A Bluestem Prairie

A flood so memorable there's an Ole and Lena joke about it

During our recent stay in Winona, Fast Annie entertained us with her impressive collection of Ole and Lena jokes.  The good people in Winona County should be pleased to know that their recent flood has been incorporated into this peculiar body of Minnesota folklore.

Ivan Dahle leads off his weekly humor column (at least, we think it's a humor column) in the Spring Grove Herald with this one:

Helga and Lena were sitting on the roof of Lena's house close to the floodwaters, waiting to be rescued by the National Guard, when they noticed a baseball cap floating near the house out to where the sidewalk was. Then it returned and went back out again.

Helga said, "What in the world is making that cap go back and forth?"

Lena replied, "It's most likely my fault. I told that lazy husband last night that he vas gonna cut da grass today come hell or high water."

Strib reporting: OT Walz re-election battle more important than where Mn reps stand on gas tax

In Bridge bill pared from $25B to $2B, the Strib's Kevin Diaz continues to single out Walz's stance on the gas tax:

The tax increase turned out to be a tough sell even among Minnesota Democrats in Congress, including freshman Rep. Tim Walz, who is likely to face a tough reelection battle next year.

Walz, like most other members of the state's House delegation, took no public position on Oberstar's tax hike proposal, even though he is on the Transportation Committee.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Sens. Norm Coleman, a Republican, and Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat, both called for alternatives.

Represented by Kline, Ramstad, McCollum, Ellison, or Peterson?  Don't look to the Strib to tell you if your congressman or congresswoman is among the "most" of the state's congressional delegation who took no stance. 

Rather, it's more important for the article to go off-topic and tell readers that Walz is up for a "tough" re-election.  (Contrast the article with coverage in the Pioneer Press)

Having missed calling (and by and large covering) the upset in the First last year, the Strib continues its streak with its latest round of reportage on Walz.  Over at Lloydletta's Nooz, Log Cabin Republican Eva Young (never one to let DFLers off the hook on GLBT issues) observes in Strib Covers ENDA Controversy in Minnesota Delegation:

A source at the Walz office told me the Hill didn't bother getting a comment from Walz. The concern brought to the committee was not voting for the bill if transgenders were included, but rather voting for a transgender specific amendment to the bill. So the Strib didn't describe Walz's and other Freshman positions properly.

 

Seifert: Don't take your guns to court

Last week in Mn House Minority Leader Seifert: Soft on Security? we wrote about about Minnesota House Minority leader Marty Seifert's peculiar questioning of a judge's order for a metal detector to be used for courtroom security.

Last night, pesky blogger DJ Danielson posted Seifert: I guess guns shouldn’t be in the courtroom; he and Wardlow host townhall. DJ writes:

Following up on a bizarre situation involving Minnesota House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, and the security measures employed in the Redwood County courthouse, the Marshall Independent, Seifert clarified his comments to make it clear that he is not so arrogant to think that the county board should provide him his own security nor than he thinks it is acceptable to bring a knife of gun into the facility.

According to the Marshall Independent article, Seifert clarifies stance on security in courtrooms, Marty's been fielding questions about his position on courtroom security:

Quotes from him about the county providing security for him in the Oct. 18 Gazette story and reprinted in the Oct 25 Independent story don’t accurately reflect the changing mood of the discussion which was alternately serious and humorous, Seifert said.

Harrelson was quoted in the Oct. 25 Independent story that his order was issued because of specific and general safety concerns, and that in one week four knives were confiscated.

Seifert said Monday he was asked by area residents during the weekend if he thought it was OK to bring knives and guns in the courtroom.

“I want to clarify, I don’t think it’s OK to bring knives and guns in the courtroom,” Seifert said.

But he also wants Harrelson to clarify if he wants to require Redwood County to have security when court is not in session.

Earlier in the story, Rae Kruger reported:

Seifert said Monday he believed court was not in session Oct. 16 and a deputy was still on duty. That led him to discuss the order and mention it would be odd to require security when there was no court in session, Seifert said.

Court administrator Patty Amberg said Monday that court was in session Oct. 16, and Harrelson said Redwood County District Court Judge David Peterson told him court was in session Oct. 16.

Harrelson said Monday he wants to review his order to recall exactly what it required, but said his main concern was to provide security when court was in session.

Others involved in the incident have  been more contrite than Seifert. The Redwood Falls Gazette says that the county board member who called increased court security "a knee jerk reaction" has apologized:

Prior to the discussion between the board and Judge Peterson, Commissioner Gene Short offered an apology stating the decision to add a metal detector to the third floor was not a "knee jerk reaction."

At times along the journey of this project, said Short, people have been put on edge and those making those decisions have felt the pressure.

At times, added Short, it is open mouth and insert foot.

Short added the comments were never intended to be a personal attack against anyone in the courts system.

Peterson accepted the apology, agreeing it has been a difficult process.

A local probation officer explained that the county court had increased traffic:

Peterson added he believes the court order made in concert by himself and Chief Judge George Harrelson was the right one.

Bob Johnson, a probation officer in Redwood County echoed that sentiment.

Johnson said when he started in his position as a probation officer the courts were seeing 30 people a month.

Now, he added, it's closer to 300 people a day. That kind of traffic can create security concerns. It can also create an atmosphere that is not conducive to efficiency. For his part, Johnson said he has heard from a variety of people who are pleased with the change.

We thank the Gazette and Independent for their follow-up.

As someone who grew up in rural Minnesota, we're comfortable with guns, which we think are pretty handy for hunting and home security. We have no problem with law-abiding citizens getting conceal carry permits. But in a courtroom?  Guns and knives should be checked at the door, and security measures are a pretty good idea.

No bases loaded: First Congressional District GOP fundraising

Hat tip to DJ at I Don't Hate America for motivating us to take a closer look at third quarter fundraising.

He's taken a close look at Brian Davis's superficially strong fundraising for the quarter. Go read his analysis of the report.  DJ's work inspired us to look again at the 4-pak:

Candidate        Individual  Contributions (cycle)           Self-funded            

Dick Day              $123,222                                              $30,000   

Notes: Most contributors are Minnesota residents; GOP base;  district contributions skewed toward Owatonna/Rochester area.

