Practical Politician

Note to North Korea: "Yes We Can"

2010-11-24T06:59:00.001-08:00

Since the U.S. won tougher sanctions against North Korea at the UN Security Council this past year, the mood has been busy. The North Korean's busied themselves with building the most modern nuclear enrichment facility ever. In response, U.S. busied itself with ignoring North Korea. North Korea has not been "too terribly taken" with this approach. So earlier this week it salvoed 175 rounds of artillery at an innocent little South Korean fishing Village, killing two South Korean Marines.

Thus far North Korea continues to commit the tactic of throwing child like tantrums screaming "you can't keep ignoring us."

To which President Obama responds, "Yes we can!"

Although admittedly, we will now be ignoring you from much closer range. As we are about to park the nimitz-class super carrier U.S.S. George Washington on your front door step.

Note to North Korea "Yes We Can" ignore you. Also, you should consider us ignoring you a gift because god help you once we decide to stop ignoring you!

What Dayton got Right!

2010-08-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Dayton

Self financed
Spot on Political Messaging to the Exact Constituency

Focus on Seniors
Focus on NE MN (Iron Range)
He even picked a "Ranger" for Lt. Governor

'Known Political Entity'

High Name ID

“Tax the Rich” Closest concept to budget solution

Easy to understand
Populist Msg
Personally / Politically Expedient

He told what he would protect…Education
Connected tax increases to education

A concept that works for most Minnesotan's
"Ill gladly pay more taxes if it means a better education"
This analysis presented as what Dayton got right to win a majority of DFL Primary voters and does not represent any indication as to whether Practical Politician or its authors agree with the content or viability of said arguments, philosophies, or political rhetoric.

First Lady’s Spain Vacation Draws Criticism

2010-08-09T12:48:00.001-07:00

Plain and simple. The criticism of the First Lady taking a vacation is unwarranted from my prospective. If she wants to fly to her daughter and close friends to Spain, who am I to comment or criticize. She is a private citizen, she has every right. As to the costs, well the costs could be the same even if she did choose the some spot in the U.S. For example, when the Obama's fly from DC to Hawaii that flight is further and presumably costs more than a trip to Spain.

Give it up chronic complainers!

August 6, 2010
First Lady’s Spain Vacation Draws Criticism
By PETER BAKER and RAPHAEL MINDER
WASHINGTON — There is nothing like a little Mediterranean beach vacation to unwind. Unless you happen to travel with dozens of Secret Service agents, trailed by photographers and dogged by controversy.

Michelle Obama hoped to enjoy a quiet summer break in southern Spain with her younger daughter and a few friends. But the Andalusian getaway has gotten away from her as the European media document her every flamenco dance step and critics back home question the wisdom of such a lavish vacation, which involves at least some taxpayer money, in a time of austerity.

As Mrs. Obama and her entourage toured the picturesque southern city of Ronda on Saturday, the blogosphere has been filled with commentary about what many saw as a tone-deaf trip in the same week the United States reported the loss of 131,000 more jobs. “A modern-day Marie Antoinette,” scolded a New York Daily News columnist.

The White House was reluctant to discuss Mrs. Obama’s trip. The only official comment came from Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, at a briefing last week when he said that Mrs. Obama “is a private citizen and is the mother of a daughter on a private trip. And I think I’d leave it at that.”

Privately, officials note that the first lady is paying for her own room, food and transportation, and the friends she brought will pay for theirs as well. The government pays for security, and the Secret Service, not the first lady, determines what is needed.

Officials said some reports of the trip had been exaggerated. Mrs. Obama is not traveling with 40 friends, one official said, but with two friends and four of their daughters, as well as a couple of aides and a couple of advance staff members. The staff is with her because she will pay a courtesy call on King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía on the island of Majorca on Sunday before flying home to Washington.

Every first lady in modern times has flown on government planes with a sizable security detail, and it is hard to pinpoint the cost to taxpayers. The Air Force jet she flew costs $11,351 per hour to operate, according to several reports, meaning a 14-hour round trip would cost nearly $160,000. The first lady would reimburse only the equivalent of first-class commercial tickets for herself and her daughter Sasha, the rest of the seats being occupied mainly by Secret Service. Officials said their friends flew on separate commercial flights.

Laura Bush took vacations without her husband each year of George W. Bush’s presidency, traveling with her Secret Service detail on a government plane to meet friends for camping in national parks. But that never generated as much furor, in part because vacationing in the United States is not as politically delicate for American leaders and their families as doing so in foreign countries.

The Obama family traveled to Acadia National Park in Maine in July and plans to spend time in the Gulf of Mexico and on Martha’s Vineyard this month.

“It’s always very difficult to lead a private life when you’re a public person,” said Anita McBride, who was Mrs. Bush’s chief of staff. “No one would deny any of our hard-working public officials an opportunity for a vacation. Everybody needs that. But I think the more expensive or lavish a trip might be perceived, the more criticism you invite.”

While some Americans frown, the Spanish eagerly welcomed the Obama group, seeing it as a boost for a tourism sector severely hit by the country’s economic downturn. Since her landing at Málaga’s airport on Wednesday, Spanish media have covered the first lady’s trip almost minute by minute, from a tour of the Alhambra palace to a stop at an ice cream shop.

Their Andalusian stay was to end Saturday night with a charity dinner organized and attended by celebrities like Eva Longoria Parker and Antonio Banderas.

Mrs. Obama and friends have been staying at the five-star Hotel Villa Padierna near Marbella, where at least 30 rooms were reserved for the entourage, including those for security. The hotel is one of Spain’s more luxurious establishments, with rooms ranging from $500-a-night to a $6,600 suite with 24-hour butler service.

The Spanish excitement grew so much that the media reported one study claiming the publicity from her visit would be worth $1 billion for a country. The attention has gotten so intense that the Spanish newspaper El País chastised local authorities for showing a “puerile enthusiasm” for the visit.

Peter Baker reported from Washington, and Raphael Minder from Madrid.

Simple Politics of Citizen's United

2010-04-13T13:09:00.001-07:00

Union Dues Dollars and Corporate Revenues, What's the difference?

Lost in the objections to Citizen's United is the fact that the unions have long since been able to raise PAC money directly from union dues which comes directly from union members paycheck without any choice. Citizens United argues that corporations should be given the same right to free speech through contributions. Arguing, that unions and corporations alike are really just organized individuals! Hard to argue with that kind of logic, unless you are a Democrat and are facing losing your long held competitive advantage!

Democrats want to squash the decision, striking tones of the tryanny of large corporate evils, reinforce any residual pangs of populism, and paint the Republicans as purveyors of excessive corporate influence pedaling. Meanwhile simultaneously reserving the right to use union raised dues dollars for both hard and soft money purposes.

Republicans want the opinion affirmed, striking tones of fairness, evoking the constitution and widely applying what would otherwise be an individual right to that of the many.

Q. If Unions are a collection of Individuals than how are Corporations different?

Q. How would you decide?

GOP warns Obama over SCOTUS litmus test on Citizens United - TheHill.com

2010-04-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

GOP warns Obama over SCOTUS litmus test on Citizens United - TheHill.com

Health Care Reform Passes -- What's in the Bill?

2010-03-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

Cost:

* $940 billion over ten years.

Deficit:

*

Would reduce the deficit by $143 billion over the first ten years. That is an updated CBO estimate. Their first preliminary estimate said it would reduce the deficit by $130 billion over ten years. Would reduce the deficit by $1.2 billion dollars in the second ten years.

Read more on the CBO Report

Coverage:

* Would expand coverage to 32 million Americans who are currently uninsured.

Health Insurance Exchanges:

* The uninsured and self-employed would be able to purchase insurance through state-based exchanges with subsidies available to individuals and families with income between the 133 percent and 400 percent of poverty level.
* Separate exchanges would be created for small businesses to purchase coverage -- effective 2014.
* Funding available to states to establish exchanges within one year of enactment and until January 1, 2015.

Subsidies:

* Individuals and families who make between 100 percent - 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and want to purchase their own health insurance on an exchange are eligible for subsidies. They cannot be eligible for Medicare, Medicaid and cannot be covered by an employer. Eligible buyers receive premium credits and there is a cap for how much they have to contribute to their premiums on a sliding scale.

Federal Poverty Level for family of four is $22,050

Paying for the Plan:

* Medicare Payroll tax on investment income -- Starting in 2012, the Medicare Payroll Tax will be expanded to include unearned income. That will be a 3.8 percent tax on investment income for families making more than $250,000 per year ($200,000 for individuals).
* Excise Tax -- Beginning in 2018, insurance companies will pay a 40 percent excise tax on so-called "Cadillac" high-end insurance plans worth over $27,500 for families ($10,200 for individuals). Dental and vision plans are exempt and will not be counted in the total cost of a family's plan.
* Tanning Tax -- 10 percent excise tax on indoor tanning services.

Medicare:

* Closes the Medicare prescription drug "donut hole" by 2020. Seniors who hit the donut hole by 2010 will receive a $250 rebate.
* Beginning in 2011, seniors in the gap will receive a 50 percent discount on brand name drugs. The bill also includes $500 billion in Medicare cuts over the next decade.

Medicaid:

* Expands Medicaid to include 133 percent of federal poverty level which is $29,327 for a family of four.
* Requires states to expand Medicaid to include childless adults starting in 2014.
* Federal Government pays 100 percent of costs for covering newly eligible individuals through 2016.
* Illegal immigrants are not eligible for Medicaid.

Insurance Reforms:

* Six months after enactment, insurance companies could no longer denying children coverage based on a preexisting condition.
* Starting in 2014, insurance companies cannot deny coverage to anyone with preexisting conditions.
* Insurance companies must allow children to stay on their parent's insurance plans through age 26.

Abortion:

* The bill segregates private insurance premium funds from taxpayer funds. Individuals would have to pay for abortion coverage by making two separate payments, private funds would have to be kept in a separate account from federal and taxpayer funds.
* No health care plan would be required to offer abortion coverage. States could pass legislation choosing to opt out of offering abortion coverage through the exchange.

**Separately, anti-abortion Democrats worked out language with the White House on an executive order that would state that no federal funds can be used to pay for abortions except in the case of rape, incest or health of the mother. (Read more here)

Individual Mandate:

* In 2014, everyone must purchase health insurance or face a $695 annual fine. There are some exceptions for low-income people.

Employer Mandate:

* Technically, there is no employer mandate. Employers with more than 50 employees must provide health insurance or pay a fine of $2000 per worker each year if any worker receives federal subsidies to purchase health insurance. Fines applied to entire number of employees minus some allowances.

Immigration:

* Illegal immigrants will not be allowed to buy health insurance in the exchanges -- even if they pay completely with their own money.

Governor Pawlenty ‘Line Item Vetoes’ Bonding Bill

2010-03-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

Perspective

The governor originally called for a bonding bill not to exceed $725 million. The DFL legislature passed two bonding bills this session but through procedural maneuvering only sent the most recent on for presentment, the process that allows a Governor to formally act on legislation.

Governor Pawlenty delivered, as expected, on a promise to cut back the bonding bill by exercising his ‘line-item veto’ authority. As an aside, this is one gubernatorial authority that nobody questions as opposed to another battle that begins today—unallotment authority. But I digress, as this is an issue for another day. The bill as presented was larger than $1 Billion and the Governor has paired the bill down to $680, below even his threshold limit. The Governor cut from infrastructure projects in areas such as Community Colleges, Coon Rapids Dam, Public Housing, Trails, and other projects of regional significance. Not to be missed was the Governor’s ability to successfully implore the legislature to re-insert some of his own priorities including funding for sex offender lock-up facilities.

