The recent election of FEC Tony and MudSlingerMike to Republican Party of Minnesota Chair and Deputy Chair was a clear signal that the GOP was going to keep playing down and dirty – or worse. And apparently, Steele County Republican Party Co-Chair Dave Thul got the message – LOUD AND CLEAR. Before we get into how down and dirty Dave Thul is willing to play, let’s go into the archives and review how down dirty republiCon GOPer John Kline plays:
(crossposted from
Tagged with: Brodkorb • Dave Thul • Diana Bratlie • dirty tricks • FEC Tony • GOP • John Kline • MudSlingerMike • The Uptake • transparency
Well, it seems that John Kline is outraged – OUTRAGED! – that a candidate is taking footage of Marines in uniform, and using said Marines in an ad. And he’s outraged. Here’s what Blogger Michael Broadkorb is reporting Congressman Kline said, over on M.D.E.:
I am outraged that Ashwin Madia would exploit uniformed Marines to advance his political ambitions. … He should immediately pull down the ad and issue an apology to the drill team and the brave men and women of the U.S. Marine Corps.” (M.D.E.)
Well, one would think, by Congressman Kline’s outrage, that he, himself, would never have used the military, or military veterans, to further HIS “political ambitions”, wouldn’t one? Or, if he HAD used the military, or military veterans, to further HIS “political ambitions”, Congressman Kline would have apologized, right?
Yeah, “right.”
Let’s take a look at a John Kline incident, from just two years ago.
On August 12th, 2006, John Kline attended an event with the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), in St. Paul. Randy Pleva, National President of the PVA, sent Congressman Kline a letter on August 28th, thanking Kline for showing up.
Now, it’s important to remember, that the PVA is a 501(c)3 not for profit.
So, what did Congressman Kline do, with that letter, from a not for profit Veterans Organization?
If you guessed Congressman Kline shamelessly used that letter to further Kline’s political career, you would be correct.
Here’s the entire verbage from the SECOND letter the PVA sent to Congressman Kline, dated 31 October 2006:
Dear Congressman Kline,
I write to you regarding a recent campaign flyer distributed by the Kline for Congress campaign (copy attached) that implies my endorsement, as President of Paralyzed Veterans of America, of your reelection. As a 501(c)3 not for profit organization we are precluded by law from endorsing or opposing any candidate for office. Not only was this language taken out of context and used without our knowledge, the fact is that this may put or organization’s good standing in jeopardy.
The language contained in the flyer comes from a letter (attached I sent you August 28, 2006 thanking you for your attendance at a fund raising event conducted by PVA’s Outdoor Recreation Heritage Fund. I find the selective editing for use in the flyer disingenuous at best.
I would appreciate that you and the campaign cease using this implied endorsement.
Thank you.Sincerely,
Randy L. Pleva, Sr.
National Presidentcc: Federal Election Commission, Office of General Counsel
Here’s the first letter, that John Kline disingenously took out of context:
Here’s the second letter, that the PVA essentially said “cease and desist”:
Now, fastforward to yesterday, and remember Kline demanding someone else issue an apology. Ask yourself this: do you think John Kline ever apologized to the PVA, for shamelessly and disengenuously using Paralyzed American Veterans to shamelessly advance Kline’s career?
If you think Kline did NOT apologize, you would be correct; I know – because I called Randy Pleva, National President, and asked.
John Kline – as usual – is acting like the shameless and disengenuous hypocrite that has caused “GOP” to now stand for GreedOverPrinciples.
“Hypocrisy, thy party is GOP”
(cross posted at MnBlue, originally posted at MnProgressiveProject.com )
a h/t to Michael McIntee at The UpTake for this one, a “must see” as to more reasons why John “Semper Never” Kline is one of the worst congressman to ever walk the steps of this great Nation’s Capital:
(originally published at MnBlue.com)
Republicans run on the campaign platform “government doesn’t work.” Then they get elected, and prove it. And my ordeal of dealing with the Dep’t of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) under the misAdministration of Boy Blunder, covering John “Semper Never” Kline’s abuse of taxpayer dough in this “John Kline Franked Me!” saga, only further demonstrates the incompetence of government under Republican “leadership.” So, what’s the update, you might be wondering? It’s the e-mail just sent, to the VA’s Media “Spokesman”, Jim Benson, that is cut ‘n pasted here in the hopes that a little sunlight will help further the sordid story of Kline’s abuse of the Franking Privilege:
According to the VA’s website, as a representative of the news media, the only fees I and/or the news media I write for are responsible for are copying, with the first 100 pages provided at no charge.
