Political Notebook

Kline attends Red Wing forum as race heats up

Second Congressional District Rep. John Kline will travel to Red Wing today to meet with area business leaders and answer questions. The Republican will attend a lunch hour forum at the St. James Hotel sponsored by the Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters.

Kline's visit to Red Wing comes at a time when the congressman is expected to face his biggest election challenge since winning the seat in 2002. Thanks to redistricting, the district's boundaries have become more friendly to Democrats. Kline's DFL challenger Mike Obermueller also got a boost this week. The Demcoratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced Obermueller has earned a spot on their "Red to Blue" list of targeted race. That brings with it the potential for financial and strategic help.

But there's no doubt it's still an uphill climb for Obermueller. The Cook Political Report, University of Virginia's Center for Politics and Roll Call all rate the district as "likely Republican" at this point. In 2010, Kline trounced DFL challenger Shelley Madore, winning with more than 63 percent of the vote.

Kline calls for long-term nuclear storage solution

Republican Congressman John Kline sent a letter to the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future voicing disappointment that the commission's draft report fails to address the issue of long-term nuclear storage. Kline, whose district includes the Prairie Island nuclear plant near Red Wing, said the commission needs to identify a site for nuclear waste storage.

"I respectfully request a specific long-term site be included in the final report. Communities such as Prairie Island and the City of Red Wing need a site to which they can remove nuclear waste for the safety and security of their residents," Kline said.

The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 requires the disposal of spent nuclear fuel in a deep geological repository. Congress ultimately settled on Yucca Mountain in Nevada as the repository site, but the U.S. Department of Energy has halted plans to store the waste there.

In a news release, Kline said, "Storing nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain is an isolated, military secure location, in a facility designed for permanent storage maybe not be an idea solution, but Yucca is a more viable option than leaving it where it sits: near our communities and families."

Go here to read Kline's letter.

Powers to challenge Kline — again

Burnsville resident Dan Powers announced he will once again challenge 2nd District GOP Rep. John Kline. The construction contractor made the announcement in an open letter to Kline posted yesterday on his Facebook page. He starts off the letter by writing, "I wanted to let you know that I do not think you understand what our congressional district or the country really need."

He cites four specific reasons he believes Kline does not represent the constituents of the 2nd Congressional District.

"Continuing this disregard for our district you have,

1) voted for a draconian budget proposed by Paul Ryan, that would end Medicare as we know it for those less than 55,

2) voted to continue a tax break for big oil without regards to the record profits these companies are earning,

3) voted to borrow 700 billion dollars and increase the deficit to extend tax cuts to the richest Americans while cutting(taking) money away from the poorest and

4) you voted to repeal health care while retaining your own knowing that the cost of repealing it would add to the federal deficit."

Powers ran against Kline in 2010. He won the DFL party nomination but lost in the primary to former state Rep. Shelley Madore. Kline easily won re-election defeating Madore with 63 percent of the vote.

The 2nd Congressional District has been a safe seat for Republicans in recent years. But there is one unknown for the 2012 election — how the congressional district lines will be redrawn as part of redistricting. A Republican legislative proposal calls for making the 2nd Congressional District more rural — including the absorption of Wabasha County. DFL Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed the redistricting plan so it appears likely the issue will be headed to the courts.

 

Minnesota lawmakers respond to shooting of congresswoman

Minnesota's congressional delegation is reacting to the tragic mass shooting in Tucson, Ariz. yesterday in which Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was critially injured. DFL 1st District Rep. Tim Walz was elected in 2006 — the same year as Giffords. He and his wife Gwen released the following statement:

"Gwen and I are devastated. This is an unthinkable tragedy for our nation. Attacks on public servants and their staff have no place in America. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gabrielle, her husband Mark, Gabrielle's staff and their families, and the families of everyone who was hurt or killed today."

Republican 2nd District Rep. John Kline released this statement:

“I was shocked to learn today of the senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, members of her staff, and other Arizona residents. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Congresswoman Giffords and her family, her staff, and all of the victims of this senseless tragedy.”

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar offered this reaction:

"Congresswoman Giffords was doing what so many public servants do every day, meeting with her constituents, listening to the people who sent her to Washington. This is a horrific tragedy, and my thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her husband, family, and the other victims."

 

Walz backs repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

1st District DFL Rep. Tim Walz took to the U.S. House floor yesterday to lend his support for lifting the military's ban on gays serving in the military known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." You can watch video of the speech here.

During his one minute speech he said that "I have no doubt that the brave men and women who serve our country have the professionalism to end this discriminatory policy. I am offended by the idea and the notion that they are not able to handle change in policy."

Walz went on to argue that he believes the ban hurts America's military.

"This discriminatory policy is hurting our military readiness and weakining our nation such as releasing dozens of Arabic linguists simply because they were homosexual. Serving in the military we believe in duty, honor and country and asking these brave people to lie goes against all of our values," he said.

The House voted yesterday 250 to 175 in favor of lifting the ban. The measure now heads to the U.S. Senate but it is unclear whether there will be time in the lame duck session to take it up. Among the Minnesota delegation, those voting in favor of lifting the ban were four Democrats — Rep. Keith Ellison, Rep. Betty McCollum, Rep. Jim Oberstar and Walz. Voting against lifting the ban were three Republicans — Rep. Michele Bachmann, Rep. John Kline and Rep. Erik Paulsen — and one Democrat — Rep. Collin Peterson.

I put in a request with Kline's office for a statement from him about why he opposed lifting the ban. When I get it, I will post that on the blog.

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.