Proponents of each project will likely decry the lack of commitment to certain priorities by offering the proverbial “This is the time to bond and build,” indicating a preference for spending while the cost of borrowed money is cheapest. Additionally, expect post line item veto rhetoric to include quips about “lost opportunities on shovel ready projects.” Meanwhile, the republican responsorial will be “living within your means” and having the fiscal discipline to say no. The often invoked mantra is “it’s like charging up your credit cards, when you are flat broke.” Democrats will contend the Governor unfairly retaliated on projects in key Democratic strongholds. Though, Republicans will point out that Democrats loaded the bill with “Christmas presents” for those same constituencies.

As is often the case, the truth lies somewhere in between. No one can deny that bonding is relatively inexpensive in today’s economic environment. Yet, fiscal prudence requires restraint and an eye towards maintaining Minnesota’s bonding rating and not burdening future budgets with excess debt service obligations. So ultimately it comes down to balancing these competing priorities. Might I suggest that despite all the maneuvering, grandstanding, and political showmanship, an unfortunate side effect much like any modern era legend drug, the process actually worked as intended? How refreshing?

For a complete listing of vetoed items SEE LINK

http://www.leg.state.mn.us/lrl/Vetoes/veto_results.asp?veto_id=529

The Ultimate Bailout!

2010-03-02T07:43:00.001-08:00

So let me get this straight Congressman Hoyer. Congress and the Administration dig themselves a 12 trillion hole and then want the American Taxpayer to fill the gap?

Talk about the ultimate bailout!

Is there any wonder why Congress has the lowest approval rating of all time?

Hoyer: Raising taxes a realistic option - TheHill.com

2010-03-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

Hoyer: Raising taxes a realistic option - TheHill.com

Best Job Creating Ideas (MN)

2010-01-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

Here is a short list of the best ideas for creating jobs that I have heard so far:

1. Promote or publicize Minnesota business and their products.

2. Establish a forgivable loan program for small manufacturers to purchase capital equipment , if the purchase will expand Minnesota Employment.

3. Increase the size of the state bonding bill and focus as much money as possible on planned retrofitting, rehabilitation, and the remodeling projects at can be undertake very quickly.

4. Streamline project and environmental permitting processes, including allowing extensions of existing permits or alternatively reform the environmental permitting process.

5. Avoid energy mandates that would increase the price of electricity.

6. Make the capital equipment sales tax refund an up-front exemption.

7. Repeal the corporate income tax.

8. Reduce or eliminate the state general tax on business property.

9. Provide personal income tax relief for business income.

10. Take away tax credits and reductions for companies that "off-shore" their employees or that lay off large numbers of workers.

11. Increase the research and development credit.

12. Reduce regulatory and permitting burden.

13. Require or incent local governments to enter into service sharing arrangements.

Desperate to Say Something...

2009-12-08T06:19:00.000-08:00

As a new feature to my blog, I plan on posting the wacky and ridiculous comments uttered by elected officials and other public figures. In an attempt at fairness if the statement is actually (politically) arguable, from either side, it will not be posted. If however, the statement is so far removed in scope from any practical sense of reality it will be posted. Fair? I thought so.

First up, Senator Harry Reid's comments about the current opposition to the Health Care debate as somehow akin to opposition of the civil rights movement. Really, Senator Reid? Really?

GOP hits Reid on slavery comments - TheHill.com

2009-12-08T06:18:00.000-08:00

GOP hits Reid on slavery comments - TheHill.com

My Predictions for MN's Budget

2009-12-02T08:40:00.003-08:00

Predictions: My guess is the deficit will be $1.6 billion, corporate, personal, and consumption as the worst revenue areas. I support Pawlenty. I think the unallotments will prove legal. Once they do I expect an hard attempt to change this executive power at the legislature which I am fine with the legislature discussing. At that point, I call on everyone who believes he exceeded his authority to step up and admit they were wrong.

Build It Without Taxpayers Dollars

2009-12-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

I'm all for it if it can be done by private investors, the NFL, businesses, or individual shares ala Green Bay or some combination thereof. But 'just say no' needs to be the answer to more tax payer burden for a stadium. Sorry, but when our own interests and desires get in the way of our principles, we have to be honest with ourselves.

The new session is coming up on February 4th, I hope the allure of a star-studded winning season will not cloud the judgment of the few common sense players remaining in the legislature.

Options:
1) Z. Wilf opens his checkbook and builds a new stadium
2) Some form of public ownership

Not an option:
1) Any un-related tax dollars dedicated to subsidizing large private businesses (i.e. don't charge me sales tax on a vacuum to pay for the Vikings Stadium, that just plan sucks!)

What about?

The economic boom to the community by keeping the Vikings here, construction jobs, the positives on community economic development? Yes, but at what cost? Will the those dollars ever be recaptured in increased economic activity? If you can prove to me it will than, I'll go for it.

Being true?

Yes, being true to ourselves. We can't go around talking about the evils of increasing taxes all the time, if when push comes to shove on a new Vikings Stadium, our go-to position is to raise taxes immediately 'just to keep the team here.' If that's your refrain than you might as well be one of those tax raising levy supporters that says, "it's for the kids," please...give me a break!

Coon Rapids: Down payment Assistance Program Passes

2009-11-09T12:06:00.001-08:00

Coon Rapids: Down payment Assistance Program Passes

The Coon Rapids City Council voted unanimously to approve a Coon Rapids Mortgage Assistance Foundation recommendation for a new down payment assistance loan program.

Hats off to Coon Rapids Mortgage Assistance Foundation Board of Directors: Lyle Haney, Donna Naeve, Brad Crandall, Scott Schulte, Lonni McCauley, Tim Howe, and our own James Stanton, Shamrock Development and current President of North Metro REALTORS® Association. This program will rehabilitate housing stock and provide incentives for homebuyers to purchase and occupy a home in Coon Rapids as their principal residence.

So what are the details? Coon Rapids Mortgage Assistance Foundation (CRMAF) has allocated a total pool of $300,000 to be available for down payment assistance loans. The funds will be administered directly by Cheryl Bennett, CRMAF staff. The funds are provided in the form of a second mortgage. No payments are required; no interest is assessed unless the loan is repaid within the first three years after closing. The repayment is prorated between years 4-10 and is forgiven after 10 years. Loans are reserved for down payment assistance only at 3.5% of acquisition costs up to $6,000. Funds must be used in conjunction with an FHA 203K mortgage to purchase a single family detached property (within the city of Coon Rapids) with at least $10,000 in repairs. Rehab or renovation work must be completed by a state licensed contractor and work completed within six months of closing. The borrower must occupy the property as their principal homesteaded residence. There are no income requirements. Buyers need not be first time homebuyers. The loan is available for all properties and not foreclosures only.

REALTORS® are encouraged to learn more about this program and utilize it. More information including public announcements, public forums, and a REALTORS® forum to roll out program details are forthcoming.

More information contact, Eric J Myers, Government Affairs Director, NMRA

Conservatives Can't Win without Moderates

2009-11-04T12:46:00.000-08:00

Well, after reviewing some of the 2009 wins. What do I think about the chance of Republicans picking up seats in 2010 Midterms? Or better yet, what is one piece of advice I would give to the RNC, if given the chance, that would help them increase their chance of success in more races in the future.

BE MORE BIG TENT,

EXPAND THE BASE,

DON'T LET ONLY THE NARROWEST VERSIONS OF CONSERVATISM BE THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE ANSWER

Republican's can't continue to be a narrow 'Conservatives-only party.' They need to hold tight to fiscal conservatism but grab the middle of the electorate with the moderates. Unfortunately, the diehards that show up for endorsing conventions, prompted by Glen Beck and Rush (whom I enjoy as well), can't see the wood for the trees. They continue to endorse only the most ideologically extreme candidate whom too often ends up being seen as too far from the mainstream. Bottomline, Conservative Republicans are their own worst enemy. Conservative Republicans are going to have to realize that in most districts they are going to have to embrace the moderate candidate in order to give them a chance at success. Otherwise, they will continue to be marginalized from the Left and a larger majority of the middle will favor the D's.

Those are the risks.

Might I suggest that someone like Senator Olympia Snowe actually has a point to make with Conservative Republicans. So next time you want to win a 'leans conservative,' 'toss-up,' or even a 'leans Democrat' district, try pulling a candidate from the moderate part of your party and see if you can sell them to the general public as the most reasonable, likable, centrist, and dare I say it mainstream candidate in the race.

Or you can keep 'sticking to your principles' that's all well and good but I submit you aren't really winning the hearts and minds of too many people too often. At least not often enough to keep reversing your losses.

Give up on the idea that a Newt Gingrich or Ronald Regan style body politic will ever rise again. Step up to re-design the future of the party, reinvent yourself, and behold the power of political innovation. It's not just for the Democrats anymore.

Thank You Governor Tim Pawlenty

2009-10-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Governor Tim Pawlenty,

I want to thank you for your personal leadership in resolving the budget deficit. DFL leaders proposed $2B in tax increases in the worst recession since the Great Depression. I really don't know how they can look at themselves in the mirror everyday. It takes courage to stand up to 'tax and spend' liberals in this great progressive state we call Minnesota.

It is truly my belief that you acted within your authority to unallot. That doens't mean the other side has to like it or that it should go without a legal challenge but those are issues for the legislature not the courts. My only hope now is that the courts don't legislate from the bench. Should the opposition wish to attempt to change MN law than they should do so in session.

Hopefully, Lori Swanson, Attorney General, for the State of Minnesota can divest herself enough from her party to actually defend the Chief Executive's Authority under Minnesota law. If not, I would advise the State of Minnesota to seek outside council.

Good luck Governor Pawlenty, we're with you!

My Suggestions for Health Care Compromise

2009-09-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

(Here is what I believe a true compromise should look like)

KEEP

1) Guarantees Coverage for existing conditions
2) Prohibited from denying coverage because of a person's medical history
3) They will not be able to drop your coverage if you get sick
4) Focuses on prevention
5) Helps Seniors live independently

MAKE CERTAIN

1) No federal dollars for Abortion Services (per Obama)
2) Medical Mal Reform to keep Dr.'s practicing medicine not defensive medicine (per R's & Obama)

ADD

2) Allow buying insurance across state lines
3) Allow private insurance pooling for individuals who are otherwise uncovered
4) Allow for private health insurance portability
5) Encourage HSA's
6) Recognize and encourage high deductible catastrophic coverage for some insureds (i.e. young adults)
7.) Allow private insurance companies to pool the (47) million Americans without coverage and have them compete for that business

REMOVE
1) Drop the public option in its entirety
2) Drop basic medical insurance mandate or allow opt out for some individuals and or #6/#7 above.

Finally pass this bill by October 1st or set it aside and re-focus on job creation and the economy!

Cash For Clunkers--Cash Out, Now What?

2009-08-25T07:14:00.001-07:00

Cash for Clunkers program ended yesterday at 8p.m. EDT. Dealerships have until 12 noon today for finalize all paperwork inputs into a government website for claims repayment.

While it certainly was a novel idea (depending on you POV)to get gas guzzlers off the road, promote a more carbon friendly trend, and feed those starving car salesman, it is lacking in a few areas.

Scope: With only $3 billion in rebate funds available there was always going to be a limit to the impact the program could provide. Estimates are that 456,000 cars were traded and sold. However, that's 456,000 out an estimated 136 million gas guzzlers still on the road today. I am no math wiz but my windows based calculator says that's just more than 1/3rd of one percent.

