Political Notebook

Pawlenty signs blocks state participation in federal health care law

Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed an executive order today that requires all state agencies to decline all discretionary participation in the federal health care law.

In a news release issued this afternoon, Pawlenty is quoted as saying, "Obamacare is an intrusion by the federal government into personal health care matters and it’s an explosion of federal spending that does nothing to make health care more affordable,” Governor Pawlenty said. “To the fullest extent possible, we need to keep Obamacare out of Minnesota. This executive order will stop Minnesota’s participation in projects that are laying the groundwork for a federally-controlled healthcare system.”

The executive order prohibits state agencies from applying for grant funding programs and demonstration projects tied to the new health care law.

This comes as DFL legislative leaders have been blasting the governor for turning down money tied to the new health care law. Rep. Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, issued a press release for rejecting $850,000 in funding for sex education aimed at preventing teen pregnancy. In total, Murphy said Pawlenty has rejected or delayed $1.7 billion in federal  funding available to Minnesota.

“The Governor might find rejecting federal dollars to be a winning political strategy in Iowa or New Hampshire, but it is not a winning strategy for Minnesotans who need jobs or schools that lack resources,” said Murphy in a written statement.  “While Minnesota stands still, other states are moving forward. We need leaders who will pursue every available option to get Minnesota’s economy and education system back on track.”

Wilson to unveil jobs and energy plan today

Independence Party congressional candidate Steven Wilson will be unveiling a jobs and energy plan at a press conference at 1 p.m today in Pine Island.

Wilson, of Rochester, is running for the 1st Congressional District seat held by Democrat Tim Walz of Mankato. Also running are Republican Randy Demmer of Hayfield and independent candidate Lars Johnson of Rochester.

Wilson plans to hold the press conference at a "zero energy" or "grid neutral" home under construction in Pine Island. He plans to discuss proposals aimed at energy independence, job creation and protecting national security.

In the press release, Wilson is quoted as saying, "We are lacking a vision for our nation. We need something that can bring us together. This new vision for America is something that people on the right and the left can get excited about."

Wilson recently returned from a one-year tour in Iraq working as a U.S. diplomat embedded with the U.S. Army. He has been active in the localTea Party movement.

Boehner fundraisers for Demmer, Walz supporters rally for Social Security

U.S. House Minority Leader John Boehner is in Minnesota today to fundraise for 1st Congressional District GOP candidate Randy Demmer. Boehner will be hosting a fundraiser at the North Coast restaurant in Wayzata this evening. Demmer Campaign Manager Jason Flohrs said they are expecting more than 50 people to show up.

In response to Boehner's visit, the campaign of Democratic Congressman Tim Walz organized a gathering of senior citizens in Rochester to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Social Security. A news release about this morning's event blasts Boehner and Demmer saying they support privatizing Social Security. Campaign Communications Director Sara Severs is quoted as saying the following:

"Representative Demmer and Minority Leader Boehner are two peas in the privatizing Social Security pod. Boehner is here holding a high dollar fundraiser for Demmer because he knows Demmer would be a reliable vote in his pocket, particularly on his plan to privatize Social Security. That's why local seniors are gathering here in Rochester Today: to send a message to the two of them we need to strengthen Social Security, not gamble it away on the stock market."

Flohrs accused the Walz campaign of engaging in "classic scare tactics" He said Walz is the one who is hurting seniors by supporting the health care reform law, which includes $600 billion in cuts to Medicare.

TPaw book cover photo a surprise to state park manager

Just got a copy of the latest edition for The Lake City Graphic here in the newsroom and saw that they followed up on my blog post about Gov. Tim Pawlenty's book cover featuring a photo of him at Frontenac State Park near Red Wing.

In a story written by Andrew Aggenberger, he reports that the photo shoot was news to Frontenac State Park Manager Harry Roberts who is quoted as saying, "I didn't even know (Pawlenty) had been here," he said. "To my knowledge, we've never had a governor visit the park. I wish we would have known."

