A Bluestem Prairie

Monday blizzard digest: school's out edition

Now that the blizzard has subsided and we can once again see our computer screen, we'll try to squeeze out a post before our hooves freeze.

Pat Lowther of Sleepy Eye writes the editors of the New Ulm Journal to say Walz refused pay raise:

TO THE EDITOR:

A recent editorial in the Journal (January 8, 2009) rightly criticized members of Congress for accepting pay raises, ending its critique with the following advice:

"Members of Congress should set a good example by refusing the raises."

That's exactly what First District congressman Tim Walz has done. In fact, Walz has refused a pay raise for two years in a row.

The Rochester Post Bulletin's political reporter Heather Carlson writes in her Political notebook: Congressmen focus on wasteful federal spending:

With the nation's economy in a tailspin and the federal deficit ballooning, two area congressmen are focusing on wasteful spending. . . .

. . .1st District DFL Rep. Tim Walz last week applauded the U.S. House and Senate appropriations committees for approving earmark reforms. Every member of Congress will have to list their earmark requests on their Web sites beginning in fiscal year 2010. Walz has been voluntarily releasing a list of his earmark requests since his first term in 2007.

The Rochester Democrat notes that MoveOn.org will be staging a Political Action at the representative's Rochester office.  MoveOn.org and Walz have had a rather chilly relationship since September 2007, though we don't know--since we're not on the group's email list--what specific items the group will be pushing on this particular visit, focused on federal economic recovery efforts.

And given the weather today--much of Southwestern Minnesota is closed and snow plows were pulled from the roads, the Worthington Globe reported this afternoon--what better song to close this post that a favorite Jim Reeves classic:

Photo: The AP picked up this Mankato Free Press photo of Washington grade school students waiting for a bus after the snowstorm prompted officials to dismiss school early. 

Progressive Movement in Rochester recognized by Take Action Minnesota

The footprint, a sustainable, livable community e-zine, writes in Tim Walz recognizes the footprint: at the Take Action Minnesota Progressive Leadership Awards Dinner last Saturday night:

A section of the program about Rochester: Rochester has a longstanding and politically engaged community of peace activists, a vibrant, powerful labor movement, progressive leadership in the Somali community, a solid history of environmental wins, successful sustainable development advocates and growing organizing in low-income communities.Many individuals and organizations deserve credit for these achievements, including the AFL-CIO SE Area Labor Council, AFSCME Council 5, Coalition for Economic Opportunity, ECCO: Earth Community Coalition of Olmsted County, Livable Rochester, Olmsted County DFL, SEIU Healthcare MN, SE MN Alliance of Peacemakers and UNITE HERE Local 21. Together they are transforming a city that progressives had all but deserted just a few years ago. . . .

The footprint's an interesting site; check it out.  Transit for Living's website posted the entire TAM press release here.  Some excerpts:

In the last six years, politics in Rochester has been undergoing a sea change. After more than 30 years of Republican dominance, in 2004 Rochester elected State Representatives Tina Liebling and Andy Welti. They expanded the Democratic delegation in 2006 with the election of State Representative Kim Norton, State Senator Ann Lynch and, in a surprise win, Congressman Tim Walz.  Expanded margins of victory in 2008 races proved these elections were not a fluke. . . .

. . .“Our recent wins come after years of work” said Abdifatah Abdinur, an organizer and leader Rochester’s Somali Community.  “People knocked on a lot of doors and organized a lot of meetings to get us where we are today.  That people kept pushing, even when the outcome was uncertain, says something about people’s commitment to each other.” . . .

While some observers attribute recent DFL successes in Southern Minnesota to the winsome personalities of the successful candidates, our own interviews of progressive leadership in the district suggests that Abdinur is spot on. There's no "secret weapon" or cult of personality driving the wins; mainly,  hard work and smart planning are fueling Southern Miknnesota's leftward turn, along with some underlying demographic and economic shifts in the region. The service ethic embodied by leaders such as Welti, Liebling and Walz doesn't hurt either.

Rochester area labor leader Laura Askelin has assembled a flickr set of the Progressive Movement in Rochester peeps in action.

Photos from set: Members of Rochester's progressive community at the Take Action Minnesota Progressive Leadership Awards Dinner (above); Union volunteers help contribute supplies as part of flood rebuilding efforts in 2007.

Mid-day digest: broadband edition

Congressman Walz is part of a bi-partisan group of U.S. Representatives who are sticking up for rural telecommunications firms, according to Members of Congress Urge FCC to Postpone Election Day Vote on Telecom, a press release from the Coalition for Affordable Communications that's now posted at Marketwatch. The group:

is an association of rural phone and broadband providers concerned with ensuring that American consumers and businesses continue to enjoy affordable telephone and broadband service. The CAC includes CenturyTel, Consolidated Communications, Embarq, FairPoint Communications, Frontier Communications, Iowa Telecom and Windstream Communications, who collectively serve more than 17 million customers in 42 states.

Potentially higher costs to consumers and the lack of transparency in rule-making  are cited as reasons for delayed the decision and opening up the process for public comment.

