A Bluestem Prairie

Thursday morning digest: bucket's got a hole in it edition

We considered suspending this blog and flying to DC to work on bailing out Wall Street, but the sheer loveliness of Southern Minnesota in September persuades us to leave the economic fix to the experts.

KEYC-TV reports in MN Legislators give Their Take On Bailout Proposal:

And after debating the proposal for a second day Minnesota legislators say they will continue asking the tough questions.Congressman Tim Walz says, "I want to make sure this isn't going to be paid off to someone making millions for a failed enterprise and then walks away from it with a truck load of money, that's our money, that's taxpayer's money, that's our children's future."

Senator Amy Klobuchar ... on the Senate floor today questioned the bailout plan asking for alternative ways to solve the financial crisis.Senator Klobuchar says, "Ways to pay for this that we can look at besides putting this on the backs of the middle - class because you know how their wages have gone down and their expenses have gone up $4500.

Read and watch the whole thing at KEYC-TV. Walz's statement and letter to Paulson are found here. The station also reports House Passes Defense Bill, Pay Raise For Troops.

The Winona Daily News editorial board opines A trillion dollars and absolutely no sense. The Worthington Globe board is milder as it urges prudence in Consider bailout carefully.

KAAL-TV reports Walz, Davis Debate Social Security. Watch the clip. Is Brian Davis day trading at that computer terminal or just looking up contacts to dial for dollars?

The station also reports that Noel Peterson has been elected president of the Minnesota Medical Association (watch video here by clicking on the #1 hit here). Peterson took part in Congressman Walz's Health Care Economic Summit in Owatonna in April 2008 (we live blogged the event) and the Austin Economic Summit in July 20, 2007(Health care panel liveblog here). The Austin Herald gave the 2007 summit high marks.

According to the MMA, the "witty and warm" Peterson has been deeply involved in the assocation's work on formulating health care policy:

He is currently a member of the Professionalism Work Group and the Veterans Health Care Task Force. For four years he served as MMA treasurer. He was a member and chair of the subcommittee on coverage for the MMA Health Care Reform Task Force in 2004 and 2005; a member of Healthy Minnesota: A Partnership for Reform. He was a member of the MMA Committee on By-Laws, and the Committee on Administration and Finance. He has been a delegate to the MMA House of Delegates since 1991.

He is also a member of the Zumbro Valley Medical Society’s Executive Committee and its Legislation Committee.

Not everybody was happy with the Owatonna Health Care Economic Summit.  Bruce Kaskubar, chair of the Olmsted County Republican, reacts with a "white paper" here. Read it for yourself to know how the head of Rochester's Republicans responded to remarks by the man who now leads the Minnesota Medical Association. We're curious if Republican congressional candidate Brian Davis agrees with Kaskubar's criticisms.

CQPolitics reports in Offshore Drilling Debate Eclipsed by Economy:

Republicans declared victory after getting Democratic leaders to drop a ban on most new offshore drilling, but the political benefit has quickly faded and both sides are already looking to revisit the issue next year. . . .

According to a post on Iowa Senator Grassley's site, Congressman Walz has joined with other colleagues to urge the House and Senate Armed Services Committee to make sure that members of the Armed Services are provided with the Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence (PDMRA) benefits they deserve. According to release, 850 Iowa National Guard members didn't not receive leave because of the delay; the letter says that thousands of people in the National Guard and Reserves were shortchanged.

If you're sick of negativism coming from campaign, Mark Fischenich recommends the Minnesota Secretary of State's program, Voting in honor of the vets. We're voting to honor our late uncle, Troy Theissen--as well as those friends who have served in Iraq.

All that talk of a bailout reminds us of a great old Hank Williams song, covered here by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant:

Wednesday morning digest: finding a vein edition

At Minnesota Central, the ever-insightful McPherson Hall writes in Davis Poll Reveals Challenger’s Threat:

Dr. Brian Davis, Republican candidate for Minnesota’s First District, has commissioned a  poll that reveals incumbent Congressman Tim Walz with a commanding 50-32 lead.

The obvious question is why did Davis waste his money on a poll . . .[Ollie's note: we think the NRCC may have wasted some of its money on the poll too]

Let’s look at what Walz has going for him.

Being a former high school teacher, Walz used his “ student council ” to energize the district in 2006 and with 22% of the state’s population being between 18-29; this bodes well for Walz in 2008.

Walz has gotten the endorsement   from the NRA.  Statewide 41.7 households are gun owners.

Walz was a prime proponent in the passage of the Farm Bill (despite a veto from President Bush). The First District is primarily a rural district. Davis’ performance during the FarmFest debate was less than stellar as the crowd seemed to enjoy Walz’s defense of his support for farmers using wit and knowledge to his advantage.

Walz has listened to Veterans and brought their issues to the forefront during his first term. 10.5% of Minnesota’s households have a veteran.

Statewide, there are more DFLers (Dems) (38% in 2004) than Republicans (35%) leaving 27% as Independents. The inference is that Walz is getting support from Independents while Davis hasn’t even gotten all the Republicans ( not surprising when State Senator Dick Day amassed a third of the votes in the recent primary election. )

Over at the Post Bulletin, Matt Stolle comes as close as any journalist to drinking the Kool-Aid for Brian Davis, though even he doesn't swallow in Davis says recent poll is good news, Walz camp disagrees.

For an example of a reporter who raised this story beyond the "one said--the other said" level, we recommend that readers check out Mark Fischenich's Six weeks left, Walz leads Davis from yesterday's Mankato Free Press.  Fischenich went beyond barbs tossed back and forth, and compared an independent poll from 2006 with Davis's internal poll from this cycle. It's quite revealing.

The PB's Stolle begins:

Republican challenger Brian Davis is pointing to a new poll released by his campaign as a sign of DFL Congressman Tim Walz's growing vulnerability in a race with 42 days to go.

That survey shows Walz now polling at 50 percent, a four-point drop from a previous poll conducted a month earlier, even as Davis rose in the polls over the same period, from 27 percent to 32 percent.

The 50-percent mark is often seen as a red line by political analysts below which an incumbent is considered to be in possibly dangerous territory. But the poll still shows Walz with a significant 50 percent to 32 percent lead over the Mayo Clinic doctor. [emphasis added]

He ends:

So far, Walz, at least in the eyes of political analysts, looks to be in a comfortable position. The Cook Political Report, for instance, ranks the race as "likely Democratic." That means the seat is not considered competitive, but has the potential to become engaged.

Somewhere in the middle:

The data also suggests that if voters were given the choice between a Republican and a Democrat for Congress on a generic ballot, 44 percent would prefer a Democrat, while 39 percent would prefer a Republican, with 16 percent undecided. Given the margin of error, that makes the seat a toss-up, the pollsters at the Tarrance Group say.

Ah yes. The hypothetical "seat" is a toss-up. Here's where the bait and switch happens. The actual race according to the poll (if we're to accept a sample of 300 with a MOE of 5.8)?

But the poll still shows Walz with a significant 50 percent to 32 percent lead over the Mayo Clinic doctor.

As Walz's campaign manager pointed out:

But the Walz camp argues otherwise. Schmitter says Davis is not even polling as high as what a generic Republican is getting in the district.

The GOP likes to claim that the First is "conservative", and yet the Davis/NRCC poll shows that it's a statistical dead heat between Obama and McCain:

The poll shows GOP Sen. John McCain with a 45 percent-to-43 percent edge over Democratic Sen. Barack Obama, with 9 percent undecided. That ranks it as a toss-up, given the poll's 5.8 percent margin of error.

Davis's poll should not bring smiles to elephant faces. For DFLers, it should provide an extra incentive to get out, door knock and call. The district is not only Walz's for the taking, it may finally have turned blue on the Presidential level as well.

