A Bluestem Prairie

Mankato Free Press Endorsement: Walz a breath of fresh air

The Mankato Free Press  has joined the Star Tribune and the St. Peter Herald in endorsing Tim Walz:

When Tim Walz announced his candidacy for the 1st District U.S. House seat now held by Republican Gil Gutknecht, few insiders noticed. That was many months ago. Now, with just one week to go before the 2006 election, the Army National Guard veteran, Mankato West football coach and Teacher of the Year has a realistic chance of unseating the 12-year Congressman from Rochester.

We think 1st District voters ought to give Walz that chance.

Gutknecht has served his district ably for 12 years. But in a difficult year for Republicans, Gutknecht is now forced to defend his conservative record and support of an unpopular Iraq war. A lesser candidate than Walz would have gotten little traction nonetheless against the experienced and respected GOP legislator. But Walz’ star has risen steadily for several reasons: He is smart, articulate, plain-spoken and well-versed on the issues. He is tough, persuasive and quick on his feet. He offers voters a fresh opportunity for change, and he has outlined positions on many issues — including Iraq — that are remarkably detailed for a first-time candidate.

By now, it should have become clear to every thoughtful voter that Walz is a unique challenger who, with more seasoning, could grow into a strong and persuasive voice for southern Minnesota and for the nation in Washington.

Gutknecht’s capacity to persuade has been mixed. He is a knowledgeable supporter of renewable energy, and his views on prescription drug issues have matured. His views on the Iraq war have changed as of late, to where he now appears to have a fuller grasp on the difficulties the U.S. faces there. But unfortunately, after 12 years Gutknecht still hasn’t emerged as a particularly influential member of the Republican majority.

If you believe tax cuts to the wealthy help spur the economy, Gutknecht is your guy. He and Walz have stark differences on this and Walz wants to roll back those tax cuts to the wealthy. But his plan for tax breaks to the middle class, like deductions and credits for parents paying college tuition, uses only 3 to 4 percent of the total saved in taxes, leaving plenty of room to reduce the deficit and shore up Social Security and Medicare.

Walz has the potential to become a particularly influential congressman, and by some measures, moderate and independent.

“Effectiveness trumps ideology,” Walz has said, and he promises to help fix what he calls “malaise and unease” among voters regarding a Congress that is broken.

Walz — a 24-year Guard veteran — is not just a reactionary critic of the administration’s handling of the Iraq war. He is against immediate withdrawal, favoring the implementation of measurable milestones whereby ultimate success can be achieved and our troops can be brought home as soon as possible, and responsibly.

The newcomer’s energy makes his words sound like more than rhetoric. He is unafraid to stake out thoughtful positions on education, health-care reform and immigration. His viewpoints on the proposed expansion of the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad could serve as a basis for future discussions on the controversial topic. And if Walz is elected and Democrats take control of the House next Tuesday, as many suspect, he expects to be seated on the agriculture committee.

This breath of fresh air is worth an investment.

The Free Press has published long profiles of Walz and Gutknecht in Wednesday's paper.

MSNBC: Election world turned on its head in Minnesota

Legend has it that when Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, the band played "The World Turned Upside Down." Surely Gil Gutknecht, a history buff, must pause when he reads the headline at MSNBC:  Election world turned on its head in Minnesota.

The head turner?  Tim Walz.

It's a fairly long story, told from Gutknecht's point of view, so we'll just give readers the highlights:

ROCHESTER, Minn. - The first place to see the electoral impact of Sen. John Kerry’s remarks about education and Iraq is here in Minnesota.

Kerry may have benefited Republican Rep. Gil Gutknecht, who is in a tense battle with Democratic challenger Tim Walz. Kerry had been scheduled to appear at a rally for Walz in Mankato, Minn., on Wednesday.

But the Walz campaign announced Tuesday night that Kerry had cancelled his Mankato appearance.

The rally will go on.

In 2004, Gutknecht, who represents the First Congressional District, which stretches across southern Minnesota, won re-election with a fat margin of 78,000 votes.

But now he is in an unexpectedly tough battle for survival with Walz. Before the Kerry furor exploded Tuesday, we asked Gutknecht if he wondered how he could be in such a struggle for another term.

“Yeah, in a way I do,” Gutknecht replied as he began his campaigning Monday morning. “I sort of say, ‘Gee whiz, I’ve done a good job, I’ve done what people wanted me to do. People like me, and why am I in this tough race this year?’”  But, he added philosophically, “You know, life is what it is.”

Gutknecht said, “I’d say it is probably a three- or four-point race. And there are still more undecided than I’d like out there.”

[snip]

But Democrats in the district are showing enthusiasm: a rally in Rochester, Minn., the district’s biggest city, on Monday night drew about 3,000 fired-up loyalists, partly attracted by the guest star, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois and by Senate candidate Amy Klobuchar.

Walz has capitalized on the opposition in Rochester to a project by the DM&E Railroad that would transport coal from Wyoming, along tracks that run through the city.

“The congressman was asleep at the switch and is unwilling to admit that this is the wrong way for government to work,” said Walz, referring to Gutknecht’s vote for a bill that included a federal loan to the railroad to rebuild and add track. 

“He will lose over that issue,” predicted Walz. “It brought home to roost how broken the Congress is, how it is being done behind closed doors with lobbyists writing the bills.”

Gutknecht campaign spokesman Bryan Anderson said it was “problematic” that the DM&E Railroad loan provision “was placed in the transportation spending bill late at night without a lot of members knowing about it.” Gutknecht was one who didn’t know about it.

But Anderson said Gutknecht has been meeting with all sides in the controversy to seek a solution, rather than simply railing against the project.

OLLIE OX UPDATE:
MANKATO FREE PRESS--MORE ON KERRY CANCELLING
The Mankato Free Press fills in some blanks:

The dueling rallies scheduled for Mankato today on behalf of Republican congressman Gil Gutknecht and Democratic challenger Tim Walz lost some of their pizzaz Tuesday night when Sen. John Kerry pulled out of the Democratic rally.

[snip]

Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee pulled out of the DFL event, which will still be held, as the result of a controversy over comments he made Monday in California.

Walz communication director Meredith Salsbery said Kerry canceled his visit to keep the focus on the issues and away from Kerry’s comments and McCain’s response.

She wouldn’t comment on whether Walz asked Kerry not to campaign for him, but said the decision was ultimately the senator’s choice.

. . . .Doors open at MSU’s Taylor Center at 11 a.m. for the Walz event with music by Martin Zellar beginning at 11:15 a.m. The rally begins at noon. Parking around campus is expected to be very limited, but shuttle buses will run starting at 10:30 a.m. from the Madison East Center.

Afternoon Delights: YouTube, WSU visit and more

WINONA DAILY NEWS: WALZ AND KLOBUCHAR CAMPAIGN ON CAMPUS
The Winona Daily News reports on Tim Walz campainn stop at Winona State with Minnesota's next senator:

. . .Big names in state and national politics breezed through Winona on Monday, preaching platforms, rallying supporters and seeking to sway the last of the undecided eight days before the general election.
[snip]

Klobuchar and Walz teamed up for an afternoon event at Winona State University, where they were greeted at the student union by more than 100 people, as well as another 30 or 40 students passing through or studying who stopped to listen.

The two repeated familiar campaign platforms, often to raucous applause.

Walz, who is deadlocked with incumbent Rep. Gil Gutknecht, R-Minn., in the 1st District U.S. House race, used a tagline on several of his points that eventually became somewhat of a mantra: “He’s going to be gone in eight days.”

He spoke about his opposition to the Iraq war, his hope to bridge partisanship in the House, and his plan to increase funding to education and reduce student debt load.

“My son Gus Walz was born with a $36,000 debt on his head,” he said of his new child, born a little over two weeks ago.

Walz called on attendees to help get the vote out in the final week, and closed with a far-reaching call for change. “Imagine when the rest of the world wakes up … and sees that the Americans are back,” he said. “We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for.”

Klobuchar also talked about her opposition to the Iraq war—“You don’t go to war when you don’t have a plan”—and an array of other issues, including supporting tax cuts for the middle class, affordable health care, and opposing no-bid contracts, particularly those award to American contractors working in Iraq.

Latest polls have showed Klobuchar with a sizable lead over her Republican opponent, Rep. Mark Kennedy, R-Minn.

It wouldn’t be the final campaign stop for the pair.

“I wanted to stay down here, but I have to be in Rochester with Barack Obama,” Walz explained to a supporter prior to the event, referring to the junior Illinois senator who stumped for Walz and Klobuchar Monday night.  . . .

KMSQ YouTube

A studio debate in Austin: parts 1 & 2

AAUW FORUM IN AUSTIN:  IMMIGRATION FOES DISRUPT CANDIDATES
While Tim Walz was in Rochester, his wife Gwen stood in for him at an American Association of University Women candidate forum in Austin. Candidates at the forum were repeared interrupted by immigration "reform" advocates.  The Austin Daily Herald reports:

Immigration issues dominated questions posed by the public to state legislative and congressional candidates during a forum Monday night, as candidates made their final appeals to voters one week before elections.

The forum included candidates for state Legislature, Mower County, and City of Austin seats, as well as one candidate who has been invited, but has never before attended an AAUW forum: Gil Gutknecht. However, Gutknecht's leading opponent, DFLer Tim Walz, was not present. Walz was participating in a Democratic Party rally and fund-raiser with Illinois U.S. Sen. Barack Obama.

In Walz's absence, his wife, Gwen, and the couple's baby were in the audience.

The Austin branch of the American Association of University (AAUW) has sponsored candidates' forums for many years, according to Evelyn Guentzel, retired educator, who moderated the forum.

Early in the debate, immigration issues dominated the state legislative and congressional candidates' portion of the debate.

However, Guentzel attempted to rein in the citizens raising immigration questions and allow discussion of other issues.

[snip]

The “Vote Yes” committee was at Monday night's forum. Volunteers distributed handouts supporting the Local Option Sales Tax referendum question on ballots Nov. 7 in the city of Austin.

But opponents of allowing free immigration were not to be denied their opportunity to button-hole all candidates on the controversial issue.

It started with Kermit Thomas and continued with George Dahl, Dean Dykeman and others.

Thomas made public a letter he received from Mower County Sheriff Terese Amazi and one that he has widely distributed.

The letter states, in part, the sheriff's frustration with “someone in Washington” ordering two raids on Austin employers planned by immigration officials.

“Who was that? Who did that?” Thomas asked.

“It wasn't me,” responded Rep. Gutknecht.

