The same day – this Saturday – DFL CD3 Delegates gather to endorse the person that’s going to beat Erik Paulsen, R=Bachmann, CD3 GOPers are meeting to re-endorse Postage-Stamp Paulsen. So I took a quick look at the GOP CD3 website, and what did I see?
Let’s look!!!
So, to make sure he’s not primaried by Tea Party Republicans, ol’ Postage Stamp Paulsen (who allegedly really, Really, REALLY hates “gov’t waste!”) has gone all-in on the Ryan Budget.
Which is really rather funny; way back when – when he first ran for the congressional seat Jim Ramstad vacated via retirement – Paulsen claimed he was a “moderate” in the mold of Frenzel and Ramstad. It’s a schtick he recently tried to peddle again last September, at a Town Hall in Mound. It’s a fine-line Paulsen toes; having to go all-in to appease the Right Wing Nut Jobs while trying to convince the electorate he’s really just, well, “not”.
And appease he does! You’ll see posts down the road, comparing Paulsen’s votes to, say, Bachmann – for just one! “Talks like a moderate; votes like a Bachmann!” might just be a common theme!
Back to Paulsen’s post to the RWNJ’s in the GOP’s 3rd CD: What is this noxious and vile Budget Ryan wrote, and Paulsen is all-in on? From National Public Radio:
And in Paulsen’s world, that’s just fine.
Here on terra firma? Not so much.
(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)
While I focus on covering the corruption and dirty politics of the Republican Party, I do keep an eye on what’s happening in the Democratic Party. I just usually don’t write about it. Today, I will.
The redistricting maps have been approved, the lines are drawn and set in stone. I’m not hearing of anyone deciding that based on the new lines, they’re in. If anyone was sitting on the sidelines waiting to see what the new CD3 political landscape looked like, the time to jump into the race has come and gone.
So we’re down to to candidates, and I’ve made my decision who to back – it’s Brian Barnes.
But quite frankly, it doesn’t matter that no one else jumped in; the right candidate – Brian Barnes – was already in!
Brian is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and has served in the Navy Reserves, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Been there, done that: Brian has been a part of the greatest military in the world.
And Brian understands – as all with a military background do – that we, as a country, should only go to war because we HAVE to; unlike Republicans, who think we should go to war because they WANT to.
Brian has a real business background, working for a Minnesota based Fortune 200 company. Been there, done that: Brian knows what it takes to be successful in business.
But it’s more than just a successful background; it’s how Brian has conducted his campaign so far: he’s attracted top-notch talent to his campaign team, he’s attracted young and energetic volunteers, and he’s worked hard to polish his public speaking ability.
Since last summer, Brian’s stump speeches have gotten better and Better and BETTER! In all facets of this campaign, Brian keeps getting better and Better and BETTER! While I’m excited at where this campaign is now, I’m absolutely ecstatic at where it will be as it continues to gain momentum and heads towards the general election!
When I look at what Brian has – and will! – accomplish, it’s easy to understand why: Brian achieved, in his youth, something that sticks and is always with him: Brian is an Eagle Scout.
From the Boy Scout Handbook:
Be Prepared.
That’s the motto of the Boy Scouts.
“Be prepared for what?” someone once asked Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting,
“Why, for any old thing.” said Baden-Powell.
The training you receive in your troop will help you live up to the Scout motto. When someone has an accident, you are prepared because of your first aid instruction. Because of lifesaving practice, you might be able to save a nonswimmer who has fallen into deep water.
But Baden-Powell wasn’t thinking just of being ready for emergencies. His idea was that all Scouts should prepare themselves to become productive citizens and to give happiness to other people. He wanted each Scout to be ready in mind and body for any struggles, and to meet with a strong heart whatever challenges might lie ahead.
Be prepared for life – to live happily and without regret, knowing that you have done your best. That’s what the Scout motto means.
Page updated on: August 05, 2007
Quite frankly, Brian Barnes has the background, the training, the resume, and the temperament to take on Erik Paulsen and win.
Career politician Erik Paulsen first door knocked me in 1994; I didn’t like his politics then and I damned sure don’t like them now.
It’s time to send career politician Paulsen to the private sector – full time – for employment – which, of course, would be a first for him.
And Brian Barnes is the candidate to do just that.
Join me, and help send Brian Barnes, a man you can trust, to represent us – ALL of us – as Minnesota’s next Representative in the United States Congress!
