Political Notebook

New converative group targets Norton/Valeriano race

Rochester Republican Melissa Valeriano is one of five candidates expected to receive support from a new political committee aimed at electing conservatives to the Legislature.

The committee's founder, Andy Parish, said the group is zeroing in on the House District 25 race because it believes that newcommer Valeriano can defeat four-term DFL incumbent Kim Norton.

"I believe it is a winnable race. After redistricting it became a lot more competitive," he said.

Parrish cites some analysis that shows the district, which covers northwest Rochester, leaning slightly Republican.

This is the only race being targeted in southeast Minnesota by the group for this election. But they are already looking ahead to 2014 and want to play a significant role in the gubernatorial and senate races, Parrish said. The group's creation is in response to Alliance for a Better Minnesota, which works to elect DFL candidates to office.

Parrish declined to say how the campaign plans to support Valeriano, citing Minnesota campaign laws that prevent them from cooperating with the candidate. But he added she will receive "significant resources."

Dems, GOP agree: Stop the sign vandalism

It's rare for the chairs of the Olmsted County Republicans and the Olmsted County DFL to team up. But the two have issued a joint statement after a rash of sign thefts and vandalism that has plagued candidates on both sides of the aisle.

Last week, I got a call from House District 25B Republican candidate Melissa Valeriano frustrated that one of her large signs along West Circle Drive had been stolen. This happened after it had previously been cut down and tossed on the ground. Also stolen was a sign for the Citizens Organized to Stop the Tax or (COST), which opposed extended the Rochester city sales tax. After the incident, Valeriano reached out to her DFL opponent, Rep. Kim Norton, who told her that some of her signs have been vandalized. 

Here's the joint statement sent out by Republican Bruce Kaskubar and Democrat Lynn Wilson sent out the following statement:

"Democrat, Republican, independent, or other, we all want a better America. We have different ideas about how that should be accomplished. In the midst of campaign season it is common to have campaign signs defaced, put down, or removed. As leaders of our respective political parties, we ask one and all to consider some undeniable truths:

—  our political futures should be decided by ideas

—  freedom of expression is guaranteed us in our Constitution

— diversity of experience and opinion forms a rich community

— mutual respect is the essence of good citizenship

 We encourage all the people of Olmsted county to give voice to their ideas and, equally, to respect others' rights to voice theirs."

 Bruce Kaskubar, Chair, Republican Party of Olmsted County

Lynn Wilson, Chair, Democratic Party of Olmsted County

 

Republican Liberty Caucus supporters endorse Quam, Valeriano

Note: I have updated this post to correct a mistake. Apparently, I got my liberty caucuses confused. While Ron Paul supporters headed to the Republican National Convention have identified themselves as the Liberty Caucus, they are a different group than the Republican Liberty Caucus of Minnesota. That group was founded in 1991. I apologize for the error.

The Republican Liberty Caucus of Minnesota gave its seal of approval to two local Republican legislative candidates — Rep. Duane Quam of Byron and Melissa Valeriano of Rochester.

The group announced today they have endorsed 15 additional legislative candidates "who will be advocates for fiscal responsibility, individual liberty and reduced size in government."

Valeriano is running against DFL Rep. Kim Norton, of Rochester, for the House District 25B seat. Quam is finishing up his first-term in the House. Running against him is Kasson DFLer John Vossen.

Only one other legislative candidate in southeast Minnesota has been endorsed by the group — Rep. Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa.

Quist touts Valeriano during fundraiser

Republican House candidate Melissa Valeriano joined other supporters of 1st District GOP candidate Allen Quist at a fundraiser in Rochester last Friday featuring 6th District Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. At one point during the event, Quist made a point of introducing Valeriano, who is running against Rochester DFL Rep. Kim Norton for the House District 25B seat.

"Getting to know Melissa has been a joy. We are philosophically on the same page, and what I see is total commitment, incredible talent and total dedication to turning things around in our state and our country," Quist said.

Valeriano said she "absolutely" shares Quist's philosophical beliefs and is determined to beat Norton.

"We decided (Norton) has worked hard enough for the northwestern part of the city, and she should have a rest come November," she said.

Quist is running against fellow Republican Mike Parry in the Aug. 14 primary. The winner will take on DFL Rep. Tim Walz in November. On the campaign trail, Quist has emphasized the need to cut government spending and solve the federal budget deficit within 5 years.

Olmsted Republicans pick Valeriano over Sullivan

Olmsted County Republicans last night picked nurse Melissa Valeriano over Realtor Max Sullivan to run against DFL Rep. Kim Norton at their endorsing convention on Thursday night.
Republican Party of Olmsted County Chairman Bruce Kaskubar said Valeriano won endorsement for the House District 25B seat on the first ballot. Sullivan said Friday morning he plans to abide by the endorsement. Also winning endorsement was Rochester School Board member Breanna Bly for the House District 26A seat. She will take on DFL Rep. Tina Liebling in the fall.
All four local incumbents were endorsed and none of them faced a challenge from within the party. Winning endorsement were Rep. Mike Benson of Rochester, Rep. Duane Quam of Byron, Sen. Carla Nelson of Rochester and Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem of Rochester.
The Olmsted County DFL endorsed its candidates back in March. Below is a list of the candidate match-ups.
House District 25A: John Vossen, DFL-Kasson, vs. incumbent Duane Quam, R-Byron
House District 25B: Incumbent Kim Norton, DFL-Rochester, vs. Melissa Valeriano, R-Rochester
Senate District 25: Judy Ohly, DFL-Rochester vs. incumbent Dave Senjem, R-Rochester
House District 26A: Breanna Bly, R-Rochester, vs. incumbent Tina Liebling, DFL-Rochester
House District 26B: Incumbent Mike Benson, R-Rochester, vs. Pat Stallman, DFL-Rochester

Senate District 26: Ken Moen, DFL-Rochester vs. incumbent Carla Nelson, R-Rochester

Olmsted County GOP gathers today for endorsing conventions

While local Republican lawmakers are working at the state Capitol, Republicans back in Olmsted County will be gathering at Byron Middle School to endorse candidates.

Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem, Sen. Carla Nelson, Rep. Mike Benson and Rep. Duane Quam will likely miss tonight's convention. The Senate is slated to vote on the bonding bill put together by Senjem, which now no longer includes $32 million for the Mayo Civic Center expansion. Senjem faced fierce criticism from Tea Party members opposed to bonding for the center.

There will be at least one endorsing battle for the House District 25B seat, which is currently held by DFL Rep. Kim Norton. Rochester Realtor Max Sullivan and nurse Melissa Valeriano are expected to face-off. Rochester School Board member Breanna Bly will be seeking the endorsement for the House District 26A seat with hopes of taking on DFL Rep. Tina Liebling in November.