Rambling from the North

I lied. We won the national joke. The AP reports that the GOP National Convention has choosen Minnesota to host its 2008 presidential convention. This sucks, it really does.
So with this bad news (Because it means we won't get the DNC here) I give you the top ten things to do during the 2008 GOP Presidential Convention

10: Get everyone you know out on 35W and 94 and clog those roads!

9: Portest! Protest! Protest!

8: Invite the national bean eating contest to happen at the same time right next door to them.

7: Close everything down and hide in our bunkers for the week.

6. Hope for the earliest snow ever, see southerners all die out.

5. Raise terror level to purple- the Vikings are now in charge of GOP Security.

4. Get drunk and forget they are here.

3. Pass anti-alcohol laws, national conventions just aren't the same in a county that is coincidentally dry for 4 days. (Non-locals only)

2. Leave. Town. Fast.

and the number one thing to do:
1. Give them the Minnesota curse- Get real close to winning and then choke at the last possible moment!

I hate to admit this, but the best political commercial I've seen this election cycle is Michele Bachmann's. Its strong on message, focuses only on taxes and what she's done against taxes, and spins perfectly to make her seem like the protector for the average American.
Unfortunetely she's crazy. The commercial doesn't communicate that. I sure hope Patty can come back with a better one. To make up for my belief that this is a good commercial, I'm going to link you to Dump Michele Backmann, that'll make me feel slightly better

Quote of the Day

"They rediscover bin Laden every two years right before the election.
If
you had a business strategy that worked all the time that was premised
on scaring the living daylights out of people, you just keep doing it."

-- Bill Clinton, in an interview on Bloomberg Television's Political
Capital with Al Hunt, about the Republican strategy for the midterm
elections.

Mark Kennedy is even making over his website now! He's claiming because of the security breach, they had to take their website down.

Unfortunetely, the public is slightly smarter then that. The security attack (if it can be called that) didn't happen on their website, but on their consultant's website.

This gives the Kennedy campaign a chance to redo his website and get rid of things they don't like--like references of Bush!

The only thing they are sure of is safe is of course their donation site- I took this straight from their website:

Message from Mark Kennedy ’06 Campaign Manager Pat Shortridge:

We were informed last evening of a serious security breach of sensitive Kennedy campaign information by a senior member of Amy Klobuchar’s campaign. Due to the fact this information was accessed via the internet, we are taking precautionary measures to protect our campaign information. We apologize for the inconvenience. The full features of our website will be restored once this matter has been resolved.

One page we are absolutely confident remains secure is our contribution page. You can access this page via a security enabled site by clicking here.

So basically- our campaign was hacked (sort of) but please still trust us that you can safely give us money. Thats kind of pathetic. Put up something nice, talk about your candidate- but no its- We were hacked, please donate! yeah, that'll work well

(editors note: yes, I did alter the clicking here link, I don't want people to donate to MK by using my site!)

Noah Kunin who runs the blog "blanked-out" revealed himself as the blogger who sent the advertisement to Amy Klobuchar's campaign.

Depending on how his story checks out, this could be a federal crime and he will be punished to the full extent of the law if he did indeed hack the website.

That said--I disagree with the resignation of the Klobuchar communication director. She was sent information. She did not solicit this information and she should not hesitate to use this information. This is a campaign, and like a war campaign, any tactical advantage you gain, should be taken advantage of. The Kennedy campaign would not hesitate to us this and not reveal it should it have been in the other direction.

To recap what the republicans have been doing lately, it includes things like claiming Patty Wetterling hasn't voted in the past few elections, lying, lying, oh yeah, and more lying. But god help us when the Democrats gain some sort of advantage through unseemly means, then they’re the devil and should be fired, disassociated with, and harassed.
We should take what we can get from now on, we've lost trying to play nice in the past 20 years here in Minnesota, shall we continue?

I haven't been posting frequently- part of this comes from the fact that I am taking 19 credits this semester and am swamped with working. The other part comes from just plain apathy. The more and more I have seen the good guys lose and the bad guys, or less good guys win, the less and less I want to participate. So, i'm creating an open thread here for a bit do discuss what we should do. How do we empower democrats, like me, who feel apathetic after the winners of the primary, the endorsement, or just a plain apathy over the candidates? How do you re-energize these people to work?
Any ideas?