This isn't entirely surprising. Not only did Walz and Klobuchar win in 2006, but more DFLers represent the district in the state legislature than do Republicans. Nationally, OBama is polling better in rural areas than Kerry, Craig Crawford writes in Obama's Amazing Rural Opportunity.

Back at Minnesota Central, McPherson Hall thinks that Republicans may be more motivated, while Walz supporters will be lulled into complacency by the numbers Davis released: 

Walz’ main challenge is still APATHY. Voters may feel comfortable with Walz and not bother showing up at the polls. Conversely, the Republicans have reasons to be motivated. The anti-Obama crowd is further re-enforced by the anti-Franken voters. With the potential of budget problems at the state level where, all House seats are on the ballot, the Republicans will want to have their voices heard. The First District voted for Republicans solidly in 2004 and may do so again.
 
Davis’ publishing of this poll may have more of an impact to suppress Walz voters and give Davis a squeaker victory. Be warned … Apathy is the real challenger.

You heard the man. If you're looking to have progressive values take the day in November, get off your duff and volunteer for Walz (and Obama, Franken and state house candidates--the coordinated DFL sign up is here) and contribute as well to make sure Congressman Walz can keep getting his message to voters.

Tell them the heifer sent you.

In more serious news, it doesn't look like Minnesota's congressional delegation is going to write Bush  a blank check to bailout those Wall Street fat cats who gamed the financial system into its present dismal state while engorging their own wealth. The PiPress reports in Bush rescue proposal falls flat among Minnesotans:

Minnesota's political leaders flatly reject President Bush's call for an unrestricted $700 billion financial bailout. 

But fearing economic calamity, many remain open to some type of costly financial bailout — provided it includes tougher regulation, limits exorbitant Wall Street salaries and gives taxpayers a stake in rescued companies.

For the First:

First District: Republican Brian Davis, challenging Rep. Tim Walz, said he'd be "very unlikely" to support any bailout.

"Seems to me that Congress and the administration have hit the panic button, and this could result in a 20-year problem," he said.

Note how Davis blames Congress first for a proposal that's coming from the White House. This from a guy who, when interviewed by the Fillmore County Journal in late July, compared George W. Bush with Harry Truman.

The PiPress continues:

Walz issued a statement that didn't say whether he'd support or reject a bailout plan, but he did urge caution and said he hoped to protect middle-class Americans.

"We've seen before what happens when Congress allows itself to be backed into a corner by President Bush and forced to make a hasty decision with long-term consequences," Walz said. "We need answers before Congress votes on the bailout."

Given the quality of the answers the administration has given in the past, we hope Walz stays skeptic, and shows more of the spine he grew in this year's FISA votes.

The MinnPost reports Bailout package a slam-dunk? Far from it, state's bipartisan delegation says. KEYC-TV reports Pawlenty 'Reluctant Supporter' of Wall Street Bailout. Oh, good. CQ Politics asks: Bailout Bill: An Election Season 'Stink Bomb?'

October 2 may provide an opportunity to learn more about where the candidates stand on the bailout, when they meet for the first time since Worthington's King Turkey Day. Those who wish to attend the first Walz-Davis debate should register here. Sponsored by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, the cost is $20 for RACC members and $30 for all others. The focus: 

The debate will allow our membership an opportunity to hear first-hand where the candidates stand on the national issues of importance to the business community.

The debate will take place from noon - 1:30 p.m. Ramada Hotel & Conference Center; 1517 16th St. SW.

Veterans Today picks up on a Partnership for Veterans Health Care Budget Reform press release in Historic Legislation To End Delays in Veterans Health Care Funding. The Walz nugget:

American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein, also speaking for the Partnership, praised the bill’s bipartisan cosponsors: Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Ted Stevens (R-AK), and John Rockefeller (D-WV in the Senate; Congressmen Walter Jones (R-NC), Michael Michaud (D-ME), Phil Hare (D-IL), and Tim Walz (D-MN) in the Senate.  “We applaud all of the bill’s sponsors who have taken the lead in Congress to create a lasting legacy for our veterans by reforming the budget process to ensure that veterans health care funding is sufficient, timely and predictable,” Rehbein said.

The new legislation, called the “Veterans Health Care Budget Reform Act,” would authorize advance appropriations for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care programs one year in advance of the start of the fiscal year, an idea favored by more than 80 percent of American voters, according to a survey released today by the Disabled American Veterans.

The House OKs plan for Great Lakes water to stay put. The bill passed 390-25. We'd like to know what was on Representative McCollum's mind when she voted against it--the only member of Minnesota's delegation to do so.

Last night on the Daily Show, former President Clinton talked about how concentrating investment in housing and mortgages in the early part of this decade helped led to the mess Wall Street is in now. He suggested that investment in new technologies and renewable energy would have left the nation stronger. The Mankato Free Press editorial board thinks it's still the time to Nurture renewable energy.

At the Mountain Lake Observer/Butterfield Advocate, editor Kris Langland looks at the economy in Which cut is deepest?

Our favorite Minuteman, Ron Branstner, held another immigration reduction meeting in Austin last week according to the Austin Herald's Media, Austin history discussed at immigration forum. A taste:

There were mirrors, but no smoke at Thursday night’s forum on immigration issues at Oak Park Mall.

Less than 30 people attended the forum in the mirrored community meeting room.

The two-hour session began with the playing of a video, which most people ignored. . . .

Since Brian Davis thinks (well, at least back in late July when he was chasing the Republican base) that Bush can be compared to Truman, we close with the Daily Show's John Oliver presenting a somewhat different analogy:

Third Walz 2008 ad: "Commitment"

Another winner from Team Walz:

Where are the Davis ads? So far, he's only had one, a pre-primary vehicle that aired before September 9.

Update: We just received this press release about the ad from the Walz campaign:

Walz Releases Ad Featuring Local Veteran

Walz Cuts Through Red Tape for Penrose

( Mankato , Minn. ) – Today, Congressman Tim Walz, a retired Army National Guard Command Sgt. Major, released the third ad of his 2008 campaign, entitled “Commitment.

The ad features Walz telling the story of Richard Penrose, a disabled Vietnam Veteran who resides in southern Minnesota.

Penrose, who served as a Chief Warrant Officer in Vietnam, suffered from PTSD and the effects of Agent Orange upon his return to the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Penrose fought the VA for years before Walz stepped in and ensured Richard received all the benefits he earned.

As a fellow veteran and a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Congressman Walz has successfully gone to bat with the VA and the Department of Defense for dozens of veterans since taking office in January of 2007. Walz has also fought to increase care and benefits for our veterans, from the new GI Bill to new research for Traumatic Brain Injuries to increasing mileage reimbursement for veterans who have to travel to distant VA clinics.

We'd posted about Penrose's case back in July 2007 when he and his wife Rose wrote a letter to the Caledonia Argus thanking Walz, his staff, VA staff, and the local Veterans Service officer, Robert Gross, for helping to resolve the issue.

Third Walz 2008 ad running: Veterans issues

A friend in the Rochester area writes to say that a third Walz ad aired on KTTC last night just after the Packers game.

The ad is not yet up on YouTube, but we'll post it here as soon as we can.

Walz 2008 Ad #1 (Record) and #2 (Works for Us) have been airing for a couple of weeks now.

Davis's first and only ad as of this post--a pre-primary number asking people to support him on September 9--started running four weeks ago and presumably stopped airing after the vote. Has anyone seen another ad for the Republican nominee? Bueller? Bueller?

Sunday morning digest: change is in the air edition

In Change is in the Air Dale at Corner House Comments writes: 

At least at Corner House Comments. 

The next seven weeks will see me working full time on GOTV (get out the vote) efforts on behalf of Labor in Minnesota. In the interest of disclosure, this is a paid position. I have taken a leave of absence from my regular Union (UFCW)  job as a forklift operator at JBS Swift in Worthington. 

