2012: The perfect DFL storm
from mnpACT! Progressive Political Blog by Dave Mindeman
One of the reasons that DFL turnout was so high is that the Party fully embraced the NO vote campaigns on the amendments. It was a bit of a gamble, but it gave younger voters an additional reason to go to the polls. And when the tide turned heavily against the amendments, the DFL reaped some of the benefit, especially in close races. Some of the Vote NO organizational skills had to rub off on the Party… and there was a ready made cadre of volunteers willing to work on multiple projects.
Picking at the bones II — what next?
from Mr. Dilettante’s Neighborhood by Mark Heuring
…we need to encourage more people to make the same choice and sacrifice that Gina [Bauman] has been willing to make on our behalf. The DFL never has a problem finding candidates, because it’s nifty and cool to play Santa Claus with public funds and because busybodies are a growth industry in this state.
DFL wins big in northern Minnesota
from Minnesota Brown by Aaron J. Brown
Before the election few expected a “wave.” Rather most expected a race-by-race scrum. But what we got was a clear DFL wave with all northern Minnesota State Senate and all but a couple northern House seats going to the DFL. In the SD5 incumbent vs. incumbent series, Sen. Tom Saxhaug defeated Sen. John Carlson, Rep. John Persell handily beat Rep. Larry Howes, and Rep. Tom Anzelc had a solid win over Rep. Carolyn McElfatrick.
Soup’s on!
from Barataria by Erik Hare
After a big feast, the bones of whatever animal was consumed can be gathered and boiled down for soup. Elections are a feast of sorts, if you prefer blather to meat, and it’s customary to make some kind of broth from the whole experience.
A thank you note for Minnesota Republicans
from Wry Wing Politics by Joe Loveland
Dear Minnesota Republicans: We just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for the gift of your marriage ban amendment. Such a thoughtful idea!
Better balance in transportation possible as legislature swings to DFL
from streets.mn by Mike Hicks
The change in Saint Paul, as well as shifts in power nationally, should lead to better outcomes for advocates of balanced transportation including infrastructure for walking, biking, transit and trains to complement our current system heavily biased toward auto and air travel.
