Birk’s Blog- posted on May 3, 2008
Special Note: All information and opinions below represent the opinions of Doug Birk only-- and are
not intended to reflect the opinion of anyone else affiliated with the station or host.
WRIGHT COUNTY POLITICAL NEWS AND COMMENTARY
Blog Features
A) Quote of the Week
B) Upcoming Show Highlights
C) Wright County Monthly Political Spotlight
D) Wright County Political Blog- New information posted weekly
E) Guest List
Show Time- Saturdays; 11:00-12:00pm
Every week we spotlight Wright County politics. We interview
national, state, and local political guests. In addition, we offer
commentary and weekly trivia, take you calls and questions,
and have plenty of surprises. It's fun and informative.
DON'T MISS "POLITICAL THURSDAYS"- 10:05AM
Every week on Thursday at 10:05am we re-run the best portions
of our weekly guest interview. It's a great time to hear these
interesting guests if you miss the weekly show.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper
you are misinformed."
-- Mark Twain
May 10, 2008- Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL)
and Phil Krinkie from the Taxpayer's League of Minnesota
The two most highly charged political issues in Wright County, historically, has
always been the issues of abortion and taxes. On this week's show, we will
spotlight the important role of the Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life organization
in the political and social fabric of Wright County. In addition, Phil Krinkie, former
State Representative from Lino Lakes rejoins the show to discuss taxes and the
Taxpayer's League message for voters in 2008.
May 17, 2008- U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (R- Minnesota)
In February, we were joined by U.S. senator Norm Coleman and we will re-run
our lengthy interview with Coleman as we discussed the foreclosure issue, Iraq,
and the 2008 election year. Coleman is involved in a fierce re-election fight in
2008 and most political observers view this race as one of the closest congressional
races throughout the country. We will also feature your calls, commentary,
trivia, and continue our local discussion about the Wright County foreclosure crisis.
May 24, 2008; Gary Miller; Wright County Sherriff
We will continue our focus on local conversation as we feature Wright County
sheriff, Gary Miller. We will talk with Mr. Miller about law enforcement. The
county sheriff is an elected position who works in conjunction with the County
Attorney and local municipalities to address crime related issues throughout
the county. Mr. Miller was elected to a 4-year term in 2006.
WRIGHT COUNTY MONTHLY
POLITICAL SPOTLIGHT
Every month we spotlight the efforts of local Wright County individuals who
make a positive political difference in Wright County and who spend their
time and energy to get others positively engaged in our democracy.
We welcome your nominations- simply email the show (doug@krwc1360.com)
or call 763.682.4444.
WRIGHT COUNTY POLITICAL PERSON OF THE MONTH- Drew Emmer
Don Saupir- Chair of the Wright County Republican Party- March, 2008
Sue Rego- DFL State Party Secretary- April , 2008
Drew Emmer-- Wright County Republican activist and local blog author- May, 2008
Our third recipient, for the month of May, is Drew Emmer, who is the author
of Wright County's most prominent and visible political blog; wrightrepublicanblogspot.com.
Mr. Emmer is a local Republican activist who had held a variety of leadership
positions in the local Wright County Republican Party. In 2005, Drew Emmer
attempted to secure the local Republican endorsement for the State Senate in
District 19 (Wright County).
Mr. Emmer is actively engaged in the blogging culture and has authored a
remarkable local blog that has occasionally been featured in other news outlets.
In 2008, Mr. Emmer's blog has featured several prominent writings on the
"Ron Paul" movement within local and state Republican Party circles. The blog is
also an excellent source of perspective and opinion on issues facing the state
legislature. To be candid, you won't find a better barometer of the House Republican
Caucus during the session than Emmer's local political blog. Mr. Emmer is a lively
idea oriented individual who attempts to actively engage others in our local political
community. As the Uncle of local State Rep. Tom Emmer, he may not be the most
visible member of the Emmer clan, but he has certainly established himself as
an prominent political contributor to Wright County.