The Post Bulletin's Regional news digest reports on federal funding for repairing flood-damaged road in SE Minnesota:

SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA: Federal money will help repair flood-damaged roads and highways

Seven southeastern Minnesota counties will get $7.4 million to repair federal roads and highways damaged in the August 2007 flood.

They are Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted, Steele, Wabasha, Winona and Dodge, according to the office of Rep. Tim Walz, D-Mankato.

A record 15.1 inches of rain fell in 24 hours during the event, and some places recorded substantially more. In addition to flooding thousands of homes and killing seven people, the floods damaged culverts, bridges and piers in many roads.

Walz's pro-active approach to the historic flooding was cited as a reason to support Tim Walz in this morning's endorsement by the Winona Daily News:

. . .And, when southern Minnesota flooded, he rushed to do what he could to help. . . .

The MinnPost notes in Rochester Post-Bulletin picks Walz:

Overshadowed by the Bachmann-Tinklenberg and Madia-Paulsen races, the Tim Walz vs. Brian Davis match in the First Congressional District has been a fascinating fight between lunchbucket DFLer and loyally conservative Republican.

The MSU Reporter says 1st District race pits teacher against physician. A anonoposter at the Mower County Republicans BPOU's new blog believes it's a smear for the Walz campaign to call their candidate "Doctor" Brian Davis. Okay then: glad to see the GOP in Austin has such deep discernment about subversive honorifics.

In the Austin Daily Herald, Tom Weir cuts to the chase in his LTE, Walz will work for veterans:

Tim Walz has been a champion for veterans since he went to Congress, working for an increase in the mileage reimbursement rates for veterans, making sure our soldiers going to Kosovo received combat pay for their service, and supporting the new GI Bill.  We need to make sure that our representative in Congress has actually taken the time to think about issues that are important to us.

In the same paper, Erin Hoban thinks Walz is right for the job. Jack Flinner's LTE, Walz opposed bailout bill, has been published by the Sioux Falls Argus-Leader, which reaches readers in Southwestern Minnesota.

For all those readers who follow the beat of a different drummer, we offer this Rita Moreno classic (brought to our attention by that troublemaker, Jussein):

Walz congressional office: $7.4 Million in Funding for Flood Ravaged Roads

Just in from the Congressional office:

Walz Announces $7.4 Million in Funding for Flood Ravaged Roads

(Southeastern, MN) – Today, Congressman Tim Walz announced a federal grant of $7,461,465 for federal roads and highways damaged by flood waters in August of 2007. The following seven counties were affected by the flooding: Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted, Steele, Wabasha, Winona, and Dodge.

“The flood waters damaged more than 350 locations along federal roadways in southern Minnesota,” said Walz. “The people of southern Minnesota pay their federal taxes. It is comforting to know that we have a federal partner continuing to help us rebuild our communities. The federal government is helping to repair the roads and bridges in these counties so Minnesotans can go about their lives with the confidence that the roads they travel are safe.”

From August 18-20, 2007, a seven county area in southeastern Minnesota sustained heavy flood damage from a continuous rain event. In some locations, up to 18 inches of rain fell over a 48-hour period. A Presidential Declaration of a major disaster was announced on August 23, 2007. The Minnesota Department of Transportation identified over 350 locations of impacts on the Federal-aid system. Types of damage range from complete loss of a bridge to numerous roadbed failures, inslope and backslope failures, loss of shoulders and guardrail, culvert damage, scouring around bridge slopes, piers, and culverts across southeastern Minnesota.

Walz secures federal funds for Owatonna flood mitigation project

A press release from Congressman Walz's office:

Today, Congressman Walz is pleased to announce that he has secured $400,000 in federal funding for the City of Owatonna through the Continuing Resolution which passed Congress last week and signed into law yesterday by the President. After hearing from Owatonna Mayor, Tom Kuntz and local residents of the chronic flooding problems in the city, Walz requested federal funding to protect local residents and businesses from future flood damage.

"This flood mitigation project in Owatonna is the kind of responsible investment people want to see from their federal government," said Walz. "Dozens of homeowners experienced millions of dollars in losses. Owatonna knows how to address this problem; they just need help paying for flood control.  I see my role in Congress as bringing important local priorities like this one to the table and fighting to secure the funding they need."

Owatonna Mayor Tom Kuntz said, "We are ecstatic about receiving $400,000 from the federal government to assist with flood mitigation.  These funds will greatly help improve flood conditions in Owatonna."

Walz concluded, "These flood mitigation projects will protect local businesses, including manufacturing, commercial and retail buildings. Because Owatonna is a regional center, damage to businesses in the area has a spillover affect on surrounding communities."

In 2004, the Owatonna Public Utilities building, which provides service to more than 11,000 customers, was flooded and narrowly escaped serious damage.  The water nearly flooded the electrical substation as well; had that happened, it would have cost the City over $2 million to replace and left thousands of area residents without power at the same time they were trying to recover from the floods. 

Over a three-year period, from June 2004-September 2007, Owatonna experienced more than $10 million in flood damage to public and private buildings.  Most recently, August 2007 heavy rainfall delivered 8-10 inches of rain in hours, damaged 121 homes.