So, the local blog MDE has gained a lot of fame for exposing stories. Recently, they tried to post a "sour grapes" story about the Kelley campaign and the spending on Keith Ellison. This post was completely false. MDE claims this is an e-mail from a dedicated reader who is also a prominent Democrat. MDE has also constantly claimed about the validity of his information. Perhaps he should start by actually fact checking e-mails before he places them out there?
Claims made in the e-mail:
1) DFL spent over $100,000 for Keith- Fact: According to democratic sources, $0 of general election money were spent in the primary for Keith Ellison. Fact: the DFL spent $0 extra dollars of their alloted money on Keith Ellison's race. The UDF did indeed make indpendent expenditures however, of $46,195.90, all that money was actually rasied elsewhere and will not figure into the general elections. (Editors Note here: While I do think $50,000 is a bit much for a race against other democrats, it was important to get the DFL endorsee across the finish line in this race, which really was the primary)

2) A Fight at the coord campaign comm by representatives from Walz, Wilde, and Wetterling complained about the money: Fact: No such meeting occured. Whomever this source is, apparently dreamt up meetings, nice trike MDE.

3) Margert Kelliher Anderson released her field staff: Fact: This is the most egregious of all the errors this writer makes and should prove they don't know what they are talking about and didn't bother fact checking- Its Margaret Anderson Kelliher. Can't even spell her name wrong. I'm pretty sure she didn't release her field staff to work for Keith, but, even if she did, who cares? She's in a safe district and has no worries- Also, the Field staff is clearly doing an excellent job because every DFL endorsed state house/Senate candidate won their primaries!

4) DFL is in debt over $250,000- Apparently this person doesn't read the Star Tribune. Last week it reported the DFL as having over $200,000 on hand. Also- How does spending $100,000 as the person claims on Keith's race equal $250,000? That does not make sense! That makes about as much sense as Greedo shooting first.

Finally: Why does MDE care? Thats a good question, one theory is that he's racist. He only attacked the African American MUSLIM candidate. Now, I can't prove that but I wouldn't be surprised. Another reason may be fear- The Republican Party is afraid of a well spoken African American Muslim to be in congress- what image will that send to the terrorists? That democrats may be willing to solve the problems peacefully? God help us! It also shows what hypocrites they are when they try to call all Muslims terrorists or evil, like they do, and he will be in congress fighting for health care, peace, and real change!

Secondly, its over, give it up. Keith won, its now Congressman Ellison, get used to it Mike.


__,_._,___

Go vote!
Seriously- Go vote.

I have class all day until five thirty, then I'm going to go vote, I won't be posting about it today because I should be paying attention in class rather then paying attention to the primary. (keyword is should). See my previous post on who to vote for and why to vote. Read it!

Go vote!
Seriously- Go vote.

I have class all day until five thirty, then I'm going to go vote, I won't be posting about it today because I should be paying attention in class rather then paying attention to the primary. (keyword is should). See my previous post on who to vote for and why to vote. read it!

Tomorrow is the primary, and like many of you, I am going to be voting in the democratic primary for my favorite candidates- but I'd like you to consider seriously considering two candidates to vote for in the primary, these two, more than any other, need your vote.

1) Steve Kelley. I don't think I need to stress the importance of voting for the DFL endorsed candidate for Attorney General, but even if you are unsure, here's why you need to vote for Steve. Aside from Steve's credibility as a lawyer, Senator, and committee chairperson, Steve has the dedication, the knowledge, and the organization to win this race.
Its going to be a tough one- the name Johnson will automatically get votes in the iron range and greater Minnesota. With a machine already in place, Kelley can get out the vote and persuade more people than either of his two opponents.
Comparing him to his two opponents, you will also find that Steve is just more electable. People know his name and he's seen as independent. I have a serious qualm with each of the other two candidates- had they come to speak with anyone in the DFL, these might have been answered, but since they didn't, my concerns stand. With Lori Swanson I am concerned with how independent she will be. I know for a fact she has been highly involved in Mike Hatch's campaign. She's a friend of Mike and from what the rumors are all saying, was his choice to originally run against Matt Entenza. We need to keep up the appearance of an independent AG that is fighting for Minnesota, not protecting the governor. (Editors Note: I am not accusing Lori of not being indepentdent, ect, I am merely talking about appearances). Second, with Mr. Luther. Bill Luther is currently romantically involved with Janet Robert. Janet Robert has done some good, but she and I disagree on some significant issues- especially the issue of choice. What is Mr. Luther's position on this now? Will he openly fight the HMOs and drug companies denying women certain drugs? What about taking on Target? If he does this, does he sleep on the couch? Without a clear answer to this, I cannot vote for Bill Luther.

