I have received scores of great messages and words of encouragement from people the last week or so as I ponder my political future, but this one seems worthy of posting. (more below)

Hey Andy,

As a liberal, I read your blog on a pretty consistent basis, I even agree
with you on occassion.

Those at the forefront of change are always harassed and attacked Andy. I
read your blog because it’s well written, sticks to your core values, and
offers a level headed perspective on some of the inside baseball politics
in Minnesota.

I think you are a valuable member of the Minnesota political blogging
community and definately want you to stay, even if your hard work keeps
people I won’t vote for elected.

You’re a true conservative blogger and not a sensationalist like other
bloggers like MDE and the such.

No ruse here Andy, I like your blog,like what you have to say about issues,
and think you should stay.

I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to reach out and say something positive about this blog and my political involvement. I also want to clear up an issue, this blog will not be stopping if I do take a leave from active politics.

The idea is that I am far too busy to perform the duties as SD51 GOP Chair and Anoka County Vice Chair in CD6 to the level they should be. Work and my new found desire to have some form of a real life is stretching me pretty thin. Blogging can come and go at the pace I decide or have time, and the blogging is, as it was when I started, therapeutic for me. It allows me to vent in ways that I can’t anywhere else. (with out driving my co-workers, family, dogs, and even girlfriend a bit nuts with the 10 minute monologues about how liberals (sorry emailer) suck, oh and RINOs too. I really should just do podcasts or get a radio gig)

Will I take a leave? Well tomorrow is a big night for that decision as I will be meeting with some folks at those levels politically to get their input on just how much of me will need to be there to do the job to their satisfaction. then i will decide if I can do them to my own. (hint: I am already doubting myself of that, but still look at it as a challenge worthy of trying)

But this blog, oh it will keep going, so sorry to disappoint some. I learned a lot last election of how blogging can matter. I learned a ton how it does matter following the ‘06 elections and during the MNGOP leadership election. And over the last 2 plus years, I learned how it took this college drop out who is full of ideas and opinions but no clue how to use them to levels no one could ever imagine.

If I do leave active GOP politics, will this blog have it’s same impact and meaning? I don’t fully know.

But will it free me up from feeling bound by other’s mandates and orders? You bet your arse, and oh boy is that a tempting thing.

In the waning weeks of the ‘06 elections I wanted to go back to be a conservative first and Republican second. I wanted to stand on the issues, not behind the candidates. That’s not a commentary on the candidates I worked and blogged tirelessly for, but rather the party side of things.

I “sold my soul” as many people said, most of whom I respect deeply. I wanted to go back to being a conservative pundit on the net telling you how I think it is, then the spin happened. I disagreed, and picked a fight I ended up not winning. In the end, I look back and have to say that if I hadn’t raised questioned and had the cajones to speak out, none of the potential reforms or debate would have taken place in the MNGOP.

Again I lost, I was defeated by the powerbrokers, but I was able to leave the Prom Center knowing I tried, and that matters more than you may understand.

The amount of work required by politics over the next 2 years is unending and frankly I need a break. I thought I could do it, but well, the paying gig (IE my day job) has gotten crazy and needs my undivided attention. All work and no play makes AAA a crabby asshat. I do still have the desire to do it, but I just don’t know if I am up to it after being treated so crappily by those I had trusted the last few months.

I’ve always believed that the way to win in politics is to convince people to think like you do, not disagree with the other guy. I think the sensational stuff has it’s place, but can’t be the sole angle of attack. When time permits, I do try to go out of my way to explain why I do or you should support or oppose someone or some issue, not just partake in the oh so popular gotchya crap.

I speak my mind, no matter the consequence, and that makes many people nervous, but others respect my courage.

As my Dad used to always say, “I am just telling it like I see it.”

I believe in true transperancy. that means putting your name on what you write, and standing behind it. Politics would be better if the debate would get there. I will continue to do that here on RF until …. for as long as I can.

I have some plans up my sleeves that may take poli bloggin to the next level. Me and a few other conservative bloggers have been debating on taking the MOB or parts of it to a whole new level. I think all this pondering the last week or so is for not, and I will stay involved. And frankly it is the people who reached out like the emailer above, despite the party affiliation, to rekindle my passion and desire to keep pluggin away doing my little part.

To let you know that it is not just DFLers who want RF to keep keeping on, here’s one from a high ranking GOPer.

Hey, the worst thing  you can do is to quit.  You keep doing what you believe in and don’t stop.  I know you don’t like John McCain, but he does the same and so do I.  That unsigned letter really urked many of us.

You are a useful person in the party.  Everyone can’t think the same and you have the courage to stand up for what you believe in…something that Minnesotans have a hard time doing….the old MN nice thing.   Stay in touch with me and I will be there for you and will many others.

Remember the vote was not an overwhelming majority and in two years, it things aren’t good….,who knows.  You are young with a lot of years to go yet.  There are many people who respect your work.  Evil men prosper when good men do nothing!

Thank you again to everyone who reached out and who I have had the honor to have an impact on or for along the way.

AAA