Walz was the sole member of the Minnesota delegation to request the flood control funds for Owatonna.  Walz and other members of the Minnesota delegation worked together to secure the following funds for
other Minnesota priorities:
*    $2 million for the Minnesota National Guard Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program
*    $704,000 for the National Guard's Minnesota Army National Guard Armory Emergency Response Generators 
*    $1.3 million for the Minnesota Helicopter Civil Band Radio Communication
*    $2.224 million for Minnesota Satellite Multi-Modal Collaborative Crisis and Training Network

Federal disaster relief on its way to Southern Minnesota

The work that Congressman Walz, Senator Coleman and Senator Klobuchar did to help secure federal disaster relief for four stricken counties in Southern Minnesota is all over the news. The Post Bulletin reports Mower County gets disaster declaration and Four SE Minnesota counties get federal disaster declaration. The Winona Daily News offers Bush declares 4 Minnesota counties, the Albert Lea Tribune notes President declares Freeborn County disaster area, and KAAL-TV reports Federal Assistance for 4 MN Counties

Mid-day news digest: GOP karoake edition

One of Walz's former students writes to the Mankato Free Press to say Walz would continue to fight:

As a former student of Tim Walz, I would easily and accurately have characterized myself as a fervent “fan-boy” during his first run for Congress. Two years of college and interaction with students much smarter than I have moderated my political views and left me quite disaffected with the ways of Washington. Though my hope in and respect for the current character of American politics has waned, my faith in my former geography teacher has not.

Walz and I have likely parted ways on not a small number of held opinions, but one thing I will vehemently vouch for is this (and one must forgive what seems a contrite remark): Walz is who he is: An independent thinker who will never displace his hopes and cares for southern Minnesota with the political positioning and do-nothing spirit that now plagues our federal government.

His past conduct in Congress inspires great confidence in his current and future ability to effectively parse through the hot air in Washington and to strongly advocate those issues, which he fervently believes to be in the best interest of those he stands for as a representative.

The Pelosis and Obamas of the politics of today can stand aside. Walz will continue to fight for us and us, alone. As far as I am concerned this distinction has earned him another two years in Congress.

Oops! In the Mountain Lake Observer/Butterfield Advocate, yet another GOP letter writer lip syncs the Brian Davis and NRCC song about that Chinese-Cuban drilling urban legend. It's like doing karaoke of the Milli Vanilli of energy policy. 

The writer also doesn't seem to get it that while no new refineries have been built, refinery capacity is up 20 percent, with the equivalent of four new refineries coming on line by 2010, or so those commies at the American Petroleum Institute tell me.The link also leads to an interesting discussion in a separate letter of former GOP leader Dave Jennings' recent remarks at a DFL fundraiser in Morton.

MPR reports that Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston and Mower Counties sustained enough damage in recent flooding to receive FEMA assistance. Congressman Walz, Senators Klobuchar and Coleman pressed for the effort after Governor Pawlenty requested help.

The Faribault County Register reports a federal $95,000 grant put on hold:

A group trying to fix the roof of the old Delavan High School is finding out it’s not quite that easy.

DHS, Inc. volunteers have held numerous fundraisers for the project, raising about $2,000 earlier this year.

The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development recently came to the aid and awarded a “conditional grant” of $95,000 to help pay for repairs.

All was progressing well until the USDA determined the school is a historical building. Then, as required by law, the Minnesota State Historical Preservation Office stepped in.

“It’s been a major struggle,” says Steve Scheid, past president of DHS, Inc. “We just want to fix the leaky roof....

Congressman Walz, State Senator Julie Rosen, and State Rep. Tony Cornoish are trying to help get the project moving forward again..

The Hawaii Reporters notes that Walz is the House author of the companion bill in Welcome Progress on [Senator] Akaka's Pain Care Legislation for veterans.

The Post Bulletin is running a multi-part special report on child abuse. The work of the National Child Protection Training Center, is noted. The refusal of a highly-scored, peer reviewed NCPTC grant application to a DOJ program recently led to a House oversight hearing upon Walz's request.

A letter writer in the Spring Grove Herald notes Tim Walz shows common sense in wanting to devise a  energy strategy, since drilling in closed areas will do little to lower gas prices, government reports show. Americablog notes the link between high oil prices and the return on offshore drilling.

In our comments section about Walz's FISA Bill blog, our friend McPherson Hall noted that comments are allowed.  Interesting responses from Minnesotans. At Corner House Comment, the parent of an Iraq War veteran laments the human of passing the new GI Bill in New GI Bill A Reality?.

And now, for those who missed the lip syncing brilliance of the 1980s, here's Milli Vanilli's classic, "Girl, You Know It's True"  going out to the GOP base.

KTTC interview with Senator Klobuchar

We usually concentrate on Congressman Walz, but this video of Senator Klobuchar at KTTC is an interesting interview. Klobuchar was in the Austin area in check out flood damage; she. Walz and Senator Coleman are pushing for federal flood assistance.