The story goes on to note that the DNR does require a special permit for people who want to take photographs in the state parks for commercial purposes. But according to DNR Parks and Trails Media Relationships Coordinator Amy Barrett, these permits are only required if the use would disrupt or extend the normal operating hours of the park or disrupt normal visitor activities. That makes it unlikely that the Pawlenty photo shoot would have required a permit.

Goodhue vets sponsor candidate meet and greet — not debate

Goodhue County United Veterans is sponsoring a candidate meet and greet on Monday, but don't say it's a debate. Heidi Krause with the Goodhue County Veterans Service Office said they were surprised to hear that the event was being reported by some media as a gubernatorial debate. Far from the case. Rather, it is a chance for county, state and federal candidates to introduce themselves to voters and answer a couple of question.

The meet and greet will be at 7:30 p.m. on Monday at the Cannon Falls VFW/American Legion. So far, only DFL gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton has said he will attend. The group has not heard back yet from Republican Tom Emmer and IP candidate Tom Horner.

2nd District Republican Rep. John Kline has said he will not attend. His DFL challenger Shelley Madore is planning to be there. Other candidates who have confirmed they will be there are: DFL Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and GOP rival Dan Severson; Senate District 28 DFL candidate Joe Fricke and GOP candidate John Howe; House District 28A DFL candidate Jerry Roth and GOP Rep. Tim Kelly; House District 28B DFL candidate Mark Schneider and GOP Rep. Steve Drazkowski. Senate District 36 DFL candidate Steve Quist; and House District 36B DFL candidate Sigrid Iverson.

Demmer calls on Obama to fire economic team

Republican congressional candidate Randy Demmer called on President Obama on Tuesday to ask Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and National Economic Council Chair Larry Summers to resign. Demmer, who is challenging 1st District DFL Rep. Congressman Tim Walz, said Obama's economic advisers have failed to grow the economy and create jobs.

In a press release, Demmer is quoted saying, “Larry Summers and Timothy Geithner are the architects of the policies that have put our country in such a difficult position. Our job providers don’t need more of their bailouts and failed ‘stimulus’ programs.  What they need is real economic leadership and a common-sense budget plan that will allow them to get out from under the heavy burden of high taxes and increased regulation that the federal government is imposing today and instead get back to business and focus on creating new jobs and rebuilding our economy."

Demmer's announcement comes the same day House Minority Leader John Boehner called on the president to fire Geithner and Summers. As I reported earlier this month, Boehner is expected to travel to Rochester to host a fundraiser for Demmer.

A familiar local setting for Pawlenty's book cover

A look at Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's new book cover helped end what had been an ongoing source of curiosity here in the Post-Bulletin newsroom. A few months ago, Post-Bulletin reporter John Weiss had spotted the governor posing for professional photos at Frontenac State Park near Red Wing. But Pawlenty's spokesman would never say what those photos were for. Now we know.

Frontenac State Park serves as the background for the cover to Pawlenty's new book —  Courage to Stand: An American Story. It features the governor standing on the bluff with Lake Pepin in the background and a tough, determined look on his face.

Pawlenty's book is set to be released on Jan. 1, 2011 after leaving office. The book is being published by Tyndale House Publishers, which offers the following description of the outgoing Republican governor.

"Tim Pawlenty is the two-term Governor of Minnesota. Pawlenty has used innovative and conservative leadership to balance that state's budget, cut spending, reform health care and improve schools without raising taxes. Under his leadership, Minnesota has nation-leading health care, the highest school test scores and a leading economy. Pawlenty has often fought uphill battles as a Republican governor in a very Democratic state. He has been married for over 20 years to his wife, Mary, a former district judge.  The Pawlenty's have two teenage daughters."

Pawlenty is considering running for president in 2012 and these sorts of biographies have become the norm for presidential hopefuls.

Emmer's 1st TV ad is all about the family

Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer has released his first campaign ad. It feature's footage of Emmer's seven kids talking about their dad's run for office. The ad will run statewide for a cost of roughly $300,000. Here's the script for the ad:

Katie: “Hi, we’re the Emmers.”