My posts may be infrequent (nothing new there), and of course the opinions expressed by me (CHC) are mine and do not represent the official views of the AFL-CIO or Change To Win organizations. I do not get paid to maintain this blog.

There's a lot of that unpaid blogging by regular guys going on. Who knew?

In yesterday's Strib, Mitch Anderson reports in Doing nothing would be worst choice, state delegation says about the government's plan to rescue Wall Street:

Minnesotans in Congress - and some of the politicians running to replace them - took a cautious approach on Friday to the government's rescue plan for Wall Street.

If there is any consensus, it's that there may be no alternative to the plan, which could cost hundreds of billions of dollars.

Some highlights of their comments:

First District Rep. Tim Walz (D): "The plan has yet to be finalized, but I believe that the actions Congress will take in the next several days will provide the stability necessary to restore confidence in our economy."

There were no comments from Davis. Guess he had cheerleading practice.

The Rochester Democrat reports that Tim Walz held an economic roundtable at the Tav on the Ave in Mankato to discuss the state of our local economy and Senator Obama's plans for the future.

In Democrats plan to win, with or without Obama, MSNBC reports:

In southern Minnesota’s mostly rural 1st Congressional District, first-term Democrat Tim Walz said he’s concentrating on his own economic message.

“People are talking about a secure job, a pension that is going to be there, health care. It’s a message I’ve been talking about basically my whole life,” Walz said.

“In the presidential race, it is going to be who defines themselves best as supporting the middle class. I think Sen. Obama has done a good job of that,” he said.

Obama effect in rural Minnesota
And does Obama affect Walz’s race?

Walz paused for a moment and then said, “You know, I don’t think there is an impact ... we’ve been out there an awful lot where people see me as the representative from southern Minnesota and the national race is the national race.”

Walz has built his own grassroots organization. “If the presidential campaign comes in on top of that and does more, the better for all of us, but if not, we’re still not counting on that,” he said.

Bush carried Walz’s district in 2004 with 51 percent. The Cook Political Report rates the Walz contest against Republican Brian Davis as “Likely Democratic.”

A reminder of today's National Security Town Hall in at Rochester's Civic Center at noon, sponsored by the Obama campaign:

Rep. Ellen Tauscher, retired U.S. Army Major General Paul Eaton, Ambassador Robert Gelbard, and Rep. Betty McCollum will discuss Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s plan to create a stronger America and a safer world, and provides the care and benefits our nation's veterans deserve.

Photo: A tomato grown in the Luverne area. Snapshot swiped from CHC. Congrats on the political organizing gig, Dale..

AFGE urges passage of Veterans Health Care Budget Reform Act

From the American Federation of Government Employees:

The American Federation of Government Employees, (AFGE), which represents 180,000 employees throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), today criticized the current discretionary VA funding process and urged Congress to move on the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform Act, H.R. 6939, a bill originally cosponsored by Congressmen Bob Filner (D-CA), Walter Jones (R-NC), Michael Michaud (D-ME), Phil Hare (D-IL) and Tim Walz (D-MN).

“The VA has been the crown jewel of the American health care system, but subjecting it to the political game playing of an unpredictable, delay-ridden funding process erodes patient access and quality of care, and leads to harmful short-sighted policies such as contracting out veterans’ health care at a time when veterans facing post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury are especially in need of the specialized care of the VA,” said John Gage, AFGE national president.

The lack of predictability and methodology in the VA’s discretionary funding process also diminishes its ability to meet the growing demands arising from two wars and an aging patient population and to recruit and retain a stable and adequate health care professional workforce, address meaningful succession planning, or engage in strategic long range planning for additional aspects of health care delivery.

“The right of veterans to receive the specialized care of the VA cannot be fulfilled by a funding process driven by the winds of politics instead of the real needs of injured warriors,” Gage added. “The reason the VA is so successful at meeting the specialized health care needs of veterans is because the system is not motivated by profit. Continued use of the current broken funding process will expose it to more for-profit health care forces that could cause irreparable harm to this world-class system that has a unique ability to address the medical and mental health care needs of our veterans.

The AFGE is the largest federal employee union, representing 600,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

Energy and health care professionals speak out: re-relect Tim Walz

In 2003, Fortune Small Business once begin a profile of wind energy pioneer Dan Juhl with this lead:

When the history of wind power is written, Dan Juhl will rate a chapter. He's like one of those inventors you see in an old newsreel, tinkering with a jalopy or taking wing in an ungainly flying machine. Juhl runs a large wind farm in southwestern Minnesota and also owns a consulting business that helps others to profitably harness this ubiquitous but elusive form of energy.

The Rake visited him in 2005; he's appeared on both Bill Moyers' Now and Neal Cavuto's Your World. In short, a go-to guy when it comes to the wind industry. In today's Worthington Globe, Juhl writes in Brian Davis provides more of the same:

Have you noticed the wind turbines springing up across the political ads this fall? As a small wind producer in southern Minnesota, I have noticed that this election season, the wind turbine quickly became the universal political symbol for renewable, clean energy. The mere glimpse of those propeller blades churning in the background of a commercial is supposed to convey to us that a candidate is for change in energy policy and against more of the same giveaways to Big Oil.

But slapping a wind turbine on a flyer doesn’t really mean a candidate stands for change. One candidate in particular is using the symbol to pervert the truth: Brian Davis.

Dr. Brian Davis claims to be an energy industry expert and a proponent of renewable energy sources. Voters should be wary — with Davis, there is always a “but.”

He’s said repeatedly he’s for renewable energy sources, but he claims that the wind industry or other renewable fuels industries are being “propped up” by government mandates, which he is against (Lacrosse Radio Interview, 7/17/08 and “Michael and King Radio Show,” 5/31/08). What Davis means is he’s against pushing our electricity providers away from coal and into energy sources such as wind. He’s OK with the status quo.

A friend of mine showed me a flyer Davis mailed to him before the recent primary election. It had a great big wind turbine on it. But, just weeks before, Dr. Davis was on Minnesota Public Radio saying he wanted to cut federal research dollars and tax credits for the wind industry (Minnesota Public Radio, 7/20/08). Dr. Davis should know that in the wind industry, much like the medical industry, if you cut money for research and expansion of a new and promising technology, the opportunity will soon be lost. And what you’re left with is the fossil fuel status quo, which by the way, is very heavily subsidized by us taxpayers.

Tim Walz is the real change agent when it comes to energy policy. At the beginning of 2007, when gas prices were a few dollars lower and energy wasn’t such a hot topic, Rep. Walz introduced a bill to extend and expand the Wind Production Tax Credit. His bill will make it easier for us to expand the wind industry in southern Minnesota by making small producers eligible for the same tax credits currently available to big international corporations that put up turbines on our prairies.

So while Dr. Davis is worried about “propping up” the wind industry, Rep. Walz recognized the desire of small producers to enter the market and worked to make it possible. He understands that a simple change to our tax code can bring coveted “green collar” jobs to southern Minnesota. That’s change.

Rep. Walz also recognized the need for continued research to make wind turbines even more efficient and less expensive to produce. That’s why he helped write the House Bipartisan Energy Plan, which expands drilling as a means to generate royalties. The bill takes these royalties and invests them in renewable energy research to the tune of $1 trillion. An investment of this magnitude in wind, solar, geothermal, nuclear, hybrid and other renewable energy technologies is unprecedented. It is change that will end our dependence on foreign oil.

Oh — Brian Davis? He said this bipartisan energy plan, which is supported by 135 Democrats and Republicans in Congress, along with the Chamber of Commerce, is “too complicated.”

I’m proud to see candidates like Rep. Walz, who really stand for change in the energy industry, use the wind turbine as the symbol of that change. His plan to support renewable energy, particularly community based development, will help create jobs, generate income revenue, keep our energy dollars in our communities, and produce long term low cost energy for rural Minnesota. Now that is change.