The Austin Herald reported Klobuchar visits Austin  before flood relief push next week; she toured the area on Saturday. the Post Bulletin covered the tourt in Klobuchar to survey flood damage in Austin area. Both articles mention Congressman Walz visited Austin on June 13.

Austin flood mitigation projects: the role of public works

No natural disaster is ever a good thing, but we can learn valuable lessons from them. Reading around the web this morning, we're struck by the role earlier flood mitigation projects helped lessen the impact of flooding in Austin this past week.

Mayor Tom Stiehm writes in City has come a long way, a column about the recent flood:

I experienced my first Austin flood July 7, 1978. We were told at the time that it was a 100-year event. Ten days later we had our next 100-year flood, and the next one was five years later in 1983. We have had seven floods since 1978. They are no longer referred to as hundred year events.

In 2004, the water in Austin measured at the Wastewater Treatment Plant crested at the 25-foot level. Last weekend it was 22.5 feet. In 1978 when the level was 20.3, the city of Austin was brought to its knees, and it took weeks for things to get back to normal. At 22.5 feet last week, our city was pretty much up and running the next day. Many homes in town suffered much damage, including sewer back-ups and ground water. For the people who live in those homes, this was still a heart-wrenching event.. . .

. . .Last weekend, Congressman Tim Walz, Senator Norm Coleman, and Governor Tim Pawlenty have visited Austin to view the flood damage. They were all impressed with what the city has accomplished so far with our flood mitigation program.

Among the efforts being made are the formation of the Cedar River Watershed. The goal of the Watershed is to reduce the flow from the Cedar River during high water events by up to 20 percent. That alone would have translated to a high water mark of about 18 inches during our last flood. Most of this reduction would be brought about by changing land use upstream from Austin.

The half-percent sales tax has brought in approximately $1.2 million so far.  This is above expectations.

Fifteen homes have been moved from the Wildwood Park area and the sewer infrastructure was improved so there was little or no damage in the Wildwood area this time.

Along with scattered site acquisitions, Jim’s Super Valu and the Eagles were relocated and spared.

Also, the North Main structural mitigation project is underway adjacent to Packer Arena.

The berms that protect our Wastewater Treatment Plant have also been improved so that we will hopefully never suffer like Mason City did. . . .

. . .Floods are obviously something out of our control, and we will always have high water events. The City has accomplished much, and we are still working hard to try and minimize the damage to Austin.

Some of the funds for the projects come from state bonding money or federal funds (for asbestos removal when buildings are removed, for example), but a significant part comes from a local sales tax Austin voters approved in 2006. The Post Bulletin reported (via Nexis; sorry, no active link)

In its first month of existence, Austin'shalf-cent sales and use tax, which began April 1, generated $37,000 for flood  projects in the city, Finance Director Tom Dankert said.

Transferred on Friday from the state of Minnesota to the city of Austin, that amount only accounts for Austin businesses that file sales-tax revenue monthly, Dankert said. Some businesses file quarterly.

On Monday, the city also received a $3.16 million grant for floodprojects from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources that originates from the Legislature's 2006 bonding bill, City Engineer Jon Erichson said.

Money from the half-cent tax only can be used for flood-mitigationprojects, including raising the local 50-percent match for state grants.

All items subject to the state's 6.5 percent sales tax are affected by the local-option tax, with the exception of motor-vehicle sales.

City officials have estimated the half-cent tax, which is limited to 20 years, will generate $700,000 a year, which would raise $14 million in 20 years.

Under those projections, the city should earn about $58,000 a month from the half-cent tax, Dankert said, although the monthly amount can vary.

After Austin's record flood in September 2004, the city created a comprehensive plan with $28 million worth of projects to prevent further flood devastation.

A year ago, legislators voted to approve the city of Austin's request to hold a referendum on the half-cent tax. In November, Austin voters approved the tax 5,465 to 3,186.

With a focus on the North Main Street area, the city is poised to do more than $6 million in projects this year and in 2008. . . .

(Post Bulletin, June 14, 2007)

Minnesota Representative Jeanne Poppe writes in Recent Flooding in Austin:

. . .This past weekend we had visits from government officials concerned about the city’s well-being.  On Friday, I rode the bus with Congressman Tim Walz to see first-hand how the flood impacted the area and how mitigation strategies of the past few years effectively diverted the water flow and reduced the sewage back-up for many homeowners.  At city hall on Saturday I attended a meeting with Senator Norm Coleman who commented that Austin is a model city for its work on flood mitigation efforts.  He pledged to continue to work with the city and state elected officials and the congressional delegation. 

Then on the morning of Father’s Day, Governor Pawlenty flew into town and got a ground-level tour to see how state bonding dollars have been spent.  Once again this year Austin is one of the cities slated to receive grant dollars from the Dept of Natural Resources (DNR) for flood hazard mitigation.  Over the years, the emphasis has been on assisting homeowners who have had repetitive flood damage.  In 2005, I authored a bill at the state legislature allowing Austin to tax itself through a local option sales tax and to use those dollars for specific plans to protect homeowners and businesses.   Austin citizens indicated their strong support for helping to solve the problem and we now need to continue to get dollars from DNR and the Dept of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to complete the projects. 

