CD 6 Pledge To Abide
Posted by Andy on April 21st, 2006
The 6th District Republicans and the State Republican Party arranged a pledge signing ceremony today. The purpose of the pledge was to abide by the endorsement at the upcoming 6th CD GOP Convention. Only 3 of the 4 people who are running for the spot were able to attend and sign. Sen. Bachmann, Rep. Knoblach, and Jay Esmay were there and did sign. Rep. Krinkie was reported to have been tied up in a Twins Stadium Committee hearing. Early reports are that he will sign the pledge.
Considering I got the notice for the press conference 1 hour before hand, I find it a little premature to overreact at this time. Some are already trying to make this into a scandal. Actually there has been a lot of salivating from Pro-Bachmann people for a while on this. You see, she is claiming to be ahead in the delegate battle, and she probably is. I think to most people, her big competitor is Krinkie, so they have been floating rumors of a Krinkie Primary run.
Saying such things as “with the kind of money the big national groups are putting into Krinkie, they won’t just give up after the endorsement”. Considering the person that said this to me, I took it as a one sided, ‘my gal is better’, parting shot, since he’s thinks Bachmann has it locked up. I’ve noticed that Bachmann is not letting up with her campaigning, and I received yet another lit piece this week from her claiming that she does have the best Lifetime rating from the Taxpayer’s League of Minnesota, through 2004.
This was an issue that she did cherry pick to a point. Yes, she statistically has a better rating up until 2004, but if you add 2005, she does not. She is trying to make sure people think of her as the fiscal conservative in the race, which (sorry Knoblach even-though your records are very very close) is pretty widely thought of as Dr. No!, Krinkie. So why is Bachmann stillso concerned about being the most fiscally conservative if she has 65% of the delegates locked up? Plus, why are her campaign surrogates and supporters trying to do all the damage to Krinkie as they can?
If you want to go the route of national money influences, Bachmann has had her coffers well filled by national single issue groups too, and they would also not likely just walk away or give up on all the money they gave her. So the shoe does fit both ways.
I kinda had a bad day or 2 leading up to my convention a while back and blew my top. I’d said I wasn’t gonna comment on this race due to my involvement, but this is getting tiresome. I see a real kick while they aren’t looking foot n the throat race here, and I just want to point out that the attacks and statements cut both ways.
No one in the race, save Jay Esmay, can say that they haven’t sent out attack pieces. No one can really say they haven’t thought about a primary. Heck when I did my interviews with them, they all, save Esmay, had little qualifying statements on the endorsement question. You may remember that Bachmann used the full 2 minutes to say yes. Krinkie said if the endorsement was done fairly. etc etc.
So the pledge is signed or soon to be by all 4, so what if Krinkie wins the endorsement? Will Bachmann and her throng of supporters back off? They have a lot of time and money invested in this race. What if Knoblach does? And let’s say Jay Esmay wins, would all 3 of the heavy weights pack up their $300,000 and head back to the lowly MN Legislature?
I really want our endorsement on May 6th to be the final word. I do not want this race to continue in this way. It is high time that the race switch to Republican vs. Democrat. I’ve said from the very beginning that there were certain things I didn’t want the race to be about, and if it did turn into that, it would quickly turn the stomach of the regular joe schmoe swing voters and they’d flock to who ever else there was. You see, everyone is forgetting that the media will soon be getting involved. They always twist and spin the Republicans words.
The media will be the ones that really decide the message of the candidates, especially the Republican’s. I wish we could go back and do this whole thing over. I wish there could have been more debates that were televised or widely viewed by delegates in the 6th. I think there would have been a much better feeling amongst delegates as a whole. Well, if their person wasn’t coming out ahead, they’d at least know why.
Most of the support these 4 have been getting is across kitchen tables out of the public’s views.
more to come…
I told you there’d be more. Kinda busy here, but I wanted to get that out ASAP.