Brian Davis           $59,835                                               $38,493

Notes: All but 15 contributors from out-of-state; little base giving from district or state; several base donors also gave to other candidates in race.  MN count includes candidate and spouse.

Randy Demmer     $35,480                                              $115,000

Notes: Nearly all funds from district and then state; little out of state cash; district contributions also   centered around candidate's home base

Mark Meyer          $10,000                                               $750

Notes: Local and Twin Cities contributors

What does this mean? First, of all, Dick Day is the only candidate to even kindle a spark with the

Republican base. In the absence of public endorsements and letters listing support from likely delegates, individual contributions are probably the most reliable benchmark for measuring a candidate's success at this stage of the game.

Secondly, while Brian Davis's Q3 fundraising--flowing largely from fellow radiologists radiation oncologists from around the country--were superficially impressive, a closer look shows little support within the district or even his home base, Rochester and the Mayo Clinic.  Only seven physicians from Mayo support the good doctor in amounts that trip the FEC's disclosure trigger; one of those doctors in Davis's spouse. Add in Davis himself, and the large contributor count's up to eight.

It's quite a contrast with the dozens of Mayo physicians, staff, and researchers DJ identified among Walz's FEC reports. Heck, Davis's take from his colleagues is tiny even when compared to the several dozen large contributions from Mayo's community that we found from combing through former Congressman Gutknechts' list from six terms in the House.

Of the five First District residents who gave large contributions ($200 or over) to Davis, three--Mark Neeb, Jack Remick, and Arthur Birdseye--also gave to either Day or Demmer.  From the rest of the state of Minnesota, Davis received large contributions from two people: Ellen and Rudy Boschwitz.

Mark Meyer trails the three Rochester area wannabes, and that brings us to another thing we've noticed: the paucity of large contributions to GOP contenders from outside of their stomping grounds. Granted, Rochester is the largest population center in the district, but the tally doesn't show much excitement even for Day and Demmer away from their hometowns.

What's more, after looking at the fundraising Dick Day did for the state-level Senate Victory Fund (pull down committee name from menu here) maintained by the Republican minority caucus in the state senate, it's also likely that he has contacts within the state's GOP contributor base. Davis may well have burned through his PA of med school and professional association contacts (many of whom won't form a contributor base for the 1st CD GOP if Davis fails to get the endorsement at the end of March).

In short, the endorsement contest looks like Dick Day's race to lose, regardless of how much Davis spins his out-of-state fundraising. Nor would we rule out Randy Demmer's appeal to the base, despite his dubious math abilities.

Meanwhile, Walz not only has the incumbent's advantage--however slight it might be for a freshman in a swing district--but the cash edge as well. For the cycle, Walz has received $481,053 in contributions, and those large enough to disclose are primarily from Minnesota. The district contributions come from throughout the district, not just Walz's home base of Mankato.  As is to be expected in a competitive seat,  his PAC contribution list is robust as well.

The 4-pak will have to spend their dollars in their bid to gain their own party's endorsement (we wouldn't be surprised if Meyer called it a day soon). Meanwhile, the Walz campaign can work on winning the election in November 2008, as it looks unlikely that a primary challenger will emerge.

A third party bid? It may be the GOP's last great hope in this race.

Tuesday morning Tim Walz news digest: Highway 14, veterans, Farm Bill and more

In today's Winona Daily News, Congressman Walz and Owatonna Mayor Tom Kuntz share a GUEST VIEW: Highway 14 roadwork should not be delayed.  They write:

When people from several different communities come together to fight for a common cause, it makes a powerful statement.

In the case of U.S. Highway 14, the statement could not be clearer. The members of the Highway 14 Partnership span southern Minnesota, representing diverse towns and diverse economic interests, but they are all in agreement about the need to move forward quickly with the upgrade of Highway 14.

MnDOT recently decided that, if it becomes necessary to delay funding for greater Minnesota transportation projects to help pay for reconstruction of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, the Waseca-Owatonna phase of the Highway 14 project will be one of the first projects delayed. That is unacceptable.

The delays and the backpedaling on Highway 14 are symptoms of a larger problem. It is unfortunate that some at the state Capitol have failed to see the need to invest in Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure. Those failures have led directly to our current funding shortfall and a situation in which MnDOT threatens to rob Peter to pay Paul — or more accurately, to take money from rural Minnesota’s vital transportation needs to pay for metro Minnesota’s vital transportation needs. That is not a long-term solution. . . .

We took a personal interest in this passage:

The expansion of Highway 14 is important for safety reasons, as well. Traffic fatalities along Highway 14 may not come with the shocking suddenness of a bridge collapse, for example, but they are no less devastating to the friends and family members of those who lost their lives.

And, sadly, these accidents are very common: In the past five years, more than 25 people have lost their lives on Highway 14, an average of one death every 2 1/2 months. Nearly three-quarters of those accidents occur along stretches with single lanes going each direction.

As readers know, we nearly joined those statistics several weeks ago when an Expedition decided to pass two other cars on one of those stretches and we occupied the other lane. Pretty scary--but (thank God) a near miss. To paraphrase an old labor saying, perhaps we should all pray for the dead, but fight like heck for some transportation funding.

While a Demmer enthusiast is trying to claim frontrunner status for his pony in the bid for the race for the GOP endorsement in the First, an article in the Rochester Post Bulletin concludes with the assessments of Washington oddmakers. In Congressional hopeful Meyer cites strategy for challenging Walz, we read:

For all the Republican optimism about their chances against Walz, political handicappers in Washington are rating Walz as a probable winner next year. The nonpartisan Cook Report on Thursday rated Walz's seat among Democratic races to watch but called his re-election likely.

The Rothenberg Political Report earlier this month rated Walz as a "lean Democratic" seat, between a toss-up and favored Democratic. Both Cook and Rothenberg rated the seat of retiring Rep. Jim Ramstad, R-Minnetonka as a toss-up, and said freshman GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann of Stillwater is a likely re-election winner. Neither rated the 2nd Congressional District seat held by Rep. John Kline, R-Lakeville, as a competitive target for the Democrats. He is being challenged by Victoria City Administrator Steve Sarvi, a Democrat and Iraq war veteran.

