Political Notebook

Spring Valley awarded $800,000 in stimulus money

Spring Valley City Administrator Deb Zimmer got a welcome surprise Monday. Someone from 1st District Rep. Tim Walz's office called looking for a comment to go with a press release announcing the city had been awarded an $800,000 grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. That was the first Zimmer had heard about the award. Her reaction?

"Oh you're kidding!" she said.

But it's not a joke. The U.S. Department of Commerce made the announcement today about the matching grant. It will be used to expand the city's industrial park by helping pay for sewer, water and street infrastructure. The city plans to borrow money to pay the remaining $800,000.

Zimmer said the city's existing industrial park is already full and there has been a big need for more space.

Sara Severs, Press Secretary for Congressman Walz made the following statement on behalf of the Congressman who is on official business overseas this week. “Congressman Walz supported the recovery bill because it contained grants like the one given to the city of Spring Valley today. This industrial park expansion is a necessary element of future economic development. The construction phase will create immediate jobs and new businesses will bring additional jobs to the community. This expansion of infrastructure will facilitate future growth in Spring Valley and it is exactly the kind of project that the local economy in Spring Valley needs.”

New survey finds Minnesotans want better return on tax dollars

A new survey released by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Tunheim Partners finds that the majority of respondents do not want state government to raise taxes. According to the survey, 63 percent advocated cutting overall government spending to balance the state budget. But interestingly enough, 6 out of 10 of the respondents also said they would be willing to personally pay more to improve services like K-12 outcomes, long-term care and ensuring Minnesota's infrastructure.

The poll also concludes that Minnesota is a "purple state" with voters evenly divided among Independents, Republicans and Democrats. When it comes to the 2010 gubernatorial election, the poll found that neither Democrats or Republicans have an advantage. It also found that Democratic and Republican legislators have a 59 percent disapproval rating. Meanwhile, Gov. Tim Pawlenty's job approval rating was 49 percent. Half of those surveyed said the next governor should have real-world experience and not be a career politician.

The random telephone survey of 602 respondents was conducted Aug. 4 to 6. All participants were screened to be likely November 2010 voters. The margin of error is plus-minus 4 percentage points. To learn more about the survey, click here.

Health protestors, supporters and a unique contest

Well, you can say one thing about the debate over health care reform — it's certainly not dull. Yesterday, Rochester native and Texas Rep. Michael Burgess joined Rep. Michele Bachmann for what turned into a raucous town hall event.

Meanwhile, in Rochester a group of people supporting the health care reform plans rallied in front of Sen. Amy Klobuchar's office in Rochester. The group is part of the "Health Care for America Now" group, a coalition of labor, faith and community organizations pushing for the changes.

In a news release, Southeast Minnesota Area Labor Council President Laura Askelin is quoted as saying, "“The facts are that health care in America costs too much, covers too little, excludes too many and is only getting worse. Real leaders and working families are standing up and demanding a solution to the crisis our health care system has created. They are the ones acting like true American patriots.”

That appears to be a dig at the Rochester Tea Party Patriots. Today, that group will be protesting the health care reform overhaul — also in front of Klobuchar's office — from noon to 1 p.m.

And the Republican Party of Minnesota has come up with an interesting contest at the Minnesota State Fair. It's called the "Wait in Line for ObamaCare" contest. The way it works is 20 people are picked from a pool of applicants and whoever can stand in line the longest will get $2,500. Wonder if the DFL will come up with a contest of their own?

 

Food on a stick and politics

Once again it is time for the Great Minnesota Get-Together. And while the latest new foods on a stick usually grab the limelight, it is worth noting that the fair is also a key political event. Gubernatorial candidates are swarming to the event for the chance to schmooze fair goers and build key support.

The Minnesota DFL has posted a list showing when gubernatorial candidates will be at the party's booth. You can check that out here. In the case of the Republican Party of Minnesota, it looks like it will be more of a hit-and-miss scenario for people looking to chat with a particular gubernatorial candidate. The party's spokesman Mark Drake said GOP gubernatorial candidates will be at the booth but there is not a set schedule as to when they will be there.

However, former House Minority Leader Marty Seifert has already tweeted that he is the only gubernatorial candidate with his own booth.

In addition, state lawmakers can be found at both the House and Senate booths. Click here to Download Memsched09 and here to 

Download Senators_attending

Not many southeast Minnesota lawmakers appear to be making the trek. House Assistant Majority Leader Andy Welti, DFL-Plainview, was at the fair today. House Assistant Minority Leader Randy Demmer, R-Hayfield, will be there from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 2 and Rep. Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa, is scheduled to be there from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 6.

Walz: Returning vets still falling between the cracks

1st District Rep. Tim Walz gave the keynote address today at the American Legion National Convention in Louisville, Ky. During his 20 minute speech, the Democrat told the crowd that more work still needs to be done to help veterans returning home. To see his speech, go here.

He said one of the biggest problems is a lack of communication between the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, which makes it difficult for veterans to get the benefits they deserve.

"There is a chasm that soldiers drop between," he told the crowd.