I will send a FOIA Request, for this question – “how many OTHER Names and Addresses, for zip codes not requested, were provided to Rep. Kline?”, since apparently your office doesn’t answer questions posed by citizen/journalists without one.
Tell me – will I need a FOIA to find out exactly how long you have been a “spokesman” in the Media Relations Department? Will I need a FOIA to find out how long Phil Budahn has been a “spokesman” in the Media Relations Department? The reason I ask these two questions is the current reporting that at the Justice Department, under Monica Goodling and Kyle Sampson’s direction, ideology was more important than competence in hiring decisions – and I’m seriously beginning to wonder if it isn’t the same case, at the VA’s Media Relations Department.
The issue I am investigating and reporting on is serious; a Member of Congress appearing to have abused RONA for partisan political gain.
Why the VA doesn’t take this seriously, and the delaying tactics the VA has used (I first contacted the VA about this on or about June 10th – almost 2 months ago) will be reported and published on-line at www.MnBlue.com – along with the story of how many veterans (and at what cost to the taxpayers) in Congressman Kline’s district received what appears to be campaign propaganda; and how many veterans (and at what cost to the taxpayers) outside of Congressman Cline’s district received what appears to be campaign propaganda.
Tommy Johnson
Citizen/Journalist
(originally published at MnBlue.com)
I personally don’t care who takes Bachmann out; I just want her out. I honestly cannot find one good thing to say about her. Just last week, following in the traditions of John Kline and Mark Kennedy, she blew off the Disabled American Veterans. No surprise there!
Every year, the non-partisan Disabled American Veterans has their annual Mid-Winter Convention in Foggy Bottom. Every year, Minnesota sends its Legislative Committee to talk to Minnesota’s Congressional Delegation, about legislation to help disabled American veterans lead productive lives.
Two years ago, John Kline told these Disabled American Veterans he wouldn’t co-sponsor legislation written by democrats. Period. End of story. When this news was reported, Kline’s reaction was predictable. Last year, he didn’t meet with them. Nor this year.
Thanks, John. NOT.
Two years ago, Mark Kennedy wouldn’t even let the veterans into his office.
Mark Kennedy got his just rewards.
Michelle Bachmann needs to get hers, too. So, really – I don’t care who takes out Bachmann. The reality is, though – whoever does, has to be on their “A” game. And from what I’ve seen so far, that ain’t El Tinklenberg.
Why, the reasonable, concerned citizen might ask? Credibility. And the Tink campaign lost it, for me. Take the issue of “endorsements” – Team Tink has put out in print, and in speech, endorsements they simply do not have.
Yes, “endorsements”. As in “plural”. Two that I know of; one a congressman, the other a well-known former candidate. I called another congressman’s office, two days ago, and asked a real simple question. Here’s the cut ‘n paste:
My name is (the ol’ TwoPutter’s given name); I’m a member of the DFL Veteran’s Caucus and live in (city). I also blog on the website www.MnBlue.com .
I am wondering who, if anyone, Representative Peterson has endorsed in CD-06?
Has Representative Peterson endorsed either Bob Olson, or El Tinklenberg?
Thank you for your response!
(the ol’ TwoPutter’s given name)
952-xxx-xxxx
I followed it up with a phone call, and was told I’d get a reply, when they got an answer. No answer, last Monday. So I e-mailed and called again, yesterday morning, and again, yesterday afternoon. Still no answer. So I followed up again, this morning. As of this minute, still no answer.
Now, the reasonable citizen might assume that anyone a Congressman has endorsed, the Congressman would be quick to confirm the endorsement. So, is it unreasonable to assume that Tinklenberg did NOT receive the endorsement?
Yesterday, I had a telephone conversation with Tinklenberg’s Campaign Manager, who claimed Representative Peterson in fact “endorsed” Tinklenberg; further, she promised me she’d e-mail me written confirmation of said “endorsement.” No e-mail in the ol’ in-box, yesterday. This morning, I followed up with a voice mail, asking for the promised verification of Representative Peterson’s “endorsement. I followed up with another voice mail. So far, no e-mail in the ol’ in-box.