Joey: “That’s our dad, he’s running for governor.”

Katie: “And he’s really excited about it.”

Tripp: “Always talking about cutting taxes and reforming government.”

Jack: “And creating jobs for Minnesota.”

Bobby: “Believe me, he creates plenty for us.”

Tom Emmer: “We’ve been blessed. Seven beautiful kids living in this amazing state. Minnesota families are struggling. We need to pick ourselves up, create jobs and get our economy moving.”

Narrator: “Tom Emmer”

Tom Emmer: “It’s time for a new direction.”

Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty is also throwing a big fundraiser for Emmer tonight, according to Minnesota Public Radio. Attendees will include former Sen. Norm Coleman, 2nd District Rep. John Kline, 3rd District Rep. Erik Paulsen and 6th District Rep. Michele Bachmann.

The Alliance for a Better Minnesota, a liberal independent expenditure group, has already critiqued the ad accusing Emmer of failing to support initiatives to create jobs.

Mayo Clinic joins in call for Pawlenty to accept $263m

Mayo Clinic is joining the Minnesota Medical Association in asking Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty to accept $263 million in federal health care money available for Minnesota. I wrote about the issue on Friday.

Mayo Clinic spokesman Bryan Anderson said the clinic backs the association's call for Pawlenty to ask for the money.

The money is part of a $26 billion state aid package approved by Congress. But in order to get the money, governors have to ask for it. That puts Pawlenty in a tough position. He has been an outspoken critic of the state aid package saying it is too costly and that the federal government's "reckless spending spree" must come to an end. Pawlenty is also considering a run for president in 2012, which would require winning over conservative voters — many of whom are upset with the level of government spending.

Pawlenty has said he has not decided whether or not he will ask for the money. DFL gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton last week called on Pawlenty to accept the money. Dayton issued the following statement.

“I call on Governor Pawlenty to immediately accept the $263 million available to Minnesota’s low-income and elderly patients through a one-time increase in federal Medicaid funding.  That money is essential to maintaining the health of low-income and elderly citizens, and it's essential to maintaining the health of our care providers, particularly those in rural Minnesota, who are facing severe financial hardships.

It's Dayton vs. Horner — but no Emmer

Today is the first gubernatorial debate in southeast Minnesota since last week's primary election determined the final slate of candidates. The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities is sponsoring the debate today at 4 p.m. in Winona. But one of the major party candidates will not be there. Republican Tom Emmer said he will not be able to attend because of a scheduling conflict. So the debate will be a one-on-one contest between DFL candidate Mark Dayton and IP candidate Tom Horner. I'll be heading to Winona and covering the debate.

Emmer has been getting criticized by DFLers, the coalition and some outstate newspapers for not showing up.  Here is a statement issued by coalition president Timothy Strand, mayor of St. Peter.

"There is no better opportunity to explain why you will be a champion for rural Minnesota than by debating the other candidates for governor in front of the mayors, city council members, and city staff that make up the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. That is why we are disheartened that Rep. Emmer has declined this opportunity. We hope Rep. Emmer reconsiders his invitation and joins Mark Dayton and Tom Horner in an open and honest conversation on the issues that will affect the 2.4 million Minnesotans living in greater Minnesota. We also hope Rep. Emmer reevaluates the message that his absence at this critical forum sends to greater Minnesota communities."

But Emmer's campaign responded by saying the candidate has already participated in three debates since the Aug. 10 primary and that unlike some of his wealthier opponents, he needs to do some fundraising. Campaign spokesman Chris Van Guilder issued this statement:

"As a former city council member, Tom Emmer looks forward to working with the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities on issues facing rural Minnesota and non-metro communities. Unfortunately, debates are just one of the many demands made on our campaign.  Having done three debates in the past week, Tom Emmer must focus on other activities as well.  Tom is not a self-financing, multi-millionaire candidate like his Democrat opponent."