A letter today praises Walz's work of veterans in Walz works tirelessly for veterans, while chiding the Post Bulletin for leaving out mention of the congressman's work in a recent editorial about elected officials speaking up for vets.

In the Strib, we read Gay rights bills split state's congressional delegation. The article notes the controversy surrounding the bill's exclusion of transgendered people from workplace protection:

The political sensitivity of the issues surfaced last week, when leaders in the House delayed a vote on the Employee Non-Discrimination Act.

The move came after Minnesota's Rep. Tim Walz, a leader among freshman Democrats, informed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that the new members did not want to vote on the bill if it included protections for transgender people, according to a report in the Hill, a Capitol Hill newspaper.

A Walz spokesman confirmed the report, but added: "As president of the freshman class, Congressman Walz is often asked to bring the concerns of any of the 45 newly elected Democrats to the leadership, regardless of whether he personally shares those concerns."

He added that Walz was a co-sponsor of an earlier version of the bill that included the transgender protections.

The bill, without the transgender language, is expected to come to the House floor for a vote this week. An amendment may be offered to restore the transgender protections.

We're curious which House leader decided it was a wise move to remove language covering transgendered people from the bill.   

KTTC-TV reported about a Walz visit to Mantorville in Farm Bill Reaction:

. . .Congressman Tim Walz says, "It's a true compromise of all 50 states so it's an important piece of legislation, and we're kind of moving into the final few innings of that game and we want to get it done right."
 
Congressman Tim Walz visited Mantorville to talk about the bill, which has already passed in the house.
 
But, there are still concerns regarding immigration issues.
 
"We can secure our boaders, allow our economy to grow, but also make sure we're filling those needs and treating people with dignity this country is known for," says Walz.
 
Dairy farmer Ron Durst says it's an important issue nationwide.
 
Especially in his business.
 
"Nationally 80 percent of the cows are milked by immigrant labor. Better than 60 percent of the cows here in Minnesota are milked by immigrant labor, so we'd lose that labor force," says Durst.
 
Durst also employs a number of immigrants and says some type of compromise needs to be made.
 
"We need to create a system that provides us with the labor we need but at the same time we need to document who is here," says Durst. . .

Update: More on the Durst farm visit in the Community News Corps article Congressman Walz visits Durst Brothers Dairy  [end update].

The Hill reports Freshman Democrats key in debate over wiretapping.  Walz is mentioned:

Other freshman House Democrats who voted for the PAA — Ciro Rodriguez (Texas), Chris Carney (Pa.), Joe Donnelly (Ind.), Brad Ellsworth (Ind.), Harry Mitchell (Ariz.), Zack Space (Ohio), Charlie Wilson (Ohio) and Tim Walz (Minn.) — have either said they were still weighing whether to vote for the Democratic bill or would not respond to requests for comment.

Liveblogging the Rochester town hall forum, we wrote:

[Walz] is talking about the new stronger House bill. He will never vote for retroactive immunity for telecoms. He wants to see the data from telecoms and to restore the FISA courts. He will not vote for a weakened FISA bill--he has received more calls about FISA than anything else, even the birth of his son.

Now, that's a paraphrase by a slow keyboarder liveblogging a rapid-fire talker, but the sense of Walz's remarks are clear.  Readers in the district should contact Walz about the issue.

That's it for now.  We'll have more later in the day.

Albert Lea Iraq War Town Hall Meeting: To speak and be heard

In Tim Walz: Speak Out and Be Heard, the Albert Lea Tribune's Sarah Light reports on Saturday's Iraq War Town Hall:

The best way to make a difference in the fight to stop the Iraq War is for average Americans to step up and have their voice be heard, 1st District Congressman Tim Walz said Saturday during a forum about the war at the Elks Club.

“We have to continue to have these conversations,” Walz said. “We have to continue hearing your frustrations, your passions.”

Because it is from these conversations that solutions come, he said.

Despite what some may think, people’s letters and calls of concerns do make a difference.

“This issue is being discussed all the time,” Walz said. “The American public needs to be weighing in.”

He gave the people in attendance at the forum an update on the Iraq War, along with explaining what the role of Congress is during times of war.

read the rest at the Tribune.

Gimse's immigration proposal: Does Dick Day know?

There's a fascinating story in this morning's West Central Tribune, in which Republican State Senator Joe Gimse says give worker ID cards to state’s illegal immigrants.  The short take:

Sen. Joe Gimse said he’d like to see Minnesota offer worker ID cards to illegal immigrants.

Doing so would allow “hard-working” undocumented immigrants who are already living here to get “out of the shadows” and work at businesses that need, and want, them.

The Willmar Republican said employer-sponsored identification cards would remove the “criminal aspect” of being here to work. . . .

. . .It would also reduce identity theft because illegal immigrants could use their own identity to get a job legitimately while they work toward becoming legal citizens.

“They’re working hard in our state and we need them here,” Gimse said. “My hope is that this eliminates a lot of the need for illegal activity.” . . .

. . .Under his plan, undocumented workers could use the IDs to get a job, obtain a driver’s license and be given two years to become legal citizens. If the state had worker IDs, Gimse said he would support the Dream Act that would allow illegal immigrants to pay in-state rates to attend state colleges and universities. . .

If the experience of our friends who are working toward their citizenship is any guide, it takes longer than two years to gain citizenship, but Gimse can probably work out that detail.

Larry Schumacher's blog at the St. Cloud Times touched on Gimse's proposed immigration caucus last week in Gimse tackles immigration.   Apparently the senate Republicans support the formation of the caucus:

. . .Gimse said he's going to call on both the House of Representatives and Senate to create standing bodies to deal with immigration issues and search for solutions.

He called for immediate steps to increase state documentation requirements and documentation security, including introducing biometric security features to Minnesota driver's licenses.

UPDATE: I talked with Gimse and he said that the Senate Republican Caucus has endorsed the proposal, and that he's working most closely with Sens. Michelle Fischbach, R-Paynesville, Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, and David Hann, R-Eden Prairie.

He said he's not overly concerned about polarization on the issue, even in a community such as Willmar with a heavy immigrant population and an economy dependent on immigrant labor.

"We're not talking about arresting anybody but criminal illegal immigrants," he said. "We're not talking about kicking everybody out, rounding them up and shipping them out. We're talking about solutions that are workable."