We attended the Windom Energy Summit back in February in which Juhl was a panelist. No doubt about it: the guy knows his stuff.

The Post Bulletin reports in Group of local doctors, nurses endorse Walz:

A group of doctors and nurses stood together at a Rochester press event on Monday to endorse DFL Rep. Tim Walz in his race against GOP opponent, Mayo Clinic doctor Brian Davis.

They said they were endorsing Walz because the freshman congressman has displayed a track record of working across party lines in forging health care solutions, and because of his support for universal health care coverage.

"I want to say there is wide support for Tim Walz among doctors and nurses," said Dr. Sylvester Sterioff, a retired Mayo Clinic doctor, standing in front of a double line of doctors, nurses and other Walz supporters. "He seeks our advice and has an openness to receive information to bring a better and fairer health care system to our country, which we sorely need."

We remind readers that while Doctors and Nurses for Walz is the public face of support for the congressman among the district's medical professionals, they're just the tip of the iceberg. The FEC advanced individual contributor search engine allows for searches by place, profession, and/or employer, and a look at Rochester alone reveals that Sterioff's statement is supported by the pattern of giving.

Finally, those who want to see the difference between the candidates on the stump should check out this Worthington Globe video of their speeches at King Turkey Day on Saturday. If reader find themselves getting sleepy during Davis's remarks, Walz's rousing address begins at 2:34.

You'll have to go to the Globe to check out the candidates' public speaking. Here's a YouTube video of Juhl and some wind farmers, clipped from a PBS special, "Harvesting the Wind":

Photo: Dan Juhl and some of his wind turbines.

New Ulm Journal: three letters

Three interesting letters were published by the Journal in the last couple of days. Marine Corps veteran John Makepeace says in Let's re-elect Tim Walz:

Tim Walz has been a strong and sensible representative for all of us in the 1st Congressional District. Recently he has been involved in a bipartisan effort to create solutions for our shared energy problems.

For instance, he has moved away from his own party's position on offshore drilling.

In fact, he proposes, with 20 Democrat and Republican colleagues to expand offshore drilling in a planned, responsible way. Some of the specifics include repealing the moratorium on drilling more that 25 miles offshore and then letting the various coastal states decide for themselves how to treat drilling 25-50 miles off shore. Specifically, significant investments from the royalties would go into energy conservation programs for homeowners and businesses, environmental restoration (wildlife and waterways), renewable energy funding (expand clean energy) and additional billions for carbon capture and nuclear waste storage. This plan, called the National Conservation, Environment and Energy Independence Act is a bipartisan solution to get us moving ahead.

Walz has made similar bipartisan efforts and progress on the Farm Bill and the GI Bill.

He, in fact, championed the largest increase in funding for veterans medical care and other benefits for our veterans (included was mileage reimbursement increases for our rural veterans traveling to the VA Medical Centers). Walz also served 24 years in the Army National Guard including time overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Personally, I benefited when a grateful government allowed me to graduate from college via the GI Bill. Our veteran's today will also (and should also) benefit from the work of our congressman.

John Baumgartner of Olivia writes in Drill, baby,drill?!

The RNC mantra, "drill, baby, drill" is a message that leads the country the wrong way. While our current world economy is based on fossil fuel, our children and theirs must find a replacement for oil, because it is a finite resource. To focus on domestic oil as the solution has no probability of working.

Sure, domestic drilling is one small part of the solution, but a comprehensive plan should focus on the long-term solutions needed and lay out strategies to reach identified milestones. A focus on oil, while giving only lip service to alternative energy sources, is a sure way to deprive your children and theirs of energy. Do not vote for a false sense of security. Please, think before you vote.

Those who know Mr. Baumgartner would hesitate to call the man a radical environmentalist, though with the Davis campaign, anything is possible. Baumgartner contributed to the Coleman campaign in 2002 and Minge in 2000, so he's no party line spouter, either.

Finally, Jenna Langer, a recent New Ulm Cathedral grad now studying at the U of M, tells readers What I really learned:

The most important thing I learned as a runner for CBS during the RNC was to not trust that the media - any media - is giving you the full story. The media is a business and it's their job to get ratings. To get the true story - not just the key messages prepared by campaign aides and read by CNN, MSNBC, ABC, etc. news anchors - be your own journalist. Check out each candidate's Web sites and read about what their policies actually are, not what their opponent claims they are; for it's their POLICIES that will ultimately affect you and your family. In such a pivotal election, the people of rural Minnesota - a key demographic for both campaigns - cannot afford not to.

Saturday evening digest:counting down the hours edition

Minnesota Central looks at one aspect of the GOP primary in Davis opposes Palin Oil Plan:

Dr. Brian Davis’ Letter to the Editor in the New Ulm Journal seeking votes in the September 9th Republican Primary, states his bottom line as “We need to increase domestic energy production without government placing too many obstacles in the way in the form of regulations and new taxes, fees or royalties.”

Domestic energy is his primary, if not only, issue. 

Since this is a Republican Primary, the comparison to other Republican’s positions tells voters a lot about Davis knowledge of the issue.

John McCain has praised Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK) for her knowledge of domestic energy production.

Yet her policies are in stark contrast to Dr. Davis.

In August 2007, Alaska Gov. Palin called state lawmakers into special session to enact her "Alaska's Clear and Equitable Share" plan. The Palin administration said its tax plan would place Alaska about average worldwide in terms of government receipts and it would also end tax credits for past oil field investments.

The legislation that was enacted raised taxes on the oil industry and sent money to struggling consumers.. . .

Read the rest at MC. McPherson Hall concludes:

If the District is going to be represented by a Republican, Dr. Davis does not have the knowledge, experience or philosophy that will help taxpayers.

To paraphrase Dr. Davis, "I am confident that the Republicans can offer a better candidate.”
When Gil Gutknecht’s term limit pledge indicated that he would not run in 2006, I advocated State Senator Dick Day for the job. Day has legislative experience that Davis does not.
 
If you’re voting in the September 9th primary, vote Day.

Elsewhere in Southern Minnesota's netroots, Minnesota First directs his readers toward Obama's responses to questions in the ScienceDebate 2008. Congressman Walz was a supporter of the debate. The blogger also reminds us of The Stakes in the upcoming elections. Ron Amundson writes"his counter to “Huckabee speaks in support of McCain/Palin.

Just over the border in South Dakota, KDLT reports More Funding for Vet's Home.Congressman Walz announced a $723,000 federal grant to help build an addition for Alzheimer and dementia patients.

The New Ulm Journal reports on a $625000 grant for United Way for drug education programs:

The United Way of the Brown County Area received word from Congressman Tim Walz's office on Tuesday afternoon that their application on behalf of the Underage Substance Abuse Coalition (USAC) for $125,000 a year over the next five years had received full funding.

Another endorsement for Walz in Election 2008: Boilermakers recommend candidates.

Now, a closing tune from Ted Leo:

Federal funding for Luverne's Vet Home

This came in from Walz's congressional office:

Walz Announces Funding for Luverne Vets Home

(Luverne, MN) - Today, Congressman Tim Walz and the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), James B. Peake, M.D., are pleased to announce the award of a grant totaling $723,171 to the State Veterans Home in Luverne.  The VA grant will help fund the addition of an Alzheimer's/Dementia Unit at the State Veterans Home. 

"This grant illustrates what is possible when the federal and state governments work together to serve the people," said Walz. "Our country has a moral obligation to care for our veterans, whether it's from the current conflict or from World War II, and the addition of an Alzheimer's and Dementia Unit continues that commitment."

This federal grant represents 65% of the anticipated cost of construction.  The state has guaranteed the balance of necessary funding.

