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Bachmann withdraws pardon request that links her to unfolding Petters scandal

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By Andy Birkey, Minnesota Independent
October 07, 2008
In 2007, Rep. Michele Bachmann sent President Bush a letter recommending he pardon a man who is a major contributor to her campaign even though he lives outside of her district. Last Thursday, Bachmannwithdrew that letter, written on behalf of Frank Vennes, after FBI, IRS and U.S Postal Inspection officials seized numerous items from Vennes’ home in connection with the ongoing investigation of Vennes’ business associate Tom Petters.

Vennes served time in the 1980s for illegally selling a firearm, cocaine distribution and money laundering. While in prison, he became a devout Christian, and after his release he became a devout Bachmann campaign contributor. Prior to Bachmann’s election (and letter writing), Vennes contributed $14,200 to her campaign; in 2008, he has contributed $4,600. Vennes’ wife Kimberly, who uses the same P.O. box number as Vennes, has contributed another $8,800 over the last three years.

Vennes is a businessman in Excelsior and maintains a residence in Shorewood. Neither location is in the 6th Congressional District.

Petters and a number of his business associates have been raided and/or arrested in connection with what authorities are calling a scheme to make money by defrauding investors. Federal officials say Petters and company collected money from investors to put into electronics that didn’t exist.

Copyright: 
©2008 Minnesota Independent
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THEATER | Barbara Berlovitz's "Stories as Told in a Bed": An intimate and sublimely humorous journey

By Dwight Hobbes, TC Daily Planet

It is tricky business reviewing a work in progress, putting the writer in a barely tenable position. How can you be fair to the playwright, casting comment on a script that's still in development? Critique the weaknesses and you're a villain for kicking the play's legs out from under it before it's had a chance to actually stand on them. Praise the strengths and you're a cheerleader clapping the author on the back before the job's finished being done.MORE »

Bedlam Theatre

News you can use

NEWS YOU CAN USE | Click for food shelves!

By Mary Turck, TC Daily Planet

My friend Ken writes "I know that food shelves are really hurting this year," and then passes along a painless way to send donations:MORE »

KARE 11 & Land O'Lakes are donating $1 for every person who clicks on their web site.   Go to the website listed below and on the right side of the screen (at the top) there is the green area where it says:   You Click, We Donate.   It's that easy. Please pass to all of your friends.

Thanks, Ken!

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Stories we are working on

These are some of the stories we are working on. If you would like to contribute information or opinions, please e-mail the writers!

• Emerald ash borer Ramsey and Hennepin Counties are under quarantine for Emerald Ash Borer.  Have you been affected? Email sheila@tcdailyplanet.net

• Thanksgiving recipes No - not the turkey and the pumpkin pie. We're looking for your favorite non-traditional recipe, like Aunt Harriet's vegetarian non-meat loaf. Send them to editor@tcdailyplanet.net

• What's your story? Is there a story you'd like to write? Or a story you think we should be covering? Email editor@tcdailyplanet.netMORE »