We submit for your consideration the case of Rev. Paul Ibisch, of LaCrescent and (sometimes) Mapleton. On July 21, the good reverend posted a comment on an article contrasting Brian Davis's and Dick Day's fundraising in Q2 2008 that began:
"I hope Sen. Dick Day will reconsider challenging Brian in a primary. I like Dick, and think he is a great state senator. He can quote chapter and verse about everything in state government. However, Dick has not convinced people that he can do the same on the federal level."
The Republican Party at the state convention made clear by their endorsement of Dr. Brian Davis on the first ballot (over an excellent state politician) that Brian is best suited to represent our district. Dick Day avoided embarrassment at the convention by not participating. Demanding a primary may result in a greater embarrassment for Dick. Brian Davis ideas are energizing voters across the district. People are willing to back him. Brian Davis will make us proud we sent him to Congress. "
Ibisch repeated that sentiment word-for-word in a letter published by the Albert Lea Tribune on July 29 that included the passage:
. . .I hope state Sen. Dick Day will reconsider challenging Brian in a primary. I like Dick, and think he is a great state senator. He can quote chapter and verse about everything in state government. However, Dick has not convinced people that he can do the same on the federal level.
The Republican Party at the state convention made clear by their endorsement of Dr. Brian Davis on the first ballot (over an excellent state politician) that Brian is best-suited to represent our district. Dick Day avoided embarrassment at the convention by not participating. Demanding a primary may result in a greater embarrassment for Dick.. . .
Slightly over a month later, Ibisch isn't so positive, or motivated by concern that Day might be embarrassed in the primary. He writes in a letter to the Winona Daily News:
Do yourself, Minnesota and our nation a favor, and vote for Brian Davis on Sept. 9. . . .
. . .Although Brian Davis was endorsed as the Republican candidate, his opponent, Dick Day, knew how to get around the endorsement.
Dick is betting you’ll stay home on Sept. 9, and he will be able to get the people from Owatonna and Waseca to turn out for him. Dick isn’t risking anything, because he knows his state Senate seat is safe whether he wins or loses. Is that what we need in Washington? Isn’t the real problem that Washington is already full of crafty politicians? They manage to get elected, but don’t have a clue how to solve the problems. . . .
That's possibly one of the quickest evolution creations of a "crafty politician" from a "great state senator" in Minnesota political history. Guess Ibisch doesn't like Tricky Dick.
And we're frankly puzzled by the idea that "Dick isn't risking anything" because his state senate seat is safe. We imagine Brian Davis has some job security at the Mayo Clinic--our inside sources tell us he's a pretty doggone good cancer doctor.
A policy maker? We have to agree with Minnesota Central's ongoing analysis and the observations of Minnesota First.
One thing for sure, we've entered the primary zone, and Reverend Ibisch is frightened by the show.
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