(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)
For more on the MN GOP fiscal scandal, click here: “By The Numbers: The MN GOP’s Cooked Books, Part 8″
For more on the Phil Young scandal, click here: “Part 6 – A Closer Look At Republican Mayor Phil Young’s Problems, or…”
Ladies and Gentlemen, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again and Again and AGAIN:
Reasonable People Cannot Reasonably Believe What GOPers Say.
Even the least dishonest of GOPers admitted that; remember what former GOPer National Chair Michael Steele once said?
“You have absolutely no reason – none – to trust our words or our actions at this point.”
True then, true today, and it’ll be true tomorrow too.
Reasonable People Cannot Reasonably Believe What GOPers Say.
(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)
EricF put up a post yesterday (with video!) where Plymouth Republican Sarah Anderson mistakes Rochester New York with Rochester Minnesota – while in session, at the capitol.
It’s the kind of stuff that can’t be made up. But hey – it’s not as if Sarah Anderson hasn’t had video-worthy activities in St. Paul before – let’s look!
(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)
So Romney maintains his 25% base of GOPers that can’t stand him, and wins Iowa by 8 – EIGHT votes. He goes to New Hampshire, and who’s there to help? McCain. Yes, John McCain. Here’s one headline:
PETERBOROUGH, N.H.—John McCain hugged Mitt Romney today as he endorsed his campaign. Four years ago, he wanted to hug Romney long enough to stop his breathing. (Slate.com)
So, what was McCain saying about Romney, four years ago? Let’s look!!!
So, how does McCain justify that epic flipflop, from ripping Romney 4 years ago, to stepping up for him now? Back to Slate:
Bygones.
But if the enemy of my enemy is my friend, it does not mean he’s my boon companion.
“…if the enemy of my enemy is my friend…”
Hey, THERE’S a real “Christian” philosophy, yes?
I guess what that really means any flipflop is ok, as long as it’s in the interest of making sure Obama is a one term president. Grinding the country to a stop – like the GOPers do in the GOP controlled US House, and the filibustered tyranny of the minority in the US Senate, is ok — as long as it’s in the interest of making sure Obama is a one term president. Taking care of their Boardroom Base is ok — as long as it’s in the interest of making sure Obama is a one term president.
McCain didn’t have to come out for a guy he ripped four years ago – correctly – as a serial flipflopper; he could have just stayed on the sidelines and let the process play out before stepping in for his team’s endorsed candidate. But he didn’t; he jumped in now for a guy he ripped mercilessly — and, again, correctly.
The Big E used to track The Court-Certified “4th Most Most Corrupt Senator In Congress” – GOPer Norm Coleman – in a repository called “The Norm Coleman Weasel Meter”. Ol’ Smokescreen (Norm Coleman) has got nothin’ on Mittens, in the way of flipflops! Comparatively, Norm’s an amatuer. McCain ripped Romney for that flipflopping back then; now he’s got Mitten’s back.
Today’s GOP is morally bankrupt, intellectually dishonest, and institutionally corrupt.
And has been pointed out before, one person pointing that out was then-RNC Chair Michael Steele: “You have absolutely no reason – none – to trust our words or our actions at this point.”.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: You Couldn’t Trust The GOP Then, You Still Can’t Now, And Tomorrow Won’t Be Any Different
(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)
Saw the tweets from MPR’s @TomScheck (and if you’re not following Tom on Twitter, you should):
Here’s the lede and a snippet:
Former top Koch staffer raised concerns about her conduct months ago
by Tom Scheck, Minnesota Public Radio,
Catharine Richert, Minnesota Public Radio
.
.
Michel acknowledged that Sheehan’s comments contradict the comments he and three other senators made to reporters on Friday. At that time, Michel said the allegations about Koch’s behavior were first reported to them a few weeks ago. Michel said he wasn’t honest about the timeline in an attempt to protect Sheehan and other staffers.
.
.
(more, and I suggest you read it here)
So, Michel only lied when he has to? Or, is it safe to say “Michel only lies when he has to”?
“Right” now, Michel is only the “Interim Senate Majority Leader.” Smart money should wager despite Michel’s role in this whole sordid affair, he’ll be endorsed for re-election in the Greed Over Principles Party anyway. Of course, if that happens, he might simply be the “Interim Senator from Edina.”
What Michel really is, is today’s example of what GOPer Michael Steele said back then: “you have absolutely no reason – none – to trust our words or actions at this point”.
True then, true now, and tomorrow won’t be any different. Nixon would be proud.