The congressman went on to say even he has gotten “quite a run-around” from immigration officials and called the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency one of the “least efficient agencies in government.”

At times, the immigration critics in the audience interrupted the candidates in the midst of their own responses to questions. This went on until Guentzel attempted to halt the interruptions.

Afterwards, even Guentzel, a veteran of the AAUW forums, said she was surprised. “Obviously, there is a lot of emotion out there about this issue and these people are determined to bring their concerns to light,” she said. . . .

ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE: GUTKNECHT CAN'T FIND A BABY TO KISS
Gwen Walz brought little Gus Walz to the Austin forum. In Albert Lea, Gutknecht couldn't find a baby on his own to kiss:

U.S. Rep. Gil Gutknecht was pounding the pavement Monday in Albert Lea, working the campaign trail by visiting small businesses. He started at the Lakeside Cafe & Creamery and drove to the downtown businesses along Broadway Avenue.

“I’m just out shaking hands and kissing babies,” he said to shop owners.

Well, he shook hands anyway. There were no babies to be found that afternoon. . . .

Can the guy catch a break?

WINONA DAILY NEWS LTES: SAVE FIRST DANCE FOR WALZ; END GUTKNECHT'S LACKLUSTER CAREER
Two letter writers shared their opinion of the MN-01 Congressional race in today's Winona Daily News LTE section. Dick Baier writes that it's time for vote for Walz:

As Winona’s Social Security manager for many years, I saw firsthand the tremendous good that Social Security brings to America’s workforce.

Retirement benefits, disabled worker’s benefits, family survivor benefits make up a network of protection that, by present law, is guaranteed to America’s workers.

Rep. Gutknecht was among the first “yes men’ to hop on to President Bush’s bandwagon in his failed attempt to privatize America’s Social Security program. Gil Gutknecht cannot be trusted to vote for his constituents rather than the “money crowd” pushing for privatization.

I urge all to vote for Tim Walz. He understands the importance of saving Social Security.

It’s time for the first dance with Walz.

Scott Lowery compares and contrasts the two choices. Conclusion? Walz:

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry when I read about the recent debate between Gil Gutknecht and Tim Walz at the Winona campus of Saint Mary’s University. It is tragic to think that our democratic process can mean so little to an incumbent congressman, who insists on such restricted access for the event that the audience winds up being a handful of college students, while all other interested community members are told to stay home.

On the other hand, my laughter is of the ironic kind and comes from watching Congressman Gutknecht in action over several previous campaigns. For someone who used to be comfortable auctioning household goods off a hay wagon, it’s funny how nervous he seems to be about dialogue with the general public.

In 1998, for instance, he dodged public debates by claiming that the nonpartisan League of Women Voters was a “biased organization.” I guess this bad behavior has worked pretty well for him, because we have allowed him to continue his long and undistinguished legislative career.

Meanwhile, today’s Winona Daily News (Oct. 26) shows him schmoozing with Laura Bush and a bunch of other impeccably dressed and presumably very affluent donors at a fundraiser in Rochester. When he says he’s “our Congressman,” does he really mean me and you and the folks down the street, or does he mainly represent a privileged few?

Check out his voting record, and then vote for someone who truly wants to represent all of us in the 1st District, Tim Walz.

ORANGE PENNY LOAFERS: MORE ON EDUCATION
N. D. Barrett takes a look at Gutknecht's track record in education:

On education, the choice is pretty clear for one reason, and only one reason: Tim Walz actually has a position. Gil Gutknecht, aside from his egregious contempt for the educational system (here, and actually look at the content of the bills), doesn't consider education important enough to warrant space on his website. 

There's more. Check it out.

MN-01 Thriller! 3000 pack Mayo Civic Auditorium

ROCHESTER POST-BULLETIN:  OBAMA  PACKS MAYO CIVIC AUDITORIUM
The Twin Cities media has been consistent in reporting that yesterday's rally drew over 1000 people.

PB's Matthew Stolle's story tells how many over a thousand in Sen. Obama packs Mayo Civic Auditorium:

Riding a wave of political fascination almost Kennedyesque in its fervor, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois stumped in Rochester on Monday for DFL Senate candidate Amy Klobuchar and congressional candidate Tim Walz before a sign-waving, cheering throng estimated at 3,000 people.

Last week, First Bush drew fewer than a 1000.  MPR cited Gutknecht campaign-supplied attendance figures of 700. For yesterday's rally, KTTC-TV also estimated an attendance of 3000.

Stolle continues:

“These are serious times,” Obama said in a 25-minute speech that ranged from the war in Iraq to America’s health care crisis. “If we don’t deal with these issues, we may be the first generation passing on an America that’s a little poorer and a little meaner than the one we inherited from our parents. And that’s unacceptable.”

Yet Obama’s speech, which came eight days before the Nov. 7 election, projected a tone of hopefulness based on what he called the innate decency of the American people.

“This is all goodness. When the American people pay attention, good things happen,” Obama said.

Obama was in Rochester to lend his growing popularity to the candidacies of Klobuchar and Walz, both of whom shared the stage with Obama at Mayo Civic Auditorium. Polls have consistently shown Klobuchar with a double-digit lead over GOP candidate Mark Kennedy, while Walz is surprising political observers with his strong campaign against six-term GOP incumbent Rep. Gil Gutknecht.

“I think part of the reason that they’re doing so well is that they just feel real,” Obama said of Klobuchar and Walz. “They’re not blow-dried and poll-tested and sound-bited. They sound like your neighbors and your friends — people who you trust.”

Since being elected to the Senate in 2004, Obama, 45, has been featured on the covers of Newsweek and Time magazines and has been the subject of fervent speculation about his presidential ambitions. Two weeks ago, Obama finally said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he was considering a run for president in 2008.

His speech at Mayo Civic Auditorium had the cadence and rhythm of a sermon, almost conversational in tone. And local Democrats were clearly hoping that the growing fascination and speculation surrounding Obama would send a current of excitement through the Rochester area and help deliver more DFL votes.

After the event, a large circle of admirers gathered around Obama to have him sign copies of his new book, “The Audacity of Hope.” A half-dozen or so people held up camera phones over the crowd to snap pictures of him.

“I thought he was just great,” said Kristen Bertling, a 23-year-old Mayo Clinic employee who had just taken a picture of Obama on her phone. “I was just telling my friends. It’s almost like he’s your uncle giving you advice on something.”

There were a number of high school students in the largely packed auditorium. One student said that while the name Kerry or Clinton might register a blank on many students’ faces, Obama has name recognition among them.

“You say ‘Obama’ and people actually go, ‘Ohhh,’” said Sam Hagedorn, a 16-year-old Mayo High School student who called Obama an “amazing speaker, a real poet almost.”

Members of the Somali community in Rochester were also present at the rally. Abdifatah Abdinur, a 28-year-old part-time Somali TV anchor, noted with pride that Kenya, where Obama’s deceased father was born, and Somalia neighbor each other. Obama is half white and half black.

“It is a connection. It’s like a man from Rochester becomes president or senator when you are from the same area,” Abdinur said.

PIONEER PRESS: THRILLER
The Pioneer Press offers the condensed version of yesterday's Rochester rally:

ROCHESTER, Minn. — With a week and a day until the election and a visit from one of their party's biggest names of the moment, Democrats in Rochester were feeling good Monday.

"I feel a wave forming. I think this is a seminal year for Democrats," said Sharon Vandenorth, a Mayo Clinic employee who joined a huge rally for U.S. Senate candidate Amy Klobuchar and 1st District congressional candidate Tim Walz that featured U.S. Sen. Barack Obama.

The crowd of more than 1,000 Democrats gave Obama a rock star's welcome, reflective of his growing national stature and possible 2008 presidential ambitions.

"I need you to knock on doors. I need you to make phone calls. I need you to volunteer," the senator from Illinois told the crowd. "And if you do that, on November 7th we are going to take America back."

The growing city of Rochester is a linchpin of Democratic hopes in Minnesota this year.

The DFL Party two years ago unexpectedly picked up several legislative seats in the onetime Republican stronghold and transformed the area into a key swing region. Walz, once considered a long shot against Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht, has in recent weeks surged onto the list of possible Democratic pickups this year.

STAR TRIBUNE: TENSION MOUNTS IN TIGHT RACES
The Stribune looks at the close statewide and federal races this morning. We read this about the First:

The race so far: Republicans hadn't counted on having to defend the seat of a 10-year House veteran. Then came Army Reserve veteran Walz, part of a national "Fighting Dems" cadre of ex-military Democrats in mostly Red districts. Walz, who advocates a change of course in Iraq, has steadily gained momentum, money and national prominence, forcing Gutknecht into an unexpected ad war.

Actually, Gutknecht's been in there twelve years, but since the Strib hadn't counted on covering this race, we can forgive them. So long as voters in the First remember Gutknecht's 12-years-or-vote -me-out pledge.

SWING STATE PROJECT: MONDAY INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES

James L links to a little more spending by the NRCC in MN-01.

MANKATO FREE PRESS LTE: MR. NICE GUY
Phyllis Johnson tells another first-hand account of Tim Walz in  Walz known for showing genuine concern, helping:

Tim Walz, along with a group of us, biked the Red Jacket Trail a few years ago. One in our party had tire trouble on several occasions. Walz was always there to help her.

She was very frustrated, which Walz sensed and said, “You take my bike and I’ll ride yours.” This is an example of what a gentleman Walz is. He shows the same concern for his students. He listens to them and includes them when he teaches, which I’m sure he’ll do for his constituents.

Walz spent more than a year teaching in China. How appropriate to know that we could have a congressman who knows China.

We don’t have to vote straight party lines Nov. 7. We can vote for the best person. That person would be Walz.

Mark Halverson is able to see Gutknecht's personal charm, but wants someone who will represent the district in Gutknecht’s voting record has been very disturbing:

At first glance, Gil Gutknecht looks like an appealing candidate. He’s well groomed, personable and as with most incumbent members of Congress, very good at speaking eloquently while not saying much at all.

During his several years representing Minnesota’s First Congressional District, he has not rocked the boat. He has done nothing controversial. He hasn’t done much of anything, it appears.

While one might be inclined to leave such an innocuous representative in Congress, thankful that he has largely avoided public scrutiny, there is one very disturbing fact that tells the true story about Gutknecht’s tenure. He has voted with the Bush administration over 80 percent of the time.

The Bush Administration represents the worst in politics. Both individually and collectively they are cynical, arrogant, dishonest and incompetent. They have gotten us in a terrible war upon false pretenses and without an exit strategy.