He said more needs to be done to ensure a "seamless transition" for veterans returning to civilian life. He said more also has to be done to reach out to young soldiers.

"We know that these younger warriors coming back, the VA doesn't even capture their e-mail address to contact them," Walz said.

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining funding for veterans benefits. During the health care reform discussions, he said he has heard some suggestions that military veterans on the "Tricare" insurance plan should pay copays — something he vowed to fight against.

"The copay was paid when they swore their oath in enlistment to this nation and it won't go further," he said.

Walz did crack a joke during his speech about the fiery debate over health care reform and townhall meetings.

"If you want to make me feel at home, just randomly yell at me some now. It will make me feel a little more comfortable."

Kennedy 'made you want to go to work everyday'

Sen. Amy Klobuchar was quick to issue a statement this morning in response to news that Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy had died of brain cancer at age 77.

“Ted Kennedy's wit and stories, his passion for a cause and his country, and his love for the Senate just made you want to go to work every day.
 

“I had the privilege to serve with Ted Kennedy in the Senate for just two years.  He was a mentor to so many of us just starting out, not in the traditional "this is how you get it done" way, but instead as an inspiration. He never gave up and had a fiery zest for the legislative battles that was always tempered by a bipartisan pragmatism. He was incredibly strong and effective and had the deep respect of everyone that worked with him. 

“My thoughts and prayers are with Vicki, his children, and the entire Kennedy family.”

Republicans launch Health Care Coalition

Local Republicans gathered Tuesday in Rochester to announce the formation of a new Health Care Coalition.

Making the announcement were three Rochester physicians — Dr. Brian Davis, Dr. Fred Nobrega and Dr. Scott Wright — along with former state Rep. Fran Bradley. The statewide coalition sponsored by the Republican Party of Minnesota will be drafting its own list of eight to 10 health care reform recommendations as an alternative to the health care reform proposals being backed by the Obama administration.

The Republicans warned against the high cost of the current health care proposals and the prospect of a public option.

“The wrong reform will increase costs even more and have significant negative consequences,” said Bradley, former chair of the House Health Policy and Finance Committee.Instead members said they would like to see reform geared towards improving competition within the private insurance market.

Democrats were quick to criticize the new coalition. The Minnesota DFL Party’s Associate Chair Donna Cassutt issued a statement criticizing the coalition saying it is an attempt by Republicans to kill health reform efforts.

“It looks like we’re in for more of the same obstructionist tactics and partisan misinformation schemes we’ve seen from the ‘Party of No’ over the past few years — this time from a new coalition of Republican foot soldiers trying to kill health-insurance reform,” she said.

'A real downer' for Sviggum

A federal advisory opinion confirms that state Commissioner of Labor and Industry Steve Sviggum can not legally run for governor and keep his day job. Sviggum’s reaction to the bad news?

“It’s a real downer,” he said.

Sviggum had sought the advisory opinion from the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. It states that Sviggum is subject to the “Hatch Act,” which prohibits federal employees from running for partisan office. That is because Sviggum oversees the federally-funded Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Sviggum had been planning to launch his campaign for governor in July but then he found out about the possible federal restriction.The former Speaker of the House said he can not afford to step down from his job this far out from the 2010 election.

“Running (for office) is something that I really have a passion for but on the other hand it is difficult to go a significant amount of time without some kind of income,” Sviggum said.

But the Kenyon resident is not completely closing the door on a possible run in the future depending on how the other Republican candidates fare.

Invitation lost in the mail?

State Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes, DFL-Winona, and Sen. Katie Sieben, DFL-Newport, are hosting a "High-speed Rail Summit" in Winona tomorrow to discuss efforts to build high-speed rail from Chicago to the Twin Cities. The guest list includes Sen. Al Franken, MnDOT officials and business leaders.

But notably absent from the list is the Southeast Minnesota Rail Alliance. The alliance, which was founded by the city of Rochester, Olmsted County, Mayo Clinic and Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, has been pushing for Rochester to be considered a stop on a high-speed rail line. Bryan Anderson, a spokesman for the alliance and Mayo Clinic, said they were not invited to the event. Also, Rochester-area lawmakers asked about the summit said they were not aware of getting an invitation.

Ropes and Sieben have been vocal supporters of using the existing railroad route along the Mississippi River for high-speed rail. Under that scenario, the train would travel through Winona and Red Wing, stopping at St. Paul's Union Depot.

Rochester Sen. Ann Lynch said she was not aware of the event until today and will not be attending.

"I think maybe what is kind of puzzling is that if it is called a high-speed rail summit, to me that seems to imply that it would be more inclusive and have various options outlined," she said. "Clearly, that is not the intent."

Walz to have teletownhall with Sebelius

1st District Rep. Tim Walz will hold a teletownhall meeting tomorrow with special guest U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. The townhall can accommodate up to 1,000 callers..

To event will start at 5:30 p.m. Constituents are invited to call 1-888-356-3090 and enter the passcode 13244 to participate.

Walz also has a town hall event scheduled for Thursday in Mankato. An editorial by the Post-Bulletin that ran today is pushing for Walz to hold a public town hall in Rochester.