2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

RNC Statement On Minnesota Supreme Court Ruling

RNC STATEMENT ON MINNESOTA SUPREME COURT RULING

WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee today released a statement from Chairman Michael Steele on the Minnesota Supreme Court ruling:

“I am deeply disappointed in the decision made by the state Supreme Court, and I share the frustration of Minnesota’s voters. At the core of our democracy lies two concrete principles: No valid vote should go uncounted and all votes should be treated equally. Sadly, those principles were not adhered to during this election. While I would have proudly stood behind Norm Coleman had he chosen to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, I know that his decision to withdraw from this race was not an easy one, but one that he felt was the best decision for the people of Minnesota. For the last six years, Norm represented the people of Minnesota with distinction, earning a much deserved reputation as one of the hardest-working members of Congress. I, on behalf of all Republicans, thank him for his service and will miss his leadership in Washington

Statement From President Barack Obama On The Minnesota Supreme Court Certifying Al Franken

Statement from the President on the Minnesota Supreme Court Certifying Al Franken as the Winner of Last Year’s Senate Election

"I look forward to working with Senator-Elect Franken to build a new foundation for growth and prosperity by lowering health care costs and investing in the kind of clean energy jobs and industries that will help America lead in the 21st century.”

DFL Party’s Statement on the Minnesota Supreme Court’s Ruling

DFL Party’s Statement on the Minnesota Supreme Court’s Ruling

St. Paul (June 30, 2009) — The Minnesota DFL Party released this statement from Chair Brian Melendez and Associate Chair Donna Cassutt:

“We offer our heartfelt congratulations once again to Senator-elect Franken, his wife Franni and their family. Throughout this long process, Minnesotans have seen what kind of senator Al Franken will be: determined, patient, thoughtful and ready to work for our state. Now it is time for the senator-elect to be seated so that Minnesota is once again fully represented in the United States Senate.

“The Supreme Court’s ruling also proves that Minnesotans can take pride in our election process. The close vote, the long recount and the ensuing election contest may have confounded other states. But Minnesota has shown the nation that our system is meticulous, transparent and fair.

“Minnesotans have shown great patience since Election Night. Now that the Supreme Court has finally decided the winner, and unanimously resolved all the pending issues, we must unite as a community behind our new junior senator and move forward together for the good of Minnesota.

“We trust that Senator-elect Franken will be seated without delay, and look forward to working closely with him as he finally joins Senator Klobuchar and President Obama in Washington to advance a progressive, common-sense agenda for Minnesota.”

A Statement From Senator Norm Coleman On The Minnesota Supreme Court Ruling

A STATEMENT FROM SENATOR NORM COLEMAN

ST. PAUL – Senator Norm Coleman today made the following statement at his home in St. Paul:

“Ours is a government of laws, not men and women.  The Supreme Court of Minnesota has spoken and I respect its decision and will abide by the result.  It’s time for Minnesota to come together under the leaders it has chosen and move forward. I join all Minnesotans in congratulating our newest United States Senator – Al Franken.

“Just a few last words about my legal challenge.  Sure, I wanted to win.  Not just for myself but for my wonderful supporters and the important values I have always fought for.  I also thought it was important to stand up for enfranchising thousands of Minnesotans whose votes weren’t counted like the others were.  After all, issues and politicians come and go, but voting is fundamental.

“It is the essence of democracy so I knew we needed to do everything we could to get it right. 

“I am forever grateful and humbled by the people of Minnesota who have given me the honor to represent them – and even more grateful for their wisdom, courage, patience and understanding over these past several months.

“The path that I take in the future is not nearly as important today as the path that we must now -- all travel on together -- to strengthen our state and our nation.

“I have never believed that my service is irreplaceable.  We have reached the point where further litigation damages the unity of our state, which is also fundamental.  In these tough times, we all need to focus on the future.  And the future today is we have a new United States Senator.

“I congratulate Al Franken and his victory in this election.  He now enjoys the advantage that our Congressional Delegation has over the other 525 people on Capitol Hill: he represents Minnesota. 

“I know the great ideas, the amazing work ethic and the historic ability to come together to get things done in this state will help him greatly, as it has me.

“Speaking of which, I think we all should take a moment to thank Amy Klobuchar and her staff.  They have done a great job of carrying the burden of two Senators these last six months.  She is an extraordinary public servant.

“I don’t reach this point with any big regrets.  I ran the campaign I wanted.  I conducted the legal challenge I wanted.  And I have always believed you do the best you can and leave the results up to a higher authority.  I’m at peace with that.  As to my future plans, that’s a subject for another day.

“We live in a great country and a great state.  We can all have confidence that by some path we don’t yet know – one which we can all come together to lay out – we will arrive at the better future we all seek.

