COMMUNITY VOICES | Can a Common Joe replace Michele Bachmann?

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Michele Bachmann is considered to be one of the most radical members of Congress. Now that she is retiring, we should rally behind an individual that will not succumb to petty politics or corporate interests. This person is Joe Perske.Since 2010, I have volunteered in the efforts to try and oust Michele Bachmann, both when Tarryl Clark (2010) and Jim Graves (2012) made great efforts to defeat her. When I was first contacted by the Perske campaign, I instantly knew that he would be a great leader for the Sixth Congressional District, and I am proud to have voted for Perske at the DFL Sixth Congressional District convention.  Unlike Bachmann, Perske rises above partisan politics and empty rhetoric in order to achieve goals that benefit his constituents. Continue Reading

E-DEMOCRACY | Independence Party picks full slate of candidates

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Bill McGaughey posted at 3:59am, May 18On Friday, Independence Party chair Mark Jenkins told views of Almanac (TPT) that the Independence Party would not be running a candidate for Governor this year. On the following day, however, the party endorsed a 39-year-old mother of two, Hannah Nicollet, for Governor. She is believed to be the first female candidate for Governor of Minnesota endorsed by a major party.Nicollet, a longtime Ron Paul supporter, was originally a candidate for U.S. Senate competing for the nomination against businessman Kevin Terrell. However, in the middle of the afternoon she suddenly switched to the gubernatorial race. Both candidates were nominated for their respective offices.The Independence Party also nominated Bob Helland for Secretary of State, Brandon Borgos for Attorney General, and Pat Dean for State Auditor. Continue Reading

Wedge Club™ v. City Council in a battle for legitimacy

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Last week, the Star Tribune published an article explaining the frustration experienced by developers in trying to navigate the neighborhood approval process, citing the need for “extensive haggling” with neighborhood groups. This is understandable considering there is no consistent process amongst the 81 neighborhoods, and, though developers are required to present plans to residents, these groups have no formal power. Continue Reading

The lessons of Town of Greece v. Galloway for campaign finance laws

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The Supreme Court’s recent Town of Greece v. Galloway ruling upholding invocation of a prayer before the start of a local town board meeting is not a decision that one would think would be of significance to election law, but it is. Specifically, the Court’s discussion about coercion and religious beliefs has potential importance to those arguing against campaign finance laws, especially rules mandating disclosure of political contributions. Continue Reading

This is what democracy (parades) look like

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“This is what democracy looks like” has become a classic chant, but I’m not much of a chanter. Maybe that’s why I pull out the camera. “Sorry, can’t chant, I’m recording!” My motives being whatever they are, I marched with a big bunch of DFLers in the May Day Parade in Minneapolis on Sunday and recorded bits of it. The campaigns of Keith Ellison, Mark Dayton, Al Franken, and Betsy Hodges were there, and several other candidates and elected officials will appear below. If you want to participate in grassroots politics, but you’re not comfortable knocking on strangers’ doors or making cold calls to people who may not want to talk to you, join some candidate you support at a parade. Even just being there, you help your candidate tell parade watchers that you’re asking for their vote and not taking it for granted, which hopefully was a message conveyed Sunday. Continue Reading

Three cheers for online voter registration

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The Legislature and Governor made a smart move this week to preserve Minnesota’s new online voter registration system. The Secretary of State’s office had originally rolled out the system last fall, but a judge recently ruled that it didn’t have the authority to do so without legislative approval. Thanks to quick bipartisan action, that approval has been granted and online registration will continue without interruption. Continue Reading

Hennepin County primary election on TUESDAY, April 29

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Election time already? You bet! The April 29 primary election will narrow the field of candidates for the District 3 Hennepin County Commissioner race to succeed Gail Dorfman, who resigned from her seat. Then a special election on May 13 will choose a winner from the primary election’s top two vote-getters. You can find more information on all six of the Hennepin County Commissioner candidates here. Continue Reading