They have rolled back civil liberties at every opportunity. They have made great strides towards increasing the distance between those few who are very wealthy, and the rest of the population.

They have even rolled-back environmental protection, in the face of compelling evidence that we are on the brink of environmental disaster. A vote for Gutknecht in the upcoming election is nothing more that a vote in favor of the Bush administration. Make no mistake about it. It is time to move in a new direction. It is time to elect Tim Walz as our First District U.S. House representative.

WORTHINGTON DAILY GLOBE LTE: A VETERAN ON GUTKNECHT
Simon Koster of Worthington believes Gutknecht doesn't care about veterans:

I just listened to an ad by Congressman Gil Gutknecht bragging about his support of U.S. soldiers. I’d like to set the record straight.

Because of Gil Gutknecht and our current administration, George W. Bush and crew, I and approximately 700,000 U.S. veterans cannot — and I repeat cannot — use VA services. They don’t have the funding to do what’s been promised veterans. The U.S. is $8.4 trillion in debt and going backwards fast. To save money, cut off veterans!

My letter, and I know of others that have receives similar ones, states I have to prove that the medical attention I want is because of military service. Yes, I have to prove. How? Why? I received $25 per month when into the Air Force in January 1964. I served honorably, but I’m not being treated honorably.

My vote goes to Tim Walz, a military man who understands the problem and isn’t a political robot like Gil Gutknecht.

We'll post the netroots update in the afternoon.

Cook : MN-01 to toss-up; rally in Rochester and more

COOK POLITICAL REPORT: MN-01 TO TOSS-UP
Last week, the Cook Political Report had MN-01 ranked as "Leans Republican".

Today, the Walz-Gutknecht race has been declared a "Toss-Up."

RALLY IN ROCHESTER: STRIB AND PIPRESS
We expect You Tube video to make its way online soon. Newspaper coverage captures the excitement:

Bob Von Sternberg covers the Obamamania:

Obamamania blew into town Monday.

In the midst of a national book tour and not that many days since he said he has "thought about the possibility" of running for president, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama threw his weight behind the candidacies of DFL Senate hopeful Amy Klobuchar and Tim Walz, the party's candidate in the First Congressional District.

"You've got two people who embody what we want in a public servant," he told more than a thousand of the party faithful who jammed a hall at the Mayo Civic Center. "They're diligent, intelligent and humble. They've got the common touch, and that's part of the reason they're doing so well. They feel real, not blow-dried, poll-tested or sound-bited."

The appearance of a national Democrat with Obama's growing star power is the most recent indication that party officials view six-term Republican incumbent Rep. Gil Gutknecht as potentially vulnerable in a year when they are banking on a Democratic sweep.

"This race must be close, because unless the Democrats are strategically stupid, I think nobody would come in here unless they thought it could make a difference," said Chris Gilbert, a political science professor at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. "It would still be a big upset if the Democrats win here" in the First District.

Although Klobuchar has maintained a commanding lead over Republican Mark Kennedy in recent polls, Obama's appearance could help inoculate her "against one of Kennedy's characteristic fast finishes," Gilbert said.

More evidence of how high both parties view the stakes in the district: On Wednesday appearances are planned by presumptive 2008 presidential aspirants John McCain (for Gutknecht) and John Kerry (for Walz).

But as enthusiastic as the DFLers were for their two candidates, Obama was clearly the biggest draw, attracting the loudest and longest cheers and being mobbed for autographs. Button hawkers were doing a brisk business, selling Obama for President models such as "Superbama" and "Barack to the Future."

Rochester resident Jackie Marquette was sporting one promoting Obama's new book, "The Audacity of Hope."I think he's the real thing," she said. "He stops to think before he answers questions. ... Even though people say he's too young, we have too many old politicians doing the wrong thing."

Although he performed his assigned task of promoting Klobuchar and Walz, Obama also spent a good part of his 20-minute speech gently riffing on the faith-grounded themes of his new book.

He mentioned the late Sen. Paul Wellstone, "not for the sake of cheap sentimentality but because he found the balance between the politics of fear and the politics of hope, which have always been at odds ...

"When we look around our lives, one of the easiest things to do is find refuge in cynicism. It's tempting for all of us to pull back and say the world is what it is and we can't change it. What's hard, what requires risk, boldness and audacity, is to hope."

For their parts, Klobuchar and Walz ran through their issues and sprinkled in a few red-meat one-liners.

"They need a moral compass," Klobuchar said of congressional Republicans. "Their compass points to W, but when I'm in the Senate, I won't follow the Lone Star. I'll be following the North Star."You people have done nothing short of the miraculous," Walz said, noting that Gutknecht once dismissed his candidacy as "irrelevant."He's right. This has never been about myself, but it's about the people of this district."

In the First District, carried twice by President Bush, the parties are spending heavily to fill the cable and broadcast airwaves with ads.

"Walz is on cable all the time," Gilbert said. "Although you might think Gutknecht should cruise, Walz could be the right kind of candidate for these times, with the right message."

The Pioneer Press covered the Rochester rally with Barack Obama, Amy Klobuchar, and Tim Walz. While Laura Bush drew at most 700 a week ago, Obama's rising star drew over a 1000 today, Patrick Condon writes:

With a week and a day until the election and a visit from one of their party's biggest names of the moment, Democrats in Rochester were feeling good Monday.

"I feel a wave forming. I think this is a seminal year for Democrats" said Sharon Vandenorth, a Mayo Clinic employee who joined a huge rally for U.S. Senate candidate Amy Klobuchar and 1st District congressional candidate Tim Walz that featured as the main attraction U.S. Sen. Barack Obama.

The crowd of more than 1,000 Democrats gave Obama a rock star's welcome, reflective of his growing national stature. The senator from Illinois has stoked that interest in recent weeks by admitting that he's considering a presidential run in 2008.

"I need you to knock on doors. I need you to make phone calls. I need you to volunteer," Obama told the crowd. "And if you do that, on November 7th we are going to take America back."

The growing city of Rochester is a linchpin of Democratic hopes in Minnesota this year. Once a Republican stronghold, the DFL Party two years ago unexpectedly picked up several legislative seats and transformed the area into a key swing region. Walz, once considered a long shot against Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht, has in recent weeks surged onto the list of possible Democratic pickups this year.

"The eyes of Minnesota were on Rochester two years ago, when independents and Democrats and moderate Republicans came together and voted for change," Klobuchar said. "You're going to do it again in 2006."

Both Walz and Klobuchar, who's been running ahead of the Republican candidate, U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy, in the polls, hammered on the Bush administration and the Republican-led Congress.

"We have a moral responsibility to leave this country in better shape than we found it," Walz said. "This administration and this Congress have failed to do that."

Vandenorth, who's been door-knocking recently for several local candidates, said voters in the city are responsive to the Democratic message of change. "I'm hearing a lot of undecided and even Republican voters say they're listening to the message of Democratic candidates," she said.

Merl Winter, a recently retired educator who came out for the rally, said he's heard the same sentiment from many friends.

"These are people my age who said they'll be voting a straight Democratic ticket this year," Winter said. "Four years ago, they all called themselves Republicans."

Republicans were quick to criticize the three candidates in the spotlight in Rochester.

Mark Drake, a spokesman for the state Republican Party, said in a news release that Obama, Klobuchar and Walz have "far-left views" that are out of touch with voters in the district. "With their mutual support of tax increases, abortion on demand, and opposition to the marriage amendment, these candidates are three liberal peas in a pod," he said.

Obama, meanwhile, said it's an opportune time for the Democratic Party, with more Americans picking up on what he said is a sense that the country is not headed in the right direction.

"The country is in a different kind of mood than it's been in the last couple election cycles," he said. "There's a seriousness to the voters this time. They are paying attention."

Bill provides his account at The Life Fantastic. Some excerpts:

Two things were apparent from Tim the moment he stepped on stage. First, he is very excited to be doing what he is doing, and second, he is a natural born leader. His poise and energy rang clear in every word of his speech. I have a few quotes (these will actually be closer to paraphrases, but. . .well. . Reference my comment above.)

"On such a beautiful day. . .you've done the most important thing you could, which is to come here to show you have a stake in the future of our country." (I jotted this on an old envelope that I had in my computer bag.)

And the one that got the crowd laughing: "My opponent (Gil) calls himself a budget hawk. (crowd chuckles) Now, when I was a kid, and NASA was sending the first people into space, I called myself and Astronaut, but that didn't make me one" (Laughter laughter laughter)

[snip]

This a great race down in the first. If I could be in Rochester, or Mankato, or Albert Lea or anywhere like that in the coming 8 days, I would. Barack might be the rock star of the Democratic party, but I think Walz rocked-out more. I want this man in Congress and I might just drive down to Rochester again to help make that happen.

NEW MAJORITY REPORT POLL
Jeff Fecke at the Minnesota Monitor takes a look at the latest Majority Report polls Gutknecht 50%--Walz 47%, a gap within the 3.03% margin of error.

Volunteer for Tim Walz.

Worthington meeting with Collin Peterson and Tim Walz

A friend in the Minnesota Farmers Union just sent us a notice that US Representative Collin Peterson & Congressional Candidate Tim Walz will hold a Town Hall Meeting on the 2007 Farm Bill with farmers in the Worthington area. 

Peterson and Walz will meet with the public and press at the Worthington American Legion, 1906 Oxford Street, Worthington, on Tuesday, October 31, from 2-3 p.m.

Peterson is slated to become chair of the House Agriculture Committee when the Democrats take control of the House.

Breaking: DFA endorses Walz

Just in: Democracy For America  (it has a spiffy new blog) has endorsed Tim Walz. Check Democracy for Minnesota Links blog for more details.

We'll post more as our schedule allows.

Rochester Post-Bulletin: Letters

The new edition of the Rochester Post-Bulletin includes a bevy of letter to the editor; as usual, they run heavily in support of Tim Walz.

Robert Hyatt of Rochester writes Walz gives thoughtful answers:

The other day I happened to tune in on Tim Walz being interviewed on a Twin Cities TV station. I was impressed by the pointed, searching questions and his knowledgeable, articulate responses.

I wondered when they would be interviewing Gil Gutknecht, but it turned out he had declined to be interviewed. I wondered why. One possible answer came a couple of days later when I saw part of a Gutknecht campaign ad on TV. It was totally negative. Nothing that I saw was about his record and goals but all was anti-Walz. And much of what I heard was questionable.