Given how Gimse's staunch Catholicism influences his views on reproductive rights and same-sex marriage, we're not surprised to learn he's not a cafeteria Catholic when it comes to immigration issues. The notion of allowing undocumented workers to stay in communities where they work closely resembles concepts supported by Minnesota's Catholic bishops. ICE sweeps in Willmar have also roiled the town.

We suspect that Gimse's proposal will meet with scorn by many on the right side of the blogosphere, who love their tough talk about "illegals"  and no "amnesty."  We're curious to see if the hero status he earned for knocking DFL state senator Dean Johnson remains in intact after word of this proposal circulates.

More interesting, though, will be how the Willmar Republican's proposal flies with State Senator Dick Day, who's been hanging with the "immigration reduction" crowd, talking tough.  Day is proposing one-year guest worker programs, with no path for citizenship attached.

Last month, immigration was a front burner item in the Austin area. On September 17, State Senator Dick Day spoke at a meeting led by Minuteman Ron Branstner in Austin. The Austin Daily Herald reported:

Late in the two-hour meeting, state Sen. Dick Day, R-Owatonna, spoke to the reformists and was interrupted by cheers and applause.

Day, a candidate for the 1st Congressional District seat held by Democrat Rep. Tim Walz, has called for immigration reform and a physical border barrier in high-density population areas such as urban California.

Day also said he is going to the same Arizona ranch area where Branstner served to observe a Minuteman Project first-hand.

Austin Mayor Tom Stiehm was roundly criticized at the gathering, the Herald reported.  Later, the Herald and other news sources reported that Stiehm supported allowing undocumented workers to stay in Austin, provided that they stayed out of trouble. Local "immigration reduction" advocates objected, according to a TV news report:

Austin Mayor Tom Stiehm, who campaigned on a platform of dealing with the city's illegal immigrants, has faced recent criticism.

Some organizers attempting to develop a strategy for dealing with illegal immigration in the city are upset that Stiehm missed a recent meeting.

So today the Mayor shared his views on how he thinks the city should deal with illegal immigrants.

He thinks the community should welcome immigrants who live and work peacefully in Austin…

"If people are here in Austin and not getting in trouble - we're not concerned about their legal status."

Paul Westrum heads the Minnesota Coalition for Immigration Reduction -- says illegals should leave... Adding that elected officials like Mayor Stiehm should do their part to make it happen.

"According to our immigration laws - illegal is illegal and you can't say that if they're here and doing ok - that they can stay."

Stiehm says that he doesn't want to round up illegal, but he would collaborate with state or federal officials to deport the ones who knowingly break the law.

Faced with heavy criticism, Stiehm later revised his remarks. (Unfortunately, part of his statement is missing).  Given that Gimse's conclusions about keeping hard-working undocumented workers and their families around is pretty close to the original accounts of Stiehm's report on immigration in Austin, we anticipate howls from Day running buddies MINN-SIR, Minnesota Coalition for Immigration Reduction, and the Steele County Coalition For Immigration Reduction.

Allowing their kids to pay instate tuition rates under the DREAM Act?  Heresy for the immigration reduction crowd.

Perhaps Gimse's proposal--which looks to be offered in good faith--will provide Dick Day additional chances to rabble-rouse, perhaps even on the floor of the State Senate.  Given that Day shares Gimse's Catholic faith, we're curious what makes Day choose the Minutemen over the churchmen for company on this issue.

Update: While Gimse would allow undocumented workers who have the proper state id to live in Minnesota while seeking to become citizens, Walz's 2006 white paper on immigration  proposed that they would have to return to their home nations to apply for citizenship. Day favors one-year guest worker passes; in public meetings and press briefings, we've heard Walz object to guest worker programs that do not include a path to citizenship.

Sunday morning news digest: flood and rural politics edition

LaCrosse's ABC affiliate reports on the Flood Recovery Summit:

A flood recovery summit was held in Winona.

It was arranged by Minnesota congressman Tim Walz.

City and county officials expressed concerns with relief efforts. The summit also gave the opportunity for local governments to discuss federal and state funded relief programs.

From FEMA, to Homeland Security, and the Department of Rural Development, they all came under one room with one common goal... to continue relief efforts and make sure victims are not forgotten. . . .

The Owatonna People's Press reports on last night's First Congressional District "Living Green" dinner in Former metro legislator talks rural issues. Matt Entenza, now head of Minnesota 2020, was the featured speaker, highlighting renewable energy, broadband and the governor's adoption of Minnesota 2020 proposals to help small businesses.  Walz also spoke about the climate in Washington, D.C.

Netroots
McPherson Hall over at Minnesota Central has put up two interesting posts about sanctions and Iran.

We're helping with some analysis of the First district race with another blogger. It should be posted tomorrow.

Liveblogging the Albert Lea Iraq War Town Hall meeting

4:13 Unlike earlier Town Hall Forums, this one is slow in getting started.  People came in right at 4 p.m., and they're still signing in.  The talk among the thirty some people is of an earlier meeting with Norm Coleman. Walz is thanking the crowd for coming and discussing the inportance of the Town Hall meeting tradition.

4:20 Walz is going through his explanation of the role of Congress in war.  He's elaborating on the basic spiel, obviously responding to the questions he fielded from earlier forums.  When talking about Congressional oversight, for instance, he mentions Blackwater.

He also mentions that it's unusual for citizens to have the opportunity to be able to talk to a senator and their congressman in their home town on the same day

4:31 Walz is still discussing the background material.  A reporter for KAAL Channel 6 just arrived.

4:38 Walz opens the floor for discussion. The first question is about when will the Democrats use the power of the purse to end the war.  Walz fears that the President will continue the war by shifting funds into the war. National Guard soldiers will get less training and still be sent to Iraq. Secondly, Walz fears a bad re-deployment that would leave equipment and arms in Iraq while putting soldiers at risk.  Walz says that another course would be to revoke authorization.

4:45 A woman talks about her anger with Bush for lying to the country about the danger Iraq posed before the war. She wants to impeach Bush. She's ticked with Pelosi for taking impeachment off the table.  People clap.  Walz explains that the process of impeachment would shut down everything else. She replies that that never stopped the Republicans from going after Clinton.