What is the reasonable citizen to assume?
And quite frankly, I’m not even gonna get into the parsing of words and hair-splitting Tink’s campaign manager engaged in, with regards to Congressman Walz’ NON-endorsement of Tink.
Quite frankly, I felt like she was insulting my intelligence – not that I have a lot. I don’t understand why she didn’t simply state: “Hey – we made a mistake; we’re sorry, we’ll fix it.” And then actually did fix it. Why this campaign put Sergeant Major Walz in the position they did, is inexcusable, IF they didn’t apologize. They haven’t; it isn’t. And I don’t like gettin’ the run-around from a campaign manager from my party. Or, for that matter, the run-around Wodele gave me, yesterday. I expect straight talk. I haven’t gotten it.
In my first post on the race in CD-6, I affirmed I had no dog in the hunt. That was then.
This is now.
I’m not a rocket scientist, and I understand Tink isn’t either, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out taconite does NOT belong in roadways. Period. End of story.
And I’m not a lawyer, but I’ve seen enough to recognize a lobbyist when I see one. Not that there’s anything wrong with lobbyists; there isn’t. As long as they’re upfront. And I have a strong indication who isn’t being up-front.
And I happen to think my wife and daughters are smart enough to know what they should, or should not, do with their bodies. Apparently Tink does not. Or, does. Or, doesn’t. What day is it today?
And I happen to believe in “liberty and justice for ALL.” Not “some”. Not “liberty and justice, if you’re ‘straight’.”
And I happen to believe I should get honest answers, and discussions, from campaign staff.
Therefore I happen to believe Bob Olson is the candidate to take out Michelle Bachmann. With Bob, you KNOW where HE stands.
—-
Previous posts, on the CD-6 race:
http://www.mnblue.com/node/1076 Jan 30, ’08
http://www.mnblue.com/node/1260 Mar 9, ’08
http://www.mnblue.com/node/1270 Mar 11, ’08
(originally posted at MnProgressiveProject.com )
I personally don’t care who takes Bachmann out; I just want her out. I honestly cannot find one good thing to say about her. Just last week, following in the traditions of John Kline and Mark Kennedy, she blew off the Disabled American Veterans. No surprise there!
Every year, the non-partisan Disabled American Veterans has their annual Mid-Winter Convention in Foggy Bottom. Every year, Minnesota sends its Legislative Committee to talk to Minnesota’s Congressional Delegation, about legislation to help disabled American veterans lead productive lives.
Two years ago, John Kline told these Disabled American Veterans he wouldn’t co-sponsor legislation written by democrats. Period. End of story. When this news was reported, Kline’s reaction was predictable. Last year, he didn’t meet with them. Nor this year.
Thanks, John. NOT.
Two years ago, Mark Kennedy wouldn’t even let the veterans into his office.
Mark Kennedy got his just rewards.
Michelle Bachmann needs to get hers, too. So, really – I don’t care who takes out Bachmann. The reality is, though – whoever does, has to be on their “A” game. And from what I’ve seen so far, that ain’t El Tinklenberg.
Why, the reasonable, concerned citizen might ask? Credibility. And the Tink campaign lost it, for me. Take the issue of “endorsements” – Team Tink has put out in print, and in speech, endorsements they simply do not have.
Yes, “endorsements”. As in “plural”. Two that I know of; one a congressman, the other a well-known former candidate. I called another congressman’s office, two days ago, and asked a real simple question, Here’s the cut ‘n paste:
My name is (the ol’ TwoPutter’s given name); I’m a member of the DFL Veteran’s Caucus and live in (city). I also blog on the website www.MnBlue.com .
I am wondering who, if anyone, Representative Peterson has endorsed in CD-06?
Has Representative Peterson endorsed either Bob Olson, or El Tinklenberg?
Thank you for your response!
(the ol’ TwoPutter’s given name)
952-xxx-xxxx
I followed it up with a phone call, and was told I’d get a reply, when they got an answer. No answer, last Monday. So I e-mailed and called again, yesterday morning, and again, yesterday afternoon. Still no answer. So I followed up again, this morning. As of this minute, still no answer.
Now, the reasonable citizen might assume that anyone a Congressman has endorsed, the Congressman would be quick to confirm the endorsement. So, is it unreasonable to assume that Tinklenberg did NOT receive the endorsement?