So all of the actual delegate wrangling has been done, for intense purposes, behind closed doors. This hasn’t been a out in the open, stand out on the corner and let everyone know what you think. No, this has been a race won by saying what you need to to each individual to get them to like you. I am one of those idealists that would like to think that a candidate would say what they believe to everyone at any time. Now, am I claiming that people have lied? No. I am saying that the candidates have been playing fast and loose with their’s and other’s records and accomplishments.
I do feel that if this race was fought with all four people side by side, answering the same questions at the same time, there would be NO disenfranchisement feeling that we have now. I dreamed that there would come a day we would all be united 100% behind whoever, but the problem is that I keep seeing people thrown out of the process, just because of who they like or what they want in a candidate.
And that is the big problem here. The campaigns and candidates are treating fellow Republicans, who happen to support another candidate as enemies. Things are said that are very alienating, and in the end, may make Republicans refuse to support the eventual candidate. What could be worse? What if that person actually decided to work against the candidate because of the things said about them?
Case and point: Look in the comments section, you will see one from Bachmann’s campaign manager, Andy. He comes out swinging at Krinkie, with some good points, but then launches into an attack on me. How the heck am I supposed to react, if when ever I have had the audacity to speak my freaking mind, I get this kinda crap? If I open my mouth, and try to let people know what I think would be the best way to come out of this race, I’m the bad guy.
For crying out loud, here we have 4 great Republican Candidates beating the living crap out of each other (save Esmay) and you know what? I am starting to hate them. That is wrong. Everyday, someone else cries foul over someone else. Everyday it is another excuse for why something happened, or another allegation of what someone else said way back when.
WE ARE ALL BLEEPING REPUBLICANS! AREN’T WE?
Or are we now a party who has got to get in line and say the right things or else? So here’s where I am now.
People are asserting that I am a Krinkie guy, and truth be told, what I perceive of how he would represent me in Congress, is as close to what I am looking for. Is that supposed to be my fault? Don’t I get to have an opinion? And why is it now all of a sudden, my fault your candidate isn’t what I am looking for or maybe never was? Hey, I was elected a Delegate, no thanks to some of the slates. There are obviously some people who seem to think I ought to have a right to go to the 6th CD and have a say too. This whole shut them out and shut them up attitude is pissing me off, and I don’t think I can hold my tongue much longer.
I certainly hope that the campaigns aren’t doing this to everyone.
I’m sorry, I know I haven’t been doing politics as long as everyone else, so I am still a little idealistic and may be speaking out of turn. But the problem with politics isn’t the politics. It is the people. This anything to win, and if you aren’t clearly ahead, destroy the enemy attitude is why people hate politics and we end up getting the same thing overtime, because if some one dares to poke their head up above water, the Professional politicians take out a 50 cal and force us back under water.
I want more people to be involved and become Republicans, but when they end up getting the door slammed in their face and treated like dirt for what they believe in, they quit. This is a bleeping volunteer job for me. I ain’t paid. I am as honest and open here on this blog as I can be. And what do I get for all the hours of blogging and political volunteering?
A big fat shut up, “your guy” isn’t winning so you’d think everything is just fine if the roles were reversed. Is that really the kind of attitude that will win over voters? Is this how people are supposed to become elected officials, bullying people into submission or allegiance?
I gotta stop now, collect my thoughts, and pick this up again later.
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April 21st, 2006 at 2:54 pm
Andy,
Actually, ALL the campaigns we notified on Monday the 17th that the State Party and the 6th CD set this up for today, April 21 at 11:30. The state party was notified 1 hour before hand that Rep. Krinke was not going to attend the press conference, after the campaign said that they would attend earlier in the week. It is also worth noting that Rep. Krinkie’s meeting was one floor above the press conference in the same building, and Rep. Knoblach was able to leave that same meeting that Krinkie was in, walk down the stairs one level sign it and leave.