A man asks about deficit spending being used to pay for the war. Walz confirms this.  A woman says she's frustrated that she and others worked hard to get Democrats elected but nothing has changed in Iraq. Walz explains how the Democrats don't have a bullet proof majority. He talks about the things that make him oppose the war. He mentions how Michele Bachmann hasn't changed her vote at all. She repeats her frustration and is upset that Democrats are a laughing stock. Walz details Republican obstructionist tactics and the fact that the Republicans work hard to create the perception of Democratic do-nothingness.

Walz talks about the Article One movement and attempts to get more information from the White House. Walz notes that the grassroots elected him and he understands the frustration. The woman asks how she can get leadership to listen to the American people.

5:05 A veteran who was an NCO while serving speaks positively about the war. He asks Walz if aa redeployment is a good idea. Walz explains the process. The veteran states that every soldier he knows says that the War is a success. Walz notes how our troops will do a great job wherever they are, but soliders on the ground don't have that larger vision of the geopolitical situation. Walz talks about soft partition.

The next man says he is a conservative, but a Tim Penny conservative, and that he likes what Walz is saying. The man fears wars being won on the battlefield but lost in DC.  He ask about Iran and Turkey, alluding to the Armenian Genocide resolution.

Walz says he's "the one to blame" for the Armenian Genocide resolution. Walz says that historians agree about the Armenian Genocide resolution. He notes how Congress dropped it, but Turkey still entered Iraq. 

Another man worries about micromanagement of the war by Congress.  Walz says that Congress has to give better oversight before going into wars.  He discusses the sorry state of the military and how there might not be a peace bonus because the military is in bad shape. 

A man laments that the veterans legislation hasn't been passed, and veterans being dismised for supposedly "preexisting conditions." Walz talks about how the Army shifted functions to the Guard given the end of the Cold War. Walz talks about the delay of the VA funding bill by Democratic leadership. Walz doesn't agree with the strategy. People in DC have called him naive.  He talks abotu the injustice of rejecting veterans claims for mental illness.

5:34 A man asks why Walz didn't join the Blue Dog Coalition. He says he wanted.to be more flexible, though he agrees with the fiscal conservatism of the Blue Dogs.. He joined issue caucuses and works across issues. The man then asks if he'll work with the DLC. Walz hesitates, and says while he may talk to them, he doesn't like the restriction ideological caucuses would place on him.

[Update 10/28]: the young man who asked the question came into the forum late, scrawled a few notes, then asked his off-topic questions about the Blue Dog Coaliton and the DLC. As soon as Walz finished answering, he whipped out what looked like a Blackberry (we were seated directly behind him) and started interacting with it. In an open forum in which people were talking about a focused topic--and staying on topic without much moderation--the questions were a bit jarring. After the forum finished, a couple of people in the audience wondered "What was that all about?"   We wonder too; surely he was simply Blackberrying a dear friend over where to savor pizza and beer in Albert Lea [end update].

A woman thanks him for being accessible--she was at the Coleman meeting and she says that she could speak up there. Others in the room murmur agreement. Walz says he wishes that the forums could be held together.

A man asks about war with Iran. He says the country is so large that we'd have to nukes them. He's not happy about that. Walz mentions how the DOD asked for bunker busters in the Senate. This waved red flags. Walz repreats his dislike of the Iranian president and says that American foriegn policy has enabled him. Walz says there are legitimate concerns about Iran, but America needs to become more humble to work with the international community to deal with the country.

5:36 There's a lively exchange about Bush being lawless and possibly going to war with Iran regardless of whether the action is justified. Walz says that Congress is trying to set up limits. Walz relates the  story of wanting to tackle some one but being reminding that the alternative to Congress could be civil war.

A woman who had been at the Coleman meeting contrasts Walz's open style with being unable to ask Coleman question. She felt that she had been back in a classroom with the Walz Town Hall meeting. He hopes people keep coming out and talking.  A man asks about Constitutional crisises. Walz recommends reading "April 1965." Walz says that he may be having more meetings that any other COngressman; he metions that he has been told by his own party that having the meetings may not be wise politics but he' going to keep having them.

It's over. The audience is still frustrated by the War, but they're happy with Walz, to judge from the side conversations.  This meeting was fascinating that there were was a measureable conservative presnece that didn't support immediate ending the War.  Equally fascinating was the civility in the room between the two camps. Reflections on the event later this evening.   

Saturday morning news digest: flood recovery summit and more

The Post Bulletin reports in Rep. Walz: Stay on top of flood recovery:

. . .In a short, passionate speech, Walz said the effort so far isn't perfect, but is quite good. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which took a lot of criticism over Hurricane Katrina, has received many complimentary letters, he said.

The communities' spirit to rebuild also has helped. He particularly praised the Minnesota Legislature for its "very visionary" $165 million flood-relief bill that was flexible and focused on the local level. . . .

. . .One thing that's needed, in towns like Rushford with large business districts, is a way to keep those businesses open and not force people to go to big-box stores in big cities, he said. "Many of us know how fragile the economies are in many of these communities," he said.

A sidebar story provides more information from the summit: State, federal agencies explain how they can help flood areas

In a separate article, the PB notes that state Flood relief requests are $40 million over allocation. Fortunately, some of the deficit is being addressed by non-profits, as the Fillmore County Journal reports in Initiative Foundation awards businesses $100,000 in grants to small businesses in Rushford.

KAAL-TV reports on Learning from the Floods. The story is accompanied by a video clip.

The Winona Daily News covers the flood summit in Leaders seek help at flood summit.  The paper also reports that Federal flood aid nears $50 million, with most of the money going to people and businesses in Winona and Fillmore Counties.  In Rushford insurance agents receive flood assistance, we learn that two flooded out insurance agents each received a check for $2,750 from the Professional Insurance Agents of Minnesota Disaster Relief Fund.

Yesterday, we posted about "Cook Up Some Help," the  Hotel and Restaurant Employees' (UNITE HERE Local 21) drive to collect kitchenware for flood victims who are moving back into their homes.  On the western end of the First, the Salvation Army, American Red Cross and RSVP of Southwestern Minnesota are asked Worthington area residents to donate new and gently used Christmas ornaments for Stockton residents.  Read the details in the Globe's  A request to send some Christmas cheer.