Also in the 2008 bonding bill our region and more specifically the Turtle Creek Watershed and Cedar River Watershed districts will each receive $1 million dollars to create retention ponds and natural habitat collection areas to help slow the waters as they flow into Austin. 

The recent flooding highlights the continued need and should help us receive the dollars to finish our efforts.

Disaster relief, such as that which will accompany the Presidential declaration Congressman Walz has requested with Senators Klobuchar and Coleman, is an appropriate role for government (see the Post Bulletin story Legislators seek federal aid for Mower flood damage for details). So, too, are flood mitigation projects.

No federal earmarks for Austin were included in Walz's most recent round of request, but there are several other flood mitigation projects in the request, including help for Houston, Fillmore and Winona Counties, as well as money for Owatonna. 

The Owatonna People's Press called the latter An Earmark That Makes Sense and wrote:

. . .there are times when the projects are worthwhile. The earmark that Mr. Walz has proposed for Owatonna is one such case. What makes it important is that it is not a bridge to nowhere, but funds which will help a community prevent flooding and help residents keep their homes from being damaged. Keeping people and their property safe from the ravages of Mother Nature seems a worthwhile goal for the government.

The local and state partnership (assisted by some federal dollars) in Austin is an another example of that worthwhile goal in action.

 

 

Walz, Coleman and Klobuchar request quick action on flood relief

One of those pesks at IDHA is back and beat us to the punch on posting this press release. Next thing you know, that punk kid Jason B. will be cutting across our lawn:

WALZ, KLOBUCHAR, COLEMAN URGE QUICK ACTION FROM BUSH ON DISASTER
DECLARATION

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, Congressman Tim Walz, Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Norm Coleman asked President Bush to quickly issue a Presidential Disaster Declaration for four southern Minnesota counties severely damaged by recent flooding. 

The request by members of Minnesota's Congressional delegation followed an official submission by Governor Pawlenty that requested federal assistance to help respond to the flooding of June 7-8th and 11-12th that severely impacted Houston, Fillmore, Mower and Freeborn counties. The four counties sustained an estimated $8.3 million in damage due to
the flooding. 

"Time and again, the residents and businesses of southern Minnesota have had their communities turned upside down by severe flooding," said Rep.Tim Walz.  "Some residents of this area are still recovering from last year's floods, only to find themselves back in the same position.  Help from the federal government is essential to getting residents of these
communities back on their feet."

"At a time like this, local communities should not be expected to fend for themselves,'' Klobuchar said. "The federal government has an essential role to support communities as they recover and rebuild. The people and businesses in this area are clearly going to need some assistance and we need to get it there as soon as possible."

"Severe weather has once again hit Southern Minnesota extremely hard, and federal assistance is greatly needed," said Coleman. "Between last fall's devastating floods and last week's massive rainfall and tornadoes, these communities have had considerable personal and material loss, in addition to significant agricultural damage. It is my hope President Bush will listen to our concerns and issue a Disaster Declaration in order for FEMA to start supplementing state and local recovery efforts in these flood-stricken areas."

The text of the letter follows below the fold.

Early evening news digest: financial report edition

In Officials should follow through with promises, the Austin Daily Herald makes a good point in plain American which cats and dogs can read:

State officials converged on Austin over the weekend, with U.S. Rep. Tim Walz on Friday, U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman on Saturday and Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Sunday.

The three met with Mayor Tom Stiehm, city engineer Jon Erichson, Rep. Jeanne Poppe, Sen. Dan Sparks and others to discuss the 2008 flood, and what prevention has been implemented and what is planned for the future.

Officials commended Austin for remaining in the forefront of flood mitigation and being proactive since floods in 1978 and 2004 devastated the city.

Though the community is grateful for their visits and apparent concern for Austin’s situation, we hope these officials follow through with their promises to secure both state and federal funding.

Austin’s half-cent sales tax will offset some expenses — flood mitigation is very expensive — and the city has made this their No. 1 priority.

A collapsed culvert in Oakland Township that took the life of one flood victim will likely not receive Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding because it doesn’t qualify, and Freeborn County will be hit with an unexpected $200,000 to fix the ongoing problem. It may take some time for FEMA to assess damaged areas in Austin.

Federal and state funding will help accelerate mitigation.

This may require earmarks--and the leaders who will seek them.  The paper also reports Flood clean-up volunteers still needed.

In other news, the Walzes have learned is that the cost of credit cards charges is a bear. No wonder he's such a big supporter of PAYGO. WCCO reports:

The freshman Minnesota Democrat and his wife report owing between $75,000 and $165,000 on three credit cards. Those figures are on Walz' latest congressional financial disclosure form, which requires lawmakers to list figures only in broad ranges.

They also owe between $100,000 and $250,000 on a mortgage, and between $50,000 to $100,000 on a line of credit, for a rental unit in Mankato. The rental unit is valued at between $250,000 and $500,000.

Walz' spokeswoman Meredith Salsbery says that the Walzes are not wealthy people. She also notes that Walz did not draw a salary for most of 2006, when he took a leave of absence from his teaching job to run for Congress.