So perhaps this is why this contest is closer than the experts projected. Walz is dealing with important issues that concern the electorate, while Gutknecht seems to avoid them in favor of trashing his opponent.

Could it be that people are getting fed up with that approach to politics and government?

Kenneth Wermager of Adams recommends that citizens Vote for who will serve us well:

They will work for the right causes. This in regard to the coming election. We have several candidates in the Rochester and Austin area who served as Democrats for the last term and were very effective in doing things for the southern part of the state and were very good at keeping us informed, and they deserve to be re-elected.

Now we have Gil Gutknecht and Tim Walz. We know Gutknecht voted with President Bush more than 90 percent of the time. This should be easy to judge.  . . .

Rochester's R.G. Van Dellen takes issue with some endorsements of Gutknecht in Iraq war diverts health-care funds:

AMPAC and MEDPAC, the political arms of the American and Minnesota Medical Associations sent to physicians a large postcard urging support of Gil Gutknecht because he will work for medical liability reform and oppose cuts in Medicare.

To quote: "An honest day's work should be rewarded with an honest day's pay."

This endorsement is shortsighted. Although I support addressing the medical liability problem and oppose cuts in Medicare, I cannot support Gutknecht.

One reason for the proposed cuts in Medicare is that our money is going to the Iraq war, which Gutknecht supports. Our military budget is now over $400 billion a year, not including the cost of the Iraq war, which is now well over $300 billion dollars.

Our patients should come first appears on the front of the card. No mention is made of the uninsured. The money spent on the Iraq war could supply a lot of health care for the uninsured.

No mention is made either of the public health crisis in Iraq because of the war: refugees, uncountable wounded, limited hospital access and supplies, areas with destroyed infrastructure resulting in no clean water, inadequate sewage disposal and limited electricity. The infrastructure destruction was deliberate, yet Gutknecht supports this war.

The Iraq war is bankrupting us, financially and morally. AMPAC and MEDPAC support of Gutknecht is not in patients' or physicians' best interest.

The leaders will follow us Orin Doty tells readers:

The coming election may prove to be the most important turning point in the history of our nation. Perhaps "we the people" will have the opportunity to take back our country from the "chicken hawks" and Big Oil who are leading us in the wrong direction with their politics based on fear and corruption.

For George W. Bush it could convince him that his weapons of mass deception have been a complete failure. When "we the people" lead, the leaders are sure to follow!

Thomas Mulvey points to an issues closer to home in Gutknecht beholden to DM&E:

There is no greater threat to Rochester's quality of life, nor a local issue as critical this election season, as the DM&E Project.

Tim Walz strongly opposes this project for the same reasons that many of us do: DM&E's dismal safety record, the 100 percent financing of the project, the underhanded way in which the loan program was snuck into the 2005 Transportation Bill, etc.

And where is "our" congressman? He's joined "our" Sen. Coleman, quietly sitting this one out at the direction of South Dakota Sen. John Thune, author of the amendment that enables this project, and former DM&E-backed congressman, turned full-time DM&E lobbyist, turned DM&E senator.

Thune, recipient of thousands from DM&E in lobbying compensation and campaign contributions and who stands to become chairman of the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee next year, has muted dissent on this subject from his Republican colleagues, because he holds the keys to the Coleman re-election machine.

This is the kind of special interest-directed power play Washington, through the acquiescence of people like Gutknecht, has come to epitomize. "Our" own congressman, charged with protecting our community, has chosen not to lead on this issue but to follow partisan and special interests.

When Rochester is split in two by coal trains, will Gutknecht tell us, "Nothing could be done?

For Gutknecht? One letter by Eric Knudson, Veteran endorses Gutknecht, appears.  We thank Corporal Knudson for his service in the Marine Corps in Iraq.

Busy Monday: the audacity of hope in Southern Minnesota

Monday is always our busiest day at work, so we can't join in the GOTV activities today.  We'll try to keep up with breaking news as we can.

WINONA DAILY NEWS: BRING BACK TOLERANCE, FAIRNESS, PROFESSIONALISM
Nicholas Cheston of Winona writes that he's had enough of career politicians in Bring back tolerance, fairness, professionalism:

I’ve had enough of politicians on a state and national level who view governance as a personal business, ignoring the concerns of middle and working class people. I’m happy to note that the slate of DFL candidates looks great this year — better than I’ve seen in a long time.

In Winona, we have the opportunity to elect two outstanding candidates: Sharon Ropes for the Minnesota Senate and Tim Walz for the U.S. House of Representatives. Both are veterans, both come from professions that have given them the opportunity to get to know ordinary people every day, and both have the spirit, work ethic and intelligence to represent all Minnesotans, not just the connected and powerful.

I have been weary and cynical when looking at our “leaders” in government for quite some time. These candidates have something though, something that makes me feel that if only they could get elected, I could trust the people we have sent to the Legislature again.

With all due respect to their opponents, Gil Gutknecht and Brenda Johnson, how many times do the Republicans think they can fool me with claims of “listening to” us modest folks who work for a living and play by the rules, but can only afford a couple of bucks for campaign contributions — if that? I’ve seen enough of who they listen to.

Let’s support Ropes and Walz to begin taking the pressure off regular people and bring fairness, tolerance and professionalism back to government.

ROTHENBERG REPORT: FIELD OF NEWBIES
Stuart Rothenberg looks at the Democratic challengers--and finds that many are regular people rather than career politicians. Walz is among his roll call. Are political novices a good thing or bad? Read the column.

K STREET CONFIDENTIAL: LOBBYISTS WON'T LIKE WHAT PELOSI HAS IN MIND
The Wege justly worries about reports on Obama's contributors, but we're hoping this WaPo column about Pelosi's plan to reform House lobbying rules will cheer him up for Halloween:

In a little-publicized statement, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the House Democratic leader, has promised to change the chamber's rules to reflect the provisions of her not-so-modestly-named Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2006. The months-old measure would, among other things, prohibit House members from accepting gifts and travel from lobbyists or from organizations that employ lobbyists.

The Pelosi bill includes changes not only to House rules but also to federal laws. Any changes in law would have to be approved by the Senate and the president before they could take effect. But the House can alter its own rules anytime, and that's precisely what Pelosi proposes to do as the House's first official act next year -- after it selects her as speaker.

PIONEER PRESS: OBAMA STOPS AT BORDERS
The Pioneer Press reports that while he's in Minnesota, Barack Obama will stop at Borders in downtown Minneapolis to sign books before heading to Rochester:

Obama to speak today downtown

BRIEFING: MINNEAPOLIS

U.S. Sen. Barak Obama, who recently indicated he's considering a run for president in 2008, will appear at Borders bookstore in downtown Minneapolis at noon today.

The Illinois Democrat's appearance is part of a promotional tour for his new book "The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream." He's expected to sign books at the Block E store, 600 Hennepin Ave., for at least two hours, store staff said.

Then Obama will head to Rochester, where he'll appear at a 5 p.m. campaign rally for two Democratic candidates. The "Rally for Change" will feature U.S. Senate candidate Amy Klobuchar and Tim Walz, who is challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Gil Gutknecht. The event will be held at the Mayo Civic Center Auditorium at 30 Civic Center Drive S.E.

— John Welbes

We haven't found Hope Walz to be an exceptionally audacious five-year old, but given her parentage, it's quite possible.

Those in the Cities who want to carpool it down to Rochester and do a little GOTV work can hitch a ride with Bill at The Life Fantastic:

So I'm going to that Obama thingy in Rochester . . . . I'm making a day of it. Going down to do GOTV work for Tim Walz in the afternoon. Then to the rally, and maybe some doorknocking afterward. So my question stands: Who's coming with me? Now, this is sort of a last minute question . . . but if you're the type to drop everything on a Monday afternoon and drive two hours to take part in the most exciting congressional race in the state, and then see the man who could possibly maybe just maybe be our next President speak, I'd love to have you along. Please send me an email if interested: tacklebill at hotmail dot com.

Need a reason? Read Wall Street Journal: "In Minnesota, 'Everyman' on the Ballot", our post from last night about articles in the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg--the later echoes what LTE writers have been saying about how gains in the economy haven't trickled down to all Southern Minnesotans. OLLIE'S UPDATE: A strong analysis of the Bloomberg article in this DailyKos diary. Thanks KKJ!

OLLIE OX UPDATE: CQ Politics issues its final special report before November 7: The Battering Ram and the Bulwark.

Wall Street Journal: "In Minnesota, 'Everyman' on the Ballot"

Take a riff from the Wege, we've frequently noted how the contest in the Fighting First evokes classic American storytelling. While the Republicans complain about Hollywood values, Tim Walz's campaign recalls those old movies that were a tribute to the American everyman.

That's how the latest article in the Wall Street Journal frames the contest as well:

Political Novice Battles Republican Incumbent, With Iraq and Immigration at Forefront

By DAVID ROGERS
October 30, 2006

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- If there is one House race that captures the struggle between Republican power in Congress and a grass-roots demand for change, it is here in Minnesota's First District.

Twelve-year incumbent Rep. Gil Gutknecht is a political survivor and force for the dairy industry as a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee. But in a district President Bush carried twice, the Republican Party and corporate allies are spending heavily to fend off Democrat Tim Walz, a high-school teacher and political newcomer.

Three possible 2008 presidential contenders -- Republican Sen. John McCain and Democratic Sens. John Kerry and Barack Obama -- are all due here this week. Mr. McCain's appearance, which his camp says is to help re-elect Gov. Tim Pawlenty, not Mr. Gutknecht per se, touches a nerve since Mr. Walz -- a retired National Guard master sergeant -- is a fellow veteran and has been attacked by Mr. Gutknecht for supporting immigration policies akin to the Arizona senator's.

"It's been, 'Holy smokes, the First District can elect a guy who woke up one morning and said let's change this country and let's do this together,' " Mr. Walz laughs.

The heart of his campaign is just that: Everyman running for Congress. With his former National Guard artillery unit deployed in Iraq, Mr. Walz emphasizes the need for change in the war's strategy. But most of all, given the House's low standing in opinion polls and voter anxiety about America losing its way, he sees his candidacy as a wake-up call for Congress and the nation.

"When you wake up Nov. 8, it can be a brand new world," he told supporters last week in Owatonna. "It's not vindictiveness. It's not us saying all our Republican neighbors are wrong. It's us saying this Congress is broken. This rubber-stamp Congress is not giving this country the ability to move forward and compromise.