Temporary: There seems to be a phenomena in sales and marketing that I have resigned myself to never understanding. The temporary nature of on-sale, incentives, and rebates. Some major companies have setup a system by which they move from sale to sale. They go by various names. Biggest sale of the year, biggest sale of the season, etc. What I don't understand from these companies is why they are incenting their customers to forgo a purchase today and 'wait for a sale.' Now I know the idea about 'making the sale an event' thereby cajoling even more than a customer would have spent and so on. However, I have also been in a store on a Friday night and the sale doesn't start until Saturday. I find myself asking. "You really don't want me to buy this now?" These same stores can't understand why a store like Wal-mart is raking in profits even in a rough economy. Well Wal-Mart operates on an everyday savings philosophy rather than a 'wait until I decide to have a sale' philosophy. Which do you think people are going to respond to in a tough economy. Additionally, when people's individual economic situation improves do you think they will flood back into your stores? Or go the fiscally prudent route and remind themselves of the valuable lessons espoused during the 'great recession.' Hint even the tv commercial about 'unused' minutes that ends 'these days we can't afford to be wasteful,' are reinforcing a mantra of frugality that will likley linger far into a recovery. Now how does all this fit into 'cash for clunkers?' Well C4C was extremely temporary. Yes, it sold 456,000 cars but all based on temporary incentives. Remove the incentives and all you have left is a sputtering economy, nearly 10% unemployment, and another two years of nearly zero sales in the auto industry. The only one buying a car in the next two years is someone who's car dies and 'has no other choice.' Of course, their is always the exception that proves the rule. Brett Favre is reported to have recently bought a new F250 after receiving his $12 million contract.

Artificial demand: The law of artificial demand is certainly in play for C4C. The government gave away $3,500-$4,500 in cash if you bought a new fuel efficient car right? Doing so prompted 456,000 sales. Think about it. That should scare the heck out of the auto industry. That's 456,000 sales otherwise 'would be sales' from 2-5 years from now. So slice these new car buyers out of your pool of 'would be buyers' from 2-5 years from now or longer. Moreover, if it takes $4,500 in free money from the government to prompt you to buy that's one otherwise purchase adverse buyer. Even further, think about those who need a new car were offered the same incentives and still decided not to purchase. That's an extremely purchase adverse buyer. Who can blame them, real or perceived this is one tough economy to be making medium term financial decisions. The problem with artificial demand is just that. It's artificial its not organic growth but is dependent on some outside variable like a temporary incentive and once removed it falls flat or worse.

Subsidy: Dare we wander into the throws of partisan bickering and a classic debate about tax policy, there is no dispute that the federal government funds expended for this program are from the taxpayers. So the only question left is how do you see it?

Potential View Point:

One may argue that the federal government has a role in regulating markets including interventions for ailing markets like the auto industry and thereby extending a rebate program to provide an extra boost is just what the doctor ordered, even if for just a little while.

Potential View Point:

Government should have no role or a very limited role in market forces. Trends and innovations should be based on responses to market demands. Taxpayer money should not be utilized to incentivize purchasing behavior in preference of one product over another.

Make Your Own View Point:

C4C was: 1) Extremely Successful 2) Successful 3) Below Expectaions 4) Extremely Wasteful

What should the Government Role be in Regulating Markets?

What is your personal tax policy?

Obama's Health Care Plan--What do I agree with?

2009-08-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

The YEA and Nay on Health Care -- My Prospective

YEA
+ Guarantees Coverage for existing conditions
+ Prohibited from denying coverage because of a person's medical history
+ They will not be able to drop your coverage if you get sick
+ Focuses on prevention
+ Helps Seniors live independently

NAY
- Government Run
- Steps towards universal payer system
- Could lead to rationing care
- Government Involved in your health care decisions
- Focuses on covering everyone rather than Quality and Patient Results
- Costs savings are based on projections of savings from ER visits and more costly forms of health care delivery. It's very difficult to book those savings.
- Tends to usurp the private market
- Yes, fine I can keep my coverage if I "like it" but who's going to like it when the government plan prices the private market out of the market.
- Current world class health care could become second rate.
- There is a reason why people from all over the world come the U.S. for Health Care
- Health Care when delivered is excellent, it's the payment system we need to address. Let's incent insurers to achieve payment reform rather than create new mandates and re-invent the wheel by creating an entirely new government run plan.

The simply not true:
- Death Panels
- Elderly being put out to pasture

Health Care: Pawlenty In the Washington Post

2009-08-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

DEAR READER: If you read this and can't agree with even some of it then you should question whether you have any ideas about health care at all that go beyond DNCC talking points. These things just make sense! Let's make the goal quality and pay for performance not just a 'cover everyone' government plan. -- Eric J. Myers

To Fix Health Care, Follow the States

By Tim Pawlenty
Monday, August 3, 2009

If you tie money to results, you'll get better results. Unfortunately, government often dumps money into programs without regard to accountability and outcomes. This past week, Democrats in Congress have been busy tinkering with a Washington takeover of the health-care system, but perhaps they should look instead to the states for models of market-driven, patient-centered and quality-focused reform. Rather than taking power away from states, federal health-care reform should use the lessons we've learned tackling this crisis in our back yards.

In Minnesota, our state employee health-care plan has demonstrated incredible results by linking outcomes to value. State employees in Minnesota can choose any clinic available to them in the health-care network they've selected. However, individuals who use more costly and less-efficient clinics are required to pay more out-of-pocket.

Not surprisingly, informed health-care consumers vote wisely with their feet and their wallets. Employees overwhelmingly selected providers who deliver higher quality and lower costs as a result of getting things right the first time. The payoff is straightforward: For two of the past five years, we've had zero percent premium increases in the state employee insurance plan.

Minnesota has also implemented an innovative program called QCARE, for Quality Care and Rewarding Excellence. QCARE identifies quality measures, sets aggressive outcome targets for providers, makes comparable measures transparent to the public and changes the payment system to reward quality rather than quantity. We must stop paying based on the number of procedures and start paying based on results.

Instead of returning power to patients and rewarding positive outcomes, many Democrats in Washington want a government-run plan that would require states to comply with dozens of new mandates and regulations. One study by the Lewin Group recently concluded that an estimated 114 million Americans could be displaced from their current coverage under such a plan, and another study by House Republicans said the plan could result in the loss of up to 5 million jobs over the next 10 years.

In typical fashion, the self-proclaimed experts piecing together this Democratic health-care legislation are focusing on only one leg -- access -- of a three-legged stool that also includes cost and quality. Expanding access to health care is a worthwhile goal. But equal or greater focus should be placed on containing costs for the vast majority of Americans who already have insurance. Those costs will not be contained by a massive expansion of federal programs.

Massachusetts's experience should caution Congress against focusing primarily on access. While the Massachusetts plan has reduced the number of uninsured people, costs have been dramatically higher than expected. The result? Increased taxes and fees. The Boston Globe has reported on a current short-term funding gap and the need to obtain a new federal bailout.

Imagine the scope of tax increases, or additional deficit spending, if that approach is utilized for the entire country.

Congress has an opportunity to take a genuinely bipartisan approach to health-care reform, which is unquestionably needed. Instead of tweaking the Democrats' plan to put Washington bureaucrats in charge of health care, I recommend a do-over. There are many common-sense elements that could form the basis for bipartisan health-care reform, including: medical malpractice reform, prohibiting coverage denials based on preexisting conditions, guaranteeing portability, electronic prescriptions and medical records, streamlining billing codes and practices, price and quality transparency, pay-for-performance measures, one-stop primary-care "medical homes," chronic disease management initiatives, tax equity for health insurance purchases, increased incentives for health savings accounts, creating the ability to purchase insurance or form risk pools across state lines, and much more.

As my friend Newt Gingrich said last month when he was at a health-care reform event in Minneapolis, Congress is considering a 1975 socialized medicine model, brought up 34 years later by people who have been in Congress since the early 1970s. The world has moved on. It's time for Democrats in Congress to catch up. Washington can and should do better. But they'll need to listen to and learn from our experience in the states to make it happen.

The writer, a Republican, is governor of Minnesota.

View all comments that have been posted about this article.

Tinklenberg pulls out of 3-way race against Bachmann

2009-08-05T13:24:00.001-07:00

DFLer Elwyn Tinklenberg abruptly withdraws from 6th District congressional race so party can focus on beating Rep. Michele Bachmann
Tinklenberg pulls out of 3-way race against Bachmann
By Bill Salisbury
bsalisbury@pioneerpress.com
Updated: 08/04/2009 11:59:01 PM CDT

Just eight days after announcing he would make a second run for the 6th District congressional seat, Democrat El Tinklenberg on Tuesday abruptly pulled the plug on his campaign, saying a prolonged fight for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor nomination would make it difficult to defeat Republican U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann in 2010.

Tinklenberg, a former Blaine mayor and state transportation commissioner, last year narrowly lost to Bachmann, 46 percent to 43 percent.

But he would have faced two strong contenders for the DFL nomination next year, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, of St. Cloud, and Dr. Maureen Reed, of Stillwater.

Tinklenberg said in a statement that he didn't want to devote the next 13 months to spending time and money "trying to defeat each other, rather than defeating Michele Bachmann. That is not a campaign I want to wage, nor is it the kind of campaign that strengthens our chance of electing a Democrat next fall," he said.

Clark declared her candidacy last Wednesday, while Reed, the Independence Party candidate for lieutenant governor in 2006, jumped into the race in May.

"This has never been about me," Tinklenberg said. "It's about restoring responsible, productive representation to the 6th District. It is my hope that by removing myself from the race, I am advancing our chances of achieving that goal."

His campaign manager, Dana Houle, said a DFL intraparty battle for the nomination appeared inevitable, and it would have
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drained the resources needed to win in November 2010.

"To beat Michele Bachmann is going to take a lot of money, time and focus," he said.

Tinklenberg didn't see the situation changing in the next three to six months, "so it was better to do it now," Houle said.

Tinklenberg had raised $55,000 this year for what is likely to be a multimillion-dollar race. Reed, by contrast, had raised $232,000 by the end of June.

"Maureen Reed has done well, and I suspect that Tarryl will be able to easily raise money," said Bill McCarthy, president of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation and a DFL activist from Blaine. "So El was in a difficult spot."

Moreover, McCarthy, who backed Tinklenberg in 2008, said he had told the candidate that unlike last year, he would not get early labor support this time. He said most unions wouldn't endorse a candidate before the DFL convention next spring.

But Monday night, just hours before Tinklenberg's announcement, a large and politically active union, AFSCME Council 5, endorsed Clark. The union represents 43,000 public and nonprofit workers, including 5,000 members in the 6th District.

Other 2008 Tinklenberg supporters said he made the right decision.

"Tinklenberg had a great opportunity in 2008, and it didn't work out," said veteran DFL strategist Todd Rapp, of Woodbury. "A lot of DFL delegates and primary voters will be looking for a different, fresher candidate this time. The cards were stacked against him."

Clark concurred with Tinklenberg that a divisive DFL primary in September would make it difficult to wage a strong challenge to Bachmann in November.

"I agree with him that it's time to get unified and start making sure we are accomplishing the task in front of us," she said, noting that she has agreed to abide by the endorsement of the DFL convention next spring.

Reed has not agreed to abide by the endorsement. She issued a statement praising Tinklenberg but could not be reached for further comment.

Elk River Community Wide Open House

2009-08-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday, August 16,; 1-4p.m.

See over (40) Open Houses in Elk River!

Go on a self-guided tour!

Time is running out on the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. The credit expires November 30, 2009.

Don't wait, don't let low prices, low interest rates, and a great federal tax credit pass you by. Not to mention some homes in Elk River may be Neighborhood Stabilization Program eligible which could mean Down Payment Assistance to those who qualify.

More information at: http://www.northmetro.com/events/events-detail.php?intResourceID=5321

Coon Rapids Open Houses -- Sunday June 28, 1-4p

2009-06-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.northmetro.com/events/events-detail.php?intResourceID=5268

Go on a self-guided tour of over (100) homes in Coon Rapids!

View the homes,

Explore the neighborhoods,

Assess community offerings (parks, local amenities, shopping)

Make a home for yourself (or someone you know) in Coon Rapids!

Pawlenty Will Not Seek Third Term

2009-06-02T12:57:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends:

Today I announced that I will not seek a third term as Governor.

Please click here to watch the video.

Serving this great state has been the great honor of my life. I'm profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the wonderful people of Minnesota.

My administration has made a major, positive difference for Minnesota. We developed and deployed the best support programs for members of the military, their families and veterans in the country. We led the nation in developing a cleaner, more secure and more America-based energy future. We led the nation in education reform and results, have been nation-leading in redesigning and improving health care and much more.