It's clear that the immensity of the area's costly recovery is going to take the same spirit of public and private can-do cooperation that prevailed during the emergency itself.  Meanwhile,  KTTC-TV reports that Southern Minnesotans are pitching in with our state's efforts to help with the California wildfires in Rochester, Minnesota Send More Help.

In other news, The Hill reports that Walz is taking heat from the GLBT community for blocking the Baldwin Amendment to the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would ban discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation. In its present form, the bill doesn't cover transgendered people. 

Evening news digest: flood relief and representation edition

Flood relief summit news
There's an extended video report over at KSTP, along with a shorter print story Flood relief summit held in Winona:

Congressman Tim Walz held a summit in Winona Friday to clear up confusion about flood relief options.

He gathered representatives from every state and federal agency to help in the recovery process. Mayors and other local leaders attended the summit.

"We want to do whatever we can to make sure information is out there so folks can utilize the process if at all possible," said Rushford Mayor Les Ladewig. . . .

Stir it up: union launches drive to equip flood victims' home kitchens
Hotel & Restaurant workers host drive to restock kitchens for flood survivors Oct. 31-Nov. 2, at UNITE HERE Local 21 office, 105 N. Broadway, Rochester

Two and a half months after flood waters swept through Southeastern Minnesota, our neighbors are recovering—and many are preparing to return to their homes.

As they repair their homes, clean up their yards and continue their recovery, our neighbors are looking forward to preparing home-cooked meals in their own kitchens. But before dinners are served, survivors would welcome a little help restocking their kitchens.

And the members of Rochester’s Hotel & Restaurant Workers union (UNITE HERE Local 21) know what a huge task that can be. So they’re stirring up a little help themselves, by offering their building as a collection point for donations of new and gently used kitchen equipment.

From Wednesday, Oct. 31 through Friday, Nov. 2, you can bring kitchen items to the UNITE HERE Local 21 office at 105 N. Broadway, Rochester. Donations will be accepted from 8 AM to 5 PM, all three days. Please enter via the back parking lot door; push the buzzer and someone will buzz you in. Place items in the boxes in the meeting room on the right.

Call Southeast Minnesota Labor Council staffer Liz McLoone, 507-254-9249, if you need to schedule a time to deliver your contributions.

Items needed are new or gently used:
• Pots/Pans
• Silverware
• Dishes
• Baking Pans
• Cookie Sheets
• Mixing Bowls
• Spatulas
• General Utensils
• Toasters
• Microwaves
• Coffee Makers
• Electronic Mixers
• Crock Pots
• Measuring Cups
This event is sponsored by the Southeast Minnesota Area Labor Council (SEALC), which serves 34,000 union members in 16 counties. For information on the SEALC, please call President Laura Askelin, at 651-238-5334.

Netroots: reflections on better representation
Finally, pesky WSU grad D.J. Danielson looks at a letter in the Red Wing Republican Eagle scolding his current representative John Kline,  in Letter: Kline, GOP should fund children, not war, then contrasts Kline's attitude toward holding public meetings:

Reading this letter coupled with the news that Tim Walz plans to hold another town hall meeting with constituents makes me wonder when and if Kline ever intends to hold one.

At the meeting in Winona last weekend, Walz made it clear to the attendees that that type of gathering is one of the most fundamental principles of democracy.

“I would argue it’s a requirement of our citizenship to engage in these discussions,” Walz told the crowd. “I would also argue that it’s a requirment of the job in representing you. It’s critically important that I provide a forum that has as easy and unrestricted access as possible to air your points of view and your concerns.”

Kline’s record of constituent outreach is anything but “easy” or “unrestricted” to constituents. When Kline does invite citizen input the medium is usually a “tele-townhall meeting” which is by its nature restricted. If Walz is able to provide stellar constituent service after fewer than 11 months in office, why does Kline continue to lack in that department?

Go read the whole thing at IHDA; DJ was a resident of the First when Walz was elected.  Fellow WSU grad Jason Bauman posts on a new development of Rochester's DM & E saga in Mayo Clinic calls for review of Canadian Pacific’s DM&E purchase.

Army Times: House panel OKs benefits

Some good news for the Red Bulls on a beautiful afternoon--from the Army Times:

A House subcommittee approved two bills Thursday aimed at helping National Guard and reserve members who are mobilized for overseas deployment.

The House Veterans’ Affairs economic opportunity subcommitet passed HR 3882, which modifies rules for earning active-duty GI Bill benefits. It is aimed directly at the Minnesota National Guard’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division that was mobilized for 22 months, including 16 months in combat. Of the 2,447 soldiers who deployed, 1,162 members discovered when they returned that they did not qualify for active-duty GI Bill benefits because of how their orders were issued.

Minnesota Guard officials believe their state was hit the hardest, but they say thousands of other Guard members also were hurt if they received initial mobilization orders that did not clearly state they were being called up for 730 or more days.

Reps. Tim Walz, D-Minn., and John Kline, R-Minn., are the chief sponsors of the bill that would retroactively apply to mobilizations since Sept. 11, 2001

The second bill passed by the subcommittee is HR 513, the National Heroes Credit Protection Act, which would allow reserve component members who have served 180 days or longer on contingency operations outside the U.S. to include an explanation in their credit record that their military duties may be a factor in any financial problems they experience. That statement would be provided to each person or entity that requested a credit score or consumer report.

Rep. Robert Brady, D-Pa., is the chief sponsor of the legislation, which he said is aimed at helping people who have trouble keeping up on personal bills because they were called to active-duty.

Reminder: Iraq War Town Hall Meeting in Albert Lea, Saturday, 4 p.m.

Congressman Walz is hosting another Iraq War Town Hall meeting tomorrow, this one in Albert Lea:

What: Forum on Iraq war with Rep. Tim Walz

When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27

Where: Albert Lea Elks Club, 1811 S. Broadway Ave.

The forums are unscripted and open to all.  Here's how the Post-Bulletin described them:

. . . These aren't "town-hall style" gatherings filled with hand-picked Democrats with scripted, softball questions. To use his words, the forums are "open, frank discussions in front of your fellow citizens," and are meant to let people convey the "visceral, passionate and emotional feelings" they have about the war.