"If you know how good we are going to feel, picture for a moment how the rest of the world is going to feel. When they wake up Nov. 8, they're going to look and say, 'The Americans are back.' "

Up and down the ballot, Minnesota is a battleground this fall with a Senate seat and the governor's mansion also up for grabs. Early in the nominating process during the spring, Mr. Walz -- who bears a resemblance to another high-school teacher and coach: House Speaker Dennis Hastert of Illinois -- showed promise but was overlooked nationally because of his lack of political experience. He and his fellow Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party candidates are their own cast of characters, less a political party than a repertory company for modern America.

[snip]

In the First District, both national parties have entered the fray's home stretch with attack ads focused on the race's top issues: immigration and the war in Iraq. Labor unions are helping Mr. Walz; Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and first lady Laura Bush made back-to-back appearances with Mr. Gutknecht, and, led by agribusiness interests, political action committees have contributed almost $200,000 into the contest since Labor Day.

In an interview during the spring, Mr. Gutknecht played down the political threat posed by the war. But after traveling to Baghdad this summer, he began expressing doubts about the direction of U.S. policy. "The American people are incredibly patient, but their patience is almost at the end," he says.

The congressman faults the Mark Foley page scandal for a drop in his own polls during the first week of October, but says he has recovered. The first lady puts "more of a human face" on the administration and, he says, will help him reach out to swing voters. "They don't wake up in the morning angry at George Bush," he says. "They wake up frustrated and ask themselves, are we doing the right thing?"

Mr. Walz began running a new Iraq war TV ad last week, showing him standing before empty football bleachers intended to represent the number of dead U.S. troops, now approaching 3,000. "Serving right now are kids I taught, coached and trained to be soldiers," he says to the camera. "They deserve a plan for Iraq to govern itself so they can come home."

To blunt the war issue, Republicans have attacked Mr. Walz on illegal immigration. The challenger has proposed that undocumented workers be put on a path toward earned citizenship, but only if they first return to their native country and legally re-enter the U.S.

This is a position akin to one championed by prominent House conservative Rep. Mike Pence (R., Ind.) and to the right of Mr. McCain, but Republicans are spending heavily on spots accusing Mr. Walz of supporting a sweeping amnesty.

Mr. Walz says he hopes voters will see the attacks as another aspect of Washington they want changed.

OLLIE OX UPDATE:

BLOOMBERG: BUSH, REPUBLICANS FIND STRONG ECONOMY DOESN'T WIN MIDDLE CLASS

Over tomorrow's dateline, Bloomberg reports on Gutknecht's credibility gap on the economy in Bush, Republicans Find Strong Economy Doesn't Win Middle Class:

Oct. 30 (Bloomberg) -- Republican Representative Gil Gutknecht is talking up the strong economy in the closing days of a tight re-election campaign. The problem: Middle-class voters in his southern Minnesota district aren't inclined to celebrate upbeat economic statistics.         

Gutknecht, a six-term House member, isn't alone. Republicans who planned to use low unemployment, cheaper gasoline and a surging stock market as a shield against discontent over the Iraq war and congressional scandals are discovering that there's little protection to be had.         

The reason, some analysts say, is the gap between a statistically strong five-year expansion and strapped family budgets. Middle-class households' finances are getting stretched as workers struggle with higher costs for health care, education, home heating and property taxes.         

``The story used to be a rising tide raises all boats, and now it just raises all yachts,'' says Edward Tufte, a political scientist at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. ``The benefits of a good economy are much more narrowly focused now on the top 20 percent.''  [there's lots more]

Read the whole article. Some terrific on-the-ground coverage.

                    

Sunday afternoon netroots: NRCC steals from student . . .

CYBERINDEE: REPUBLICANS STOLE COLLEGE STUDENT'S PHOTO
We looked more at the Cyberindee site, and found this story about where the RNC got some of its content for ads attacking Tim Walz. No wonder why Chad contacted us about the independent student journalism project--he spotted his copyrighted photograph on television:

WINONA, Minn., Oct. 27, 2006 -- A Winona State University junior, Chad Larimer, called on southern Minnesota television stations to yank an ad from the National Republican Campaign Committee that he says includes a photograph he took and which is being used without his permission. . . . [read more at CyberIndee]

VOX VERAX AND NEW ULM JOURNAL: GUTKNECHT=BUSH
Vox Verax published a letter by Mark Halverson which also appeared in the New Ulm Journal. Halverson makes the case that Gutknecht isn't independent of the President. As BSP and Minnesota Campaign Report note, CQ Politics reports that in 2006, Gutknecht voted with the Bush administration 94% percent of the time.

Tom Maartens, one of the Vox Verax team members, reprints his commentary from the Mankato Free Press, Congress must be changed now.

MINNESOTA CENTRAL: GUTKNECHT DOES NOT EQUAL MCCAIN
Since John McCain is coming to Mankato to stump for Gutknecht, Minnesota Central decided to take a look at how close the two Republicans are on policy issues.

Answer? Not very. Read the inventory here.

Bonus: Minnesota Central takes a look at Republican contortions on immigration. Careful: people have been known to choke on pretzels.

MNPUBLIUS: NEW WALZ AD
Nick Coleman writes today in the Strib about how faltering Republican senate candidate Mark Kennedy has embraced his inner Bush and the Iraq War. Coleman observes that Walz is among a handful of DFL candidates to be outspoken about the war.

Matt at MnPublius looks at the latest Tim Walz commercial, "3000", which addresses the war. Matt is right when he says:

I can’t emphasize how much I like Tim Walz; he’s the real deal and I don’t say that lightly. Victory is within reach, do what you can to help.

Here's that ad again (doesn't look like the Walz campaign had to steal from students to produce this one):

Sunny Sunday morning: letter writers shine light on Gutknecht's record, praise Walz

WINONA DAILY NEWS LTES: GETTING REAL
Today, letter writers call out specific grievances with Gutknecht and name the potential they see in Tim Walz.

Winona resident Dennis Doran enumerates the case in A letter to U.S. Rep. Gil Gutknecht:

Mr. Gutknecht: When you say that the Mark Foley scandal is something that you had “nothing to do with,” you really need to take a very close look in the mirror.

You and all Republicans had a hand in the Mark Foley scandal. You were not an innocent bystander. You and others stood by and willfully and conveniently looked the other way as this and other unethical, illegal and immoral behavior occurred all around you.

Mr. Gutknecht, you are completely out of touch with your constituency and no longer represent the people of southern Minnesota. You represent the Republican Party line and your own self-interest. You vote for whatever George Bush and the Republican Party tell you.

You keep telling middle class citizens that they are getting tax cuts, but that doesn’t make it so. We can’t support our families on phantom tax cuts.

You and the Republican Party are in major breach of your Contract With America.

You have been in total control of all branches of government for the past six years now and have accomplished nothing except to drive this great country of ours right into the ground.

The Republican philosophies, “The buck stops with everyone else but me” and “the Republican Party must remain in power at all costs,” do not work for America.

Mr. Gutknecht, you stand for everything that is wrong with politics and government today. Your heart and soul are owned by the Republican Party and its special interest groups.

It is time for a change in direction for this state and this country.

Tim Walz will help bring honesty, integrity and accountability back into our government.

Tim Walz cares about his constituents first and foremost, not just the party line.

Tim Walz will stand up and take care of our veterans when they return from active duty.

I will be voting for Tim Walz in the upcoming election because, Mr. Gutknecht, you have done nothing for my family, friends and neighbors in our great state of Minnesota, to be worthy of my vote.

As BSP and Minnesota Campaign Report have noted, CQ Politics reported that Gil gutknecht voted 94% of the time with President Bush in 2006.

Joe Jackson of Winona takes a closer look at some specific votes and decides Gutknecht is not my congressman:

Every year the League of Conservation Voters tabulates an environmental scorecard for each member of Congress. A high score indicates a pro-environment voting record, while a low score reflects anti-environment votes.

Gil Gutknecht scored 0 for 2006, with anti-environment votes on popular environmentalist topics such as drilling the Arctic Wildlife Refuge, a continued moratorium on offshore drilling for oil and gas, and outlandish subsidies to logging companies destroying old-growth forests and their crucial habitat.

However, this score also includes Gutknecht’s votes on issues that strike closer to home, such as his vote in favor of making it easier for polluters to sidestep the Clean Water Act, his vote against state laws that allow the labeling of foods containing potentially harmful chemicals and his vote against restoring energy assistance to low-income families to help them insulate their homes and use less energy.

Overall, Gutknecht’s 2006 voting record suggests a career politician who is beholden to corporations and special interests. It’s time to send Gutknecht and his Bush rubber stamp packing.

Over at Vox Verax,  Leigh Pomeroy put Gutknecht's environmental record in context with the rest of Minnesota's congressional delegation. 

Richard Cocker of Winona cites older League of Conservation Voters ratings and those from Republicans for Environmental Protection when he writes Too little, too late:

I appreciated hearing from Rep. Gil Gutknecht that he supports the Upper Mississippi River System Environmental Management Program, even though specific instances of support are not noted.

However, considering that the League of Conservation Voters gave Mr. Gutknecht 28 percent approval on his 2005 environmental voting record and the Republicans for Environmental Protection 17 percent approval, it would look like a bit too little, too late.

Winona resident Sarah Dixen has an eye witness account of what it's like to work with Tim Walz in her letter Walz an advocate for working class

Hopeful, optimistic, inspired, humbled. Rarely do these reactions happen to me when I meet politicians. Every time I see Tim Walz, though, this is how I feel. I taught with Tim in Mankato 10 years ago and can testify that this is a rare breed of politician.

What he gave to his teaching in enthusiasm, dedication and without ego is something that will shake up the halls of Congress. He is an independent thinker who will always listen to the people. He doesn’t automatically give the party line on any issue, but he wants to research, listen, learn and work with everybody involved. Tim never backs away from difficult issues and will passionately represent the 1st District of Minnesota. He has advocated for working-class Americans, health care, education, the environment, equality and veterans. These align to my values and the values of most Minnesotans I know.

I want to be proud of Congress again. Elect Tim Walz and we are on our way.

OLLIE OX UPDATE: LTE PUBLISHED IN OWATONNA PEOPLE'S PRESS
The Owatonna People's Press keeps its content behind a subscription freewall, but we were just sent this LTE by its author, Ed McConville of Kasson, and print it here with his permission:

For someone who has been in public office for the past 24 years, Gil Gutknecht, certainly has not been very effective, or accountable to those, whom he represents. His record has shown him to be “wobbly” on extremely important issues, such as the war in Iraq, corruption in congress, wasteful government spending, and term limits. The congressman has kept a very low profile, since signing the 1994 Republican Contract with America. In fact, over the past 12 years, Mr. Gutknecht has not authored one single piece of federal legislation that has passed the Senate. In many respects he has acted like a six term, congressional lame duck. He is relatively unknown outside this congressional district, which is perhaps one reason he was not considered by his party to run for the current U.S. Senate seat.

