Political Notebook

Barden points to Mayo Clinic as reason to sue over health care bill

Republican Attorney General candidate Chris Barden paid a visit to the Post-Bulletin office today as part of a statewide tour where he is vowing to fight "Obamacare" if he is elected. During the interview, Barden cited the Mayo Clinic as a prime example of why the state should fight against the new federal health care law.

He said the Mayo Clinic "is such a classic example of what individuals can do out here in rural Minnesota without government intervention and control," he said.

When asked whether he had talked with Mayo Clinic about the issue, Barden said he has not done that yet but plans to in the future. While Mayo Clinic has not taken a formal position on the health care bill, the clinic has said overall it favors many of the reforms in the bill. 

Barden said if elected, he would join several other states in a federal lawsuit to block the new health care bill from taking effect in Minnesota.

He argues the bill gives the federal government unprecedented powers by requiring citizens to buy health insurance. He said the bill also violates the 10th Amendment by intruding on the state's sovereign rights.

"This is more damaging to Minnesota than to most states because our health care system is one of the best in the world. Already you see doctors bailing out. You are going to see longer waiting lines. You are going to see rationing," he said.

Barden is challenging incumbent DFL Attorney General Lori Swanson. She declined to join the federal lawsuit to block the health care bill.

Swanson, Dayton and Thissen pay a visit

Rochester is proving to be a popular spot today for DFL candidates.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson spoke at an Olmsted County Darn Fine Luncheon today. After the presentation, she took questions from the audience. Some of those questions centered on letters received by Swanson calling on her to join in a federal lawsuit to block the health care reform bill. Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty and all 68 GOP members of the state legislature are asking her to consider joining in a lawsuit filed by attorneys general in 13 other states that argues the bill violates the Constitution.

Swanson emphasized that the lawsuit centers on a provision in the bill that would  require people to buy insurance, which does not take effect until 2014. She said she wants to take time to review the bill before making a decision.

"I believe in reviewing things before I comment on them," she said.

Swanson said she is slowly beginning to review the bill.

"I have printed it off, it is 2,400 pages long and it's about this high and I am reviewing the bill. I am on page 5 or so," she said.

This afternoon, the Southeast Minnesota Area Labor Council is organizing a march and rally that starts at 4 p.m. at the Labor Temple in Rochester and will stop at Wells Fargo at 21 1st St. S.W. The march is part nationwide protests by labor groups focused on banks that took bailout money. They want these banks to loosen tightened lending restrictions to help average citizens. The march will end at the Kahler Grand Hotel at 20 2nd Ave. S.W.

DFL gubernatorial candidates Mark Dayton and Paul Thissen are expected to attend and address the crowd. Thissen is also having a meet and greet from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dos Amigos Restaurant, 20 4th St. S.E.

Swanson, Dayton and Thissen pay a visit

Rochester is proving to be a popular spot today for DFL candidates.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson spoke at an Olmsted County Darn Fine Luncheon today. After the presentation, she took questions from the audience. Some of those questions centered on letters received by Swanson calling on her to join in a federal lawsuit to block the health care reform bill. Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty and all 68 GOP members of the state legislature are asking her to consider joining in a lawsuit filed by attorneys general in 13 other states that argues the bill violates the Constitution.

Swanson emphasized that the lawsuit centers on a provision in the bill that would  require people to buy insurance, which does not take effect until 2014. She said she wants to take time to review the bill before making a decision.

"I believe in reviewing things before I comment on them," she said.

Swanson said she is slowly beginning to review the bill.

"I have printed it off, it is 2,400 pages long and it's about this high and I am reviewing the bill. I am on page 5 or so," she said.

This afternoon, the Southeast Minnesota Area Labor Council is organizing a march and rally that starts at 4 p.m. at the Labor Temple in Rochester and will stop at Wells Fargo at 21 1st St. S.W. The march is part nationwide protests by labor groups focused on banks that took bailout money. They want these banks to loosen tightened lending restrictions to help average citizens. The march will end at the Kahler Grand Hotel at 20 2nd Ave. S.W.

DFL gubernatorial candidates Mark Dayton and Paul Thissen are expected to attend and address the crowd. Thissen is also having a meet and greet from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dos Amigos Restaurant, 20 4th St. S.E.

Swanson, Bachmann to visit Rochester

Two state politicians that have been getting plenty of media attention will be making stops in Rochester. Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson will be the keynote speaker at the Olmsted County Darn Fine Ladies spring luncheon event on Friday. The Democrat has been in the spotlight since Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty and all 68 GOP state lawmakers recently called on her to take legal action to block federal health care reform saying it is unconstitutional. Swanson's office has said they are looking into the matter, but as yet Swanson has not made any comments -- at least that I am aware of. The deadline to register for the deadline has already passed. But for more information, call Diane at 398-6329.

On Monday, 6th District Rep. Michele Bachmann will be in Rochester for an event supporting Rochester Area Republican Women. Bachmann has been an outspoken critic of the Democrat's health care reform bill and has been active in the Tea Party movement. The event runs from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Kahler Grand Hotel and will feature coffee, tea and dessert. Limited seating will be available the day of the event. The cost is $25 at the door, $20 in advance. For more information, call 254-8322.