“Thank you and may God bless Minnesota and America.”

DNC Holds First 2012 Democratic Change Commission Meeting

DNC HOLDS FIRST DEMOCRATIC CHANGE COMMISSION MEETING
Commission Is Tasked With Improving the Presidential Nominating and Delegate Selection Process

Washington, DC—Today, the Democratic National Committee’s Democratic Change Commission held its first meeting at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC.  Headed by Commission co-chairs Congressman James E. Clyburn and Senator Claire McCaskill, the Commission was established by President Obama and the DNC to reexamine and improve the Democratic Party’s presidential nominating and delegate selection process.  DNC Chairman Tim Kaine kicked off the meeting, and Congressman Clyburn and Senator McCaskill also delivered remarks.

Chairman Kaine said, “I want to thank all the members of the Commission and the co-chairs, Congressman Clyburn and Senator McCaskill, for their service to the Party and the country.  We are tasked with improving the presidential nominating and delegate selection process and doing what’s best for the Democratic Party.   At the same time, we are working with the GOP in a bipartisan manner on these issues. The primary system, while administered by the parties, is not a Democratic or Republican process, it’s an American process that leads to the election of the leader of our country.  I’m confident that in the coming months this Commission will succeed in its mission and improve and bring more people to our process."

Congressman Clyburn said, “Without a study such as this, we cannot be certain that we are doing everything possible to ensure that our nominating process is as fair and inclusive as it can possibly be.  I want to thank Governor Kaine, Senator McCaskill, and the Commission members for making this Commission a priority.  The diversity of the Democratic Party is one of our most important assets and it is vital that we have a nominating process that encourages the participation of all Democrats.”

Senator McCaskill said, “This is a diverse Commission with varied experience and a common goal of strengthening our nation and our Democracy. As a Commission, we are tasked with helping to ensure that the Presidential nominating process continues to be a fair process that will energize and activate as many voters as possible.  Thank you to all the Commission members for serving, to Governor Kaine for this opportunity, and to Congressman Clyburn for his dedication during this process.”

Commission members heard presentations on the following topics at today’s meeting: The History of Modern Day Democratic Presidential Nominations (1976-2008) by Rhodes Cook: Rhodes Cook Letter; Presentation on Unpledged Delegates by Dr. Elaine Kamarck: Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University; Interests and Goals of the Party, Presidential Candidates & Voters by Dr. Melanie Springer:
Washington University in St. Louis; Overview of Change Commission Issues by DNC Office of Party Affairs and Delegate Selection Staff; and a Presentation on Caucus Systems by Mitch Stewart: Director, Organizing for America.

At the meeting, the Commission also announced the dates of its next three meetings: August 28-29, October 23-24, and December 4-5.  The locations of the meetings will be announced at a later time.

The Democratic Change Commission is tasked with examining the following things: 1. shifting the window of time during which primaries and caucuses may be held 2. reducing the number of unpledged delegates 3. improving the caucus system.  The DNC is also looking forward to working closely with the Republican National Committee on a common approach that puts voters first.

For more information on the Change Commission visit the website at:
http://www.democrats.org/page/content/changecommission

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty to Speak at Western Conservative Political Action Conference 2009

Newport Beach-- The Western Conservative Political Action Conference (WCPAC) announced today that the Governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty will speak at this year’s conference, Oct. 16 and 17 at the Radisson Newport Beach, California.
 
Pawlenty is regarded as one of the nation’s most innovative, energetic, reform-minded and accomplished governors. He is a champion of taxpayer rights and has brought increased accountability to government. As the 39th Governor of Minn., Pawlenty has balanced the state’s budget three times without raising taxes, despite facing record budget deficits.
 
Pawlenty's most notable accomplishments include proposing and signing into law significant new benefits for veterans and members of the military; enacting a property tax cap, eliminating the marriage penalty and cutting taxes; toughening the state's education standards; reforming the way teachers are paid; instituting free-market health care reforms that increase accountability and providing tax credits to encourage the use of health savings accounts; and encouraging the use of renewable energy sources.
 
“We are honored to have such an accomplished conservative leader speak at our conference,” said Jim Lacy, chairman of WCPAC, “We know Tim is committed to protecting the principals and values our nation was founded upon by the example he sets in Minnesota.”
 
Under Governor Pawlenty's leadership, Minnesota is first in the nation in a variety of measures: Minnesota ranks first among states in Fortune 500 companies per capita, first in overall quality of life, first in homeownership, first in percentage of residents with a high school diploma, and first in residents over 25 with a bachelors degree. Minnesota has the highest average ACT scores in the nation and is among the "Healthiest States in America."
 