And importantly, we imposed some much-needed discipline on government in this state by keeping a lid on taxes and spending. We even succeeded in achieving the long-standing goal of moving Minnesota out of the top ten states in taxes.

But, being Governor should not be a permanent position for someone.

With length of service in public office, a little less is always better than a little too much. It's a lesson I learned spending time in places like the Croatian Hall in South Saint Paul, where there is inevitably less joy and more trouble in too much pizza or too much beer. We don't have term limits in Minnesota, but we do have good judgment and common sense. We are a government of laws and ideas, not personalities.

Be assured, though, that I will make the most of the nineteen months left in the term Minnesotans have given me. I will continue to spend every day doing what's right for them. Minnesota will get my very best until I'm done. There is much important and difficult work remaining, and I will tackle it aggressively and finish strong.

The Scriptures say "there is a time for every purpose". For me, the purpose of the next nineteen months will be to do the very best I can for Minnesota.

Thank you for all your guidance and support over the years. I truly could not have done it without you.

Sincerely,

Tim Pawlenty
Governor

www.TimPawlenty.com | info@TimPawlenty.com | (651) 905-0555

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Coon Rapids Open HouseS June 28, 2009 1-4p.m.

2009-05-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Agents Get Your Listings Registered!

NMRA, REALTORS® and the City of Coon Rapids are teaming up to help move housing inventory! The Community Opens initiative will help spur buying activity! We are encouraging all brokers and agents to hold their Coon Rapids real estate listings open all on the same day, allowing homebuyers to walk through a variety of homes!

•Listing Agents: Get your listings registered for showings and stop by NMRA to pick up your free custom Community Wide Open House sign.

•Buyers Agents: Promote Coon Rapids and take your buyers out to multiple homes.
Why Should You Participate?

•Agents will have access to lots of potential buyers, a.k.a. LEADS!!

•Your sellers will be excited about the extra marketing and possible increased traffic that this event will bring to their property.

•Agent will be assisting in promoting the community AND in moving the non-foreclosure and foreclosure inventory through the system - thus gaining positive publicity for their personal business, their company and Realtors in general.

Coon Rapids is OPEN!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
1:00-4:00pm

Please register your listings by filling out this form.

Click here to download a flyer for this event.

Inform your buyers of this event. Flyer for your buyers available here.

Thank you to Deesign Company for sponsoring the signs and sign riders!

Anti-Bullying Veto is Perfect Example of Wedge Issues

2009-05-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

Pawlenty simply vetoed the bill because he didn’t want to give out new “special protected class” status. He is not pro-bullying. He simply doesn’t want to construct additional protected classes. There is an argument to be made that a special class protection undermines attempts to actually combat bullying. Schools already have anti-bullying policies.

If Safe Schools for All Coalition was truly interested in a meaningful and effective piece of anti-bullying legislation they would have left the politics (both sides) of “special protected classes” out of the equation.

Feel free to blame Pawlenty for pandering to the Right but make sure you ignore the construction of this type a legislation as a willful ‘wedge issue’ designed solely to attack and discredit.

Political End Game--High Stakes Poker

2009-05-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

OPINION

(05/01/2009) Minnesota House and Senate Democrats lose bargaining chip points everyday between May 1, 2009 and May 18,2009 that they delay finalizing the Tax Bill Conference Committee report, passing both bodies, and an actual presentment to Governor Tim Pawlenty. My theory is they loose bargaining chip points because everyday that goes by will diminish the number of days remaining for true negotiation between the legislature and the Governor.

Quite honestly both the Minnesota House and Minnesota Senate moved quickly to pass Tax Bills that they knew would be largely unacceptable to the Governor. What is likely to emerge from conference committee will be a hybrid of the two bills which will still be--unacceptable!

Leaving very few days left for negotiation might be a risky strategy. Facing a certain veto and very little chance at a House Majority for override (never say never), the DFL is attempting to force the Governor into a corner faced with the choice between his political ambitions (approval rating), a timely end to session (not likely), and tax increases (Taxpayers League Pledge).

However, while the House and Senate DFL have no political downside to forcing a "extra innings," because they are not up for election this year, the Governor presumably does have some downsides to such an occurrence. Yet, the relationship is not completely 1:1. That is a Governor's action to defeat anything is a strong Chief Executive action and it only bolsters his case and his ability to step up on to a political soapbox no matter what the issues let alone tax increases on all Minnesotans!

Yet after May 18, 2009. Should a special session be called, every day that passes could be dangerous for the Governor. Nobody wants an extended session. Plus it will be easier to blame the Governor (one person) than the entire legislature (spread the blame around). So Pawlenty's approval rating could get a positive bump out a Tax Increase Veto but it will fade relatively quickly as quick end to special session cannot be reached. Remember people have became saturated (fed up) with the extend Norm Coleman v. Franken debacle and have no further appetite for further ineptitude from elected officials including an extended Special Session with no end in sight.

Of course, the Governor does not need to call a special session and the legislature itself does not have the authority to convene themselves. The Governor reserves the ability to use unallotment as he did in previous budget years and most recently during December 2008 to balance out the previous budget years. Being forced to dismantle state government agencies budgets by himself could damaging as well.

The DFL will not come unscathed either. Governor Pawlenty is a skilled political tactitioner and should he be forced to unallot he has total control over which agencies take the biggest whack. Two prime targets would be K-12 and HHS. Less likely to whack k-12, since he proposed 2% increases, he would likely go after HHS and would draw 'all the usual suspects' in their outrage and complaint (Sen. Berglin) and the HHS pro-entitlement program communities. However, this plays well to his conservative base, who already believe government is 'bloated' in this area.

Moreover, House and Senate Omnibus bills, 13 or so, have all set their funding to targets achieved only by filling $1.5 and $2 Billion gaps 'new revenue' gaps. So if they are not successful in securing that funding in the tax bill then all the other omnibus (program) bills will suffer.

Conclusion, the Minnesota House,Senate, and Governor are engaged in a high stakes game of poker where political showmanship, political will, scoring points with the electorate is just as much a goal as balancing the budget.

My prediction. No side will come out unscathed and odds at State Level Tax increases are at less than 25% likely. Sin taxes are running well above average and non-tax revenue (fees), where available, whoa...look out!

Complete Lack of Respect

2009-04-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

The Obama Administration, the F.A.A., Gibbs, anyone who knew about the flight owes approximately 20 million people an apology.

Can anyone fathom that not one single person involved in or who had knowledge of the "joy ride" around New York City had even an inkling that it might not be such a good idea. I am all for following orders but someone should have questioned it and the answer should have been 'are you frickin' kidding me?'

All I can say, is whoever authorized and or had knowledge of the flight is guilty of a complete lack of respect if not more!

Minnesota Senate Passes Income Tax Increase

2009-04-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

Minnesota Senate Passes Income Tax Increase
How Did Your Senator Vote?

(April 24, 2009) St. Paul--The Minnesota Senate passed a bill on that would, among a myriad of other tax changes, increase all state income tax brackets, although somewhat temporarily. The new rates are for tax years 2009 through 2013, with a return to current rates in the expiration year. The current rates are changed as follows:

Current/New Tax Rate Income
5.35% to 6.00% $0- $31,860
7.05% to 7.70% $31,860 - $126,580
7.85% to 8.50% $126,580 -$250,000

New fourth tier rate is 9.25 percent
o $250,000 for married individuals filing joint returns
o $212,500 for unmarried individuals qualifying as head of household
o $141,250 for unmarried individuals
o $125,000 for married filing separately

These income tax increase do expire beginning after a February forecast with a positive general fund balance projection for that year that exceeds or equals the projected amount of tax revenue produced by the increased tax rates. Who really knows when that will be? The bill is now headed to conference committee where the House and Senate will negotiate a final tax bill; both have to vote to re-pass it before it can be presented to the Governor.
Note: Astute political observers will note the DFL Caucus did intentionally attempt to protect some suburban/vulnerable/swing district DFL members by letting them vote against the taxes increases.

The roll was called, and there were yeas 35 and nays 31, as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative were:
Anderson –St. Paul (DFL)
Bakk –Cook (DFL)
Berglin—Mpls.(DFL)
Betzold—Fridley (DFL)
Chaudhary—Fridley (DFL)
Clark—St. Cloud (DFL)
Cohen—St. Paul (DFL)
Dibble—Mpls (DFL)
Foley—Coon Rapids (DFL)
Higgins—Mpls. (DFL)
Johnson—Ham Lake (R)
Kelash—Mpls. (DFL)
Kubly—Granite Falls (DFL)
Langseth—Glyndon (DFL)
Latz—St. Louis Park (DFL)
Lourey—Kerrick (DFL)
Marty—Roseville (DFL)
Metzen—South St. Paul (DFL)
Moua—St. Paul (DFL)
Murphy—Red Wing (DFL)
Pappas—St. Paul (DFL)
Pogemiller—Mpls (DFL)
Prettner Solon—Duluth (DFL)
Rest—New Hope (DFL)
Saxhaug—Grand Rapids (DFL)
Scheid—Brooklyn P. (DFL)
Sheran—Mankato (DFL)
Sieben—Newport (DFL)
Skoe—Clearbrook (DFL)
Sparks—Austin (DFL)
Stumpf –Plummer (DFL)
Tomassoni—Chisholm (DFL)
Torres Ray—Mpls. (DFL)
Vickerman—Tracy (DFL)
Wiger—Maplewood (DFL)
Those who voted in the negative were:
Carlson—Eagan (DFL)
Dahle—Northfield (DFL)
Day—Owatonna (R)
Dille—Dassel (R)
Doll—Burnsville (DFL)
Erickson Ropes—Winona (DFL)
Fischbach—Paynesville (R)
Fobbe—Zimmerman (DFL)
Frederickson—New Ulm (R)
Gerlach—Apple Valley (R)
Gimse—Willmar (R)
Hann—Eden Prairie (R)
Ingebrigtsen—Alexandria (R)
Jungbauer-- East Bethel (R)
Koch—Buffalo (R)
Koering—Fort Ripley (R)
Limmer—Maple Grove (R)
Lynch—Rochester (DFL)
Michel—Edina (R)
Olseen—Harris (DFL)
Olson, G. –Minnetrista (R)
Olson, M.—Bemidji (DFL)
Ortman—Chanhassen (R)
Pariseau—Farmington (R)
Robling—Jordan (R)
Rosen—Fairmont (R)
Rummel—White Bear Lake (DFL)
Saltzman—Woodbury (DFL)
Senjem—Rochester (R)
Skogen—Hewitt (DFL)
Vandeveer—Forest Lake (R)