Ok- Done with that rant, vote for Steve Kelley.

The second person who absolutely needs your vote tomorrow is Mike Hatch.
Yes, thats right. Mike Hatch.
But why you might say to yourself? Lourey hasn't done anything, she's really not a threat, and she's probably bankrupt. Well, those in and of themselves are all outstanding reasons to ensure she doesn't win. (Editors Note: I do like Becky, I just think she should have stood by the convention's decision rather then continued to run).
The biggest reason why you need to get out and vote for Hatch is that the Republicans are going to try to get out the vote in support of One Term Timmy in his match up against underdog extremist Sue Jeffers (Editor's Note: After speaking with her at the state fair, I am thoroughly convinced she is crazy. Once she spoke the line, "public education is a true evil in our society" I was done with that!) We need to out poll him in this race. Hatch needs to get 10% over the votes Pawlenty gets, if not more. That should send a message to the Republicans we mean business this November and just because he hasn't been as active as he should, people are still going to come out and vote for him!

Only by getting out and casting your vote tomorrow can you help ensure a DFL victory in November. Polls open early, so be there and vote vote vote!

Tomorrow is the primary, and like many of you, I am going to be voting in the democratic primary for my favorite candidates- but I'd like you to consider seriously considering two candidates to vote for in the primary, these two, more than any other, need your vote.

1) Steve Kelley. I don't think I need to stress the importance of voting for the DFL endorsed candidate for Attorney General, but even if you are unsure, here's why you need to vote for Steve. Aside from Steve's credibility as a lawyer, Senator, and committee chairperson, Steve has the dedication, the knowledge, and the organization to win this race.
Its going to be a tough one- the name Johnson will automatically get votes in the iron range and greater Minnesota. With a machine already in place, Kelley can get out the vote and persuade more people than either of his two opponents.
Comparing him to his two opponents, you will also find that Steve is just more electable. People know his name and he's seen as independent. I have a serious qualm with each of the other two candidates- had they come to speak with anyone in the DFL, these might have been answered, but since they didn't, my concerns stand. With Lori Swanson I am concerned with how independent she will be. I know for a fact she has been highly involved in Mike Hatch's campaign. She's a friend of Mike and from what the rumors are all saying, was his choice to originally run against Matt Entenza. We need to keep up the appearance of an independent AG that is fighting for Minnesota, not protecting the governor. (Editors Note: I am not accusing Lori of not being indepentdent, ect, I am merely talking about appearances). Second, with Mr. Luther. Bill Luther is currently romantically involved with Janet Robert. Janet Robert has done some good, but she and I disagree on some significant issues- especially the issue of choice. What is Mr. Luther's position on this now? Will he openly fight the HMOs and drug companies denying women certain drugs? What about taking on Target? If he does this, does he sleep on the couch? Without a clear answer to this, I cannot vote for Bill Luther.

Ok- Done with that rant, vote for Steve Kelley.

The second person who absolutely needs your vote tomorrow is Mike Hatch.
Yes, thats right. Mike Hatch.
But why you might say to yourself? Lourey hasn't done anything, she's really not a threat, and she's probably bankrupt. Well, those in and of themselves are all outstanding reasons to ensure she doesn't win. (Editors Note: I do like Becky, I just think she should have stood by the convention's decision rather then continued to run).
The biggest reason why you need to get out and vote for Hatch is that the Republicans are going to try to get out the vote in support of One Term Timmy in his match up against underdog extremist Sue Jeffers (Editor's Note: After speaking with her at the state fair, I am thoroughly convinced she is crazy. Once she spoke the line, "public education is a true evil in our society" I was done with that!) We need to out poll him in this race. Hatch needs to get 10% over the votes Pawlenty gets, if not more. That should send a message to the Republicans we mean business this November and just because he hasn't been as active as he should, people are still going to come out and vote for him!

Only by getting out and casting your vote tomorrow can you help ensure a DFL victory in November. Polls open early, so be there and vote vote vote!

This is a very very sad story- Andy Borene has dropped out of the race for Minnesota Senate District 41 because he says he is an alcohol.