The meetings have lived up to their billing, with people from both sides of the political aisle sharing strong views. Some have said they want our troops brought home immediately, without regard for what would happen in Iraq, while others have told Walz that President Bush, as commander in chief, has the right to wage war as he sees fit. . . .

We're hearing from friends in Michele Bachmann's district that she's holding more "telemeetings," rather than facing her constituents. Some elected officials are autodialers; others, like Walz, are willing to talk face to face in public.

House passes revised SCHIP bill

The New York Times reports in House Defies Bush and Passes Insurance Bill:

Supporters of the new bill said it addressed all the major concerns that prompted Republicans to oppose the earlier version. The measure, they said, would end coverage of childless adults, ban coverage of illegal immigrants and generally prohibit states from covering children in families with incomes above three times the poverty level — $61,950 for a family of four.

Ms. Pelosi said the restrictions on adults, illegal immigrants and high-income families were clear in the first bill and “are even clearer in the second bill.”

The Washington Post version includes this bit of information:

An analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office showed that the new version of the children's health insurance bill did make some substantive changes that Republicans had demanded. Under both versions, the combined average monthly enrollment in SCHIP and Medicaid would be about 34.1 million people, according to the CBO. But there is a shift toward serving poorer children, a key Republican demand. In the new bill, Medicaid enrollment alone would be about 400,000 individuals higher than under the vetoed bill, while SCHIP enrollment would be about that much lower, according to CBO documents.

Almost half of the 3.9 million uninsured children projected to gain coverage under the revised bill would be covered under Medicaid, of whom about 80 percent live below the poverty level, said Genevieve Kenney, an Urban Institute health economist.

Getting more children health care coverage? The Democrats in Congress are working for it. The Republicans? Not so much.

CQ Politics reports Republicans Dig In Against Revised Children’s Health Bill. Having found themselves in a hole, they just keep digging:

Republicans forced repeated procedural votes, delaying progress toward passage.

Asked how long Democratic leaders could keep their own troops on hand to vote on Republican motions to adjourn, an aide to Democratic Conference Chairman Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., said, “Beats me. How long can they?”

Walz: No defense for SCHIP veto

The Post Bulletin has published an op-ed piece by Congressman Walz about the President's SCHIP veto. There's no defense for veto that jeopardizes kids' health concludes:

I don't understand arguments made by opponents of this legislation who say they'd support SCHIP if only it were a little more bipartisan. Created by a Republican Congress and supported by dozens of Republicans in Congress -- if you're looking for a bill that is the very definition of bipartisan, SCHIP is it!

The budgets we pass in Congress are much more than just a plan for federal spending; they are a reflection of our moral values, as well. Members of Congress choose what priorities they value when they choose where to spend the tax dollars of hard-working Americans.

I believe that expanding SCHIP is a powerful statement about the value that we as a country put on our children's health. Children's healthcare is not just another detail -- it is critical to strengthening the American family, and it deserves our continued attention.

Although I am deeply disappointed that a bipartisan majority in the House failed to override the President's veto, I will fight every day to find a way to pass an expansion of the SCHIP program. And I hope that, as this debate continues, it can happen without these misleading charges and attacks. If nothing else, the nine million uninsured children living in America today deserve better than that.

In another health related story, E-health woes in the military frustrate lawmakers, Walz does his job as a member of the House Veterans Affairs Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.

Wrestling with the legacy of Paul Wellstone

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the fiery plane crash that killed Senator Paul Wellstone, his wife, daughter, three campaign workers, and two pilots on a miserable day.  One of Bluestem's earliest readers, a Southern Minnesota native who now lives in the Chicago area, has posted a tribute to Paul Wellstone in a diary over at Dailykos. It begins:

October 25 is the 5th anniversary of Paul and Sheila Wellstone's tragic deaths in a small plane crash. This diary is adapted from a talk I gave at a memorial service for Paul in Chicago, November 2002. Paul taught Political Science at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota from 1970 until he was elected Senator in 1990. I had the good fortune to meet him while I was a student there in the late 1970’s.

If you knew Paul Wellstone, you knew he was a man of great passion. Some knew Paul through his passion for teaching. Many knew him through his passion for social justice. The people of Minnesota got to know Paul through his passion for politics and campaigning. And others knew him through his passion for his family. But Paul had another passion that went as far back as any of those things. Maybe ever farther. Paul Wellstone had a passion for wrestling.

Go read the rest of Paul Wellstone, five years on over at Dailykos.

Congressman Tim Walz attended Camp Wellstone's candidate training track. The Strib mentions this fact in Wellstone's legacy remains vibrant five years after his death.

We were working on a state senate campaign in the Northfield area in 2002 and that cold and deadly day hit the small college town with a punch to the heart.  It looks to be a sunny autumn day today. Oh sun, where were you then?

Mn House Minority Leader Seifert: Soft on Security?

This news comes from outside of the First, but unfortunately, his Republican leadership position gives state rep. Marty Seifert influence across Minnesota.

We had been puzzled the other day when we read this article in the Redwood Fall Gazette: Seifert to 'look into' court order in which he thought a metal detector in a courthouse was all about him:

When Rep. Marty Seifert walked into the Redwood County commissioner's room Tuesday the first question out of his mouth had to do with the new security system on the third floor.

"Is there a murder trial going on?" Seifert queried.

Seifert was then informed of the court order from Fifth District Court Chief Judge George Harrelson, which placed a metal detector on the third floor and required the Redwood County Sheriff's Department to man it Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

"I appreciate the security you put up for me," said Seifert to the county board.

Yeah, it's all about him on Planet Seifert. An article in Seifert's hometown paper looks into the matter in Judge’s concerns lead to tightened security:

An order to secure the third floor, including the courtroom of the Redwood County courthouse, wasn’t done for Rep. Marty Seifert’s benefit, but for the protection of those in the courthouse.

The security in Redwood County could be found in other county courthouses in the Fifth District in the future, said Fifth District Court Chief Judge George Harrelson, who serves as a judge in the Lyon County District Court.

Harrelson said he issued an order for a metal detector and security person to be on the third floor at courthouse at the request of court officials.