Yesterday, I had a telephone conversation with Tinklenberg’s Campaign Manager, who claimed Representative Peterson in fact “endorsed” Tinklenberg; further, she promised me she’d e-mail me written confirmation of said “endorsement.” No e-mail in the ol’ in-box, yesterday. This morning, I followed up with a voice mail, asking for the promised verification of Representative Peterson’s “endorsement. I followed up with another voice mail. So far, no e-mail in the ol’ in-box.
What is the reasonable citizen to assume?
And quite frankly, I’m not even gonna get into the parsing of words and hair-splitting Tink’s campaign manager engaged in, with regards to Congressman Walz’ NON-endorsement of Tink.
Quite frankly, I felt like she was insulting my intelligence – not that I have a lot. I don’t understand why she didn’t simply state: “Hey – we made a mistake; we’re sorry, we’ll fix it.” And then actually did fix it. Why this campaign put Sergeant Major Walz in the position they did, is inexcusable, IF they didn’t apologize. They haven’t; it isn’t. And I don’t like gettin’ the run-around from a campaign manager from my party. Or, for that matter, the run-around Wodele gave me, yesterday. I expect straight talk. I haven’t gotten it.
In my first post on the race in CD-6, I affirmed I had no dog in the hunt. That was then.
This is now.
I’m not a rocket scientist, and I understand Tink isn’t either, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out taconite does NOT belong in roadways. Period. End of story.
And I’m not a lawyer, but I’ve seen enough to recognize a lobbyist when I see one. Not that there’s anything wrong with lobbyists; there isn’t. As long as they’re upfront. And I have a strong indication who isn’t being up-front.
And I happen to think my wife and daughters are smart enough to know what they should, or should not, do with their bodies. Apparently Tink does not. Or, does. Or, doesn’t. What day is it today?
And I happen to believe in “liberty and justice for ALL.” Not “some”. Not “liberty and justice, if you’re ‘straight’.”
And I happen to believe I should get honest answers, and discussions, from campaign staff.
Therefore I happen to believe Bob Olson is the candidate to take out Michelle Bachmann. With Bob, you KNOW where HE stands.
FRANKEN’S SPOKESWOMAN CLAIMS THE FRANKENS NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICES FROM THE WORKERS’ COMP BOARD
By Michael B. Brodkorb | March 6, 2008
“McIntosh said the Frankens never received the nearly one dozen notices that New York officials had sent them since April 2005.
‘Had they gotten the notices, you know they would have paid them,’ McIntosh said. ‘The Republicans were going to jump on this eventually, so it wouldn’t have been politically expedient [for the Frankens] to wait for that to happen.’
Franken, Nelson-Pallmeyer and Ciresi are vying for the DFL Party endorsement to challenge Republican Sen. Norm Coleman. The insurance dispute was first reported Tuesday on the Minnesota Democrats Exposed website, run by Republican blogger Michael Brodkorb.” Source: Star Tribune, March 6, 2008
Click here for the complete story.
###
This post also appears on Blogs for Norm!, an online community and blog covering the 2008 U.S. Senate campaign in Minnesota. The primary goal of Blogs for Norm! is to organize bloggers who support U.S. Senator Norm Coleman.
Topics: Uncategorized |
13 Responses to “FRANKEN’S SPOKESWOMAN CLAIMS THE FRANKENS NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICES FROM THE WORKERS’ COMP BOARD”
el presidente Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Does Franken’s SPOKEwoman, as you put it, work in a bicycle shop?
Michael B. Brodkorb Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Nice catch, the post has been corrected. Thanks.
el presidente Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
What about the other one?
TwoPuttTommy Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
***“Other campaigns have been cited and fined for failing to provide workers’ comp coverage, including that of Third District Rep. Jim Ramstad, Second District Rep. John Kline, and Sixth District Rep. Mark Kennedy, all Republicans, and gubernatorial candidates Roger Moe, a DFLer, and Tim Penny of the Independence Party.“***
Say, Michael?
Didn’t you work for Little Markie?
Were YOU covered??!?
el presidente Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
You’ll be able to locate the other SPOKEwoman’s twin in the title at: March 6, 2008, 10:31 a.m.
Michael B. Brodkorb Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
TPT: I was a part-time consultant during Kennedy’s campaign for the U.S. Senate. I believe the article is referring to Kennedy’s campaigns for the House.