The home mortgage is smaller, but the credit card debt is up from last year's report, summarized in a Minnesota Independent story last month:

Among Walz's liabilities: a home mortgage valued at between $250,000 and $500,000, a home equity loan estimated at $50,000 to $100,000, and three different credit card debts running between $10,000 and $50,000.

In The Nifty Fifty House Party - Part X: Minnesota, Texas blogger Kyle Stanley lowballs the Walz campaign fundraising:

District 1 (S-Factor 0.5 GOP): When Gil Gutknecht ran in 1994, he promised voters in this southern Minnesota district (Rochester, Mankato, and the Mayo Clinic) he would serve no more than six terms. Gutknecht chose to run for a seventh, and his ploy backfired in his 2006 defeat to Tim Walz, a teacher, coach and retired member of the National Guard from Mankato. Since then, well over half-a-million has been raised by Walz, the more moderate of the 2007 newcomers from Minnesota. Republicans (and the NRCC) have coalesced around Mayo Clinic physician Brian Davis, but State Senator Dick Day will march on to the primary. Wonder if this will make things a little dicey for the GOP. Prediction: Favor DFL.

Walz has raised over $1.5 million in the cycle, and had $1 milion cash on hand at the close of the fist quarter. Davis, on the other hand, had $50,000 COH (and $10,000 in debts to venders), while Day closed the quarter with $72,000.    That more complete picture paints a somewhat different story.

We're looking forward to the June 20 monthly reports from parties and some PACS, as well as the July 15 quarterly reports from candidate committees.

Farm Policy picks up on the Worthington Globe article about last week's Farm Bill Forum.

Edweek's Campaign K-12 blog notes Walz's Halt NCLB Bill:

Rep. Timothy J. Walz, D-Minn., a freshman and former teacher who won his seat in an upset victory in 2006, is co-sponsoring a bill that would suspend the accountability provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act, according to my colleague, David Hoff, over at NCLB Act II.

If that sounds like a bold move for someone facing a potentially tough re-election battle ... it actually, well, isn't. At least two of the three Republicans vying to take on Walz in the general election have said they would scrap the NCLB law, according to this news report. Still, it's telling that, at least in this contested congressional district in a swing state, the candidates seem to have a similar take on the NCLB law. Namely, that it's not working.

I'm not sure yet if that sentiment is unique to Minnesota--nearly every member of the state's congressional delegation opposed the law even back in 2001--or if it's a trend that will play out in tough races nationwide.

We don't think this will be a "tough" race. As for Minnesota not liking NCLB, we think that's dislike is in  part a consequence of the state's long tradition of local control of schools, as well as the bad taste left by the "profiles of learning" debacle.

In Walz Digs Graves (Sam Graves, the Republican author), the Swift and Able independent NCLB blog reports that the Hispanic caucus isn't pleased with the bill.

Not political news, but the Blueman has a great storm photo and video up in A Stormy Weekend. We didn't get hit by the storms, but were bothered by some rather annoying skeeters and other pests. Such is  a Minnesota summer.

Afternoon news and netroots digest: Flag Day edition

Today is Flag Day. Though not an official holiday, the day is celebrated widely. Many find that this is a good time to "retire" flags that have become soiled, worn or torn and to replace them with new ones.

Yesterday, Congressman Walz, along with House Ag committee chair Peterson, held a Farm Bill forum in Fairmont. We don't know if the Fairmont Sentinel covered the event, since no news from today's issue has been posted to its site. Fortunately, the Worthington Globe was there, and the paper's ag reporter, Julie Buntjer, does her usual great work in Peterson, Walz tout farm bill

Buntjer reports:

It isn’t a perfect bill by any means, but Congressmen Tim Walz of Minnesota’s 1st District and Collin Peterson of the [7th] District say the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (also known as the Farm Bill) is “pretty good.”

Speaking before a crowd of more than 60 farmers and agribusiness people at the Red Rock Center for the Arts in downtown Fairmont Friday, the House Agriculture Committee freshman member Walz and committee chairman Peterson say there is much more work to be done.

The article cites differing opinions about the bill from corn growers and hog producers, while the Nobles County Farmers Union president praises COOL. However, the MFU president warns that if corn prices slide, the safety net base price is now lower than the cost of production, and a commodity price collapse would cause ruin for many farmers.

KEYC-TV reports in Walz Holds Farm Bill Forum:

Members of Congress met in Farimont today to discuss the passing of the Farm Bill with area farmers. Congressman Tim Walz joined House Agriculture Committee Chair Collin Peterson at the forum to listen to Southern Minnesota farmers talk about how the farm bill will not only benefit them, but how it ultimately impacts the entire country. And while Farmers understand what's involved in the complex bill the rest of the country isn't aware of all the things the bill involves. At today's forum, farmers from all industries thanked Congressman Tim Walz and Collin Peterson for their efforts toward the passage of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act, better known as the ''Farm Bill''. . . .

There's more and video as well at the link.

The Post Bulletin reports Officials arrive to survey flood damage.  An Austin Daily Herald columnist notes Walz's visit to Austin in Don't mess with Mother Nature.  Just posted is Coleman praises Austin for flood prevention efforts. He told the press:

Coleman told Mower County and Freeborn County officials that farmers, on the other hand, did not fare as well.