I have alcoholics in my family and know what his family is going through. This is a terrible disease. My heart goes out to him and his family. I hope he will be able to combat this disease and continue to be a productive member of our society.

Best wishes to him on his recovery.

Go see it here.

Then Cry.

Ok, done crying?

This isn't too bad... but its not good either. He's running to the middle, and that hasn't worked yet, it won't work this time. He needed something a bit more hard hitting then this, instead he just kinda wanders around with his gun, and then pets his dog. It doesn't strike me as democratic or gubenatorial. This won't work well in the cities either. You need to focus on issues. This one is all over the place. I hope his media only campaign unveils something better in the coming weeks or we're in for another term of hell.

Update: I watched the ad again when I wasn't feeling so cynical. It wasn't a bad ad honestly. It painted a nice picture of him I guess, tough but Sensitive. It isn't a bad introductory ad, I just think it could have been better.

Rebuttals:

Ember: “Just gonna continue talking about time.” She’s kinda all over the board here. Talking about helping youth and kids. Now global warming. She’s turned into an A.D.D. kid who can’t chose the issue to focus on for forty five seconds.

Ostrow- Public education is important. Dropped his fifteen year old off at this bus Editor’s Note: He probably got beaten up for that, thanks dad. Give everyone opportunity. Just talking about education still. Nothing special.

Ellison: Approach is about progressiveness but bringing people together.

Erlandson: This is about who is the proven leader, me. He is summing this up nicely. Everyone else seemed across the board. He is trying to sum up his positions and how he is the leader on everything. This is probably the best answer he’s given. Despite talking in the third person.

Closing Statements:

Ellison: Starting with his union endorsements, environmental endorsements, voting endorsements, ethnic endorsements. Newspaper endorsements. So far this has been a laundry list of endorsements rather then making a point. He just took a shot at Erlandson “This isn’t about careers” very weak closing.

Erlandson: Mentions his kids, now talking about how important it is for our kids. Again talking about leadership. War in Iraq, War in the streets, and War on the middle class. A nice solid closing.

Ember: Senate, Senate Senate. “I have believe in you.” She’s talking in a very odd manner. You know me as… and then only talking about her Senate leadership stuff. As my mom would say, “Remember Ember in September” Oye.

Ostrow- Reclaim American Dream. Proud of record. Strong closing, talking about important issues.

Editor’s Note: Ok So now its time to crown a winner. This one is tough. I think they all did a good job but I’m going to have to say it was between Ostrow and Erlandson. Both were strong and fairly on message. Ellison started strong but faded quickly. Ember just parroted her ability to be in the Senate and get stuff done, but didn’t say anything unique.

Erlandson: Environment is most important?

A: Yup. He then tries to use some scare tactics about the importance of the environment. If only he would have started on this message from the beginning it could have made an impact, now? Maybe…

Ellison: Should the US support Israel?
A: Editor’s Note: Finally, a tougher one for Ellison to answer, something a bit more sensitive for him. He says he supports Israel and a two-state solution—Is saying we need a Palestinian state. Interesting to openly state that. But he really avoided the full question sadly.

Ostrow- Did you support US handling of Lebannon?

A: Peace good. Support Lebanon as well though. Hezbollah evil though and needs to be addressed. Talking points.

Ember: Health Care burden on the states- Why this approach?

A: Editor’s Note: I’m guessing this is the toughest question they are going to throw her sadly. She’s comparing it to drunk driving laws. Minimum standards are apparently the goal of her plan.

Erlandson: Strategy to decrease our dependency on the middle east?

A: Under Sabo brought legislation for biking and walking as transportation. Renewable. Nothing fantastic. This was a softy for him especially after the last environmental issue, however he should have brought it back to that issue.

Ellison- What about Health care failing in other countries?

A: We can do it ourselves Editor’s Note: another soft ball question for Ellison. He’s just talking about how important health care is and not really addressing how we’ll do it differently, just that we’ll do it differently.

Ostrow- As city councilman, What have you done to prevent crime?

A: Editor’s Note: they keep wanting to remind him that he’s responsible for crime. The more you stress this, the more you’ll see Ostrow slide in the polls, its subtle but for those who are watching or reading it might work. He’s just talking about getting more police.

Ember: How about No Child Left Behind?

A: In the senate… NCLB is bad! We need to fund schools Shocking!

Erlandson- will we see Democracy in Iraq?