Minnesota's system of veterans homes has come under scrutiny because of problems in the Minneapolis Veterans Home. Legislative audits have given the Luverne Veterans Home, overlooking Blue Mounds State Park, good marks; a 2006 press release from state senator Jim Vickerman's office says that the facility was "one of the best that the consultants [hired to assess the homes] ever looked at."

Image: Luverne Veterans Home. Those readers who wish to honor the veterans living there should consider donating items or funds. Please consult the giving guide here.

From MNMuseTube: Tim Walz on bridge collapse

This clip was posted a bit after the fact by the Political Muse at Liberal in Land of Conservative, but better late than never, as he said.

We'd like to give a shout out to all the emergency response personnel who responded on that day, as well as the people rebuilding the bridge.

And, since it's Labor Day, remember the workers who died while on the job. Paul Eickstadt, a  bread truck driver and Teamster whose semi burst into flames. Greg Jolstad, a 49er working on bridge repairs whose body was the last of eleven victims to be recovered from the Mississippi River.

Army Times: Groups decry DoD ‘betrayal’ of vets

Irony is a powerful thing.  Less than 24 hours ago, the Army Times published Groups decry DoD ‘betrayal’ of vets. We're reprinting the entire article rather than have readers miss a single nuance [emphasis added throughout the text]:

In a letter going out to members of Congress next week, the directors of two major veterans’ groups say the Pentagon’s personnel chief has intentionally withheld benefits from wounded service members.

“We need your immediate assistance to help end the Defense Department’s deliberate, systemic betrayal of every brave American who [dons] the uniform and stands in harm’s way,” states the letter, signed by David Gorman, executive director of Disabled American Veterans, and Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

“Sadly, the 2007 Walter Reed scandal, which resulted mostly from poor oversight and inadequate leadership, pales in comparison to what we view as the deliberate manipulation of the law” by David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, and his deputies, the letter states.

Kerry Baker, legislative director for Disabled American Veterans, said Chu sent out a memorandum in March redefining which injuries qualify as “combat-related.”

The definition is important because Section 1646 of the 2008 Defense Authorization Act said service members with combat-related disabilities no longer must pay back any disability retirement severance they receive from the Defense Department before they become eligible for disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs, as has been the case under longstanding policy.

The policy affects service members who receive a disability rating of 20 percent or less from the Defense Department, and thus receive a severance payment rather than lifetime disability retirement pay.

Baker said he has seen cases in which, for example, a veteran receives a $30,000 severance payment from the Pentagon, uses it for medical care or education, and then, even if subsequently awarded a full 100 percent disability rating by VA, must pay the $30,000 back first before he can draw any VA compensation.

Baker said this leaves many veterans who may not be able to work in a quagmire of debt. DAV and IAVA think no veteran should have to pay back money he or she earned before becoming eligible for VA benefits, but they still see the new law extending such waivers to veterans with combat-related disabilities as a step forward.

Under a separate program called Combat Related Special Compensation, which eliminates the offset in retired pay required of some retirees who also receive VA disability compensation, “combat related” is defined as any injury or illness incurred in a combat zone or performing tasks related to combat, such as training for deployment or hazardous assignments like jumping out of airplanes.

But according to Chu’s memo, the definition of “combat related” for the purposes of the new severance pay waiver is limited only to those injured in a combat zone in the line of duty or as a direct result of armed conflict.

In June, Defense Department spokeswoman Eileen Lainez told Military Times that Chu did not remake the definition to save money, as Baker has charged.

“Saving money was not the driver in the implementation,” she said in an e-mail. “The statutory intent of [the law] clearly and appropriately focuses the ‘enhanced disability severance’ to those service members where the unfitting condition is a result of direct participation and participation of duty in the war effort.”

She also noted that the law on repaying severance money left it to the secretary of defense to define “combat related.”

But three lawmakers have told Military Times that their interpretation puts Baker in the right and Chu in the wrong — that they expected the Defense Department to adopt the existing definition used for the CRSC program.

“The Department of Defense appears to be interpreting this law in the most narrow and tightfisted way possible,” said Rep. Timothy Walz, D-Minn., a House Veterans Affairs Committee member. “I am disappointed that [the department] is implementing this policy in a way that makes as few veterans as possible eligible for the benefit.”

(Walz serves on the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the House Veterans Affairs committee, which looks at these sorts of issues.) To continue:

After Walz weighed in, DAV sent a letter to Chu asking for an explanation. William Carr, one of Chu’s senior deputies, responded in a letter dated Aug. 14 by saying the intent “was to direct the enhanced benefit to those hurt in combat.”

“Such an approach is consistent with our strong belief that there must be a special distinction for those who incur disabilities while participating in the risk of combat, in contrast with those injured otherwise,” Carr wrote.

But Baker, and the authors of the new letter, continue to insist that congressional intent was not to make a special distinction that leaves out service members hurt in activities defined as “combat related” under other programs.

“The law defines such disabilities as those caused by armed conflict, instrumentalities of war, hazardous service and conditions simulating war,” Gorman and Rieckhoff wrote. “The [Defense Authorization Act] did not change these definitions; in fact, it reinforced them, and it added disabilities incurred ‘in the line of duty in a combat zone.’ ”

The letter states that Chu “lacks the authority to change the will of Congress.”

In an interview with Military Times, Baker laid out cases of veterans already affected by the new memo. A female soldier in her 30s, who asked that her name not be used, dove for cover into a pile of rocks in Iraq during a mortar attack wearing full battle rattle — Kevlar and body armor that can weigh 20 pounds.

Afterwards, she suffered a fused spine and had to have her hips replaced, all of which her doctors said was directly attributable to her dive to safety.

“The rating was good, but they said it was not combat-related,” Baker said. “You can see Chu’s memo confusing the issue. This is a disease process that began in Iraq in the line of duty.”

In a second case, Marine Cpl. James Dixon incurred a traumatic brain injury from a roadside bomb on his third tour in Iraq. He has headaches, insomnia, short-term memory loss, hearing loss and post-traumatic stress disorder.

According to the Pentagon, “the disability did not result from a combat-related injury,” Baker said.

Dixon’s ruling was changed on appeal, but Baker said there should have been no question to begin with about whether his injuries were combat-related.

Army Sgt. Richard Manoukian served two combat tours, but when he was diagnosed with PTSD and bipolar disorder after he tried to commit suicide — as well as suffering a spine disability after a hard helicopter landing in Kuwait — the Defense Department called his injuries “not combat related,” Baker said.

“The list of cases like this is reprehensible and growing every day,” Gorman and Rieckhoff wrote in their letter. “Moreover, if cases like these are ruled not combat-related, then one can only imagine how many other less obvious cases are suffering the same fate.”

They asked Congress to look into how many cases have been ruled not combat-related under Chu’s memo and have them reviewed by a group independent of the Pentagon.

“Congress should then take immediate action to ensure DoD upholds the plain and unambiguous language of the law,” they wrote. “Most of these service members have no representation in the military disability evaluation system and are therefore unaware of the benefits stolen from them — they are depending on you.”

Last Monday, Congressman Walz and Senator Klobuchar visited several towns in Southern Minnesota to listen to veterans and their families.

Thus, when a Brian Davis supporter and Republican activist  writes in a letter entitled VA has served veterans well over the years:

I attended a meeting with Rep. Tim Walz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar on veterans issues. I had to leave early and did not get to state my thanks for how well vets and the troops have been treated in recent years. I also wanted to point out vets are citizens and taxpayers who do not want pandering and seeking to buy their votes with tax funds. . . .

that's ironic.

As a member of the House Veterans Affairs committee, Congressman Walz has consistently gone to bat for America's military personnel and veterans--from making sure those National Guard members heading to Kosovo received combat pay, to fighting to update the G.I. bill for educational benefits,  to introducing legislation to address problems created by traumatic brain injury and working to make sure the watchdog agency within the VA receives the funds it needs to root out waste.