I can tell you from my years in the Minnesota Legislature that it is common practice for Reps. to leave a meeting for five minutes, as chair of the committee Krinkie actually had the power to call a recess, or pass the gavel onto the ranking member for five minutes to come sign the pledge.
Finally, Krinkie could have signed the pledge before hand, or afterwords. So I ask you Andy as a BPOU Chair, and grassroots activist, why are you not upset at YOUR GUY for not signing this when there were plenty of chances for him to sign the state party pledge with cameras and press around?
Also read his e-update it is very clear that he is not going to sign the pledge.
If you honestly believe that he did not intend to dodge the signing ceremony I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn.
Andy Parrish
April 21st, 2006 at 3:05 pm
As much as I respect the endorsement process, Krinkie would be making a mistake to sign on. Here’s why:
Despite the DFL’s hopes, DFLers need to be honest with themselves: the Sixth is a Republican district. As much as the DFL justifiably loves Patty, it is the one district she (or any other Democrat) cannot win. (It’s neck-and-neck with the Second.) With the exception of parts of Stillwater and St. Cloud, and small parts of Fridley and Cottage Grove that border the Sixth, the district votes overwhelmingly Republican. Look how many Republican state legislators the Sixth elects. With the exception of Tarryl Clark, Larry Hosch, and Larry Haws (all from St. Cloud), think of another DFLer whose district is entirely within the Sixth. (Hint: there aren’t any. Half of Don Betzhold’s and Sharon Marko’s districts are within the Sixth, and Dean Johnson’s has a sliver.)
Thus, the GOP endorsement virtually guarantees that that candidate will win. Bachmann, Krinkie, Knoblauch, and Esmay are competing against each other to go to Congress, not the DFL nominee.
The same holds true for the DFL in Fifth.
April 21st, 2006 at 3:48 pm
Andy,
I argue that Michele is not attacking Krinkie, but pointing out differences. Now, before you jump down on me, hear me out. I have thought about this quite a bit.
To me, a true “attack” is a nasty, personal insult, i.e. “Joe is a liar”, “Mary is ugly”, etc. Or, an attack is an outright lie. (i.e. “Krinkie supports kicking puppies”). To differ in opinion, to voice differences is not attacking. All in all, I would say, that with a few exceptions, all of the GOP candidates have done pretty well on this. However, lines were crossed (Krinkies letter to Bachmann being one example).
If anything, pointing out discrepencies in the Taxpayers League Ratings is showing us that we, as delegates, cannot simply rely on the Taxpayers League Rating as a sole indicator of “fiscal conservatism”. Because, if Phil is the “unquestioned” fiscal conservative in the race, why did Michele have a higher TPL lifetime rating as of 2004. Is it spin? Sure, of course, anyone should be able to see that for what it is. And, Phil certainly outperformed Michele in 2005 on the TPL scorecard (and let everyone know it), just like Michele and Jim outperformed Phil on the MCCL scorecard. But, this isn’t a game. We aren’t/shouldn’t be electing candidates based on a number on a report.
I am a Bachmann supporter, so what I say certainly colors my comments. It has become clear to me, based on your posts, though you haven’t directly said it, that you are a Krinkie supporter. That’s great, it’s certainly your right to voice your opinion on your blog. You also, it appears, value the endorsement process (despite its flaws) and understand the importance of party unity. But why do you give Krinkie a pass on this? Krinkie could have made a very simple effort to sign the pledge and set everyone’s mind at ease. But he didn’t. How did he respond? He turned it into an attack piece (see his eNewsletter). How did you respond? You turned it into an opportunity to question the other candidates intention to abide by the endorsement…
April 21st, 2006 at 5:54 pm
I’ve added more to the post above
April 21st, 2006 at 6:34 pm
Andy,
Give me a call sometime. I certianly did not mean to beat up on you. I respect your work, and the work of the grassroots. I share your frustration and more.
Andy Parrish
April 21st, 2006 at 8:51 pm
I come from the school that beer will solve anything. As long as there are a few kegs tapped at the endorsing convention, a good time shall be had by all and all will be forgiven.
