How difficult is it being Randy Gilbert--or Scott Newman and Dan Severson?
Consider, if you will, this article in the Bemidji Pioneer, Beltrami GOP event draws some big names: Mills, Westrom, others attend.
After sharing the insights of the congressional candidates (three paragraphs for Westrom; five for Mills), the paper considers the wisdom endorsed Republican Supreme Court candidate Michelle MacDonald, lately acquitted of DUI charges:
Macdonald speaks on convictions
State Supreme Court candidate MacDonald was convicted in Dakota County on Wednesday of refusing a sobriety test and resisting arrest, but was found not guilty of fourth-degree DWI. The charges stemmed from a April 2013 traffic stop and led to a rift with the state Republican Party, key members of which were unaware of the charges when they endorsed Macdonald as a candidate.
In response to a question from the Pioneer on Thursday on whether her convictions would affect her campaign, Macdonald said no.
“I don’t believe they will, no. They absolutely should not,” Macdonald said. “Because I’m… fighting for justice. When you do that, sometimes there’s a lot of pushback, in particular... from law enforcement and even the lawyers and that kind of thing.”
Previous media reports indicate MacDonald intends to appeal the convictions.
As for the endorsed Republican candidates for constitutional offices, here's what readers learn:
Other candidates who spoke Thursday included Bill Kuisle, running for lieutenant governor, Randy Gilbert, running for state auditor, Dan Severson, running for secretary of state, Scott Newman, running for state attorney general and Dave Hancock, running for Minnesota House of Representatives. GOP candidate for governor, Jeff Johnson, could not attend because of scheduling conflicts. Also not attending was Mike McFadden, who is running against Sen. Al Franken.
Also rans and no shows. Heckova September.
Update: a friend shared this email from MacDonald about the Bemidji event and the Pioneer coverage:
Hi. It’s Michelle MacDonald.
Pastor Martin Niemoller said:
“First they came for the Socialists, and I didn’t speak out. Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out ----because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out ---because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me ---- and there was no one left to speak for me.”
This famous statement is about the cowardice of German intellectuals following the Nazis’ rise to power.
I promise you I am not a coward.
I was welcomed with support by the people at the GOP event in Bemidji, with a standing room only crowd where I spoke. My point was we talk about less government (which includes the third branch ---- judges --- who’s orders affect the lives of millions) ---- and the fact is we have virtually no private sector, and big government, when it should be the other way around.
All of us endorsed candidates present agree --- me, Dan Severson, Scott Newman, Randy Gilbert, Bill Kuisie (for Jeff Johnson) Dave Hancock, Torrey Westrom and Stewart Mills --- that we need to keep our stand for less government, and upholding constitutional and civil rights.
I felt overwhelmed with support from the people there, many of them who heard my speech at the Republican Convention. I have been campaigning since I walked off the stage.
The Bemidji Pioneer, Zach Kayser reported (even though I neglected to give him my “reporter’s oath” ---- but he got it right) when he asked me if my conviction would affect my campaign. I said “no”. My conviction is for Justice.
Because I am fighting for justice, I told Mr. Kayser, “When you do that sometimes there’s a lot of push back, in particular from law enforcement and even the lawyers and that kind of thing.”
He got that right too.
I will be at the following locations this weekend please stop by and say hello, I would love to meet you:
Duluth September 20, 2014 @ 5:30 p.m.
Congressional District 8 Fundraiser
5th Annual Reagan Dinner
Lake Superior Ballroom
350 Harbor Drive
Duluth, Minnesota 55802
Parade: September 21, 2014 @ 12:30 p.m.
Eat and Greet Applefest Parade
Appleton Fair Grounds
City of Appleton
323 West Schlieman Ave
Appleton MN 56208 [End Update]
Image: Talk about the elephant in the room.
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