“They confiscated four knives in a few days,” Harrelson said of the security system recently installed.

Harrelson issued the order because of a specific threat and ongoing security concerns:

The security order in Redwood County came because of a recent threat, Harrelson said, but discussions of inadequate security at the courthouse have taken place over the years.

Similar discussions have happened in regard to courtrooms in other Fifth District counties such as Lyon and Lincoln, Harrelson said.

“Right now, we have a security committee looking into this,” Harrelson said. “There is not a decision yet if all of southwest Minnesota will have a similar (order).”

Yet, “at some time in the not too distance future I believe there will be a blanket order for all of southwest Minnesota,” Harrelson said.

The security system in the Redwood County courthouse could be viewed as pilot project for southwest Minnesota, Harrelson said.

Safety concerns aren’t just prompted by criminal cases, Harrelson said.

Some of the most contentious issues are divorce cases and even probate cases, Harrelson said.

“You never know, there is a lot of high anxiety when they come into a courtroom,” Harrelson said of people involved in a court case. “At least three or four times a year I have people so upset I have to contact the court administrator to get a sheriff’s deputy into the court room.”

The security issue has been raised in brief discussions at Lyon County Board meetings in the past few years as commissioners have noted security increasing in other counties.

Harrelson said the Eighth Judicial District, which includes Yellow Medicine County, has a blanket order requiring security in the court room areas. In Lyon County, a deputy or police officer will accompany a defendant in custody to court and inside a courtroom.

Marty needs to get out more, say to the Eighth Judicial District, if he's never heard of security orders. Judge Harrelson offered to give Seifert a free lesson:

Harrelson also said in the letter to the editor that “I am sorry that Rep. Seifert found my order ‘odd.’ I would be glad to discuss with him the jurisdiction of the Judicial Branch of state government.”

Harrelson said he understands that county officials don’t like what could be called unfunded mandates from the state. Counties, however, are responsible for providing security for the courts, Harrelson said.

The security system in Redwood County is working, Harrelson said.

Harrelson said a public defender told him Wednesday that two more knives were confiscated in Redwood County that day.

The judge is too kind to Marty. We're not sure whether he needs to be sentenced to 90 days of watching "Law and Order" reruns or a distance learning course in law enforcement. Perhaps the Danielson School of Adult Education could consider adding yet another program to its burgeoning catalogue of remedial education for Minnesota's Republican leaders.

Walz visits with Rushford officials

The Rushford Tri-County Record reports Rep.Walz focuses on problems:

Tim Walz came to Rushford last Saturday morning, asking to get caught up on how the city's residents were faring in the aftermath of the Aug.19 flood.

The First District Congressman from Mankato got an earful from Mayor Les Ladewig, Fire Chief Mike Ebner, and R-P Schools Supt. Chuck Ehler at a small gathering of 10 persons in the high school theater.

The local officials spoke mostly in measured tones, but there was a clear undertone of frustration regarding how government was responding to the city's financial needs and the lack of speed implementing solutions.

Walz, accompanied by aide Meredith Salsbery, said he would try to help the residents' cause the best way he could upon his return to Washington, D.C.

Go read the rest at the Record. 

In this week's edition, the editor singles out state representative Ken Tschumper and senator Sharon Ropes  in  State businesses loan plan greatly improved & adopted:

Local lenders, businesses and financial planners proclaimed it [DEED's original plan] unworkable, and with the help of legislators, particularly Sen. Sharon Ropes and Rep. Ken Tschumper, kept the issue alive by challenging DEED's interpretation of the appropriation in the special legislative session Sept. 11.

Walz to host flood relief summit for in Winona on Friday

We'll be working while this takes place on Friday, or we'd head back to Winona to cover it.  Unfortunately, time and space limitations have forced the meeting to be open only to local officials and the media:

Congressman Tim Walz announced today that he will host a Flood Recovery Summit on Friday, October 26.  The Minnesota Flood Recovery Summit will convene Southeastern Minnesota's Mayors, City Council Members, County Commissioners, and local city and county officials to provide an in-depth overview of the programs available for local communities through the State and Federal Government.  The summit will provide an excellent opportunity for area leaders to discuss the aftermath of recent flooding in a collaborative setting.  The event will include separate panels of state and federal officials followed by a question and answer period and opportunities for local officials to share best practices and discuss their individual community's circumstances with state and federal officials.   This event is open to the media.

Friday, October 26

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
MINNESOTA FLOOD RECOVERY SUMMIT
RIVERPORT INN AND SUITES
900 BRUSKI DR
WINONA, MINNESOTA

The summit is open to local elected officials and members of the media. Due to time and space constraints, this event is unfortunately not open to the public.  Members of the press are requested to contact the Congressman's office at the numbers listed above to RSVP for this event.

Post Bulletin editorial: Iraq War "meetings have lived up to their billing"

In its editorial today, the Post Bulletin editorializes about Walz's town hall forums in Forums provide cathartic dialogue about war. It begins:

First District Congressman Tim Walz has been on a barnstorming tour of southern Minnesota. No, he's not campaigning; he's holding public forums on the war in Iraq.

So far, he's appeared in Mankato, Rochester and Winona. These aren't "town-hall style" gatherings filled with hand-picked Democrats with scripted, softball questions. To use his words, the forums are "open, frank discussions in front of your fellow citizens," and are meant to let people convey the "visceral, passionate and emotional feelings" they have about the war.

The meetings have lived up to their billing, with people from both sides of the political aisle sharing strong views. Some have said they want our troops brought home immediately, without regard for what would happen in Iraq, while others have told Walz that President Bush, as commander in chief, has the right to wage war as he sees fit. . . .

Go read the rest at the PB; we imagine that anti-Walz bloggers might cherry-pick the piece to make it sound far more critical of Walz than it is. We have one point of disagreement with the opinion.  We've found that very, very few people are sticking up for the war, and we've been to all the meetings.

The editorial concludes with notice of the next forum:

Next Iraq war forum

What: Forum on Iraq war with Rep. Tim Walz

When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27

Where: Albert Lea Elks Club, 1811 S. Broadway Ave.

There's also another pro-Walz LTE related to the Rood piece: Photo wasn't suitable with letter