Walz has sought to fund the VA along the recommendations found in the Independent Budget, a document put together by the VFW, DAV, AmVets, PVA and supported by many other veterans groups.

Does Schleck define any of this activity as pandering or buying votes? Schleck brought it up--he should supply the details. Perhaps Brian Davis--who has been largely silent on veterans issues--might actually break that sphinx-like reserve and discuss some details about where he stands on vets issues himself.  Doing a rotation at a VA  hospital while in medical school isn't exactly policy making.

We'll be watching how far down this road the Republicans are willing to go without actually saying anything substantial about veterans programs themselves.

Note: Former infantry sergeant Hal Kimball looked at the "pandering to vets" meme earlier in Republican "Pandermania".

Photo: Congressman Walz meeting with vets in the Albert Lea American Legion.

Friday morning news digest: Obama speech edition

Congressman Walz, a superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention, endorsed Barack Obama after the Illinois senator was the favorite of First District DFL caucus goers. Several sources are reporting on Walz's reaction to Obama's acceptance speech. 

The National Journal writes in Obama Makes His Case For Change:

The warm-up speakers who most energized the crowd were a series of "average Americans" who described exactly how they feel they've been failed by the Bush administration. America needs a president who puts "Barney Smith before SmithBarney," said Marion, Ind., plant worker Barney Smith to a roar of appreciative laughter. Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., said including work-a-day Americans was "brilliant."

In Minn. delegates welcome Obama nomination, MPR reports:

Minnesota Democratic Congressmen Tim Walz and Keith Ellison were just as effusive [as delegate Hussein Samatar], if somewhat more succinct.

First Ellison:

"I think he knocked it out of the park."

Then, Walz:

"Fantastic. Exactly what we needed."

Added bonus for Rochester readers: a picture of 18-year-old delegate Sam Hagedorn.  and he blogged about the convention for his college paper. The DC Examiner talked to the American University freshman:

Sam Hagedorn's new classmates are experiencing their very first week of their freshman year at American University. But Hagedorn is missing out on the initiation. At age 18, the Rochester, MN native is a Democratic convention delegate -- and having the time of his life mingling with Democratic Party stars who have long been his heroes. Hagedorn had to navigate four levels of elections -- precinct, county, congressional district, and state -- to earn his delegate spot.

"It's a progressive slate," he told the Examiner. "They believe that all voices should be heard."

Hagedorn first got involved in politics by volunteering at age 16 for the U.S. House campaign of Tim Walz, who won the race and now serves in Congress. He said his political work is well worth missing the first week of school. "The opportunities to learn here at the convention are unmatched anywhere else in the world," he said.

In Obama inspires Minnesota delegation, the Duluth News Tribune reports:

Super-delegate and U.S. Rep. Tim Walz said Obama’s message of shifting the county’s economic policies to favor middle-income Americans will appeal to his southern Minnesota constituents.

“It’s an exciting time and feels like being a part of history in terms of government responding to the people,” Walz said from Invesco Field.

From PB editor Jay Furst's blog post about forthcoming news stories:

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama shook the Mile High City last night, ripping the verbal gloves off in his presidential battle against presumed Republican nominee John McCain and bolstering the message of hope that has fueled his unexpected rise and historic bid to be the nation’s first black president.

“I think he tackled the critics,” said U.S. Rep Tim Walz. “It was a rare event.”

As we write this post, John McCain has chosen Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate. Thus, this Paul Demko Walz tidbit from the convention has a dated feel. Pam's House Blend posted one of Congressman Walz's quotes from the GLBT caucus meeting. The MinnPost's Doug Grow caught this quip after former Rep. Tim Penny showed up in Denver to tout McCain's presidential bid:

Rep. Tim Walz directed a nifty zinger at Penny when speaking to Minnesota's delegation to the convention Thursday morning.

"I used to say I was one of only two DFLers ever elected to Congress in the 1st District,'' Walz said. "What I saw earlier this week makes me think I'm the only Democrat to represent the ticket.''

The Huffington Post twittered about:

Powerful testimonials and message drills at Boot Camp with DNC Vets & Military Families Council bookended by Tim Walz & Wes Clark.

The Worthington Globe had earlier picked up Walz's work with the convention's rural caucus:

Rural on agenda

Democrats gathered for their national convention continue to hear a message their leaders say too often is overlooked: Rural America -- and its votes -- matter.

Delegate Andrew Falk of western Minnesota said Wednesday he was to attend a forum on rural issues with Minnesota's Klobuchar and U.S. Rep. Tim Walz. Falk said the topic is being discussed all week, not just on Monday when national Democratic Chairman Howard Dean talked of the importance of rural America.

"There is definitely a focus on rural issues," Falk said. "I think in many places around the country they may have felt left behind. That’s one of the focuses – to re-engage rural voters."

We'd missed the KEYC-TV report, Walz Raises $250,000, from May 27, which was confirmed by the committee's pre-primary report. We look at the Day filing here and the Davis filing here.

The filing for Greg Mikkelson, who is on the ballot for the Independence Party but did not seek the IP endorsement, has yet to appear online. In largely self-funded campaigns, Mikkelson has run as a Green (2002), Independence Party (2004) and Republican (2006) candidate. Representative Gil Gutknecht defeated Mikkelson in the 2006 Republican primary, only to be ousted from office by Walz.

Early evening news and netroots digest: thumbs up edition

The Austin Herald's editorial board writes that Vets deserve the increase in their mileage rates. read more about Congressman Walz's proposed legislation in Walz unveils legislation to increase veterans' access to health and Walz announces legislation.

The Herald also talked to Congressman Walz about Obama's veep pick; he's quoted in Locals approve of VP choice. Apollo at Minnesota First isn't sure he agrees with Tim Walz on Joe Biden.

The last item in this AgriNews roundup mentions Friday's Farm Bill implementation roundtable meetings with staff from Klobuchar and Walz's offices.

Finally, McPherson Hall writes MN-01 : Davis Distortions in first cable ad over at Minnesota Central. A fine read.

Tuesday morning digest: vets, students, and trains edition

The Rochester Post Bulletin reports Walz unveils legislation to increase veterans' access to health. The article reviews Walz's efforts on behalf of veterans:

. . .Walz said making it easier and affordable for veterans to receive appropriate health care is the government's obligation.

"You were hurt serving the nation; you should not have to pay for that," Walz told veterans in Austin. "You paid that fee when you raised your hand and swore yourself into service."

During his first [term] in Congress, Walz has pushed for additional support for veterans, including the largest funding increase for the Veterans Administration in its 77-year history. He also advocated for programming that would help ease soldiers' transitions between active and veteran status. . . .

After reading an earlier Austin Herald story, the Minnesota First blogger writes that Walz Stands Up For Veterans.

Congressman Walz was talking to educators in Owatonna, the People's Press reports in Walz touts changes for NCLB on Owatonna:

U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn. — a former teacher himself — considers teachers and educators to be his most important colleagues.

Like most educators, Walz favors reforms to the federal No Child Left Behind law, along with more funding in early childhood education.

“For democracy to move forward, our students must be educated,” he said.

Walz, who formerly taught geography at Mankato West High School, addressed educators Monday at Owatonna High School. He is the only teacher elected to Congress who has taught under No Child Left Behind. The law ensures that every student in the country be proficient in math, reading and writing by 2014.

Read the rest at the Owatonna People's Press. The paper also says that Klobuchar and Walz staffers heard suggestions for changing food programs in Voters seek provisions in Farm Bill.

Sam Hagedorn is star-struck at the DNC, according to the Post Bulletin article, Political star power dazzles 18-year-old delegate.

Terry Morrow's campaign site looks at how the Minnesota Prairie Line Meeting Leads to Exciting Coalition for Economic Growth.