A: Yeah, I’m an optimist. He just called it next September 12^th, oops. Only if we go in and do better without sucking. Oh, and Murtha is listened to.

Ellison- How do you walk line between orderly withdrawn and fast pullout?

A: Chaos already there So it won’t matter. Military solution not working, now use Diplomacy. Editor’s Note: He sounds like he’s coping out of his withdraw all the troops now rhetoric. How can you leave the troops there while withdrawing them at the same time?

Ostrow: Should immigrants be given a path to citizenship

A: Yes! Switched to Iraq for a second there. Now back onto the question. Dignity is important. Get rid of unfair trade practices. Editor’s Note: He really isn’t answering the question just talking about the fact that immigrants are good.

Ember: What is the highest budget priority?

A: Health Care then Education then public safety. She’s ignoring the rest of the question and now talking about public safety and the crime rate in Minneapolis Editor’s Note: This was a good turn of the question, she is talking about everything except spending money on health care, but it sounded effective.

New round of questions- Specific to each candidate

Erlandson’s Question: Should bush tax cuts be made permanent or repealed?

A: Editor’s Note: I sure hope all the questions are like this. For Mike, this was a soft ball question if I’ve ever heard one. He’s rambling on about how important it is to repeal “a great deal of Bush’s tax cuts” but he doesn’t say all. Interesting.

Ellison’s Question: Remedies for Gas usage and consumption

A: Repeal all subsidies Editor’s Note: At least with gas prices down he can say that. I’m glad this was also an easy question like Mike’s. His answer is all about putting that money to renewable energy.

Ostrow: Accountablity for rise in increased crime?

A: Editor’s Note: This is a tougher question, more direct and harmful to Ostrow, but I don’t like Ostrow so I’m ok with it! He’s talking about his additions to police but turning it against the state. Kind of a cop out answer considering how large the increases in crime have been lately. Its hard to buy.

Ember: Do you oppose the Patriot Act?

A: Editor’s Note: This is probably the easiest question ever. Oye. She’s giving standard democratic and liberal talking points, and she won’t stay silent.

Erlandson: What about ignoring the party?
A: Editor’s Note: Finally! A tough question. He is touting his other endorsements though. He also just said he was the best chair of the DFL party-that’s a bit arguable! Editor’s Note: After his list, the host just said, “except the DFL’s” as if scoffing at him, pretty entertaining.

Ellison- How do you reach across the aisle and not getting slapped?

A: republicans are also running from Bush Editor’s Note: This is still a pretty easy question despite the tough one just given to Mike. I do hope they throw something a bit harder his way just to ensure fairness.

Ostrow- You asked your campaign manager to step down… what was your reaction and what steps have you taken.

A: Editor’s Note: another tough one for Ostrow, harsh. He apparently just named his wife as the campaign manager. He says what his campaign manager did was wrong and they are just trying to move on. Again he doesn’t apologize though, interesting.

Ember: Why is a female going to make a better congressman?

A: I’m getting more money from women’s groups Editor’s Note: Again, a soft ball question. Looks like Ellison and Ember are the favorites of the host so far. Hopefully they’ll throw some tougher questions there ways next.

Question: What will you do to get Republican Support?

Ellison- Reach out to the minority. Listen to Republicans and take their views into consideration.

Erlandson- The Republican sheriff’s endorsement and touting how he’s helped him.

Ember- Again, she’s going back to her Senate experience, will she ever stop? She hasn’t really said anything that hasn’t been prefaced with “In the senate…” She and Erlandson should start their own facebook group… “When I was in the Senate…and when I was working for Martin Sabo debaters”.

Ostrow- first time he’s mentioned the city council. He’s talking about building bridges, standard rhetoric. No one has said anything interesting yet for this question and he’s not going to.

Rebuttals- (They were just reminded to actually rebut their competitors)

Ellison- talking about the good old days when Republicans weren’t bum fudge crazy.

Erlandson- work with other side of the aisle, under sabo brought light rail because worked with both dems and republicans.

Ember- Again, In the Senate, even her rebuttals start like that. Oye! Haha slip of the tongue there, “When I worked with the Republicans to reduce clean air…”

Ostrow- Also talking about old school republicans and how important it is to reach to those people. Probably the best answer here actually. Which is kind of sad.

Question: What is most workable about your plan to bring Health care to American’s who don’t have it.

