Hot topics include the current status on the Bush Tax Cut Extensions (if you haven’t called Senators Klobuchar (202-224-3244) and Franken (202-224-5641), call them NOW!!!); Governor-Elect Mark Dayton; and changes in DFL Caucuses in St. Paul.

And as always, we want your calls!!! Call 952-946-6205 with your thoughts and opinions!

I’ll be joined in-studio for a discussion with special guest Arron Olson, President of Minnesota Young DFL about the above, and more; State Rep. Paul Thissen will call-in for a discussion of changes down at the Capitol.

So, again, tune in the radio today to AM-950, or listen live on your computer, here.

(cross posted from MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)

And it’s a good one!

Before I talk about that, I’d like to express appreciation for the job that those that got let go due to the simple numbers game – in the minority status, there’s simply less jobs. Particularly, the loss of Andrew Wittenborg will be felt. That said, elections have consequences, and this last election resulted in severe consequences.

As I read the tea leaves, the additions of Zach Rodvold as Director of Legislative and Caucus Services and Carrie Lucking as Director of Public Affairs is a strong sign electoral politics is going to play a larger part in DFL House operations. And hey – it SHOULD play a larger part – when the GOP sticks Michael Brodkorb smack-dab at the top of their Senate Caucus staff, the reality is that fire must be fought with fire. The DFL House and Senate Caucus staffs have always – ALWAYS – primarily focused on policy first, while the GOP House and Senae Staffs seem to have always focused primarily on politics first. While those primary focuses unlikely to change (especially on the GOPer side of the aisle) bringing in Rodvold and Lucking shows a new commitment to electioneering.

I hope the GOP and their staffers enjoy their new digs in the Majority offices at the Capitol; these new hires indicate their stay in ‘em will be short-lived.

Rodvold was a key player in Amy Klobuchar’s 2006 campaign; Lucking did a fantastic job on Team Thissen during his run for governor. Both worked on Tarryl Clark’s campaign. These two are seasoned pros that know electoral politics. While some might quibble that Tarryl’s campaign didn’t turn out quite as we’d like it, the fact remains that you can learn a lot in an unsuccessful campaign. And let’s be real – if Jesus H. Christ ran as a DFLer against Bachmann this last election, He’d be tarred as a “tax & spend, liberal/leftist/socialist” and lose, too.

Of all the gubernatorial candidates with hats in the ring for the top spot on the ticket, Team Thissen was a close second to Team Entenza for effective use of social media. Look for the DFL House Caucus to do a much better job in all facets communications. I don’t see a “staff shake-up” – I see two additions to staff that bring a lot of talent and experience in areas where talent and experience were lacking. I see this as good news.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2010
St. Paul, MN

HOUSE DFL CAUCUS ANNOUNCES SENIOR STAFF
Staff brings extensive experience both inside and outside the Capitol

The Minnesota House of Representatives DFL Caucus today announced their senior staff for the upcoming Legislative session. The Caucus staff includes individuals with solid experience both inside and outside the Capitol.

Veteran DFL legislative strategist Mike Charboneau will serve in the role of Executive Director of Caucus Operations, pearheading legislative and floor strategy for the Caucus. Kate Perushek, who previously worked for Representative Paul Thissen on the Health and Human Services Committee, will serve as the Executive Assistant to the Minority Leader. Joanna Dornfeld, previously a Committee Administrator for the House Finance Committee, will now fill the role of Executive Assistant to the Caucus.

In addition, the House DFL Caucus is also turning to new faces who bring significant statewide political experience to the capitol. Zach Rodvold will join the Caucus as Director of Legislative and Caucus Services. Rodvold most recently served as Campaign Manager for Tarryl Clark’s race in Minnesota’s Sixth
District. Prior to that, Rodvold served as Minnesota State Director for Senator Amy Klobuchar and brings an extensive background in issue advocacy and electoral campaigns.

“I’m excited for this new challenge and I know that I will have to meet a high bar set by my predecessors,” said Rodvold. “The House DFL Caucus staff has helped its elected members keep their commitment to Minnesotans by standing up for middle class families, a better future for our children, and an economy
that works for everyone. That work will continue in the next session and I look forward to it.”

Rodvold’s colleague and former Communications Director for the Clark campaign, Carrie Lucking, will round out the House DFL Caucus Staff as Director of Public Affairs. Lucking also previously worked for Representative Thissen, serving as Communications Director for his gubernatorial campaign, and is a licensed teacher.

“I am glad to support the members of the House DFL Caucus in standing up for middle class families by joining their fantastic team,” Lucking said.

Regarding the hires, Representative Paul Thissen said, “I want to express deep thanks to all the wonderful people who have served our caucus and Minnesota well over the past years. With these hires, the House DFL Caucus will continue our tradition of bringing together an effective, efficient, and experienced staff that will help us best represent Minnesotans. I am thrilled that the Caucus is adding new faces to our already strong team and look forward to working together on behalf of all Minnesotans in the upcoming session.”

Rodvold and Lucking officially begin work on January 4th but will spend time in December transitioning into their new roles.

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(cross posted from MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)

With yesterday’s “developments”, the race is wide open. Running hard is Paul Thissen. Team Thissen is a team to watch.

(crossposted from MnProggressiveProject)