MinnPost thanks these major sponsors:

Sponsor of
Second Opinion

Sponsor of
Community Sketchbook

Our major advertisers

Our in-kind partners

Search Engine Marketing

MinnPost thanks these generous donors:

INDIVIDUALS AND FOUNDATI0NS
Blandin Foundation
Otto Bremer Foundation
Bush Foundation
Sage & John Cowles
David & Vicki Cox
Toby & Mae Dayton
Jack & Claire Dempsey
Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation
Sam & Stacey Heins
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Joel & Laurie Kramer
Lee Lynch & Terry Saario
Martin & Brown Foundation
The McKnight Foundation
The Minneapolis Foundation
The Saint Paul Foundation
Rebecca & Mark Shavlik

(See all donors here.)

ERIC BLACK INK

AFSCME endorses Tarryl Clark for Bachmann seat

By Eric Black | Published Tue, Aug 4 2009 2:39 pm

I trust you've learned by now that Elwyn Tinklenberg has dropped out of the 6th District race. If not, teammate Doug Grow has it here from a couple of hours ago.

For the moment that leaves state Sen. Tarryl Clark of St. Cloud and Dr. Maureen Reed seeking the DFL endorsement for the opportunity to take on Cong. Michele Bachmann. And, to cap an already good day for her chances, Clark also received the endorsement of AFSCME, the public employees union. Union support is big in DFL endorsement races and AFSCME is a big union, although AFSCME Council 6, the one that endorsed Clark, claims just 5,000 members who vote in the 6th District.

| Tue, Aug 4 2009 2:39 pm | 7 Comments

Like what you just read? Support high-quality journalism in Minnesota by becoming a member of MinnPost.

7 Comments: Hide/Show Comments

(#1) On August 4, 2009, dan buechler says:

Readers whats your take on this endorsement?

(#2) On August 4, 2009, Tom Anderson says:

They didn't waste any time despite no knowledge of any her positions. This should help the drive towards a coronation and force Ms. Reed out early.

(#3) On August 4, 2009, Jazziette Devereaux says:

http://tarrylclarkforcongressfri.smfforfree3.com/index.php

My take is that the endorsement came quickly (right on the heels of the SCSU College Dems) to indicate to voters how strong AFSCME confidence is that Senator Clark can win against Bachmann in a heavily Republican populated district. Clark is widely respected by her peers, supporters and even opponents as a level headed, intelligent, hard working unifier who is capable of finding the benefit in an issue for both supporters and opposition.

In these difficult economic times this is exactly the kind of representation that the people of Minnesota need and deserve.

And yet she holds her cards close to her chest. Thus the long awaited announcement, even though Tinklenberg and Reed had already made their intentions known. Clark is a serious contender having four political races under her belt, the first two of which she lost and then persevered until she won the last two. She has also won the Assistant Senate Majority Leader position.

Before being elected to the Senate, Senator Clark was Co-Chairman of the DFL and highly active in the League of Women Voters, to name only a few of her accomplishments. At age 48, she is young, highly articulate and a skilled diplomat who just happens to also be beautiful and loaded with personal charisma. She has a Masters in Counseling, a Doctorate in Law and a lifetime of service to her fellow man.

What more could one want for their candidate? I rest my case. ;)

(#4) On August 5, 2009, John E Iacono says:

It's kind of a mixed feelings response.

We need her in the Senate more than in the House of Representatives.

(#5) On August 5, 2009, Joe Johnson says:

http://minnpost.com

Is this congressional district going to exist in 2010? Has Clark ever had a real job in her life? I see 15 years of education and then an election to out state government, big wooo.

(#6) On August 5, 2009, Tom Anderson says:

Huge majorities in either representative body means no loss or gain either way. And how does one "win" the Assistant Majority Leader position?

(#7) On August 8, 2009, John E Iacono says:

"Huge majorities in either representative body..."

I'd put that in the "counting the chickens before they're hatched" category.

I keep in mind Bill's comment a few years back: "It's the economy, stupid!"

And that is up in the air just now.

Forgot Password? | Register to Comment

MinnPost does not permit the use of foul language, personal attacks or the use of language that may be libelous or interpreted as inciting hate or sexual harassment. User comments are reviewed by moderators to ensure that comments meet these standards and adhere to MinnPost's terms of use and privacy policy.

We intend for this area to be used by our readers as a place for civil, thought-provoking and high-quality public discussion. In order to achieve this, MinnPost requires that all commenters register and post comments with their actual names and place of residence. Register here to comment.

RECENTLY PUBLISHED POSTS

minnpost.com/ericblack

Eric Black is a former reporter for the Star Tribune and Twin Cities blogger. He writes about politics and government of Minnesota and the United States, the historical background of topics and other issues. Click here to view Eric's previous postings at former blog, Eric Black Ink. He can be reached at eblack [at] minnpost [dot] com.

Search Engine Marketing

ERIC BLACK INK

AFSCME endorses Tarryl Clark for Bachmann seat

RECENTLY PUBLISHED POSTS

minnpost.com/ericblack

Recent Posts by Eric Black