Unfortunately, the inactions of this congressman have had a negative impact on our country. His broken promises have hurt our veterans, and the hard working families of southern Minnesota. This is exactly what happens when you put a political party before your country. America needs independent leadership and Tim Walz will produce that leadership for southern Minnesota. It’s definitely time for a change.

Mr. Gutknecht need not worry about being unemployed for long. I’m sure the good folks at the DM&E will put him to work, as a railroad lobbyist.

The letter was also published by the OPP in this weekend's edition.

FROM THE COLLEGE PRESS IN THE FIGHTING FIRST

We decided to dip into the Fighting First's college press.

In GAC's Gustavian Weekly, columnist Eric Nelson believes Blogging is big in Minnesota politics. Staff writer Lindsey Radloff looked at student activism in Student political groups prepare for elections.

New Ulm's Martin Luther College publishes the Knight's Page, but the paper hasn't been updated online since the final issue last spring.  The Cardinal, St. Mary's University's student paper, isn't available online, nor is the Echo, RCTC's award-winning newspaper.

The college paper at Winona State University, the Winonan, interviewed Tim Walz on October 10.

(OLLIE OX UPDATE: Chad from Winona  State tipped us off to the CyberIndee , asking that Winona's independent newspaper be added. The online paper compares Walz and Gutknecht on higher education funding, covers  a Walz press conference on higher education and provides a 30-minute public affairs audio file.)

The Minnesota State University Reporter looked at the Boehner visit in Elephant Rally. Professor Fred Slocum addresses environmental concerns in a LTE Bush Made Environmental Mistakes.  An important issue for students is the rising cost of student loans; a Reporter article looks at another time of campaign in MSSA Begins Student Debt Campaign.

It also covered the debate at Bethany Lutheran College in Debate Topics Span All Levels. Student reaction quote:

"Watching with the syntax, I think it was a draw, " said Mark Luepke, a former MSU student. "With consideration of non-verbal queues, Walz came out ahead. Between statements Gil looked like a beaten puppy." 

Washington Post: "Setting the stage for a blow-out"

The Washington post takes a look at the folks making decisions about which races to pick in As Elections Near, Dueling With Dollars: Party Operatives Try To Influence Races.  The battle in the Fighting First turns up in this front page article:

John Lapp, a 35-year-old Democratic strategist in charge of spending $60 million to defeat Republicans, had reason to feel aggressive. Internal party polls late last week showed 30 GOP House incumbents tied or behind.

[snip]

At the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, where Lapp works, officials are more confident than ever that they will win a minimum of 18 seats, three more than they need for a majority, and possibly more than 40 if they catch a bunch of breaks in the remaining nine days. Expectations have evolved from simply winning a majority to setting the stage for a blowout.

The committee recently commissioned polls in almost 20 "bubble districts" that once looked hard to win but now appear within reach. These includes the open seat in Nevada's 2nd District and the one held by Rep. Gil Gutkneckt (R-Minn.). Lapp's team has polls showing Democrats close in all the races.

The MN-01 race is included on the Washington Post's list of 35 contested House races in the Congressional Countdown.   Go sign up at the Walz campaign to help Tim Walz win; volunteers in the GOTV ground game are the key to taking back this seat.

Wall Street Journal: Campaign Cash Clues . . .

. . . reveal a clueless incumbent in Minnesota's First.

Gil Gutknecht recently told an audience in Rochester that the GOP would add four seats to its majority in the House:

Gutknecht, a six-term incumbent locked in a tight race with Democratic challenger Tim Walz, introduced Bush.

"As they say on Wall Street, the trend is your friend," he said, referring to national generic congressional polls that have recently showed Democrats' anticipated big majorities shrinking. "One I saw yesterday showed they were only four up. If we're only four down on election day, I've got news for you: We're going to gain seats. Everything's going our way."

Actually, over on Wall Street,  those leftists at the Wall Street Journal are saying something entirely different about GOP chances of hanging on to the House in the free article "Campaign Cash Clues":

In the House, where Democrats need 15 seats to win control, the field continues to worsen for Republicans. Party leaders have been forced to spend in such states as Idaho, which wasn't on anyone's map of contested races at the start of the year. It isn't clear they have the money to sustain such a broad defense through Election Day.

In the first two weeks of October, Republican Party committees spread millions of dollars across 53 House races while Democrats concentrated on 33. The Republican expenditures include eleventh-hour contributions to protect incumbents in New Mexico, Virginia, Pennsylvania and West Virginia who have suddenly seen their races turn more competitive. Overall, Republican committees have spent $45 million on House races.

The Democrats have spent $26 million, almost all of it trying to snatch Republican-held seats. Of the eight races in which Democratic incumbents are facing serious challenges, the Republican committees stopped spending money in four earlier this month, all but ceding them.

The WSJ also takes a look at "Polls and Pundits: How Reliable Are Forecasts?"

NETROOTS
MnPublius offers its take on the Doug Grow column. As Matt advises, go over to the Walz website and help Tim Walz win. 

Saturday Netroots: positive change (and the debt rock)

MINNESOTA CENTRAL: ON BUSH'S ISSUES VOTE WALZ
Somehow, we missed this post on Minnesota Central on Thursday. He begins:

President Bush responded to a question at Wednesday’s (10/25/06) press conference about the upcoming election :

BUSH: “I think the coming election is a referendum on these two things: which party has got the plan that will enable our economy to continue to grow and which party has a plan to protect the American people.”

He said he also will push the unfinished business of his second term -- reforming Social Security, overhauling the tax code and pushing for a broad immigration bill -- and is "more likely to achieve those three objectives with a Republican-controlled Congress and a Republican-controlled Senate."

The post then conducts a item-by-item review of where Gutknecht stands on these issues. Read the whole thing on Minnesota Central. He concludes:

CONCLUSION : Gutknecht is not running for another term … he’s running for a lifetime appointment. I, and the next generation, cannot afford a Congressman who so clearly uses taxess as a campaign slogan without consideration of our long term financial future. The question is not whether "you can spend your money smarter than the federal government"; the question is "why won't the Congress make others pay their FAIR share?"

I have read the Walz position paper (link) and clearly he gets it.

Eliminate the Democrat or Republican candidate label and it is clear who is the most fiscally responsible candidate.

MINNESOTA CAMPAIGN REPORT: GUTKNECHT STANDS WITH BUSH
Joe Bodell takes a look at how close in "MN-01: Gutknecht Stands with Bush":

At least according to CQ Politics, a non-partisan and generally solid publication. CQ has a new feature showing presidential support scores based on the judgment of CQ editors on dozens of votes in which there was a clear presidential position.

Gil Gutknecht clocks in at 94%, equal with such luminaries in the Republican Culture of Corruption as Richard Pombo (CA-11), Chris Chocola (IN-02), Tom Reynolds (NY-26), and Barbara Cubin (WY-AL), who allegedly told a Libertarian opponent after a debate that if he weren’t restricted to a wheelchair, she would slap him across the face.

As we've noted before, not quite the picture Gutknecht himself tries to paint when talking to the Twin Cities papers. Pay no attention to that president behind the curtain.

NETROOTS ON NEGATIVE ADS
The Wege scolds Wetterling for a negative ad, then notes that there is a proper way to create negative ads:

There is such a thing as a good negative ad, and Tim Walz is benefiting from one being run by VoteVets.org. The ad doesn't exaggerate and there are no actors.

Brian at A Day in the Life sees six political ads in one commercial break in "Only negativity please..." and only one is positive.  Gutknecht's ads are described as "bemoaning."

That may not be good for Gil Gutknecht.  Newsweek reports that negative Republican ads are making voters less likely to vote GOP:

Most worrisome for the GOP? As a wave of negative political ads from both parties takes to the airwaves in the final days before the election, voters so far judge the Republican ads more harshly. Overall, about two-thirds of registered voters say neither parties’ ads have made much difference in how they’re going to vote. Just 9 percent of registered voters who have seen Republican advertisements say the spots make them more likely to vote for Republican candidates; 24 percent say the ads make them less likely. The Democrats seem to turn off fewer voters with their commercials and win more over, but it’s still a wash. Fourteen percent of registered voters say they’re more likely to vote for a Democrat because of the ads they’ve seen; 16 percent say they’re less likely.

NETROOT REACTION TO WALZ ON RED-TO-BLUE LIST
MnPublius explains what it means. Kos thinks  "it's a kick ass class" in The fourth wave of Red to Blue campaigns.  The Hotline's blog notices in The Saturday Brunch.

WALZ REACTION TO RED-TO-BLUE LIST
We just received a press release from the Walz campaign about the candidate's reaction.  A part:

“I’m proud to be a part of the Red to Blue program,” said Walz.  “Inclusion in this program demonstrates not only that the national Democratic party believes my campaign infrastructure and fundraising are more than adequate to run a successful race, but also that our message of positive change is reaching voters across the district.”

About Red to Blue
The Red to Blue program is designed to provide financial and structural aid to the strongest Democratic candidates across the country.  Red to Blue was a proven success in 2004 and has been an unprecedented success in 2006.  So far, Red to Blue has raised more than $15 million for Democratic candidates across the country.  In 2004, the Red to Blue program raised nearly $7.5 million for twenty seven campaigns across the country with an average of more than $250,000 per campaign.  Red to Blue was also responsible for solidifying the structure of over 35 campaigns and making a real difference for Democrats across America.

FACEBOOK GROUP MEMBERS: WALZ  730, GUTKNECHT 58
When current Minnesota College Republican Chair Tyler Sunderman ran for the office earlier this year, he touted using Facebook as an organizing tool:

Operation Facebook.Com

In my tenure as executive director, I have seen the value of Facebook as a recruiting tool. It is literally possible to virtually recruit CRs through this valuable service. For example, Facebook has recently enabled MCRs to contact prospective CRs at MSU-Moorhead, Gustavus, St. Mary’s, and Martin Luther College. We must use Facebook as a political tool as we work to grow our clubs and increase our effectiveness on campus. Facebook will enable us to identify more Republicans, add more CRs to our lists, and communicate with our members. In my political plan for the 2006 election, Facebook will play a key role.