“There is extensive agricultural damage in this region,” he said.

Coleman said he will push for federal funding, and enlist the help of U.S. Reps. Amy Klobachar and Tim Walz, who toured Austin Friday.

“Crises like this — in spite of the bickering you see at the legislative level — these are not partisan,” Coleman said.

City engineer Jon Erichson informed Coleman the 2008 flood is the third-worst on record; all three have occurred since 2000.

“FEMA is crunching numbers now,” said Erichson, who accompanied the agency on tours Friday.

Erichson explained the city’s future plans for flood mitigation, with the next phase being North Main Street. The project is scheduled to begin in 2009-10.

“Right now, that is our No. 1 goal,” he said. “All these projects are very expensive."

It should safe for tonight's  Republican pizza party meet & greet tonight in Austin, though we caution against drinking the Kool-Aid some sipped after last August's floods.

Over at MNBlue, The Big E looks at MN implications from NRCC embezzlement scandal, sharing the implications for Walz:

So first off, the NRCC will most likely have to forget about challenging Tim Walz. Walz already has a substantial fundraising lead plus a dedicated grassroots base willing to do the same thing they did in 2006. Don't forget that many, many Republicans voted Democrat in 2006 and if anything the Republican brand has been trashed even more by the Bush Administration in the intervening months.

Then consider the Republican MN-01 challengers anemic fundraising so far. Brian Davis raised $28,000 in the first quarter and made a $8,000 contribution to his own campaign. Dick Day barely raised $16,000. Conversely, Walz raised over $350,000 during the same period.

Obviously, we'll know more in July when they file their quarterly returns, but I'm giving even odds that Walz continues to whup them in the fundraising department.

Looks like Davis may get a little change put in his plate when McSame comes to the Twin Cities next week for a fundraiser. The Strib's Bob von Sternberg writes in John McCain to visit Minnesota next week:

The Arizona senator will hold a fundraiser Thursday at the Hilton hotel in downtown Minneapolis that carries a top ticket price of $50,000.

Individuals or couples who contribute that amount will get to attend a private reception with McCain, have a photo taken with him and attend a dinner that will be the event's centerpiece.

Other tickets are available for $20,000, $2,300 and $1,000, with access to the candidate diminishing with the dollar amount.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be shared by McCain's campaign and "Minnesota Victory '08," an umbrella effort aimed at helping other Republican candidates on the ballot, said Ben Golnik, McCain's regional coordinator.

"Minnesota Victory '08" is the same fund that benefited from Cheney's visit earlier in the month.  We're curious to see how much of this cash will be funneled directly to the hapless Doc Davis's campaign and how much will go to coordinated party efforts on the part of federal candidates. After all, the endorsed First District Republican told the Post Bulletin after the Cheney fundraiser:

Reached today, Davis said he was invited and was "happy to go to venues where I can interact with the loyal party base that attend these events." He said there was no direct fundraising for his campaign. . .

We're off to a friend's farm for supper and a bonfire, and will resume posts in the morning.

Walz touring Austin flood; staff preparing for FEMA help

Update: The Austin Herald reports on Walz's visit to Austin today here.

We must say: the reporter is being pretty cynical in this lead, since Saturday and Sunday haven't happened yet:

Flood waters have receded in Austin, but not the number of politicians.

Congressman Tim Walz was here Friday [BSP note: i.e. today] , Sen. Norm Coleman Saturday and then Gov. Tim Pawlenty Sunday.

In the span of 72 hours, a congressman, senator and governor all visited Austin after flood waters started to recede dramatically.

We're wondering if Coleman will be taking in Brian Davis's pizza party Saturday night in Austin. Just curious. 'Cause after all, there's nothing that makes people want to support Republicans more than a little flooding. [end update]

MPR reports in Walz prepares for FEMA relief that Walz and his staff are anticipating that FEMA will be providing flood relief for Southeastern Minnesota counties covered by Pawlenty's disaster declarations:

As southern Minnesota deals with the flooding, Walz said the area may be in line for disaster help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA officials toured flood-ravaged parts of southeast Minnesota Thursday. Walz said his office is preparing to secure emergency flood aid from the federal government.

"We are proactively working under the assumption that that estimate will be above the threshold necessary to trigger federal help," said Walz. "So we're doing all the preliminary things to get ready for that ahead of time so the minute that review is done we'll put everything into play and make sure we're there all the way along the line."

Walz will be touring Austin this afternoon, the Post Bulletin reports in Austin underwater again; flood is city's 3rd worst.  The paper has video here. The Worthington Globe reports Flooding in Austin, Minn., revives memories of 2004 floods.

Those who wish to help  can learn how in the Austin Daily Herald article Volunteers needed for flood clean up:

Due to the recent flooding and the extensive damage in the county, the United Way is helping the Red Cross coordinate volunteers for clean up.

Anyone wishing to volunteer or in need of assistance should contact the United Way of Mower County at [507] 437-2313. We will match needs with volunteers. Any amount of time you have to volunteer is greatly appreciated. There are many individuals in our community who need assistance after this disaster.