Erlandson- 47 Million without health care (most of them are young like me!) He’s talking about money, and giving statistics but he hasn’t said a plan. Oh- there it is.. re-allocate money and hit the pharmaceutical companies. Wait, no, still not a plan.

Ember- I have a plan for Universal health care plan. All children by 2010, adults by 2015. all inclusive. States run rather then Federal run. Editors Note: Yeah, cause that would work well in the south… It reminds me of the Simpsons episode, “Dental Plan, Lisa Needs Braces, Dental Plan, Lisa needs braces”

Ostrow- Talking about Ellison’s plan being unrealistic, but we can reach across the aisle and get some national health care done. Disagrees with Ember as well. This is the first time someone is directly going against his opponents. Finally, some debate!

Ellison- Single Payer health care, for all. National paying health care. Editor’s Note: Again he’s squinting, it looks really bad.

Rebuttal:

Erlandson- Bill Clinton’s Health Care plan=Nixon. Huh. Won’t pass unless you have finance mechanism. Repealing taxes not enough. Change health care model. Editors Note: I like what he’s saying here. He’s actually addressing some of the problems besides the feel good talking points, however it won’t help him win.

Ember- Thanks mike, I’ll steal your financing stuff

Ostrow- bring people together. States still wrong. Nothing new here.

Ellison- Yeah, Mike’s right, but it’ll work this time through grass roots effort here. Editor’s Note: I think he’s over reaching here. He has this grand vision of something he can do in congress, but it sounds more like something he could do better without being in congress and just focusing on the grass roots effort

First impressions-

Everyone is dressed very nicely; Ember’s bright red suit however is a little bright for the somber background. Ostrow is probably the best dressed, nice and subtle but yet with some decency. Ellison’s tie clashes with his suit and it looks terrible. Erlandson, usually dressed nicely has lost something, his poor choice in tie that looks like something a 12 year old would wear to a wedding rather then a candidate in a debate, he also looks as if he just woke up with his hair completely messed up rather then actually nicely stylized.

First Question: Exiting Iraq

Ember was fine, talking point and sucking up to the LOWV.

Ostrow- claims to have an exit strategy but used too many mixed metaphors, “we need to leave as quickly as a gun” and such. An ironic choice of words.

Ellison- touts his peace credentials, but I’m not sure what’s going on, whether the light is too bright or not but Ellison looks like he’s squinting, as if trying to read something or just can’t read.

Erlandson- backing John Murtha’s plan, touting the three point plan, withdrawal in 6-9 months, peace keepers, and the UN back to the table.

At this point the hosts forgot about the rebuttal and had to debate each other about the rebuttal. Doh!

The rebuttals- Ember turned in into furthering her own talking point, now talking about troop health care and accountability.

Ostrow- Change course, withdraw troops, learn lessons from history, nothing new, nothing special. He looks like he’s trying to count with his thumb but instead he just ends up pointing with it, kind of creepy.

Ellison- Stand up for peace when it’s not popular. Out protesting constantly and ensure next time around no peace.

Erlandson- Peace is guiding principle of nation. He’s now parroting Ember about the war and still not really saying anything, just kept re-emphasizing he looks forward to next January.

Next Question: Are all people’s backgrounds fair to attack? (Ellison’s attacks)

Ostrow- Public record only, rather then on private background, this isn’t surprising considering what his campaign manager did. Not mentioning or apologizing for what happened.

Ellison- “I haven’t done opposition research on anyone” Character is doing the right thing in the face of adversary. He then brought it back to the war.

Erlandson- Says that everyone should be the same. Opportunity is important. He brought it back to himself without answering the question. It really was a cop out answer. Very disappointing.

Ember- Claims she has the best record but is also being on message. It was a very ironic way she just said this, she attacked the other candidates while then saying she doesn’t want to do it and it’s about character. Poor way of doing it.

Rebuttal-

Ostrow- Character, Character, Character

Ellison- I’ll tell you what character is. He continues to bring it back to the war. This is a good strategy in the fifth since the peace movement is the one who put him over the top; as long as he keeps stroking his base he has a good shot of winning

Erlandson- Mentions working for Sabo as being one of the best. He also is talking about his background now of living in the suburbs, that might not help him in the Minneapolis centric district.

Ember- Again mentioning her Senatorial experience, followed Erlandson by talking about how she was born somewhere in the fifth.