How's that key role working out?  The Minnesota College Republicans Facebook group has 196 members.  College Democrats have 247 Facebook members, and Stand Up Now Minnesota, created for this election, has 259 Facebook members.

In Minnesota's Fighting First, the gap is even greater.  The Tim Walz Facebook group has 730 people signed up, while only 58 signed on with Gutknecht.  BTW, Sunderman created the Gutknecht group. Tim Walz's group was created by students in the First.

On the Facebook Election Pulse, the margin isn't quite as big.  There, Walz only enjoys 71.62% of this unscientific measure's share  compared to Gutknecht's 28.38%.

Looks like a negative patient outcome to the MCR's Operation Facebook.

Stand Up Now Minnesota, on the other hand, looks likes it's having a great time. Today's Strib profiles four young political organizers. In Lydia Vilt's profile we read:

You might say student debt weighs heavily on Lydia Vilt's mind.

She spends many of her days as a campaign volunteer tending to the giant "debt rock" sculpture that has become a fixture at organizing events. The rock, which was made out of a bathtub, chicken wire and lots of papier-mâché, symbolizes the "crushing weight of student debt," explained Vilt, a volunteer with Stand Up Now, a DFL-affiliated group that focuses on college students.

Vilt and other volunteers often take the debt rock with them as they stump for DFL candidates on college campuses. "Students love to get their picture of themselves being crushed by debt and then post it on their Facebook page," she said.

MN-01 local news: the big finish

MANKATO FREE PRESS LTES: MORAL COURAGE AND MINNESOTA NICE TOO
One of our fellow bloggers has pointed out that the Walz-Gutknecht contest has all the qualities of an old Capra movie--though nobody ever accused Tim Walz of having Jimmy Stewart's looks.

Today's letters in the Mankato Free Press echo that perception. First up, Peggy Wild of North Mankato relates a story from one of the summer's parades:

I just wanted to take a minute to share with you a little slice of the everyday, behind-the-scenes side of Tim Walz.

I am one of his “Over-the-Hill” supporters. One hot evening this summer I decided to walk in the Albert Lea parade. I was hot, red-faced and tired by the end of the parade and we all had to walk nearly a mile back to our cars. When the car came to pick up Walz, he looked over at me and offered me his special seat in the car. I refused, but he insisted. He walked the long way back and I was grateful to be able to hitch the ride back to my car.

Just so you all know ...Walz is Minnesota Nice.

A colleague from Mankato West high school, Don Krusemark writes:

I had the pleasure of teaching across the hall from Tim Walz for several years at Mankato West high school. I was able to witness firsthand the positive impact Walz had on the lives of countless young people.

Walz taught with conviction and passion. He encouraged his students to set high goals for themselves.

Walz is creative in his teachings and consistently encouraged his students to be problem solvers. Walz has the ability to connect with people of all ages — both young and old.

We need to ask ourselves if the political status quo is good enough. If not, then a change is needed this November. A change for the better. A change in the name of Walz.

Janesville's Doris Berger is equally impressed by other qualities Walz demonstrates:

I plan to vote for First District Congressional candidate Tim Walz.

Walz can’t change all that’s wrong with the present administration, but he has the moral courage to vote for what’s right. Our wounded veterans are coming home to woefully understaffed hospitals. Gil Gutknecht’s H.R. 328 would allow us to import drugs from Canada (I think about how we can’t afford our own drugs so we have to buy out of country). Gutknecht supports Health Savings Accounts (how does that help families who can barely pay the rent?).

Walz has served his country well as a soldier and a teacher. Now, with your vote, help him serve in Congress.

Gutknecht supporters echo RNCC and Gutknecht attack ads condemning Walz as a liberal. Malcolm Brandt of Madelia explores what that means in "Many liberal ideas of past today's moderate values":

We hear the term “liberal” used in such a derogatory manner so often. I believe the term liberal needs some explaining.

A liberal believes that our lives can and should be better in the future. A conservative believes that things are as good as they can be, except for a few more tax cuts at the top.

Today’s moderate values come from the liberal ideas of the past.

Women can now vote and own property (they are no longer considered to be property). Slavery was once considered proper by a large portion of the country and many of our spiritual leaders said it was moral.

At one time in that past, a person who participated in a cooperative business could be jailed.

In the past, workers who were injured or killed on the job were cast aside like broken machines. Children were purchased from orphanages to work in the low tunnels of coal mines. Do these things bring to mind OSHA and Worker’s Comp and child labor laws?

Social Security and Medicaid have replaced the poor farm where the poor, old and ailing were once warehoused.

At one time education was only for the wealthy, but liberals thought that everyone should have opportunities.

At one time, banks were not safe places to keep your money. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp has changed that.

At one time, many insurance companies and commercial interests could steal from us with no remedy available. The state Attorney General’s Office has given us much needed protection.

Liberals believe that changes, like those above, were based on good moral values. They fought hard for these changes. I’m proud to be a liberal.

On the right? Scare tactics like those expressed in this Nutter letter.

ROCHESTER POST BULLETIN: CANDIDATES PLAN BIG FINISH

Matthew Stolle's article highlights the pull-out-the-stops close in the campaigns in the Rochester area:

Think of the election season as a Thanksgiving dinner. Just when you thought you couldn't handle another serving of turkey or helping of mash potatoes, here comes the pie.

So it is with the last week of the campaign season before the Nov. 7 election.

A bevy of big name political figures, including two possible presidential candidates, a former governor and two constitutional officers, will be crisscrossing Rochester, handing out big slices of campaign pie as the races for state and federal office enter the final week of the campaign season.

The goal: To energize their voters.

[snip]

On Monday, GOP Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer and Auditor Pat Anderson will be the featured speakers at a political rally at the area Republican Party's Victory Office, 1530 Greenview Drive S.W.

• Also that day, Sen. Barack Obama will headline a get-out-the-vote rally for DFL Senate candidate Amy Klobuchar and DFL congressional candidate Tim Walz at Mayo Civic Center, 30 Civic Center Drive Southeast. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the program begins at 5 p.m.

The junior senator from Illinois has been the subject of an unusual draft-Obama-for-president campaign. Klobuchar is running against Mark Kennedy and Walz is challenging Rep. Gil Gutknecht.

Barack Obama or Mary Kiffmeyer as the greater draw? Decisions, decisions.

• On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. John McCain will be making campaign stops with Gutknecht and Gov. Tim Pawlenty in Rochester and Mankato. McCain, a Republican from Arizona who piloted the "Straight Talk Express" during his run for president in 2000, is also thought to be considering a run for president. Details of the time and place of the Rochester event will be announced later, aides say.

John Kerry will be in Mankato on Wednesday as well, in a rally at Minnesota State's Bresnan Arena at noon.

• Minnesota humorist and author Garrison Keillor will join Walz for a Get Out the Vote rally Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Rochester Art Center, 40 Civic Center Drive S.E. Music begins at 5 p.m. A slate of DFL candidates will be present, including Mike Hatch (governor), Lori Swanson (attorney general), Mark Ritchie (secretary of state) and Rebecca Otto (auditor). National recording artist and Austin resident Martin Zellar, formerly of the Gear Daddies, will be the special musical guest.

Tom Scheck at Polinaut notes the Democratic heavyweights coming to campaign in the First.

 

ROCHESTER POST BULLETIN LTES: WALZ, WALZ, WALZ
A recent Strib profile painted Gutknecht as a maverick independent from President Bush's agenda. But the non-partisan CQ Politics notes that Gutknecht voted 94% of the time with the President's agenda in 2006. MN-01 voters notice.

David Barker of Wabasha thinks "Gutknecht's record troublesome":

I read the article about Republican Gil Gutknecht and his Democratic challenger, Tim Walz, running neck to neck according to a recent poll. Having served six terms representing this part of Minnesota, I'm sure he has served well. However, I have seen his voting record since the present person to sit in the Oval Office arrived in 2000. I am very disappointed in Gil Gutknecht's record of overwhelming support of this president's actions, programs, and plans, or lack thereof.

I read the following in the St. Paul paper and I believe it fits the situation, at least as I see it. It is attributed to Albert Einstein. Whether true or not I do not know. "He who joyfully marches in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would suffice."

As a veteran and former Republican all I can say is that: "If the Republicans remain in control of Congress after this coming election, God help us all."

Andrew Larson of northwest Rochester think that Walz will listen to all sides:

Tim Walz is a person who will represent everyone in southern Minnesota, not just the ultra rich of southern Minnesota.

We need someone in Congress who is willing to listen to everyone's point of view and find the best solution for everyone involved. We can no longer have a person in Congress who will not work toward finding the best solution for everyone in southern Minnesota.

Gil Gutknecht has a history of ignoring the needs of the vast majority of people in southern Minnesota and of not working with Democrats to find a compromise that will benefit everyone.

Walz has been a teacher and a command sergeant major in the Minnesota Army National Guard, where he has had the opportunity to work with people from all backgrounds and interests to find a common goal that everyone can work toward.

Walz is willing to talk to both Democrats and Republicans to find the best solution for everyone in the country.

Mary Foley explains specfically why she thinks Gutknecht wasn't listening in Gutknecht forgets who he serves:

"We were a lot more optimistic than we deserved to be" is a quote credited to Gil Gutknecht from the debates held last week. He was referring to the war in Iraq, and he went on to say "that doesn't mean what we did was the wrong thing."

Can we expect this same reasoning to be applied to the DM&E after it is done rolling through Rochester? Will we be soothed by "we were a lot more optimistic than we deserved to be" when the economy softens or when the environment is damaged or when a train derails? Will we be expected to accept that it wasn't "the wrong thing?"

Hindsight is not going to protect Rochester. We need to recognize the potential hazards now, and work to avoid them.

Gutknecht claims the failure of the DM&E would be worse for Rochester than the coal train project. Why? Economic damage to our vibrant downtown, or the Mayo Clinic, or the University of Minnesota expansion project would surely be more harmful.

Gutknecht has forgotten he is supposed to serve southeast Minnesota, not Washington. Gutknecht should have chosen to honor his self-imposed term limit, and allowed a candidate who is rooted in southeast Minnesota to take his place. We deserve more local concern than what we've been given.

The single letter writer supporting Gutknecht today?  Worried that the Republican base will stay home on election day.

ROCHESTER POST-BULLETIN: DM & E LOAN IS "ABSOLUTELY STUNNING," MONDALE SAYS
The Post-Bulletin reports on a DM & E forum in Mankato that featured both Mondale and David Strom of the Taxpayers League in Mondale: DM&E loan is 'absolutely stunning'

MANKATO -- Only a dysfunctional Congress would allow a U.S. senator to quietly alter legislation to allow a former employer an opportunity to collect a $2.3 billion federal loan, former Vice President Walter Mondale argued Friday at a public forum.