WRIGHT COUNTY POLITICAL BLOG
POSTED-- May 3, 2008
"Tinklenberg v. Bachmann in 2008"
Elwyn Tinklenberg won the DFL endorsement at the DFL 6th District Convention
in Coon Rapids on April 26. He won about 70% of the vote, and the
endorsement, on the 1st ballot (it takes 60% to win the endorsement).
It was an interesting endorsement contest between Tinklenberg and Olsen, but
it appears that local DFL activists were interested in choosing a candidate
that should have some appeal for moderates throughout the district. As a former
mayor of Blaine and Methodist minister, Tinklenberg brings a unique personal and
professional background to the race.
This race will be close. I suspect the race between Tinklenberg and Bachmann
will be among the 20 closest congressional races in the country. The race still
favors Bachmann, but the race should be well within the statistical margin of error
by October. The 2008 campaign should carry a very different tone than 2006.
The one remaining unknown is whether an independent candidate will enter the
race. Invariably, in the 6th district, an independent takes votes away from the
DFL candidate and such a candidate should help Bachmann.
POSTED-- April 26, 2008
"Foreclosure Crisis-- Where were your locally elected officials?"
This week I want to talk about the Wright County foreclosure crisis and why local
government actually matters?
Wright County, of course, has made a lot of headlines over the last month. It’s
not the kind of headlines you want to see. Wright County has routinely led the
state of Minnesota in monthly foreclosures over the last 6 months and any quick
drive around Wright County can tell you we are in the grip of a foreclosure
nightmare- the ramifications of which will not be truly measured for years.
It’s a big problem.
Now I would not suggest that this entire problem is the direct or indirect result of
your locally elected officials. The macro and micro economic forces behind this
collapse resulted from pressures and decisions far beyond the reach or impact of
Wright County elected officials.
But I would suggest that many towns and communities in Wright County could have
managed the growth better? Could some towns have been more cautious? Could
some cities have helped to curb some of the excess?
The question is did your town or city officials ask the right kind of questions?
And where was the local oversight as this was happening?
I have attended a lot of local meetings in Wright County. For the most part, in
my own judgment, we have a lot of good people involved with local government
throughout the County. I will say, however, I have occasionally been struck by the
complete passiveness of some local governing bodies.
Often, I've attended meetings and not heard a single challenging question in a 2-3 hour
meeting. The role of our locally elected officials is to do more that occupy a chair at regularly
scheduled meetings. A good public official asks the tough questions. This is not always
easy. In fact, it may be the toughest aspect of the job.
When you ask questions, city and town administrators can quickly become
very defensive. Since virtually no one ever attends local meetings it’s easy,
in fact its almost human psychology, to eventually become more concerned about
the administrative team of whom you are working with on a near daily basis then
the vague “voters” who are never really physically present or visible and who do not speak
in any one voice.
In some of our local communities, its fairly evident that some locally elected
officials did not ask very good questions. While its true there are legal
limits to the degree to which a local community can inhibit growth, there were
multiple options available, both indirect and direct, to a local governing body
to at least slow the rate of growth.
As we look at rapidly declining housing values across the County—we can take
some solace in knowing we are in the middle of a national storm of bad economic
news and trends—but we also should not be afraid to look closer to home and
learn from this situation.
Wherever you may live, you should ask what did my locally elected officials do
about this issue. Who was asking the questions, when asking the questions were
important.
If you can’t find out any answers, you may want to take a little more time this
election year and find out who you are voting for.
Why does this candidate want to serve? Who does this candidate want to serve?
How do they view the role of an elected official? Will they try to work towards
consensus when appropriate? And does this person have the strength of character
and intelligence to ask good questions?
In the course of hosting this show, I have asked countless numbers of locally
elected officials to appear. The vast majority, and I would be so bold as to
say the really good ones, have agreed to appear on the show and are not afraid
to ask and answer questions.
That is at least one healthy sign of a good locally elected official.
And please don’t be fooled by old and tiring labels. The traditional political
labels of conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat, really don’t apply to
these non-partisan locally elected positions such as County Commissioner, or
City Council, or School Board. What matters most is the sincerity, energy, and
character of the individual person.
Anyone, from any party, can exercise good judgment.