The Stewartville Star reports About 500 attend local rally for Minnesota Patriot Guard. The group:

attends funerals for fallen soldiers at the request of the soldiers' families. It displays flags to comfort families and also hosts welcome-home celebrations for servicemen and women.

Photo: From the Austin Herald article, veterans listening to Congressman Walz outside the Mower County Courthouse.

Austin Herald: fair mileage rates for veterans

The Austin Herald reports Walz announces legislation aimed toward helping veterans with the cost of travel to the VA medical centers and clinics:

In hopes of more fairly compensating veterans for the cost of their travel, U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., announced legislation today aimed at increasing mileage reimbursement by 30 cents. . . .

. . .It’s a welcome change, according to local veterans, who admitted hardship because of the cost of travel, particularly for medical care. The closest veteran’s hospital is 100 miles away in Minneapolis, and, at current rates, the trip can feel cost prohibitive because of spiking gas prices, they said.

“For once a politician listened to what we had to say,” said Ken Delano, a former Army police officer who receives treatment for permanent injuries in the Twin Cities. . . .

Norm Hecimovich, local veteran and city council member, agreed. He said veterans unfairly lose money when going to doctor’s appointments because of the archaic rate and gave other examples of unjust governmental policy on veteran’s issues.

“We have been penalized more and more times,” he said. . . .

Read the whole thing at the Austin Herald.

Monday morning new digest: shale gas edition

First published in the Charleston Daily Mail, a column by Representatives Walz and Shelly Moore Capito (R-V.W.) is published in the Star Tribune under the headline, Let's put politics aside and vote on energy plan.

Walz makes an appearance on the Political Radar blog at ABC in Democrats Concerned Divisions on Energy Could Cost the White House.  The piece says that the bill has 130 co-sponsors and would not likely get the support of  many activists at the convention in Denver.

The Davis campaign shopped a letter to a number of area newspapers from a Preston Republican election judge bemoaning a spike in her utility bill. To tweak readers' memory, here's the passage:

My heating bill arrived today with an increase in my monthly even-pay amount for natural gas.

It will now top $100 per month starting in July. Yep, in July.

I called the gas company to ask why. My usage has consistently gone down over the past several years, and again this year, due to a great deal of weatherizing our home. The lady at the gas company says it’s going up now because natural gas prices are expected to rise again sharply for this coming winter.

Today's New York Times reports Drilling Boom Revives Hopes for Natural Gas. This gist (links added):

American natural gas production is rising at a clip not seen in half a century, pushing down prices of the fuel and reversing conventional wisdom that domestic gas fields were in irreversible decline. . . .

. . .Domestic gas production was up 8.8 percent in the first five months of this year compared with the period a year earlier, a rate of increase last seen in 1959, during the great drilling boom that followed World War II. . . .

. . .Domestic natural gas prices have already plunged 42 percent since early July, an even faster drop in price than oil or most other commodities, in part because the rapid supply growth has begun to influence the market. Price spikes remain possible, of course, but throughout the industry the shale discoveries are causing a shift in thinking about the long-term outlook. . . .

Combined with Congressman Walz's work on H.R. 6709, which will open some areas for offshore drilling, do lower natural gas prices mean that Republican activist Muriel Hanson will change her vote? 

Maybe Hanson should  just write that utility company to see if her bill might be adjusted to better reflect the decline in natural gas prices. Yep.

Retired accountant and political moderate McPherson Hall looks at Dr. Davis Tax Policy – Fighting for the Fortunate 230 over at Minnesota Central. He concludes:

On September 9th, voters will have a chance to vote in the Republican Primary to determine who will be on the November ballot. Davis is a neophyte that is playing on emotional issues and has never held any elective office. Contrast that with State Senator Dick Day who is in his sixth term having been first elected in 1990 where he has held leadership positions. His experience in the give-and-take necessary to move legislation forward in the areas of taxes (as well as the issues related to transportation, education, agriculture, etc.), should be weighed carefully by those primary voters.

We think Day panders on emotional issues (witness his attendance at the immigration reduction meeting a week ago in Austin) as well.  Republicans will have to pick a favorite in that contest.

Congressman Walz will be in Austin today talking about increasing the mileage rate for veterans traveling to VA medical centers.

In Praise for the DC veteran, but impact on state unclear, Walz tells the Strib:

U.S. Rep. Tim Walz said he was impressed with Biden's work on behalf of the middle class.

The Mankato Free Press editorial board writes that the paper will do No more endorsements of political candidates.

Image: Shale gas deposits in the United States, from the New York Times. Those labeled are already in production.  Can shale gas be exacted profitably everywhere, or do some areas lack the water resources for the process?

Saturday news digest: thumbs up grassroots wrestling edition

The Walz campaign just sent out an email about the success of an online fundraising pitch:

Last week, I asked you to help us raise $10,000 in just ten days. As usual, you did not disappoint.

With your help, we raised more than $15,000 online before our crucial August 20 deadline.

Now, because of your support, our campaign can begin to share our positive message on the radio in southern Minnesota

The ad continues to get attention. The Hill's Aaron Blake writes that Democrat Walz Plays up Drilling in First Ad. Blake calls it a "tough" race. The Mankato Free Press's political reporter Mark Fischenich came up with another opinion in his Campaign Notebook after reviewing the race's rankings:

The experts are mostly in agreement. The 1st District congressional race is worth keeping an eye on, but it's Walz's race to lose, according to the political analysts.

We'll be curious to see the complete FEC reports from each of the three remaining candidates in the race; that $15,000 is likely just a small slice of the picture. Of course money isn't everything. The Walz     campaign has already made over 100,000 phone calls and knocked on  over 60,000 doors.       

Doorknocks are underway in Mankato and Rochester today.                        

This week's formation of a regional railroad coalition to promote the Minnesota Prairie Line earns a thumbs up from the New Ulm Journal's editorial board today:

This week a group of government officials and business and industry leaders formed the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Coalition to work on raising the money needed to upgrade the railroad. Their goal is a modest one, to bring the speed along the line to 25 miles an hour by 2011.

The job will cost about $30 million. We urge federal and state leaders to work to help fund the project. It will be an important investment in the economic well-being of the area communities served by the rail line.

We took note of Congressman Walz's involvement in the new coalition in Media coverage: shortline coalition forms.            

Members from both sides of the aisle fought to secure funding for the National Child Protection Training Center at Winona State, given the high score given its DOJ grant application and the effective results it achieves. Thus, we not pleased to see this headline, Feds hold up funds for National Child Protection Training Center, in today's Winona Daily News.

The paper notes that federal elected officials know about the situation:

Vieth said Minnesota legislators U.S. Rep. Tim Walz and U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman’s offices are aware of the current funding holdup.

“Congressman Walz’ office has contacted the Department of Justice to try to get the funds released as quickly as possible and is hopeful that will happen in the next few weeks,” according to a statement from Walz’ public affairs office.

WSU publicly announced in a press conference Thursday its first ever capital campaign, which aims to raise $10 million by 2010. About $2.5 million of that will be dedicated to the center, in part to avoid situations like the one it is currently in. At the press conference, Vieth relayed memories he had of children who were abused when he was a prosecutor. A boy who had been hit with a belt buckle, a girl who was thrown across the room and had her collarbone broken. He said the goal of the center is to tell abused children “it’s safe to come out now.”

“All of those children are with us today,” Vieth said.

As long as it has the money to stay open.

The DOJ 's denial of the Center's grant in favor of lower scored projects that were run by Bush-administration cronies prompted an investigation and congressional hearing.  The Post Bulletin reports on a university initiative to secure more stable funding in Winona State launches capital campaign; the WDN covered the launch in WSU unveils  $10 million campaign.

The Austin edition of the Post Bulletin reports Walz plans visit to Austin on Monday to talk about mileage rates for veterans. The cost of traveling to the VA medical center was a point brought up at the April roundtable with Speaker Pelosi.