(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)
Zappadan commemorates the late composer/producer/musician Frank Zappa; it runs from December 4th – the day of Frank’s death in 1993 – through tomorrow, December 21st – the day of Frank’s birth in 1940. Zappadan is the blogger festival featuring all things Zappa. Frank took great delight in skewering hypocritical republiCons. Therefore, in his honor, today’s commemoration is the “Pew d’Etat” post! Recent hypocritical activities by certain members of Minnesota’s State Senate – GOPers, all of ‘em – have shown, once again, that the Party flying the “Family Values” flag believes in the sanctity of marriage (except when they don’t).
So today’s song choice, for the next to last day of Zappadan 2011, has to be “Dirty Love!” Now, Frank always had a “secret word” at his concerts, for fun and entertainment. With the sordid and scandalous behavior by drop trou GOPers at the Minnesota Senate, I picked this song cause there’s a secret word in it, too! Well, phrase, to be exact: “The poodle bites – c’mon Frenchy!” If what I’m hearing is correct, the significance of that “secret word” will become very apparent in just a pew, er, ‘scuse me, “few” days!
Which is why I added the “Pew d’Etat” to the title, there’s a new crew taking advantage and taking over the GOPer side o’ the aisle in the Minnesota State Senate! While past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, smart money is betting after their Pew d’Etate that it’ll just be SSDD….
Without any further ado – “Dirty Love!”
Frank Zappa tribute with ex-band members and many guests, recorded in November 1991 in New York City. Frank was too ill at this time, so he couldn´t attend.
Hope you enjoyed that; I’m sure Frank would be having a field day writing new songs based on the antics of Today’s GOP: Morally Bankrupt, Intellectually Dishonest, and Institutionally Corrupt.
***
Previous posts on MPP, referencing Frank Zappa:
“Zappadan 2011, Day 11″ by TPT on Wednesday December 14th
“Zappadan 2011, Day 6″ by TPT on Friday December 9th, 2011
“Zappadan 2011, Day 4″ by TPT on Wednesday December 7th, 2011
“Zappadan 2011, Day 2″ by TPT on Monday December 5th, 2011
“That’s right folks, don’t touch that dial!” by TPT on Saturday November 19th, 2011
“One Year Later – Who Opposes HCR? Or…a picture says a thousand words.” by TPT, Thursday March 24th, 2011
“Watermellon In Easter Hay – May 17th, 1988, Barcelona, Spain” by TPT, Friday August 21st, 2009
“Progressive Nation 2009 Concert Tour” by TPT, Wednesday June 17th, 2009
***
Where I get my Zappa music: The Electric Fetus
(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)
I often say that today’s GOP Party is morally bankrupt, intellectually dishonest, and institutionally corrupt. But that’s only because it is. Last Friday morning, at 6:00 am, I posted in “Where There Is Smoke There Is Usually Fire”:
Here’s a time line of what we know:
1 – GOP Deputy Chair Michael Brodkorb resigns: 12 October 2011
2 – Senate GOP Majority Chief of Staff Cullen Sheehan resigns: 09 November 2011
3 – GOP Chair Tony Sutton resigns: 02 December 2011
4 – GOP Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch resigns Majority Leader position: 15 December 2011That’s four – FOUR – major resignations in two months.
Well, now the tally is five – FIVE – major positions going vacant in two months because ol’ “Mud Slinger Mike” Brodkorb is no longer spinnin’ tales of lies and deceit as GOP State Senate Communications Director. While there is no official explanation of why Brodkorb is out, speculation and smart money is betting it has to do with whom the ousted GOP Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch was with whilst hikin’ the ol’ Appalachian Trail.
Last Friday morning, when I asked these questions about “takin’ a hike,” I wasn’t expecting a sex scandal:
There’s a LOT of smoke here. Why would an operative like Brodkorb leave a spring-board job like the “unpaid” State Deputy Chair position, to a “volunteer adviser” position on the quixotic campaign of gaffe-prone GOPer Mike Parry? And why would the former staffer of Norm “4th Most-Corrupt Senator” Coleman (not to mention, YouTube Sensation) Cullen Sheehan pack it in? We know that, essentially, ol’ “FEC Tony” Sutton was, essentially, shoved out the door; they just let him call it a “resignation for family reasons” or whatever tripe it was that Tony spewed.
But Koch’s decision to take a hike? Well, Brodkorb is/was Koch’s “executive assistant”… but, still. Why take the hike, now?
I was expecting a breaking story about the GOP’s continuing financial scandal.
And I’m still expecting that story to break. Amy Koch’s sordid scandal is a convenient diversion for the GOP; gives the base something else to look at.
In the years since The Tostenson Memo came to light, GOP State Party Officials hardly had an epiphany. If only half of what is being talked about is true, it makes pre-Tostenson activities look like Choir Boy antics.