2009-04-28T06:28:00.001-07:00

House Tax Bill Blasts Homeowners Narrowly Passes
How Did Your Representative Vote?
(April 25, 2009) St. Paul--One day after the Minnesota Senate voted to raise income taxes on all Minnesotan’s, the Minnesota House Tax bill that increases income tax on top income earners to 9 percent, eliminates the mortgage interest deduction (replacing with a credit worth half as much), removes the deductibility of property taxes, eliminates the relative homestead market value credit (MVC), increases cigarette taxes by 54 cents, increases drink taxes by 3 to 5 cents, and caps the child care tax credit at $200, narrowly passed the House Floor.
Again, Democrat Farmer Labor caucus leaders allowed (18) suburban, vulnerable, or swing district legislators to vote against the tax increases but insured they had just enough votes to pass the bill. Headed to conference committee REALTORS® and the general public are urged to pay extra special attention to the process, negotiations, and resulting language changes from here on out. Of course, whatever comes out of conference committee will likely still have a number of provisions the Governor still finds unreasonable. Suffice to say legislators and the Governor still have their work cut out for them. While one can only speculate as to the intricacies of the final package, glimpses at what is to come for the end game have certainly started to emerge.
Note: Bold below are ‘crossover DFLers’ (DFLers who voted no).
Who Represents You?
How Did Your Representative Vote?
Those who voted in the affirmative were:
Anzelc
Atkins
Bigham
Bly
Brown
Brynaert
Carlson
Champion
Clark
Davnie
Dill
Eken
Falk
Faust
Fritz
Greiling
Hansen
Hausman
Haws
Hayden
Hilstrom
Hilty
Hornstein
Hortman
Hosch
Huntley
Johnson
Juhnke
Kahn
Kalin
Kelliher
Knuth
Koenen
Laine
Lenczewski
Liebling
Lieder
Lillie
Loeffler
Mahoney
Mariani
Marquart
Morrow
Mullery
Murphy, E.
Murphy, M.
Nelson
Newton
Norton
Olin
Paymar
Persell
Peterson
Reinert
Rukavina
Sailer
Sertich
Simon
Slawik
Slocum
Solberg
Thao
Thissen
Tillberry
Wagenius
Ward
Welti
Winkler
Those who voted in the negative were:
Abeler
Anderson, B.
Anderson, P.
Anderson, S.
Beard
Benson
Brod
Buesgens
Bunn
Cornish
Davids
Dean
Demmer
Dettmer
Dittrich
Doepke
Doty
Downey
Drazkowski
Eastlund
Emmer
Gardner
Garofalo
Gottwalt
Gunther
Hackbarth
Hamilton
Holberg
Hoppe
Howes
Jackson
Kath
Kelly
Kiffmeyer
Kohls
Lanning
Loon
Mack
Magnus
Masin
McFarlane
McNamara
Morgan
Murdock
Nornes
Obermueller
Otremba
Pelowski
Peppin
Poppe
Rosenthal
Ruud
Sanders
Scalze
Scott
Seifert
Severson
Shimanski
Smith
Sterner
Swails
Torkelson
Urdahl
Westrom
Zellers

Senate Tax Plan = Tax Everyone!

2009-04-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota Senate Tax plan is even worse than one might imagine. It plans to raise $2.2 Billion in taxes. Mostly, by raising income taxes on everyone! That's right...everyone!

Income Current Rate Proposed Rate

0- 31,860 5.35 6.0

31,860 - 126,580 7.05 7.7

126,580 - 250,000 7.85 8.5

Creating a new 4th tier

141,250 Single
212,500 Head of Household
250,000 Jointly

would all pay 9.25% amongst the highest income tax rate in the country! Only California and Rhode Island have higher income taxes on the wealthy. Even if we, for the sake of argument, don't even consider the evils of a proposed tax increase on the wealthy, this plan is extends to every taxpayer! Everyone who pays taxes will pay more. Where does it end?

Now I know there are those out there that are going to make excuses for it and try to explain it away, usually by say "if it means better schools, roads, etc then I am all for it." That's fine to say once. It's just not reality. Reality is that Minnesota's GF sepnding has doubled in the last 10 years from 18 B to 38 B. I don't know business or individual who's budget doubles every ten years. So you say we can't do it with cuts alone and I say 'yes we can!'

MN House Floats Tax Raising Bill

2009-04-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota House of Representatives finally revealed their expected prodigal Tax Bill. Having previously set there budget up to include $1.5 Billion in "New Revenues" (a.k.a. new taxes) the House Tax Chair is taking the opening shot at what will prove to be a very difficult legislative end game. Less than one month to go, the House plans to balance the state budget by creating a new 4th Tier Income Tax rate at 9% (read = class warfare), increasing the cigarette tax by 54 cents (admittedly the most regressive tax), increasing liquor tax by 5 cents per drink (read = weak), and last but certainly not least by eliminating the State Mortgage Interest Deduction and creating a credit instead. The Mortgage Interest Deduction is aggregious because it would disportionately fall on the newest buyers first and apply to their taxes for a period of approximately 10-15 years based on most mortgages being front end loaded.

Really House DFL? This is the plan we have been waiting for 4 months? Don't strain yourself. Don't put something into your strategy. Just serve up exactly the worst piece of garbage you can come up with and wait for the veto!

Six Step's to Handling Madoff's Assets?

2009-04-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

Bernard Madoff's assets:

$7 million Manhattan Penthouse
$1 million Home in Cap d' Antibes, France
$3 million Luxury Home in Long Island
$10 million Furnishings
$62 million Securities
$2.4 million 55' Yacht & 24ft boat

How to handle his assets:

1) Step one certify everyone who has a legitimate claim.

2) Sell all REAL Estate at High End Auction, make sure to pay a REALTORS(R) commission

3) Sell all remaining securities

4) EBAY every piece of personal property

5) Create a trust to pay ALL claims

6) Deposit any proceeds into U.S. Treasury

U.S. Gov't to Guarantee your new car warranty??

2009-03-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, now this is just the most 'whacked out' plan ever. The U.S. Government, the same entity that brought you: Auto Bailouts, Bank Bailouts, Stimulus, zero percent fed funds rate, rising unemployment, and a penchant for printing money faster than a nuclear particle accelerator. Now came up with the brillant idea of gauranteeing your new car warranty, if the auto industry goes out of business.

Yeah right, like anyone is buying a new car. I was at the dealer today and it was a fricking ghost town!

What does a gaurantee mean when the dollar falls below the peso?

Minnesota's February Forecast Released

2009-03-03T08:45:00.000-08:00

If the last election has you more interested in politics than ever before.
If you read the newspaper and think, there has to be more information.
If you are concerned about Minnesota's economic future.

Than you really owe it to yourself to read or at least skim the Minnesota Management and Budget Office's February Forecast. It is a complete economic picture of Minnesota right now and a short prospectus for future quarters of economic activity.

Give it a look see!

http://www.mmb.state.mn.us/doc/fu/09/complete-feb09.pdf

AIG gets 4th Billion Dollar Government Handout!!

2009-03-02T06:37:00.001-08:00

Well the U.S. Government must be reading "The Little Engine that Could" because it sure doesn't know when to give up.

The New York Times is reporting the U.S. Government is about to bailout AIG for the fourth, count them, one, two, three, four, fourth time.

Apparently, all the help offered thus far has not been nearly quite enough. Let's briefly review.

First time around, the U.S. Government gave AIG a $60 billion loan. That should do it right? I mean $60,000,000,000 'it ain't peanuts' am I right? Well no, not quite.

Second time around, the U.S. Government purchased $40 billion worth of preferred stock. Making the Government one of the largest share holders. Now that outta do it right? I mean $100 billion total, now we are talking real money. Nope not going to happen.

Third time around, the U.S. Government spends $50 billion to clean up AIG's so called Toxic Assets. BTW, Toxic Assets to you and me are called 'poor investment choices' or huge credit bills at high interest rates with no way to pay. The government as it's role of 'lender of last resort' is diehard against letting AIG fail. It would rather keep it on the Government roll.

Ok that's it I've fricken had it. We've given you $150 billion and you still can't make it? Does AIG strike anyone else like that gambling addicted uncle you remember from your childhood? You know who I am talking about. The one who when he showed up you hid your piggy bank to make sure you didn't lose your allowance to gambling addicted alcholic bum. Remember when he showed up to your birthday party and your gift was pre-played pull tabs and a pine tree air freshner? Remember asking yourself why your mother kept handing him money and making him dinner without so much as a thank you. All you kept thinking to yourself was how all you got was a mere $2.50 a week and had to do all your chores meanwhile your uncle could show up unannouced wreaking of booze, fresh off that gambling loss without a cent to his name and he would still manage to get $100-$200 out of your parents. But oh yeah, that's right 'it's a disease,' yeah sure. You sick alright. Sick of working for a living and following the rules like the rest of us smucks! Seriously, does AIG remind anyone else of their deadbeat uncle or is it just me?

Wait what's that? You need $30 billion more? "No problem, step right into my office Mr. AIG? We have that $30 billion right over hear. What worried about paying back the $150 billion you already own us, nonsense. What will the American people think? I wouldn't worry your pretty little head about those things. We'll just slip it into the business section of the NY Times on a Saturday after people have completely given up reading the paper and watching the news.

What does the U.S. Government say to defend it's position? "AIG is intricately woven through the words banking system." Therefore we must give them billions and take massive stakes in the company. News flash! If you would have let them fail to begin with then they wouldn't have been so "woven" would they?

After this transaction the U.S. Government will own 80% of AIG's holding company. That's right 80%!

In fact, if the Government would own any more of AIG, greater than 80%, than the U.S. Government would have to consolidate AIG's and US finances onto one balance sheet leaving the U.S. Government responsible to nearly 76 million insurance policy holders from around the world!

Soon enough AIG and USA will be synonymous and interchangeable.

I think AIG stands for 'Already in Government's pocket' and USA stands for "U Screwed us All!"

Minnesota Legislature Rule and Policy Changes

2009-02-16T07:36:00.000-08:00

Recently, the Minnesota legislature made some rule or policy changes effecting the way it operates. Here are those changes. I placed them into three categories reflecting my opinions on each one and have commented in italics but all of these have been implemented.

I agree this is a good change
•The names and jurisdiction of House and Senate committees should be more closely aligned, including the accounts assigned to budget divisions.
•House and Senate committees should cooperate more, by establishing more joint House/Senate committees, or by having more joint committee meetings. The Pension Commission is a good example. Having joint committees or joint hearings would be particularly useful for finance committees.
•Each House member should serve on fewer committees, which should be accomplished by reducing the number of committees and by reducing the number of members serving on each committee. Too many members are too busy with committees and there is little time for constituent work or time to study the issues.

•The jurisdiction of each House committee and division should be described in detail (including the chapters of Minnesota Statutes within the jurisdiction of each group) and this information should be available on the House website. This is already done!
•Committees should give better notice of their agendas, including notice of major amendments to be considered.
•Committee chairs should attempt to give notice of the next week’s agenda by Thursday of the preceding week.

•Committee meetings should begin at the scheduled time. Gone should be the days of jokes about “legislative time.”

•Committees should be expected to do most of the work on bills. The House should use standing committees and subcommittees to hear testimony, build expertise, and take action on bills, and not rely on working groups, or leave detailed work for the House Floor. Committees should take the time necessary to do this work, even if it means holding bills over for multiple hearings, or having bills sent back from the floor to committee. Committee schedules, member schedules, and committee deadlines should be designed to facilitate this role.

•The House and the Senate should make it easier for the public to track bills, especially when bills from one chamber are substituted for companion bills from the other chamber, and when individual bills are rolled into omnibus bills.

•In establishing House rules and procedures, a primary consideration should be making the legislative process easier for the public to participate in and to follow. To the extent possible, the process should be made more transparent to the public, including specifically allowing the public to track movement of language between bills. Transparency is an important part of decision-making in a representative democracy.

•In establishing meeting schedules, the House should take into account the time demands on members who have other jobs. The Minnesota Legislative schedule was designed to be part-time. Specifically, it met during the winter post and pre-harvest. The legislature was never meant to be a full-time undertaking. There needs to be a balance between an individual’s legislative, employment, and home life. Too many good legislators are lost to this imbalance.
I disagree with this change

•The minority caucus should have proportional representation on all committees and divisions. There should be a premium on issue expertise.

•House and Senate committees with similar jurisdictions should facilitate joint hearings. These committees could be scheduled to meet at the same time, to facilitate joint hearings. However, if this is done, committee chairs and staff would need to coordinate to make sure members of the public can participate in the meetings of committees in both the House and Senate when they don’t meet jointly. I believe the Minnesota House and Senate were specifically devised to be separate. We should not compromise our legislative system solely for expediency.

•The House should establish a process under which aggregate time limits can be established for debate on all amendments to a bill. I am whole heartedly against time limits for floor debate. Limits are likely to increase hasty decision-making and could deprive people of public discussion of important issues. Debate and is a necessary and component of American Democracy.