The Red Cross will be helping assess damage in the community and assist homeowners who have been displaced by this flood. If your home has suffered extensive damage please call the Red Cross at [507] 437-4589.

Many communities in Mower County were affected by recent flooding and assistance is needed county wide.

Lend a hand if you can.

 

 

Walz to tour flood damage tomorrow in Austin

In a just concluded press call from Washington, Congressman Walz praised the work of local and state officials in responding to the floods and tornadoes that have hit the district. He'll be flying out late tonight in order to tour the Austin area--I-90 has just been closed because of flooding--and anticipates going to other afflicted areas over the weekend.

He was pleased with Governor Pawlenty's swift disaster declaration and anticipates that the FEMA crews assessing the damage will certify the area as eligible for federal disaster relief.

Walz reminded reporters that his staff gained a lot of experience in dealing with disaster programs during last August's floods, and is ready to help. Constituents with questions should call 1-877-TIM-WALZ.

He asked that people keep those affected in their thoughts and prayers, and warned that more bad weather may be on tap for this weekend. We anticipate that the Congressman might have to miss a parade or two, but we think the sensible and compassionate people in the First will understand.

Update: The Star Tribune reports Man dies after driving into flood waters in southern Minnesota; MPR notes Pawlenty 'taken aback' by flood damage in southern Minnesota. Hormel Foods Corporate Offices South have been evacuated.

Here's a video clip from KTTC-TV (the 15-second ad is part of it; sorry):

Photo: Sandbagging in Austin, Minnesota. You know it's really bad when the  Salvation Army itself has to be saved from rising waters.

Windsurfers thrilled by challenges of prairie tornadoes

Cows may be flying in the high winds,  but the windsurfers are loving the weather in Worthington--and the area itself. The Worthington Globe reports:

“We’ve really stepped it up a notch,” said Bill Keitel, vice president of U.S. Windsurfing and a co-founder of Worthington’s annual Regatta. “Five years ago, we were a little light on wind. But this year — when was the last time you windsurfed the edge of a tornado? I’ve had people say we’ve been in hurricanes before, but never a tornado.”

Myles Borash, of Marblehead, Mass., a three-time national windsurfing champion making his first trip to Worthington, has participated in the sport for 26 years and competed in roughly 15 nationals events.

“I’ve never heard that before,” Borash said of a tornado siren during a day of competition.. . .

. . .Borash also enjoyed being in Worthington on opening day and said he was impressed with the community.

“It’s a very, very nice group of people here,” said Borash, who added he enjoyed Minnesota’s topography. “I’m very impressed with the landscape in Minnesota — it’s beautiful. I drove down from Minneapolis, off the interstate on state highways, and you can see why when people migrated west, they would stop in Minnesota.”

Borash, who resides 15 miles north of Boston near the Atlantic Ocean, said sailing on a body of water such as Lake Okabena presents challenges that differ from ocean racing.

“Lake winds are gusty and shifty,” said Borash, a veterinarian by trade. “They change very quickly on you. … Wind coming up over the land gets broken up by buildings, houses and trees.”

High winds limited Borash to just two Formula Class races Wednesday.

“I couldn’t do three of the races, because I just don’t have the strength anymore,” he said. “There were gusts that would just lift you up out of the water and slam you down.”

Any guy with a boat could tell you that. Toto too.

Photo: Coastal values? In this picture swiped from the Globe, racers compete in a Regatta heat.

Tornadoes spotted in Southern Minnesota

Curious about the the storms drenching us, we flipped on KEYC-TV just now since the low-hanging wall clouds can't be good.  No regularly scheduled shows are running, just some pretty serious weather coverage. One of Watonwan County's official weather trackers is calling in,and funnels have been spotted in the county, including a touchdown northeast of Ormsby, a tiny town just north of the Martin County line.

It's a huge storm. Just now, we could hear the sirens in Mankato being picked up by the mikes at the television station.   Take cover, especially those good folks at Minnesota Central.

Update: KEYC-TV reports that a tornado briefing touched down between New Ulm and Lafayette. Fortunately, all of the tornadoes in Southern Minnesota haven't stayed on the ground for longer, so far.

It's raining buckets here now.

Update #2: WCCO has more.  The rain is easing off, but the sky directly south is a really odd green-gray. Not good.

Update #3: Another tornado was reported, south of Winthrop. We're just on the edge of the storm now: we've opened window and can hear the robins and chipping sparrows sing. To the southeast of town, a dark churning sky.  Still pretty noisy. Smaller storms are still forming; it should be a wet night--though hopefully not too wild.

Update #4: Reports are coming in that four have died and forty were injured when a tornado ripped through a Boy Scout camp in western Iowa. The campers at the Little Sioux Ranch, mid-way between Omaha and Sioux City, were attending leadership training. Keep them and their families in your prayers.

The camp is in Iowa's fifth congressional district, represented by Steve King. The fatal tornadoes that struck Iowa earlier this year touched down in the state's first district, represented by Bruce Braley  in northwestern Iowa.