That’s where the GOP Base should be looking, and looking to hold those accountable accountable – but a sordid sex scandal is a convenient diversion for those that dug the GOP so deeply into debt.
But I won’t be surprised if that story is kept swept under the rug; if it is it’ll just be another pathetic example of today’s GOP Party being morally bankrupt, intellectually dishonest, and institutionally corrupt.
(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)
Here’s a time line of what we know:
1 – GOP Deputy Chair Michael Brodkorb resigns: 12 October 2011
2 – Senate GOP Majority Chief of Staff Cullen Sheehan resigns: 09 November 2011
3 – GOP Chair Tony Sutton resigns: 02 December 2011
4 – GOP Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch resigns Majority Leader position: 15 December 2011
That’s four – FOUR – major resignations in two months.
Here’s what else we know: a committee of GOP Party Insiders, led by RNC Member Jeff Johnson, has been taking a real hard look into party finances. We also know Interim GOP Chair Kelly Fenton just added Mike Vekich as an “advisor” to the cooked books stinkin’ up the offices at MN GOP HQ.
There’s a reason the FEC nailed the MN GOP with “one of the largest fines” in FEC history.
Here’s what hasn’t been confirmed by multiple sources: said GOPer investigation (led by RNC Jeff Johnson) included a review of Brodkorb’s expense accounting. Remember, when Brodkorb said he wouldn’t take a salary for being GOPer Deputy Chair, he didn’t say he wouldn’t be claiming expenses.
There’s a LOT of smoke here. Why would an operative like Brodkorb leave a spring-board job like the “unpaid” State Deputy Chair position, to a “volunteer adviser” position on the quixotic campaign of gaffe-prone GOPer Mike Parry? And why would the former staffer of Norm “4th Most-Corrupt Senator” Coleman (not to mention, YouTube Sensation) Cullen Sheehan pack it in? We know that, essentially, ol’ “FEC Tony” Sutton was, essentially, shoved out the door; they just let him call it a “resignation for family reasons” or whatever tripe it was that Tony spewed.
But Koch’s decision to take a hike? Well, Brodkorb is/was Koch’s “executive assistant”… but, still. Why take the hike, now?
Gotta wonder, ’cause where there is smoke – especially from cooked books – there’s usually fire.
But don’t be surprised if there’s that ol’ GOPer Cover-Up.
Remember, the GOP has been saying for years – until the FEC smacked ‘em – that there was “nothing to see, here!” despite what was in “The Tostenson Memo” – and that”s really the root cause of the GOP’s cooked books, today. Maybe now that the FEC has taken a look at those cooked books, it’s time for a prosecutor to do so too.
(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com‘ comments welcome there)
Saw the tweet:
Checked google: Nothing. Nada. Zip.
Checked Repya’s Facebook – BINGO!!!
Dear Friends,
I would like to thank everyone who called and wrote me telling me that my predictions in 2007 of fiscal irresponsibility by the leadership within the MN GOP had come true. Many have asked me to run for the vacant MN GOP Chairman’s position and clean up the mess for the good of the party. You confidence in my ability to make the MN GOP once again a viable and respectable political party was very heart warming. Three factors played heavy in my decision not to run for MN GOP Party Chair.
First, many of you do not know that I’m recovering from major cervical disk surgery of four weeks ago. I’m fused from C4 to T1 because of numerous issues relating back to my thirty years of service to our nation military. It appears that my recovery will take at least another six weeks. Although the surgery was successful, it takes time to fully recover and rest is the best medicine.
Second, the commitment would be more then I could handle at this time. From speaking with party faithful and current leaders it appears the extent of the damage the previous leadership has inflicted on a once trusted party is very significant and perhaps well beyond the figure of 1.2 million dollars discussed in the press. I’m told it will take the external audit months to determine the alleged depths of the fiscal mismanagement, graft, kickbacks, corruption and possible financial theft and fraud perpetrated by those who were in charge. I’m confident that the State Executive Board will be totally transparent to the people of Minnesota and insure that no hint of a “cover up” will take place. They promise to take the necessary actions to reform the party so that this type of behavior never occurs again.
Lastly, it would place a burden on my family that I do not wish to put on their shoulders at this time. At this point in my life I believe it would be better to sit back and see if the new leadership will hold those responsible and accountable and that the reforms that are promised do actually take place. Only then will the voters of Minnesota trust the MN GOP to be the party of personal responsibility, financial accountability, and free of corruption.
Analysis? Tomorrow!
Stay tuned!!!
(cross postd from MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)