One lesson to emerge from this foreclosure crisis is not to take good local government for
granted.
So don’t be afraid this election year, to start asking questions of your local candidates.
Your community, children, and quality of life will benefit.
POSTED-- April 5, 2008
Top 8 "Perilous" Political Predictions for 2008
1) Obama will win the popular vote by a substantial margin in 2008,
but the electoral college count will be very close- with Ohio and Pennsylvania
essentially deciding the outcome of the Presidential race
2) In Minnesota, John McCain will win his highest percentage of county
wide votes in Wright County. Obama, however, will win Minnesota by 6-7%.
3) U.S. Rep. Bachmann (6th District) will win re-election by less than 2%
4) For the first time since the surge in county population, we will see a surge
of newly elected local representatives across Wright County who have moved
to this community in the last 15 years and who are younger (under 45).
5) Rep. Emmer (R- Delano) and Rep. Anderson (R- Buffalo) will win re-election
in 2008, but the DFL percentages in these two races will be the highest DFL
percentage since 2000.
6) Democrats will gain 5 seats in the Minnesota House in 2008- ensuring
a veto proof majority in both the Senate and House in 2009 (need 89 out of
134 seats, right now it's 85-48-1)
7) Rep. Emmer will run for the Republican endorsement for Governor in 2010
8) Buffalo will narrowly pass a scaled down levy referendum in the Fall, 2008
POSTED-- March 29, 2008
Top 12 "Wright County Most Influential Political People or Organizations"
1) Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Delano)
2) Minnesota Citizens Concerned For Life (MCCL)
3) Wright County Republican Party
4) State Sen. Amy Koch (R- Buffalo)
5) Rep. Bruce Anderson (R- Buffalo)
6) Senate District 19 DFL
7) Sue Rego- State DFL Party Secretary
8) Lorrie Adams-- Chair of SD19 DFL
9) Drew Emmer- author of wrightrepublicanblogspot.com
10) Gary Miller- Wright County Sherriff
11) Buffalo School Board
12) Jack Russek- Wright County Board Of Commissioners (District 3)
POSTED-- March 22, 2008
Title: "Wright County DFL Convention Attracts Record Turn-Out.”
Could 2008 be the year a DFL state candidate is elected in Wright County?
If enthusiasm and energy is any barometer, then the DFL may finally see some
local political gains resulting from a recent 2-4 year period of intense "grass-roots"
organizing culminating in a record turn-out at its annual county convention.
On March 15, approximately 400 DFL activists attended the Wright County DFL
Convention at the Buffalo Middle School in Buffalo, MN.
Al Patton, former state legislator from Sartell, chaired the proceedings.
The customary parade of party dignitaries and DFL candidates addressed the
convention including State Sen. Tarryl Clark (St. Cloud), former Sen. Mark Dayton,
and the two candidates for the DFL nomination in the 6th Congressional District,
Elywn Tinklenberg and Bob Olsen.
297 delegates, elected from Wright County DFL caucuses held on February 5,
passed 33 platform resolutions and 2 party resolutions (amending party policy
or practices).
The convention also elected 19 Wright County DFL delegates that will proceed
to the congressional district and state DFL conventions to help decide the
party endorsement in the contested DFL races for Congress and U.S. Senate.
Interesting, the DFL generally selects its delegates through a ³walking" sub-caucus
system that proportionally allocates convention delegates according to whatever
sub-caucus, as defined by an issue and candidate(s), attracts the most delegate
support.
Nearly 30 "sub-caucus" groups were created spotlighting a range of issues and
candidates. Based on observation, at least two sub-caucus groups attracted 45
or more delegates. The Obama/Franken/Tinklenberg/ Vets/ Universal Health Care
sub-caucus appeared to be the largest group. Another sub-caucus, defined as
Clinton/ Franken/ Pro-Choice, also attracted a large following.
Somewhat surprisingly, Tinklenberg, in a contested race for the 6th District
Congressional DFL endorsement, appeared to have an unusually strong following
at the convention despite facing a nearly incessant barrage of criticism over several
months on the popular left leaning Wright County political blog, "Blue Man in a Red
District".