•Legislative leadership and committee chairs should be more willing to say “no” at various points in the process, in part as a means of reducing time spent on matters that are not likely to advance. This seems to run counter to the goal of providing for the public good. Not every piece of legislation will be advanced but it’s an important part of the democratic process to allow various issues to be heard in the committee process. Allowing a select few from leadership to shutdown an issue for a hearing is not very inclusive and could stifle the development of new policy ideas.

I am ambivalent about this change
•The house should hold more hearings away from the Capitol, including possibly mini-sessions in Greater Minnesota during the interim

•The House should consider the scheduled time of floor sessions in relation to scheduled committee meeting times, in particular with regard to potential inconvenience to the public and to House members if meetings/sessions run longer than expected.

•The legislature should attempt to create reasonable expectations for the media and for the public about what the legislature can accomplish and what process is necessary for the legislature to conduct its business.
•The House should make legislative service more family friendly for House members by limiting evening meeting and limiting meetings on Friday afternoons and Monday mornings.

Pawlenty Should Appoint an Interim U.S. Senator

2009-02-05T13:46:00.001-08:00

No candidate for Minnesota's contested U.S. Senate seat currently has an election certificate.

Governor Tim Pawlenty has the power and authority to appoint an interim U.S. Senator.

I urge Governor Tim Pawlenty to appoint someone on an interim basis to fill the current U.S. Senate vacancy. The people of Minnesota deserve due representation in U.S. Senate during these difficult economic times. Important decisions about our collective economic challenges are being considered right now at the highest reaches of government and Minnesota is playing with a handicap!

What's in the stimulus bill??

2009-02-05T06:58:00.000-08:00

$32 billion to transform the nation's energy transmission, distribution, and production systems by allowing for a smarter and better grid and focusing investment in renewable technology.

$16 billion to repair public housing and make key energy efficiency retrofits.

$6 billion to weatherize modest-income homes.

$10 billion for science facilities, research, and instrumentation.

$6 billion to expand broadband internet access so businesses in rural and other underserved areas can link up to the global economy.

$30 billion for highway construction;

$31 billion to modernize federal and other public infrastructure with investments that lead to long term energy cost savings;

$19 billion for clean water, flood control, and environmental restoration investments;

$10 billion for transit and rail to reduce traffic congestion and gas consumption.

$41 billion to local school districts through Title I ($13 billion), IDEA ($13 billion), a new School Modernization and Repair Program ($14 billion), and the Education Technology program ($1 billion).

$79 billion in state fiscal relief to prevent cutbacks to key services, including

$39 billion to local school districts and public colleges and universities distributed through existing state and federal formulas, $15 billion to states as bonus grants as a reward for meeting key performance measures, and $25 billion to states for other high priority needs such as public safety and other critical services, which may include education.

$15.6 billion to increase the Pell grant by $500.

$6 billion for higher education modernization.

$20 billion for health information technology to prevent medical mistakes, provide better care to patients and introduce cost-saving efficiencies.

$4.1 billion to provide for preventative care and to evaluate the most effective healthcare treatments.

$43 billion for increased unemployment benefits and job training.

$39 billion to support those who lose their jobs by helping them to pay the cost of keeping their employer provided healthcare under COBRA and providing short-term options to be covered by Medicaid.

$20 billion to increase the food stamp benefit by over 13% in order to help defray rising food costs.

$87 billion for a temporary increase in the Medicaid matching rate.

$4 billion for state and local law enforcement funding.

Stimulus Must be Zero Fail Mission

2009-01-28T07:57:00.000-08:00

Everyone seems to have a opinion on the Federal Stimulus package, including yours truly.

You could be a:

Pro:
"Let's stimulate now to avoid even further financial disaster," or
"If we don't act we will be starring into the next great depression," or
"Start the money flowing and stop the bleeding," or
"We need spending on shovel ready jobs now."

Con:
"We are digging ourselves into a further financial hole" or
"We are borrowing from our future to pay for today" or
"Generations of future Americans will be paying for our financial decision of today" or
"An average American can't deficit spend themselves out of debt."

What we should all agree on is the severity of the problem. Now of course it does not pay to be an eternal pessimist doom and gloom guy but the American public should realize the gravity of the situation. Both a prolonged recession deepening into a depression and the proposed unchecked deficit spending has significant drawbacks. Each could have significant long term negative economic effects. The risk of doing nothing is a continuing of a financial "death spiral." The risk of doing something (deficit spending) is the negative financial effects that are shifted to future generations. Not to mention that deficit spending to stimulate the economy right now has a sort of artificial effect on the market place. Buoying certain sectors of the economy but not others. Surely, we are counting on the ripple effect but those have got to be some ripples. So it seems we have to make the best decision from the worst of options. The risks and stakes are high and there will be very little room for error. The newly elected President Barack Obama, Congress, and indeed all Americans and world citizens are on a mission for economic recovery. It's a zero-fail mission!

Inaugural Speech Equals Ambitious (Policy) Ideals

2009-01-20T11:19:00.001-08:00

Inaugural Speech Equals Ambitious (Policy) Ideals
Quote: On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the
recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

Implication: Work with me new Congress!

Quote: We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish
things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry
forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the Godgiven
promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure
of happiness.

Implication: Equality for all in their chances for success.

Quote: “Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”

Policy Implication: Federal Stimulus in the style of a Works Project Administration (WPA).

Quote: We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technologies wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost.

Policy Implication: Legalizing government funding for stem cell research and single payer health care.

Quote: We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.

Policy Implication: Promotion of green technologies.

Quote: Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate
wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful
eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors
only the prosperous.

Policy Implication: More regulation of free markets.

Quote: The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our
Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity
to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

Policy Implication: Re-distribution of wealth. Tax cuts for 95% of Americans. Tax increases for those in the top 5% income earning brackets.

Quote: Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and
tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone
cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power
grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of
our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

Policy Implication: A clear preference to diplomacy before any military action.

Quote: We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in
Afghanistan.

Policy Implication: War ends in Iraq. Transfer of power to Iraqi’s. Increase pressure in Afghanistan to finish the conflict effectively.

Quote: To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.
To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the
West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To
those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that
you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to
unclench your fist.

Policy Implication: Ending religious fanaticism, terror, and destruction the U.S. attempt to reach out and foster new relationships throughout the world.

Quote: To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and
let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.

Policy Implication: Increasing in foreign aide, likely through the United Nations.

Quote: For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the
American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the
levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose
their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a
stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides
our fate.

Policy Implication: Responsibility to family and community must re-emerge as societal virtues.

Ending Quote:

"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue
could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet
[it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember
these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure
what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we
refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on
the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it
safely to future generations.

Rolland Burris Should be Seated

2009-01-07T11:53:00.000-08:00

Trust me I like clean government as much or more than anyone. Obviously, I don't condone Governor Blagojevich's actions. They may have him 'dead to rights' on the charge of corruption in attempting to sell Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder but he is 'innocent until proven guilty.' He is still the current Governor of Illinois, at least for now, and therefore he still has the power and the right to appoint a successor.

Rolland Burris should be seated as any other duly appointed Senator. The seal and the signature on his certificate should be applied and he should occupy his seat immediately.

ZBB is Not for Me!

2008-12-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

While every good politician loves the idea of 'zero based budgeting, (ZBB)' it has incredible public relations potential, and it sounds nice and saleable to the general public. It mostly and imaginary and wholly unattainable concept to expect State Government to actually be a able to accomplish. Here are some simplistic talking points:

- Minnesota's budget is too large and too complicated for politicians to use ZBB. Minnesota's general fund budget is $34 Billion and $58 Billion all funds. BTW that's roughly $11,500 per capita.

- ZBB is impractical for large bureaucratic institutions. There are way to many programs, expenses, and justifying expense by expense would be more excruciating than watching a Coleman v. Franken recount...I mean watching paint dry...I mean you know what I mean!

-ZBB is against human nature. Everybody wants to know what a particular agency was appropriated last year. Simply D's want to give them more and R's. want to give them no more. Moreover the risk of ZBB is that if you really don't know what they got in the past you could give too much thereby exacerbating the budget conundrum!

-ZBB would take too long. I mean let's be honest here folks. It already takes R's and D's 6 months or more with many special sessions and one government shutdown to pass a budget without the added time that ZBB would require. True ZBB could take MN politicians years to complete!

-ZBB is just a political ploy to convince the public of politicians goodwill and good intentions before they find a nice easy way to let Minnesotan's down gently to the simple fact that "cuts alone won't fix this budget crisis."

I do say it's very much against the traditional Democratic model to have DFLers committing to ZBB so early. On the other side of the coin ZBB comes naturally to Republicans who would prefer this approach even in boom times. To me that shows an incredible amount of discipline and strategy on the part of the DFL, one that cannot last.

I figure that long about the February Forecast, right at the point where Mr. Stinson annouces that the economy is X million dollars worse, many DFL leaders will confirm via press conference, press release, or their own media that the worsening economic conditions highlight the need for both cuts and increased revenues (taxes). Some undisciplined DFLers might call for tax increases much earlier but for now they are singing with one voice.

R's will continue to sing with one voice as well:
- "Minnesota Government needs to live within its means."
- "The State budget GF budget has more than doubled in ten years."
- "Raising taxes is the last thing to do in a failing economy."
- "Minnesota tax code is not conducive to locating your business here."
- "Minnesota is the 12th highest taxed state in the nation and climbing."

Who's right? Well that depends on your prospective. Minnesota's Legislative and Government Affairs world is always a very large gray area. In the end, who is right is answered by who 'wins the day' with many days to come.

Expected Thursday: Minnesota State Budget Forecast

2008-12-02T13:42:00.000-08:00

The Minnesota Management and Budget Office will release the perennial November Forecast for the first time ever since its the creation, this week Thursday. In June 2008, the Minnesota Department of Finance was combined with the Minnesota Department of Employee Relations (DOER); in a cost saving measure. The new Department is served by one Commissioner, Tom Hanson, a Governor Tim Pawlenty appointee, and is under one central mission:

“Our mission is to increase state government’s capacity to manage and utilize financial, human, information and analytical resources in order to provide exceptional service and value for Minnesota’s citizens.”

Regardless, of the name of the Department the economic news is likely to show a widening projected deficit. Current conjecture puts the state deficit for fiscal years 2010-2011, which begins July 1, 2009, somewhere between $1-$5 billion dollars short.

The 2008 February Forecast called for projected spending to outstrip projected revenues by a deficit of $1.086 billion and adjusting for inflation, which the current formula doesn’t do, it actually adds another $1.04 billion to the deficit. The previous forecast cited declines in individual income tax revenues, corporate tax revenues, and contracting sales tax revenue. These trends undoubtedly will re-surface and continue exacerbate Minnesota’s budget outlook. The big question is how much?

After the new numbers emerge the Governor is required to deliver a budget to the legislature before the end of January in each odd numbered year. It is important to remember the Governor’s budget is only a recommendation but practically speaking it represents the typical starting point from which the legislature starts the budget process. Also important to note that Minnesota law does not explicitly require a balanced budget rather, it derives from the limits on borrowing contained in the constitution. The state may issue debt only for specified purposes. Borrowing money to pay for a deficit at the end of the biennium is not one of these purposes. Thus the budget must be in balance at the end of the biennium Minn. Const. art. XI, sec 5.

A growing list of legislative priorities such has Education, Energy, Environment, Health Care, Housing, Human Services, Transportation, and many others combined with decreasing financial means may prompt a very divisive and politically charged legislative session. Suffice to say the newly increased Democratic majorities in both bodies of legislature will certainly have their own agenda; juxtapose that with Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty’s prerogatives and they certainly will have their (budget) work cut out for them this year.

Don't tax small business out of picture

2008-12-01T08:01:00.000-08:00

To all those who think raising taxes on individuals making over $250,000 a year is a good idea. Stop for a minute. Put down your pre-conceived ideas and read this news article. If you are truly honest with yourself you will at least see both sides of this issue.

