticism for the 1st Draft was well placed, oversight, especially with this administration was a must. Further 700 Billion dollars is seemingly coming out of nowhere. This from the same right wing politicians who refuse to offer universal health care or reduced cost education.
Hopefully this bill if nothing else, sways people to expect more from their government. If the government can offer a few wealthy firms on Wall Street, it should be there to help with the everyday struggle of the millions of American living check to check and the 80% who are having a hard time paying their bills.
Congress and the Administration are calling this bill necessary for the economy, and that may be true. Hopefully this bill can help set other priorities. If money exists for Wall Street firms, then there should be more for the citizens who are footed with the bill.
The Bailout Bill hopefully really can help homeowners who have often been coaxed into mortgages.
Criticism for the 1st Draft was well placed, oversight, especially with this administration was a must. Further 700 Billion dollars is seemingly coming out of nowhere. This from the same right wing politicians who refuse to offer universal health care or reduced cost education.
Hopefully this bill if nothing else, sways people to expect more from their government. If the government can offer a few wealthy firms on Wall Street, it should be there to help with the everyday struggle of the millions of American living check to check and the 80% who are having a hard time paying their bills.
Congress and the Administration are calling this bill necessary for the economy, and that may be true. Hopefully this bill can help set other priorities. If money exists for Wall Street firms, then there should be more for the citizens who are footed with the bill.
The Bailout Bill hopefully really can help homeowners who have often been coaxed into mortgages.
Why Franken? More like Why Not Norm!
Here is The new Franken Add, it seems his campaign although may be considered turning negative by many, is exploiting the questionable record of Norm Coleman.
While Norm decided to attack Al Franken's passionate remarks of the past make him to ill mannered for Minnesota, many taken out of context, Franken is replying with Adds that show real concerns that Minnesotans should consider. Mostly his ties to business instead of blue collar interests.
While Norm decided to attack Al Franken's passionate remarks of the past make him to ill mannered for Minnesota, many taken out of context, Franken is replying with Adds that show real concerns that Minnesotans should consider. Mostly his ties to business instead of blue collar interests.
Introduction
About Me: My Name is Dane Ryan and I am involved in and a close observer of Democratic-Farmer-Labor politics. I describe myself as an advocate and activist. Politics in my opinion is an engine of change. Politics simply put exists to improve peoples lives. I saw this from a fairly early age, and still remain young now. I am a junior of political science at the University of Minnesota. Previously I had spent time at UM-Duluth in arguably the most blue collar part of the state. I am a proud member of The United Food and Commercial Workers local 653. You might wonder why read another political blog, particularly by a student recently old enough to drink. Well, I feel qualified and that my studies and times on different campaigns gives me a good perspective and has shaped my view. I am particularly interested in populist type politics. The blight of poor people, the massive debt after college, tax policy, worker rights and union protection and the environment among others.
Qualifications:
Writing: Staff Writer for UMD Statesman, regular
Campaigns: 2004 - John Kerry ellection volunteer
2005 - Paul Ostrow City Council Reelection volunteer
2006 - Diane Loeffler for State Representative Reelection volunteer
2006 - Keith Ellison election volunteer
2008 - Obama for Minnesota volunteer
What I want to convey through this blog is not overused talking points that a viewer can't escape on evening talk shows, but a unique perspective from a young American. The Midwest, has long been a hot spot for populist messages, due to the middle class nature of the people here. The key in my opinion to a true populism is the belief in hope for the future. As long as there is space for improvement among the common people of America, populism will be here to stay.
This blog comes from the perspective of middle class student, in debt, working nights at a union job trying to get by and hoping to improve his life and through his work the lives of others too.
“The future will not belong to those who sit on the sidelines. The
future will not belong to the cynics. The future belongs to those who
believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Paul Wellstone
Qualifications:
Writing: Staff Writer for UMD Statesman, regular
Campaigns: 2004 - John Kerry ellection volunteer
2005 - Paul Ostrow City Council Reelection volunteer
2006 - Diane Loeffler for State Representative Reelection volunteer
2006 - Keith Ellison election volunteer
2008 - Obama for Minnesota volunteer
What I want to convey through this blog is not overused talking points that a viewer can't escape on evening talk shows, but a unique perspective from a young American. The Midwest, has long been a hot spot for populist messages, due to the middle class nature of the people here. The key in my opinion to a true populism is the belief in hope for the future. As long as there is space for improvement among the common people of America, populism will be here to stay.
This blog comes from the perspective of middle class student, in debt, working nights at a union job trying to get by and hoping to improve his life and through his work the lives of others too.
“The future will not belong to those who sit on the sidelines. The
future will not belong to the cynics. The future belongs to those who
believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Paul Wellstone
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)