In other news, DFL Senate District 19 also held its¹endorsement convention.
In House District 19A, which includes Buffalo, first-time candidate James Bakula
(Monticello) was unanimously elected as the DFL endorsed candidate to run against
incumbent Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo).
Meanwhile, in House District 19B, which includes St. Michael-Albertville, delegates
decided a locally contested two-way race for the DFL endorsement between Chris
Brazelton (Delano) and Dennis Sucik (St. Michael).
Brazelton, the DFL candidate in 2006, won 70% of the vote on the 1st ballot. She will
run against incumbent Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Delano).
Technically, 2008 may be the last time the "Wright County DFL" hosts a convention.
Going forward, the ³Wright County DFL² party unit will be split into two local DFL party
organizations; Senate District 18 and Senate District 19.
After years of having two simultaneous local organizations (Wright County DFL and
Senate District 19), often with conflicting roles and competing responsibilities, the
convention passed a party resolution expressing support for effectively dissolving the
"Wright County DFL".
This local party reorganization follows a near total revitalization of the local DFL in
Wright County in the last few years.
Regardless of your party affiliation, 2008 promises to an eventful political year.
Not just nationally, but "Wright" here in your own backyard. Both of the
Wright County Republican and DFL county conventions were extremely
well-organized Spring events exhibiting the high degree of local political
activism and political engagement so common to this local area.
POSTED: March 8, 2008
Title: Wright County Republicans Remain Upbeat About 2008”
On March 1, over 500 Wright County Republicans gathered at the Buffalo Discovery
School in Buffalo to participate in the annual county convention.
The record turn-out was impressive and somewhat surprising. Some local observers
speculated that Republican turn-out at this type of event may be depressed; particularly
considering the core Republican base is not exactly passionate about its presumptive
Presidential nominee, John McCain.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, the new state legislative session has been particularly
challenging for Republicans. During the proceeding week, Governor Pawlenty experienced
his first veto override on the transportation bill and Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau was ousted from
her role as Transportation Commissioner by a strict party-line vote in Minnesota Senate.
But Wright County Republicans remained positive, upbeat, and confident about their election
prospects in 2008. The 500 seat auditorium was completely full. A full slate of over 460
delegates was seated. Even the galleries, located in the auditorium balcony, were nearly
full of alternate delegates and observers.
As is customary, the proceedings were dominated by speeches from locally elected
officials. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Delano) warmed up the crowd with a passionate speech
about the future of the Minnesota Republican Party. It’s clear that Rep. Emmer will
assume a more public statewide profile for the Republican Party in 2008. U.S. Rep.
Michelle Bachmann, who spoke for nearly 30 minutes, received several ovations. In
addition, Rep. Urdahl (R-Grove City), Rep. Anderson (R- Buffalo), and Sen. Koch
(R-Buffalo) also spoke to the convention throughout the day.
Wright County remains a stalwart of political strength for local Republicans and sustaining
high Republican percentages will be very important to the re-election of Bachmann and
Urdahl in 2008. Bachmann’s core area of political strength in the 6th Congressional
District was Wright County in 2006, and she likely will need to sustain high Wright County
numbers in 2008 to win re-election. Urdahl, who represents House District 18B, only has
about 40% of his district (in terms of actual voters) in Wright County, but Urdhal would
actually have lost re-election without Wright County in 2006.
The convention unanimously endorsed the re-elections bids of its local state representatives;
Rep. Anderson (19A), Rep. Emmer (19B), and Rep. Urdhal (18B). The convention was
attended by several first-time delegates with a surprising upsurge in young delegates and
young families. In the last decade, at these types of party events, it can frankly be surprising
to meet anyone under the age of 40, but I would guess about a ¼ of the convention fit into this
young demographic.
The main purpose of a county convention is to select delegates for the congressional and state
convention. Wright County was allotted 55 delegates for each event, and an impressive 150
convention delegates stepped forward to ask to be elected. It was an interesting day.
Of course, some people ask why does a local county convention in this day and age even
matter? Well, it’s local “grass-roots” democracy in action. It’s your own friends,
neighbors, and peers attempting to take just a little bit of ownership over their own
futures.