They better let me into that convention with those kegs…
April 21st, 2006 at 8:57 pm
Before everyone goes off the deep end and says that Krinkie is going to primary, I would remind everyone that I DO HAVE PHIL KRINKIE”S SIGNATURE ON A PLEDGE TO ABIDE BY THE 6th CD ENDORSEMENT.
However, I would also caution everyone, that unless the endorsement process adhere’s strictly to the State RPM Consitution, all the pledges and promises by all four of the candidate’s go out the window. I have reveiwed the “final” rules for the 6th CD, and in my opinion, they do not pass muster, and then there is still the issue of passing the rules at the convention itself. Put simply, a “fixed” convention makes everyone involved a loser, and the endorsement meaningless.
Perhaps the most critical item missing in the entire process is one person with leadership ability in the 6th CD-RPM , who can command the respect of all the candidates and the delegates of the convention, without given to favoritism to anyone. It’s been five years and I’m still waiting for that person to step forward.
As for Krinkie missing the ceremony, my information is the Phil Kinkie was chairing his committee at the time. Putting his elected responsibities over his campaign is something to be respected, not used as campaign spin.
My question is: Why did it take so long to make this request of the candidates and put together a public relations event? If any one would have asked, (Which they did not) I would have been happy to provide copies of the endorsement pledge for all four candidates. I have had them all since the first part of March 2006.
April 21st, 2006 at 9:46 pm
Alright, as long as we’re venting, let me tell you all, I am realistic enough to think that Michelle Bachmann has locked up the CD6 endorsement.
And because of that, Republicans will LOSE the 6th district this fall.
Bachmann does not represent the ideals of individual liberty and responsibility that most CD6-ers hold dear. Yes, she’s passionately pro-life (as are Krinkie, Esmay, and Knoblach), but she is the most divisive, “I know what’s good for everyone else, so let me pass more laws to regulate your behavior” candidate imaginable. What, nanny gov’t is OK as long as the nanny is right-wing?? I don’t think so.
There are plenty of moderate CD-6ers (even the ones who congenitally vote DFL even though they work hard, pay taxes, hunt, believe in traditional marriage, etc) who will not be enthused by a Bachmann win and will not fight and campaign for her, even if they want to vote against Patty. Personally, I hope Krinkie or Esmay carries the day. At least they can answer a debate question in 30 seconds or less.
Delegates, Please use the big brains God has given you to make a thoughtful, independent decision on May 5-6, not just go in lemming-like according to what you said you’d do a month ago. Do what is best for Minnesota.
I realize that Bachmann means well and genuinely believes she knows what’s right for Minnesota and the USA. That’s what scares me.
April 24th, 2006 at 10:12 am
Andy (Bachmann’s defender, not the objective Andy of this blog),
What Andy A. points out as the treatment from Bachmann is exactly what I witnessed and experienced. What irks me is the idea that you actually have the gall to claim that Bachmann is not attacking Phil. Misrepresenting her record and his record on taxes is an attack. Spin it however you wish, but it is an attack.
Michele won. Fair and square? I say no. Within the rules, yes. Within the spirit of GOP races of yesteryear? Not at all. Does she have ethical baggage? Yep, and it will haunt her throughout the general election. I guarantee there will be many who will bring those to the front of the discussion. And considering one of the GOP planks has long been “character matters” I expect the GOP to stand up demanding answers to her issues.
What does that mean for the GOP? That means they will be selecting an ethically challenged candidate and forcing themselves to choose their platform at the expense of “character matters.” Any GOPer that supports Bachmann loses all credibility in the future on “character” issues of McKinney, Kennedy, Kerry, Clinton…ect.
The candidate is a nasty person behind the scenes and her supporters were nothing but disrespectful to everyone at the conventions. Good luck rebuilding the 6th CD GOP in 2007…you’re going to take a bath in 2006.