“Tim is a leader we can trust,” said Lew Uhler, founder of the National Tax Limitation Committee and director of the American Conservative Union. “The WCPAC board welcomes his expertise and leadership to this conference.”
 
Pawlenty grew up in South St. Paul, Minn. The only child in his family to graduate from college, he attended the University of Minnesota and practiced law in the private sector. His public service career includes serving as a criminal prosecutor, Eagan city councilmember, and ten-year member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, including four years as House Majority Leader.
 
Pawlenty also served as chair of the National Governors Association and on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, the Achieve Inc. board of directors and the James B. Hunt Jr. Institute board of directors. He is chair of the Education Commission of the States and former chair of the Midwestern Governors Association.

Tony Sutton Elected Today As Chair Of The Republican Party Of Minnesota

Republican Party Of Minnesota Today Elected Tony Sutton As Chair Of The Republican Party Of Minnesota

 “I am grateful to have been elected Chair to the Republican Party of Minnesota.  I am committed to revitalizing our Party to live up to its great heritage of prosperity, liberty, family, and limited government,” RPM Chairman-elect Tony Sutton said. “I want to thank my opponents for a spirited campaign that brought out the best in our Party.  We will hit the ground running as we work to rebuild our base, improve our organization, spread our conservative message, and elect Republicans in every corner of the state.”

Tony Sutton was born and St. Paul and graduated from Hibbing High School and currently lives with his wife, Bridget, and their four children in Inver Grove Heights.  Starting his political work knocking on doors for President Ronald Reagan in 1986, Tony has served on numerous campaigns and Republican committees on both the local and national level including his work as Executive Director of the Republican Party of Minnesota.  Most recently, Tony has served as Secretary-Treasurer of Republican Party of Minnesota from 2005-present.  Tony is also a successful entrepreneur and CEO of the Minnesota based Baja Sol Restaurant Group.

Republican Party of Minnesota Elects Michael Brodkorb Deputy Chair

Republican Party of Minnesota today elected Michael Brodkorb as Deputy Chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota at its State Central Committee Meeting at the Earle Brown Heritage Center.

“I am humbled to have been elected Deputy Chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota.  Working in concert with Chairman Tony Sutton, I look forward to helping bring our Party back to its status as Minnesota’s Majority Party,” Brodkorb said.   “Incorporating new technologies, reaching out to young voters, and bringing new faces into our Party, we will elect more Republicans to every level to further the principles that have made our country strong: life, liberty and prosperity.”

Republican Party of Minnesota Elects David Sturrock as Secretary Treasurer

Republican Party of Minnesota today elected David Sturrock as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Republican Party of Minnesota at its State Central Committee Meeting at the Earle Brown Heritage Center.
 
“I am thankful to have been elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Republican Party of Minnesota.  Throughout my campaign, I heard from our grassroots leaders about the need to provide more support to activists, and I am committed to working with our Party’s leadership team to provide the critical training and resources they need," Sturrock said.  "With strict adherence to the Republican values of fiscal discipline and accountability, we will ensure our Party has the resources necessary to grow our ranks in elected office.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty 2010 Press Conference Photos

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty 2010 Press Conference Photos

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty 2010 Press Conference

Waiting for Tim Pawlenty to announce his 2010 intentions. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that he would not seek a third term.

"Serving this great state has been the great honor of my life.  I’m profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the wonderful people of Minnesota.

My administration has made a major, positive difference for Minnesota.  We developed and deployed the best support programs for members of the military, their families and veterans in the country.  We led the nation in developing a cleaner, more secure and more America-based energy future.  We led the nation in education reform and results, have been nation-leading in redesigning and improving health care and much more. 

And importantly, we imposed some much-needed discipline on government in this state by keeping a lid and taxes and spending.  We even succeeded in achieving the long-standing goal of moving Minnesota out of the top ten states in taxes.

But, being Governor should not be a permanent position for someone.  

With length of service in public office, a little less is always better than a little too much.  It’s a lesson I learned spending time in places like the Croatian Hall in South Saint Paul, where there is inevitably less joy and more trouble in too much pizza or too much  beer.  We don’t have term limits in Minnesota, but we do have good judgment and common sense.  We are a government of laws and ideas, not personalities.

Be assured, though, that I will make the most of the nineteen months left in the term Minnesotans have given me.  I will continue to spend every day doing what’s right for them. Minnesota will get my very best until I’m done.  There is much important and difficult work remaining, and I will tackle it aggressively and finish strong.

The Scriptures say “there is a time for every purpose”.  For me, the purpose of the next nineteen months will be to do the very best I can for Minnesota."