It’s unfiltered and undiluted political engagement. And it’s all motivated by a sincere desire to
try to constructively participate in the political process. It’s the best example throughout the
year of the Wright County culture of civic and political engagement, as best demonstrated by
our high voter turn-out, that is mutually shared and celebrated by all local political parties
and county residents.
POSTED: February 23, 2008
Blog Topics: "It's Political Oscar Time In Wright County
It's Oscar time- and so it's time to hand out our annual local Political Oscars.
Best Wright County Leading Political Actor-
Rep. Tom Emmer (R- Delano)-- Assumed the role of Deputy Minority House Leader
in 2007 and raised his statewide public profile significantly.
Best Wright County Leading Political Actress-
Sen. Amy Koch (R-Buffalo)-- Assumed role of Senate Assistant Minority Leader
in 2007 and is one of 9 Republican women in the State Senate
Best Local Political Actor in a Supporting Role-
Don Saupir- Chair of the Wright County Republican Party-- The local Republican
Party continues to be recognized throughout the state as one of the best organized
local party political units in the Republican Party
Best Local Political Actress in a Supporting Role-
Lorrie Adams- Chair of the Senate District 19 (Wright County) DFL Party- The 2nd
term chair of the local DFL unit led an unprecedented drive in local DFL organization
throughout 2007.
Best Overall Political Picture in 2007-
Senate District 19 DFL; 2007 was a big year for the local DFL. 2007 saw
unprecedented levels of fundraising, active members, events, candidates, and
local organization capped by a historic caucus turn-out in February, 2008.
POSTED: February 9, 2008
Blog Topics: "WRIGHT COUNTY CAUCUS NIGHT FULL OF SURPRISES, CAUCUS
IDEAS AND RESOLUTIONS"
It was a strange and unprecedented caucus night in Wright County.
And it’s difficult to determine if the caucus results are indicative of some seismic
shift in the local political landscape or simply reflective of a general apathy and
malaise among the strong Republican leaning voters that have driven local election
results for over a decade.
For the first time in memory, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party drew a
higher turn-out in Wright County than the Republicans. 2429 Wright County voters
participated in the DFL caucus to 1700 for the Republicans (results are unofficial).
In Wright County, with a 60% Republican voter index and some of the highest voter
turn-out rates in the entire United States, the DFL outdrew the Republicans by over
700 attendees. Wright County DFL caucus attendees strongly preferred Obama
(1384) to Clinton (990). The DFL turn-out was unprecedented and stretched DFL
caucus locations throughout the county. DFL party organizers anticipated a record
turn-out, but were still surprised by the amazing increase in Wright County DFL caucus
numbers.
In some places, turn-out was nearly 5 to 10 times as much as 2004, the last DFL
presidential open race. Meanwhile, Republican caucus turn-out was still quite impressive
and also appears to have reached record levels. Wright County Republican caucus
attendees resoundingly chose Romney (834) with Huckabee (296), Paul (283), and
McCain (268), all trailing far behind.
Admittedly, the Republican results are puzzling and a sign that the identity crisis plaguing
the Republican Party nationally is also affecting the local Republican Party unit.
Traditionally, Wright County Republicans are “social value” Republicans. Issues like abortion,
immigration, gay marriage, are usually very important to local Republicans. Perhaps the
sheer size of Romney’s victory is best viewed as a complete rejection of McCain- who
many local Republican activists view with some degree of disdain.
According to Rep. Michelle Bachmann in 2007, “Wright County is the epicenter of the
Republican Party in Minnesota” So when Huckabee and even Ron Paul beat the
presumptive Republican national front-runner, and likely party nominee, in Wright
County-it’s a result that should not be ignored by the state or national party machinery.
Wright County Republicans have driven state-wide election results in the last two election
cycles. In 2006, Governor Pawlenty won by approximately 21,000 votes across the state
in a razor thin race and nearly 10,000 of those “victory margin” votes came directly from
Wright County.
It’s clear that in places like Wright County, where some could reasonably argue the soul
of the Minnesota Republican Party is located; there is no enthusiasm for John McCain.