Mondale, also a former senator, said it was "absolutely stunning" that a loan of this size could find its way into a transportation bill without weeks of congressional debate. But he adds that even public dialogue wouldn't have been enough for the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad.

"I can't imagine it would have passed," Mondale said.

South Dakota Sen. John Thune, a former DM&E lobbyist, inserted an amendment into the transportation bill that, among other changes, increased the amount of loans from $3.5 billion to $35 billion and emphasized regional railroads like DM&E.

Mondale joined a Mayo Clinic administrator, local community activist and -- notably -- Taxpayers League of Minnesota President David Strom, a conservative who has been critical of Mondale in the past, at the Minnesota State University event.

"I think it's fair to say that over the years we've had fairly substantial policy differences," Strom said after the forum, which was attended by about 115 people. It was organized by the Rochester Coalition's Track the Truth campaign.

Strom said there could be "no debate" that the loan was the product of a "broken political process."  . . .

Doug Grow: I'm Tim Walz and I approved this campaign detour

Tim Walz takes a time out to watch the team he once coached as it plays the cross town rival in a play-off game in Doug Grow's latest's column:

For a couple of hours this afternoon, the campaign of upstart congressional candidate Tim Walz will take a time out.

Politics is important. Then again, this afternoon, Mankato West High School meets Mankato East in a playoff game.

Walz will be there. And he won't be shaking hands during the game. He'll be too intense for that.

"This game is what makes high school football wonderful," said Walz, the former West assistant coach. "This time of year I can smell the grass on the field. I can feel the adrenaline."

To the surprise of most, Walz, a DFLer, finds himself in an adrenaline-bubbling race against Republican Rep. Gil Gutknecht that's drawing celebrity pols and national media attention.

Last Sunday, for example, the Los Angeles Times wrapped its front page story about national congressional races around the Gutknecht-Walz First District showdown. The Wall Street Journal and Fox News also have come to southern Minnesota for what they see as a bellwether race.

Next week, John Kerry and Barack Obama will be in the district on Walz's behalf. The Republicans will counter with John McCain.

This is getting bigger than Mankato East versus Mankato West.

There are so many parallels between politics and football, said Walz, who is in the second year of an unpaid leave as a global-geography teacher.

"You have to be prepared; you have to stick to your game plan, and you start by convincing the people around you that it can be done," Walz said.

Interesting point. There aren't too many coaches or pols who, on the eve of the showdown game/election, gather the team around them and say, 'We've got no chance.' "

Walz was seen as a no-chancer when he indicated 18 months ago that he was going to take on Gutknecht, who has breezed through most elections.

But Walz had been in that position before. When he arrived at Mankato from Nebraska in 1996, he became defensive coordinator of a team that was in the midst of hard football times.

In his first season, West didn't score a touchdown until the last game of the season, he said.

By 1999 the team was in the Metrodome, playing for the state championship against Cambridge. With one play left, West was leading 35-28, but Cambridge was just eight yards from a game-tying touchdown.

During the final timeout, Walz said, he raced onto the field to talk to the West defensive unit.

"I think they were expecting me to tell them what to do," he said. "I just said, 'Fellas, this is what we live for! Have fun!' "

The defense held. West was champion.

Despite the stakes in this race, Walz says he is having fun.

"Some commentator was saying, 'The Democrats have the ball on the 3-yard line, first and goal,' " Walz said. " 'If they can't punch it in, it's their own damn fault.' That's exactly right."

But Bryan Anderson, spokesman for the Gutknecht campaign, thinks Walz has been falling back in the last few days.

"I think down here at least, they'd better retake the measurement," Anderson said. "I don't think they're that close to the goal line."

That must be why there's the Gutknecht attack ad is on during every commercial break tonight on Channel 12.  Sure looks like Gutknecht's on the defensive.

Walz in Red to Blue; Gutknecht dragged down

The Dee-Trip (DCCC) just announced that Tim Walz has been moved into the Red to Blue list:

Today, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee unveiled, for the first time in committee history, a fourth wave of Democratic congressional candidates that have qualified for the competitive DCCC Red to Blue program. These 17 candidates join the other top Democratic candidates in the country already in the Red to Blue program and Emerging Races list. These latest additions join the other Democratic campaigns that have successfully surpassed demanding fundraising goals and have skillfully and consistently shown the families in their districts that they will fight for them when elected to Congress. The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications and strategic support.

The DCCC Emerging Races list is made up of candidates who have taken traditionally non-competitive districts and, through the strength of their campaigns, put themselves in a position to win in November. Red to Blue and Emerging candidates all represent the new direction that American voters are searching for and all have pledged to put the priorities of middle class families first when they get to Washington.

The Swing State Project says:

Netroots candidates are in bold. Wow, can you believe it? We've gotten to the point that the question is no longer which Netroots candidates are receiving DCCC support, but which candidates are not (and, by my count, that number is 2). Now, the main strength of a Red to Blue endorsement lies with the increased level of fundraising that comes with it. It's pretty late in the game for an endorsement like this to give these candidates a huge assist, but it should likely trigger some major donors and allied PACs to get shaking today. It's also more likely that the DCCC will keep some of these races in mind as it decides where to channel its remaining resources this weekend. And lastly, these endorsements are a huge validation to all of these candidates and volunteers who have delivered surprisingly competitive races for the Democratic Party this cycle. This is what momentum looks like, people.

Tim Walz has now topped $41,000 on the ActBlue Netroots candidate page. Give if you can--on Tim Walz's web page, there's a request to help Walz out.  With all the ads being throw at the district, he needs it.  And if you can, volunteer.

The Pioneer Press picks up the AP story we linked to earlier in the week.  We rather think that Tim Walz's campaigning has had something to do with the heat in this race; it's not just "Gutknecht dragged down by GOP woes."

Jeepers, and N.D. Barrett at Orange Penny Loafers had just decided that Gil Gutknecht is his hero.

Mid-afternoon update: Appealing to the base

Minnesota Public Radio looks at Minnesota Republicans' new focus on immigration as a means to fire up its base:

The candidates say they're highlighting the differences between themselves and their Democratic opponents. But the results of a recent poll suggest Republicans are also trying to motivate their core supporters. . . .

The poll is from the Pew Center:

The most recent poll, released from the Pew Research Center for People and the Press, says illegal immigration is also one of the top issues among rank and file Republicans and is tied for the top issue among conservative Republicans.

Pew has been polling voters in the 40 most competitive congressional districts in the nation, including Minnesota's 6th Congressional District. Pew pollster Carroll Doherty says GOP candidates nationwide are running ads on immigration to stir the passions of their core supporters.

"At this stage in the campaign, that's what the candidates and the campaigns are doing," Doherty said. "They're focusing all of their efforts on getting out their own supports. And it's clear that there's a great deal of intensity on this issue in the Republican base."

Doherty says Pew's polling finds that most people want to see a comprehensive immigration policy, not just a policy that focuses on border security and illegal immigration -- two key themes for Republicans.

That has given Democrats ammunition to return fire on the immigration issue. Mike Hatch started running an ad criticizing Pawlenty on illegal immigration just hours after Pawlenty's ad hit the airwaves. Democrat Tim Walz, who's running against Republican Congressman Gil Gutknecht in the 1st Congressional District, also started running an ad criticizing Gutknecht for his record on immigration. Even though he's spending money on the issue, Walz says immigration is not the most important concern among Democrats and independents.

"The war in Iraq is the core issue," Walz said. "The mismanagement of government is the core issue. Health care is a core issue. Immigration is one that needs to be dealt with but that group of people, my group that I'm resonating with, knows that this is nothing more than election year posturing by my opponent.

Democratic strategists have also encouraged their candidates to remind Republicans that the alleged explosion on illegal immigration has occurred on the GOP's watch. Groups representing immigrants in Minnesota say they're disappointed that both parties are placing so much emphasis on the immigration issue.

KARE-11: BIG HITTERS CAMPAIGNING FOR GUTKNECHT AND WALZ
KARE-11 spreads the news of the dogfight in the district:

More signs that Minnesota's First District congressional race is among the hottest in the nation.

Some big names are coming in next week during the final week before the November 7 elections.

Incumbent Republican Gil Gutknecht's campaign has announced that Arizona Senator John McCain - who's already scheduled to come to Minnesota next Wednesday in support of Governor Pawlenty's campaign - has added stops for Gutknecht in Mankato and Rochester.

Democratic challenger Tim Walz, meanwhile, has a rally scheduled Monday in Rochester with Illinois Senator Barack Obama, who's also stumping for DFL Senate candidate Amy Klobuchar.

On Wednesday, Walz's campaign is bringing in Senator John Kerry - the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee - for a rally at Minnesota State University in Mankato.

LAVENDER: CRAMMING FOR THE MID-TERM
Lavender reviews candidates' stand on GLBT issues; here's its take on Walz:

In the First District Congressional race, Democrat Tim Walz has taken an all-out political beating from the GOP, based almost entirely on his record of standing up for the GLBT community. Recent polls show him in a dead heat with his opponent, incumbent Representative Gil Gutknecht, a Republican who is decidedly against same-sex marriage.

Given the recent GOP attacks misrepresenting Walz's positions on taxes and immigration, guess this earlier obsession didn't get much traction.

And someone heard the word: Subtle push polling in the 1st?

On his blog and no one heard a word, Albert Lea singer-songwriter Jeshua Erickson wonders if push polling is taking place:

About an hour ago I got off the phone with a pollster from “Midwest Research” who asked me a series of legitimate questions about how I was most likely to vote this November 7. Specifically, the pollster wanted to know whether I was more likely to vote for Tim Walz (DFL) or Gil Gutknecht (R). (Both are running for U.S. Congress in Minnesota’s first district.)

There was one issues based question at the very end of the poll. It went something like this: “Given that North Korea now has nuclear weapons now and Tim Walz is not in support of missile defense legislation, would you be more likely to vote for Tim Walz or Gil Gutknecht.” I had to think for a second, flustered that an objective pollster would phrase a question that way. 

“Tim Walz,” I said.

I’m guessing that “Midwest Research” was hired by a conservative special interest group. But I really have no way of knowing who was behind it. Next time, I’ll ask more questions of the pollster to find out more about “Midwest Research.” Fear mongering at it’s finest.

This could be message testing, though it is a bit late in the game.