Don't tax small business out of picture
Tom Salonek, Star Tribune, November 30, 2008
http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story?sid=35234499

Stevens Should Not Seek a Recount

2008-11-19T06:45:00.001-08:00

Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska is now reportedly down by over 3,700 votes with only 2,500 absentee ballots uncounted. Democrat Mayor of Anchorage Mark Begich appears to be the winner. Senator Ted Stevens has the right within Alaska state law to request a recount. While I am usually very much in favor of recounts, as I believe democracy is served when we can accurately verify close elections, I believe Senator Ted Stevens has been given a chance to "do the right thing." Having been convicted of corruption for accepting gifts from "big oil" he should concede immediately if he has any sense of decency left. He would save himself the expense of an arduous recount process and the headache of being ousted by his Senate colleagues anyways should he actually prevail.

Senator Stevens has already been caught with his hand in the cookie jar, there is no reason he should expect to keep his job at the bakery!

Hillary Clinton Should be Considered for U.S. AG

2008-11-18T13:50:00.001-08:00

Despite the rumors and apparent yearning for Hillary Rodham Clinton to become a part of President-Elect Barrack Obama's cabinet as U.S. Secretary of State, I for one believe the more appropriate place for her is as U.S. Attorney General. Mrs. Clinton would be a tireless legal advocate and represent the United States with zeal and without prejudice. The American people would be well served by her gung-ho no holds barred attitude and her Yale Law degree would serve us well.

Democrats Treat Lieberman Correctly

2008-11-18T13:37:00.000-08:00

Democrats in the United States Senate treated Senator Lieberman correctly in allowing him to remain a part of their caucus, keeping his Homeland Security Committee Chairmanship, and only ousting him from chairing a subcommittee on Environment and Public Works, are to be commended as conciliatory and not motivated by revenge. Also deserving of a thumbs up is President-Elect Barack Obama who despite being the target of Senator Lieberman's defection called for Lieberman to retain his position in the caucus.

However, less we believe that American Politicians are returning to a days gone by civil approach to partisan politicking where those of opposing viewpoints can ardently disagree all day long and spend time together at night as friends and colleagues, the reality might be just a little more self serving.

Democrats in the U.S. Senate still have a shot at a cloture and filibuster proof 60 member majority. Should all three contested U.S. Senate races go Democrat and Lieberman remains in the caucus.

Comparing Tax Policies

2008-10-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

Right here, right now I am going to attempt to explain the differences in the two presidential candidates tax policies. I feel it is important for people to understand the basic philosophy behind both. I will not make an attempt to advocate for either one. I will just explain them in the simplest terms possible. I do have a question for people to think about at the end and a weblink to a video.

McCain:

Don't raise taxes on anyone.
Underperforming economies are the worst time to raise taxes.
Bush Tax Cuts? Yes, Senator John McCain supports making the Bush Tax cuts for anyone making over $250,000 permanent. Yet, what it is crucial to understand is that over 50% of America's small businesses are sole proprietorships with gross receipts of over $250,000 and that those businesses supply and create jobs.
Letting the Bush Tax cuts expire is essentially raising taxes.
Why should the rich get richer? Because a free market does reward those in business who take risks and succeed. There is nothing wrong with that.

Obama:

Cut taxes for everyone making less than $250,000 per year.
Cut taxes for 95% of Americans
Raise taxes on the top 5%
Let the Bush tax cut expire
Raise taxes on small businesses earning over $250,000
Nevermind that raising taxes on the wealthy will probably reduce jobs.

Biased section:

So I ask you, if Obama lowers your individual income tax and you get a couple thousand bucks back at the end of the tax year but you don't have a job because your small business had to cut positions due to increased taxes...How are you any better off?

View the following video no matter what type of partisan you are. All I ask is that you acknowledge that their are (2) viewpoints here and both have their merits!

http://www.nypost.com/seven/10152008/news/politics/obama_fires_a_robin_hood_warning_shot_133685.htm

WANTED: Greenspan please come back!

2008-09-23T10:39:00.001-07:00

Have you seen this man? If so, please contact the U.S. Federal Reserve so we may return him to his office to brilliantly guide our economy back to its former glory! BTW it was Ronald Reagan who appointed Greenspan in 1987. He was so good that Bill Clinton wisely kept him. He has been gone since 2006 when Democrats took control of Congress and the economy abruptly 'went to pot' - coincidence? I think not!

Democrats Propose 'Gas Stamps'

2008-09-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

Democrats’ latest idea: gas stamps
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/democrats-latest-idea-gas-stamps-2008-09-11_2.html

Read this story. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent or other. You won't believe the latest gimmick or game playing being considered as a ploy to win the Presidential election.

Rather than propose real solutions to solve the energy crisis. Democrats are proposing 'Gas Stamps' not only to help people stuck paying high gas prices but to win those over voters for the presidential election.

Bottom line, no matter what side of the aisle you are on this is horrible public policy!
I would opposed this type of legislation no matter which party brought it up.
America needs solutions to the 'energy crisis' not gimmicks and game playing!

Presidential Election--Tie is a Mathematical Possibility

2008-09-08T14:54:00.001-07:00

Not that I expect this turnout nor am I in favor of it but if you indulge me for a brief moment I would like to game out a scenario in which Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain end in a virtual electoral college tie that would be 269 v. 269.

Looking at the New York Times Electoral College map as your base:

If you assume all Solids and Leanings are correct you get.

McCain 227 to Obama 251

If McCain wins Ohio (20), Michigan (17), and takes one or the New Mexico or Nevada.

then...

If Obama wins Colorado (9), New Hampshire (4), and again one or the other New Mexico or Nevada.

The end result would be 269 v. 269, neither winning the ability to claim the presidency.

What happens then?

House of Representatives votes for president and every state delegation gets a vote.

Senate elects the VP

http://www.270towin.com/blog/electoral-college/what-happens-if-there-is-a-tie-in-the-electoral-college

RNC Opening Day Distractions

2008-09-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

Convention Officials and Participants Looking for a Re-start

While Republican National Convention officials certainly have no control of the weather they definitely made the right call in suspending much of the opening day’s activities yesterday due to hurricane Gustav. What was originally planned as a seven hour day of RNC business set to include appearances by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Vice President Dick Cheney, and President Bush, was curtailed to 2.5 hours of only “essential business.” Throwing out the script sent the committee on arrangements (COA) scrambling.

First lady Laura Bush arrived at the podium at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul to a full crowd who for the first few minutes refused to stop cheering as she tried to begin her remarks.

“Our first priority for today is to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in the Gulf Coast region. And to all of those living in the Gulf States, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. The effect of Hurricane Gustav is just now being measured. When such events occur, we are reminded that first, we are all Americans – and that our shared American ideals will always transcend political parties and partisanship.” –- Laura Bush, excerpt from 2008 RNC.

Laura Bush introduced the four coastal and republican governors including, Charlie Crist, Governor of Florida; Haley Barbour, Governor of Mississippi; Rick Perry, Governor of Texas; and Bob Riley, Governor of Alabama who spoke to the convention-goers via TV broadcast. They expressed thanks for thoughts, prayers, support, and spoke of the storms not as Republicans or Democrats but as Americans (video available).

Returning to the stage Mrs. Bush was joined by Cindy McCain who shared John McCain’s message “this is a time when we take off our Republican hats, and we put on our American hats.” She urged everyone to go to a website http://www.causegreater.com/ that will allow all of us to aide those who have been effect by hurricane Gustav. She also called for all Americans to work together.

Interestingly, it is now widely thought that the storm will keep George W. Bush from attending the Republican National Convention at all. President Bush’s not attending maybe seen as a positive by even some conservatives considering his abysmal 30% approval rating and Republican’s need to establish its presidential nominee as not “four more years of the same,” as was the theme established last week at the DNC in Denver, CO.

As the RNC moves towards an unofficial restart “all eyes are on Minnesota.” Eager to get the ‘bounce’ in the polls that Senator Barack Obama and the Democrats received last week but conscious of the politics of the storm, the Republicans have every interest in a re-start.

Two candidates with the most to gain besides John McCain are Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin and Minnesota’s own Norm Coleman.

First, Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska was the surprise pick of Senator John McCain last week. A relatively unknown she is in a position to ‘introduce herself to America’ at this convention. A fiscal and social conservative, Palin is pro-life, choosing to give birth to a child that she knew would have down-syndrome. She is seen as someone who can passify the conservative base while re-injecting a female into the political dynamics of the unfolding race for the white house. Immediately clear was that there is some risk in picking Palin, she immediately was attacked by Democrats as inexperienced and has the effect of reducing the McCain ticket’s ability to level the same charge at Obama. However, she does have a wider appeal as a women, working mother, and politician. She may be seen “as any woman you might know,” potentially splitting the woman vote. Additionally, with her pro-life stance she is widely expected to split the Catholic vote as well, an important constituency. Recently, it has emerged that Palin’s 17 year-old daughter is pregnant but apparently the father will take responsibility and the two will be engaged. The spin has begun on both sides but what remains unclear is what most American’s will think of the situation. NBC’s today show reported that John McCain was aware of the pregnancy prior to his decision to select Palin.

Finally, the local race for U.S. Senate right here in Minnesota. Of course, Minnesota is not seen as a battle ground state, it has a history of supporting Democratic presidents. So the 10 electoral votes are not really considered ‘up for grabs,’ a fact that may have factored into Senator McCain’s decision not to pick current Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty, who enjoys a 55% approval rating as recently as last week. But a battle for a U.S. Senate Seat rages on right here. Norm Coleman, the Republican former mayor of St. Paul, who brought the NHL back and improved the economic vitality of St. Paul, is being challenged by satirist, comedian, writer, but political newcomer Al Franken. Capitalizing on the Democratic spirit of Minnesota and the message of ‘change’ Franken is on the offensive and running attack ads trying to pigeon hole Norm Coleman as a Bush lap dog. Franken has also been excusing Norm Coleman of answering to the interests of ‘big oil’ and ‘big pharmaceuticals.’ Speaking of finances the most recent reports show that Franken barely out fundraised Coleman from July 1 to August 20th $1.4 to $1.27 million, but Coleman has the advantage with cash on hand at $5.6 to only $2.7 million. Word from the Coleman campaign is that the DNC is preparing to spend $6.4 million against Norm Coleman in the last two months between the end of the RNC and Election Day. For that reason “all eyes will be on Minnesota” through November!

What remains to be seen in St. Paul the rest of the week in St. Paul? Republicans are in a position to still get everything done but now on a more compressed schedule, one political observer’s guess is that the remaining three days of RNC will be action packed, star-studded, full of political heavyweights, all in a ‘shorter time table,’ pun intended.

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Less than Gracious In Face of the Storm

Two politicos who were less than gracious with their remarks were Donald Fowler, former national chairman of the DNC between 1995 and 1997, and in a separate instance filmmaker Michael Moore.

First, Donald Fowler was caught on video joking with Rep. John Spratt (D-SC-5th), a 12 term incumbent, about the coincidence of hurricane Gustav striking land on the opening day of the RNC. “ The timing, at least it appears now, that it’ll be there Monday. That just demonstrates God’s on our side,” Fowler said while laughing (video). Interestingly, Rep. John Spratt (D-SC-5th) was already on the Republican “targeted list” prior to participating in the gaffe. President Bush carried South Carolina’s 5th district with 57 percent in 2004. South Carolina is listed as ‘strong McCain’ and the Republican Party believes demographic trends and conservative temperaments leave the 5th district vulnerable and points to a plausible chance for victory. You can bet that after the gaffe, Republicans in the 5th ‘smell blood in the water.’ The challenger is Albert F. Spencer.