How will a McCain nomination affect Wright County Republican activism, contributions, and the
local political landscape remains to be seen? Of course, the DFL might be able to help.
One thing is for certain, nothing will more quickly unite Wright County Republicans more than
their intense and visceral reaction to the prospect of a President Hillary Clinton.
"POLITICALLY
SPEAKING" GUEST LIST (since Jan 1, 2007)
1)
John Deitering- DFL Candidate for State Senate (2005)/ Town Supervisor
2)
Lori Schmidt- 2 time DFL candidate for House District 19B (2004/2006)
3)
State Sen. Amy Koch (19)- (6 times; 3X in 2007 and 3X 2008)
4)
State Rep. Tom Emmer (19B)- (3 times; 2x in 2007 and
1x in 2008)
5)
U.S. Representative- Michelle Bachman (6th District)- February 10 and
June 23
6)
State Rep. Bruce Anderson (19A)
7)
State Rep. Dean Urdahl (18b)- March 17 and July 28 (2007) and April 5,
2008
8)
Wright County Commissioner Patrick Sawatzke (District 2)
9)
Wright County Attorney- Tom Kelly (2 times; 2007 and 2008)
10)
Wright County Sheriff- Gary Miller
(2 times, 2007 and 2008)
11)
Minnesota State Auditor- Rebecca Otto (2006)
12)
St. Michael City Council- Kevin Kasel
13)
Buffalo Public Schools Chairperson- Patti Pokorney
14)
Wright County Labor Council- (rep) Jason George- (3 times)-
April 19, 2008
15)
Wright County Republican Chair- Don Saupir (4 times)- January
12, 2008
16)
Senate District 19 (Wright County) DFL Chair- Lorrie Adams
(3 times)-January 5, 2008
17)
Buffalo Mayor- Fred Naaktgeboren
18)
Delano Mayor- Joe McDonald
19)
Wright County Republican Convention (audio/ live coverage)
20) Chris Brazelton-
DFL endorsed candidate for House District 19B (2006)
21) Bob Hiiavala-
Wright County Auditor/Treasurer
22) Al Franken- DFL
U.S. Senate Candidate (2 times); last show Jan 26, 2008
23) Jim Grabielson--
St. Michael
24) Scott Fischbach--
Executive Director of MCCL
25) Lee Monk-
Clearwater Mayor
26) Ron Klecker-
Albertville Mayor
27) Rep. Tony
Sertich (MN House Majority Leader)- Aug 18 and Nov 17
28) Monticello
Mayor- Clint Herbst
29) Drew Emmer
30) Nancy
Schumacher- 6th District DFL Chair
31) Brian Melendez-
Minnesota DFL Chair
32) Bob Olson- DFL
candidate for the 6th Congressional District- (2 times)- last show; Jan 19, 2008
33) Bob Hill- DFL
candidate for the 6th Congressional District
34) Michael Messina-
Maple Lake Mayor
35) Michael Cerisi-
DFL Candidate for U.S. Senate
36) Jim Cohen- DFL
Candidate for U.S. Senate
37) Supt. Jim Bauck-
Supt of the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose School District
38) Supt. Jim
Johnson- Supt. of the Monticello School District
39) Phil Krinkie--
Tax Payer's League of Minnesota-
40) Ron Carey-
Minnesota Republican Party Chairperson-
41) Matt Fillner-
Minnesota Progressive Majority-
42) Elwyn
Tinklenberg- DFL candidate for U.S. 6th District-
43) Hal Kimball-
Chair of Wright County DFL
44) U.S. Senator
Norm Coleman (R)- February 2, 2008
45) Dennis Susik-
DFL Candidate for House District 19B (Wright County)
46) James Bacula-
DFL Candidate for House District 19A (Wright County)
47) North Crow River
Citizens for Life- St. Michael, MN
There is always plenty of information, surprises, and conversation
on your exclusive
show for local, vibrant, and substantive political
conversation in Wright County,
“Politically Speaking”.
So join us, and
get engaged.
Douglas D Birk
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