The paper's write-up mentions the Republicans vying in the September 9 primary, but the press advisory, which we received, came from the congressional office, rather than the Walz campaign. Here's the  body of the press advisory:

On Monday, August 25^th at 10:30am Congressman Tim Walz will discuss his efforts to make the reimbursement rate for veterans who have to travel long distances for VA care more fair. Walz will be joined by veteran Ken Delano and other local veterans at a press conference at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Mower County Courthouse in Austin.

To accomplish this goal, Walz has introduced the Veterans Travel Program Reform Act of 2008, which would increase the mileage reimbursement rate from 28.5 cents to 58.5 cents per mile. It would also improve how the VA reimburses veterans for their travel to and from VA facilities for health care and treatment, vocational rehabilitation or counseling by eliminating the deductible veterans are currently required to pay and by expanding eligibility for reimbursement. Before the August recess, Walz voted for the new Military Construction – Veteran Affairs Appropriations Bill which passed the House by a vote of 409-4 and would go some way toward addressing the problem by raising the reimbursement rate to 41 cents per mile.

The Owatonna People's Press notes state senator Dick Day will be speaking to the Owatonna Exchange Club on August 28. Day is challenging Brian Davis in the September 9 primary.

Ali Bernard, Olympic wrestler returns to hometown, the Mankato Free Press reports. The New Ulm Journal reports Ali's Back and Ali Cats show their support. From the latter article:

When Ali Bernard was growing up wrestling with the boys on the New Ulm wrestling team, the mothers of those boys had a vision.

"We always said that when Ali was younger if she made it to the Olympics we would be there," Cathy Koob said, who watched two boys go through the New Ulm wrestling program.

And for the past several years, those moms - Koob, Kathy Runck, Cheri LeBrun and Annette Haynes - who call themselves "Ali Cats" have been in the stands cheering her on every chance they could. . . .

. . .And the feeling wasn't lost on Bernard's mom Sue.

"It was absolutely awesome," Sue Bernard said. "Those women have been there from square one. To have them there with us was absolutely terrific. They were great. All through the years they have been Ali's No. 1 fans." . . .

. . ."This wrestling community has been behind us from square one," Sue Bernard said. "Before we left town we would drive down Broadway or Minnesota Street and see the signs that the businesses had put up. There was more than one time that I would just break down and cry. This is my child, she had so much support and it meant the world to us."

And obviously Sue Bernard is proud of Ali for realizing a dream she has had since she was a little girl

"I don't even know if it's completely sunk in," Sue Bernard said. "From the time she started wrestling, I knew she had the potential to do this. I know she has had the weight of the world on her shoulders. She carried all of us - all of our expectations on top of hers. I am so proud of her that I can't even begin to describe it.

While Bernard has gone far, it doesn't sound like she's let the experience go to her head. From the Free Press story:

When Ali Bernard qualified for the Olympics, there was a move afoot in New Ulm to have a parade in her honor. The low-key wrestler nixed that idea, opting instead for a down-low reception at City Hall.

Though Friday’s event also was low key, it still took Bernard out of her comfort zone.

“This is more than she can handle,” her father said. . . .

. . .New Ulm wrestling supporter Annette Haynes, one of the self-dubbed “Ali Cats” group who also made the trip to China, said Ali Bernard only reluctantly agreed to the public welcome.

“She said, ‘I didn’t want this, I didn’t want this.’ She doesn’t like the limelight. She’s very humble,” Haynes said.

A great story. Bernard missed getting a medal and took fifth.

Mid-day news digest: volver edition

The news today keeps returning to stories we've been following the last week or two. The Rochester Post Bulletin reports Walz's first campaign ad focuses on energy issue:

Democratic Congressman Tim Walz will be running his first radio ads in Rochester and in the 1st Congressional District as the debate over energy and gas prices continue to play a major role in the election season.

The ad starts out with Walz criticizing Bush's energy plan. The "Bush energy plan is working -- for big oil companies, not us."

It goes on to say: "Let's increase oil production here at home, speed up and advance alternative energy, and invest in technology that makes conservation affordable and practical."

The ads begin running today. Republicans have yet to decide on a GOP challenger to Walz, a first-term Democrat from Mankato. . . .

American jobs heading to Mexico is the issue in TRW lays off more workers; Another 100 expecting to lose jobs within seven months, published in today's Winona Daily News:

About 40 more workers at Winona’s TRW Automotive plant will lose their jobs, and 100 more could be laid off within seven months, TRW officials announced Thursday, less than a month after eliminating more than 60 other jobs at the plant.

The move is another example of TRW exporting jobs from the Winona area to Mexico, and it means more than 200 Winona-area TRW employees may be facing unemployment.

The 40 layoffs announced Thursday eliminate salaried positions at five TRW facilities in the Winona area — three in Winona and two in Galesville, Wis., and Ettrick, Wis., a TRW spokesman said in a news release. TRW also plans to relocate more jobs from its Winona Body Control Systems division to another TRW facility in Reynosa, Mexico, a move that “could impact the employment of about 100 additional Winona-area employees over the next seven months,” the spokesman said.

Local leaders are appealing for help:

The laid-off workers will have access to expanded unemployment benefits through the Trade Adjustment Assistance program — which aids workers whose jobs are moved overseas — after Rep. Tim Walz and Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Norm Coleman lobbied for the benefits. Walz on Thursday reiterated that the layoffs underscore what he calls flaws in the North American Free Trade Agreement that make it easier for corporations to export jobs abroad.

Winona Mayor Jerry Miller, who called the layoffs “worrisome,” said he contacted Minnesota’s federal lawmakers Thursday night.

“The federal and state governments have to come up with a way of creating a more level playing field,” Miller said.

The endorsed GOP candidate in the First has in the past called for expanding free trade agreements, rather than working for fair trade.

KTTC-TV runs the AP story on Minn. Nat'l Guard to receive additional benefits after they were initially denied educational benefits flowing a long deployment in Iraq:

The Minnesota congressional delegation, led by Democratic House members Keith Ellison and Tim Walz, urged Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake to fix the problem. In a recent letter to the lawmakers, he agreed to provide the retroactive benefits to the soldiers who had sought them.

In the Austin Daily Herald, Officials talk immigration, responding to Monday night's immigration reduction forum. Some interesting passages in the piece. On the Welcome Center:

“You need to shut the Welcome Center down,” Minuteman Ron Branstner demanded attendees, who responded with applause Monday. “It’s a magnet for the whole state of Minnesota.”

Branstner claimed the non-profit, founded in 2000 by the local organization APEX to provide services to newcomers with language barriers, receives millions of dollars in federal funding.

Welcome Center Executive Director Liliana Silvestry, who was not in attendance at the forum, rebutted that they do not receive any federal funding whatsoever, and that she has yet to see such documentation.

“It is funded most of the time coming from foundations — locally and out of state — also friends and supporters,” Silvestry said Thursday. “We don’t receive state funds except local funds from the city. We have an agreement for services with the county.”

Go read the rest as local employers, law enforcement and the mayor respond to other charges by Branster.

And now, in honor of another Austin panelist, Ruthie Hendrycks, who has quite the phobia of Spanish-language radio, we offer the late, great Freddy Fender singing, "Volver, Volver" with a friend 'cause in America, we sing what we want to:

Strib: MN National Guard to receive benefits

As a statement from Congressman Walz's office noted yesterday, nearly National Guard members who had been deployed to Iraq will be getting  "Plus Up" educational benefits. Bottom line in the Strib's report:

The Minnesota congressional delegation, led by Democratic House members Keith Ellison and Tim Walz, urged Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake to fix the problem. In a recent letter to the lawmakers, he agreed to provide the retroactive benefits to the soldiers who had sought them.

Great to know that they will be getting what they--and their families' sacrifices during a long deployment--earned.