TwoPuttTommy Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Say, Michael?
Which campaigns were they referring to, for Kline?
How ’bout Rammers?
Probably federal, doncha think?
Michael B. Brodkorb Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I’m not sure. I would suggest you contact the reporter.
TwoPuttTommy Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Michael, just outa curiosity:
Do you remember any campaigns that Kline and Ramstad ran, that weren’t for federal office?
Eighteen threads on the worker’s comp deal, and the only thing we now know is that Kennedy, Kline, Rammer, and Franken all got something in common?
Michael – you should really be proud….
Michael B. Brodkorb Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
TPT: Ramstad was a state senator before he ran for congress.
TwoPuttTommy Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
So, Michael – just when DID Ramstad get in trouble with “worker’s comp” – state office, or federal?
Michael B. Brodkorb Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
TPT: As I wrote before, I have no idea. If you have questions, please contact the reporter.
TwoPuttTommy Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Well, Michael – at least you’re admitting, you’re no definitive source….
Ladies and Gentlemen, many of you have heard the term “neo-conservative”, and wondered what it meant. For the sake of discussion, let’s compare/contrast in a “republiCon” versus “Republican” method. For instance:
Ronald Reagan = Republican
George W. Bush = republiCon
Whether you liked President Reagan or not, whether you liked his politics or not, most reasonable people will agree that President Reagan was authentic, consistent, and principled. When his administration got caught up in the Iran-Contra Scandal, President Reagan spoke to the nation and accepted responsibility. What President Reagan said, is well-worth hearing again:
Compare President Reagan’s words with the flip-flopping of Bush The Lesser with regards to the disclosure of a CIA agent’s identity. At first, Bush The Lesser said, in essence, he’d fire anyone “involved” with the leak; later he morphed that to “convicted”. At no time did Bush The Lesser ever accept responsibility for those under him; rather, he speculated that the leaker would never be caught. Bush The Lesser said everyone in his administration would “fully cooperate”; his spokesperson claimed no one was involved because “he had asked.” Yet when convicted, Libby’s prison sentence was excused via Bush’s presidential pardon.
In the administration of Bush The Lesser, those that make mistakes are promoted; those who make catastrophic mistakes are awarded medals, and Libby, who made a criminal mistake, was rewarded with a “get out of jail” card.
President Reagan was solid and consistent and a Republican; Bush The Lesser is consistently inconsistent and a republiCon. Reagan was seen as believable and credible, Bush is seen as neither.
There are more examples.
Senator Boschwitz is a Republican; Norm Coleman is a republiCon. If Norm Coleman doesn’t agree with you today, don’t worry – sooner or later, he will.
Former Governor Arne Carlson is a Republican, as is current Governor Tim Pawlenty; candidates Jon Grunseth and Allen Quist are republiCons.
Congressman Jim Ramstad is a Republican; Congressman John Kline is a republiCon. Every year, Jim Ramstad willingly meets his constituents in a series of Town Hall Meetings; citizens can and do ask unscripted questions from the floor. Congressman Ramstad wants to know what the people think. John Kline had to be shamed into holding his only Town Hall Meeting. John Kline could care less what the people think.
When activists protesting the occupation of Iraq conducted “sit ins” in all of Minnesota’s congressional offices, Congressman Ramstad’s staff treated them courteously, listened to them, and even provided coffee and other refreshments. Kline called the cops. The difference cannot be starker: Congressman Ramstad seeks to govern by the consent of the people – he is a Republican; Kline seeks to rule by the force of government – he is a republiCon.
Barry Goldwater wrote “The Conscience Of A Conservative” and was clear and unabashed about what he felt the conservative philosophy is and where it should take government. Mayor Phil Young and Council Members Brad Aho and Jon Duckstad speak in rhetoric but deny where their alleged philosophy would take this city. Goldwater was a Republican; Young, Aho, and Duckstad are republiCons.
The point here is that as the current leadership of the GOP Party in large part is controlled by the neo-con movement, most of today’s GOP Leadership cannot be called “Republican” by most reasonable people. I use the term “republiCon” where it is clear and appropriate, and I do not apologize for this. I call republiCons “republiCons” for the old-fashioned reason: they’ve EARNED it.
(crossposted at Eden Prairie News)