Second, filmmaker, liberal political commentator, and consummate critic of George W. Bush, appeared on MSNBC’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann and stated, “I was just thinking, this Gustav is proof that there is a God in heaven. (video)”

All Eyes On Colorado! -- DNC Starts Today

2008-08-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

The 45th Democratic National Convention starts today at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. By week’s end Senator Barack Obama will no longer be referred to as a presumptive Democratic Party nominee for president. Senator Barack Obama is expected to accept his party’s nomination for president on Thursday at INVESCO Field at Mile High, a stadium that holds 70,000 plus and home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos. Side note for you football fans, Denver won back to back Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII (1998, 1999). Tonight’s headline prime-time speaker will be Michelle Obama. Tuesday the headline speaker will be Senator Hillary Clinton. On Wednesday, Senator Barack Obama’s Vice Presidential Nominee, U.S. Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) will take the stage. Also speaking on Wednesday is Former President Bill Clinton, former Senator Tom Daschle, Governor Bill Richardson and Senators Evan Bayh (previous VP contender) and John Kerry. Full details regarding the program on Thursday have yet to be released.

Colorado is a key ‘battle ground state, ’ 1 of only 3 states out west listed as a virtual toss-up by the New York Times Electoral Map. Up for grabs are 9 electoral votes, one less than Minnesota site of the RNC. Once considered a perennial GOP stronghold, Colorado has gone Republican for three consecutive elections and 12 of the past 14. However, President Bush won Colorado by less than 5 percent in 2004 as the state has become steadily more Democratic. The Democratic Party has been surging in Colorado and has picked up the governorship, a Senate seat, and two U.S. House seats. An increasing Hispanic population and Republicans attempts to strengthen immigration laws may be problematic and help Senator Obama.

Democratic Businessman Jared Polis, who recently won a three-way primary battle, is one candidate hoping to get a boost from the DNC. The 33-year-old Polis, who would be one of the youngest Congress members if elected, has big advantages in both fundraising and political demographics for his general election race against little-know Republican nominee Scott Starin. Colorado’s 2nd district was formally held by five-term Democrat Mark Udall, who is running for Senate with a slight lead, is listed as ‘safe democrat.’

One thing is for certain. Partisans, pundits, and political junkies will keep ‘all eyes on Colorado’ well after the Democratic National Convention.

Drill Now: Gaining Momentum, will Congress act?

2008-08-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that markets respond in an anticipatory way. Therefore the U.S. simply signaling an intention to drill will reduce the price at the pump. Best guess is about a $1 per gallon drop in price over one or two short weeks time.

Prove it, you say? Look at President Bush recent removal of an executive order that has no effect of law, considering a current federal law preempts it. Just having made that move dropped the per gallon price by fifty cents in about a weeks time. The market responded.

So what needs to be done? Congress needs to take up an energy bill and the Democratic majority needs to procedurally allow the drilling amendment to be brought forward. Unfortunately, the Democratic leadership in Congress, especially in the U.S. House of Representatives went on a (5) week summer break without bringing the bill to the floor. Why? Strategy! They knew that their were enough votes in congress to pass the drilling amendments, so they gavel session to a close and sent congress home to campaign.

In the meantime...

Senator Barack Obama has switched from opposed to drilling to "willing to consider it."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has switched from opposed to drilling to "an openness to allowing an offshore drilling vote."

They must have finally got around to reading the polls.

The big question now is...will she actually follow through and allow the vote?
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(see below for Boehner and Blunts quotes about the speaker's intention)

“If Speaker Pelosi is truly sincere about having a vote on deep-ocean oil and gas drilling to help bring down fuel costs, she should use her power as Speaker to call Congress back into session immediately and schedule a vote on the American Energy Act,” Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said in a statement released Tuesday morning.

“I was certainly encouraged to hear the Speaker last night suggest a willingness to allow the House to have an up-or-down vote on the merits of unlocking the potential of America’s abundant energy resources. But the proof will be in the proverbial pudding,” Republican Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) stated.

Democrats who believe McCain is the REAL DEAL

2008-08-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSpcxkKlEFA

Click through to this youtube segment to find clips of Democrats praising Senator John McCain. There is no question that he is a "do-er." He works together with bot sides of the aisle. He gets things done!

Senator Barack Obama can talk his cute little game by using words like "hope" and "promise" and "yes we can" but all of that just feels pretty empty to me. After (4) years in the U.S. Senate can anyone name one thing he has done? Do you remember his name being mentioned as part of any ground breaking legislation?

Kind of feels like when you drink a warm Coca Cola too fast on a hot summer day!

Pandering Politicians

2008-08-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

Websters defines 'Pandering' in the following

: to act as a pander; especially : to provide gratification for others' desires
Now I want to prefice this by saying that yes of course both sides do pander but this is just one of the most recent and richest examples.

Senator Barach Obama announced today a broad energy plan which includes two reversal of his previous policy.

One he is calling for the exercise of the U.S. Strategic Reserve = Pandering --> Repbulicans have been calling for this since gas hit $3 a gallon and now Senator Barack Obama wants to talk about it why? Oh yeah, I forgot...he is running for president and he is willing to tell the majority of americans "in the middle" on the political spectrum that he agrees with them. You see he is smart, politically astute, motivated, he knows he has the Democratic Party base "locked up" so now he needs to reach towards the moderates in in the middle. He needs to, in a clever way, convince people he is willing to consider exercising the U.S. Strategic Petroleum reserve. Meanwhile, should he ever be in a position to make that decision, should he be president, he has no intention of sigining such a measure. He will assuredly find a way to derobe himself of responsibility of following through on this campaign pledge.

Two he is calling for "some offshore drilling" as long as it is done in a "responsibile way" = PANDERING --> Republicans have been asking for Congress to open ANWR (Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge and offshore drilling in gulf and other coastal waters for quite some time. Senator Barack Obama's attempts are merely a ruse designed to trick those in the middle who may be inclined to agree with him on some issues but are being squeezed in the pocketbook. Honestly, Senator Obama play here in the least is to look as if he is "willing to reach out" and work with both sides of the issue. When in fact he is just telling them what they want to hear. He is co-opting the parts of the Republican agenda for his own political gain while simultaneously trying to "steal his opponents thunder" on an issue that he knows is winning in the polls with the american people. Drill more, payless now!

Third he wants to end oil dependancy in 10 years = PANDERING and completely ludacrious. Every economist in the world knows that a conversion, even if the technology where here right now today...and it isn't, could not even possibly occur in such a short amount of time.

Obama thinks of 10 years like a young person would 10 years still equals..."like forever."

McCain sees 10 years very differently. Ten years to McCain is...only twice as long as he spent as a prisioner of war.

No matter how cliche, commercialized, and overdone Senator John McCain's "Straight Talk Express" has become you can still trust it.

With Senator Obama...you get the feeling he will say and do anything to become president!

Lobbyists Wanted!

2008-07-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

Issue

A recent TV ad by a particular U.S. Senate candidate discusses the issue of former and retiring Congressmen and women becoming lobbyists. Click here to view this ad spot on You Tube.

The ad suggests that Congress has been considering how long a former member has to wait before becoming a lobbyist either 1 or 2 years.

"Right now hundreds of former members represent big oil and special interests, no wonder gas is $4 a gallon. Something has got to change. If elected I will work to make sure former members of Congress never become lobbyists."

Viewpoint

Here we go again! Another wanna-be politician running for Congress against Congress! Another politician making blanket statements equating all lobbyists and "special interests" as evil.

Time to debunk the myth!

Here are the facts.

Elected officials cannot not possibly be experts on every issue that comes before them. They rely on their staff and yes professional lobbyists to inform them on issues. It is a fundamental part of the system. Remember at some point lobbyists are just organized citizens.

Do some lobbyists represent big oil and big coal? Yes!
Are all lobbyists and 'special interests' bad? No!
Are there bad actors in every industry? Yes!
Should we punish the many on account of the few? No!
Is there something wholly un-American about dictating by law what job an individual pursue? Yes!

Remember the "Americans" all have lobbyists (American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Medical Association) are you calling them 'special interests?' Should they be banned from Washington? Also, the Alzheimers Association has lobbyists should they not enjoy a quality and professional candidate who might also happen to be a former member of Congress with an extensive network and excellent knowledge of the process? If we allow some but not others then where do we draw the line?

It is time for all candidates to stop using sensationalistic but empty calls to end 'special interests' and lobbying.

Most lobbyists are exceptionally educated, professional, and highly dedicated to "doing the right thing."

Lobbyist does not necessarily equal "dirty, rotten, scoundrel!"

Why High Gas Prices!

2008-07-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

Time for a little review. Just five years ago in July 0f 2003 Twin Cities gas average was 1.57 per gallon and as recently as December 23, 2006 we were paying $1.89 per gallon. So what is the real deal with gas prices. Who is to blame? The answers might just shock you!

Well if you are the kind of democrat that wants to believe everything that the liberal media spoon feeds you then you probably think that George Bush and his big oil tycoon, a la monoply, vice president and their ill founded and funded war are to blame for the worldwide increase is gas prices. However, the reality that couldn't be further from the truth. So what is keeping gas prices so high, we examine that question here together.

First the demand side of the issue. Industrialized nations throughout the developing world have increased their the overall global demand for fossil fuels. Just think about it why do you think Bejing looks worse than Los Angeles on every given day. Not to mention the U.S. continues to use its fair share now more than ever. This increase in demand puts price pressures on the barrel price of fuel keeping prices staggeringly high.

Second, the supply side of the issue. OPEC has a long history of intentionally withholding production to limit the supply of oil on the market at any given time. They actually meet, discuss the what their daily output should be, and are sophisticated enough to know exactly what the resulting barrel price, price per gallon, and more importantly what their return on investment will be. The general public must understand that OPEC has no incentive to increase supply and lower prices because that would in turn reduce their financial gains.

Third, the United States has a strategic reserve. The United States does hold significant strategic reserves. Their release always lowers prices.

Fourth, expanding drilling. The U.S. States in its wisdom has made it illegal for any further exploration or drilling in Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge. You can blame Democrats here. Dominanted by greenies these environmentalists are intentionally driving up prices to further their political agenda. $4 a gallon gasoline, they are reveling in moment and celebrating the success. They have the general public believing that only clean technology will fix our dependancy on foreign oil and fossil fuels all together. They love it!

Fifth, Democrats in Minnesota raised your gas tax. This is the flat out truth, ask them and they will tell you straight out that they raised your gas taxes at a time when gas prices were at an all time high. There is no avoiding this truism.

So what would drop the gas prices tomorrow?
-Decrease global demand.
-Force OPEC to increase production
-Exercise the U.S. Strategic Oil Reserve
-Legalize off shore and ANWR drilling
-Just begining the process of moving men an materials to the oil fields of ANWR would signal OPEC to drop prices. Oil would not even have to begin flowing before prices would drop and stabilize.
-Actually, recover ANWR oil and begin making it available to U.S. Citizens immediately. Export as little as strategically possible to keep global prices low.
Long Term:
-Invest in smart car technologies
-Invest in clean technology
-Switch grass bio-fuel has tremendous promise, could you imagine a fuel from the weeds growing at the side of the road.

MN Senate Is Not Up for Re-Election

2008-07-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (07/09/2008) the Associated Press released a story about a particular Minnesota DFL Senator who decided to resign the day after the election this year. This story immediately prompted the misinformed to post comments following the story stating it was a conspiracy and strategy. Some complained that extra money would be wasted on the special election. They wanted the Senator to pay for the cost of the special election out of his own pocket. They could not understand and cried foul about him waiting until the day after the election, so he would not be included in the general election.

News flash political uninformed masses who can't resist the temptation to comment about politics even though they obviously don't understand the system, the Minnesota Senate is not up for election this year. Therefore, he could not have the seat be decided in this years general election. And Why should he pay? In fact, it is to the citizen constituent's advantage that he not pay the cost of the special election and be in a position to exert undue influence on the result of an election.

Just one short message and a soon to be "Practical Politician" classic!

Tune in next time!

Practicial Politician seeks to educate the general public about MN politics, policy, and process. Examples are "ripped from the headlines" and reviewed to illustrate strategic points from the simplistic to the down right complex.