Sensing vulnerability, four candidates vying for Republican endorsement
They are the longest of long shots, the darkest of dark horses.
Since 1946, Republicans have lost 31 straight elections for Minnesota's 4th District congressional seat, and Democratic Rep. Betty McCollum has won her last four elections by lopsided margins.
Nonetheless, Republicans are fired up about their chances of unseating her this year. Four candidates are competing for the party's endorsement:
Joe Blum, a full-time candidate from West St. Paul.
Teresa Collett, a University of St. Thomas law professor from St. Paul.
Brad Lee, a financial-services business owner from Mahtomedi.
Gene Rechtzigel, a farmer from Newport.
That's a bigger GOP field than usual. In a typical year, the Republican search for a 4th District candidate resembles the St. Paul Winter Carnival medallion hunt: They leave no stone or ice chunk unturned to find one.
What makes them think they can win this year? In two words, Scott Brown.
The little-known Republican stunned the political world in January by winning Sen. Edward Kennedy's seat in Massachusetts, one of the most Democratic states in the nation. His victory inspired GOP underdogs everywhere.
"If there is a year where the Republican can win the 4th, this is it. It would take a Scott Brown election," conservative political analyst David Strom said last week.
Fourth District Republican Chairwoman Beverly Aplikowski said seven people approached her about running for the seat, which represents all of Ramsey County and parts of Dakota and Washington counties, and she senses far more energy and excitement about this year's election than she has in years.
One reason is that congressional Democrats are in hot water. Political handicapper Charlie Cook told the National Journal last week it was "very hard to come up with a scenario where Democrats don't lose the House."
But even when the party in power is swept out by a big wave, "it is very uncommon for established incumbents (such as McCollum) to suffer," said congressional scholar Steve Smith, director of the Weidenbaum Center on the Economy, Government and Public Policy at Washington University in St. Louis.
But a challenger who runs a strong campaign and loses this year could use it as a steppingstone to victory in 2012, when new district lines could give a Republican a better shot, Smith said.
Three candidates who attended a GOP candidate forum Thursday night in St. Paul acknowledged they face an uphill battle but contended the political environment is right for them to win this year.
Voters are angry about the Democratic health care bill and extravagant federal spending and want real change, they said.
Blum, 29, who recently resigned as an ice rink manager's assistant and hockey announcer to campaign full time, said the "tea party atmosphere" that is sweeping the nation would help him win.
"I'm a firm believer in the tea party. It's going to thrive," he predicted.
Calling himself "your average Joe," Blum is a University of Minnesota graduate with a bachelor's degree in political science. He has been active in Republican politics since college.
He said he first started thinking about running after attending McCollum's town hall meeting on health care last summer. He was incensed by what he considered her refusal to answer tough questions.
"I thought it was time to step up," he said.
He's also angered by what he believes is the Democrats' rapid expansion of government.
"We can't afford the bailouts and stimulus packages. We need to give money back to taxpayers and get the economy rolling again," he said.
Collett, 53, has a more developed plan for winning. No Republican candidate has spent more than $250,000 to defeat McCollum, she said, and she thinks it will take at least $1 million and an "army of volunteers" to win. She's confident she can raise that sum from a nationwide network of contacts.
After money and volunteers, her strategy calls for one more ingredient: "Give me three debates with Betty," she said.
Collett, who holds bachelor's and law degrees from the University of Oklahoma, said she has been advising state and congressional policymakers across the nation for more than 20 years.
She started thinking about running in December when "I saw so many good students unable to find jobs," she said. The government bailouts of the automakers and Wall Street "made me mad," she said, and the Democratic health care plan to "nationalize one-sixth of the economy" and turn private medical records over to the government "infuriated me." Meanwhile, she added, McCollum was "completely indifferent" to her concerns.
Summing up her views, she said, "I believe in returning to fiscal sanity, job creation and limited government."
Lee, 60, said he decided to run last summer because he was concerned about Congress' "uncontrolled spending" and the debt it is heaping on his children and grandchild.
With 35 years of business experience, Lee said, he knows what it takes to expand the economy. He'd start by cutting federal taxes and reducing tax burdens.
A Navy Vietnam veteran and Cardinal Stritch University graduate, he managed manufacturing plants before starting his financial-services business. He has been active in Republican campaigns since 2002 and already has the endorsement of the White Bear Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Lee thinks he can win, in part, because he sees strong signs of support everywhere he goes, including cheers from the crowd at the St. Paul St. Patrick's Day parade. "People are really energized this year," he said.
Rechtzigel, the fourth Republican candidate, did not attend the forum and declined to be interviewed before the party's April 17 endorsing convention in Vadnais Heights.
Asked if McCollum is expecting a tougher race this year than in previous elections, Will Blauvett, her campaign manager, replied, "We take every campaign seriously."
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by Elizabeth Stawicki, Minnesota Public Radio
March 9, 2010
St. Paul, Minn. — President Barack Obama is pushing Democrats to pass a health care bill in the next few weeks.
They'll have to use a budget process called reconciliation to revive legislation that stalled in January. Some critics view the process as an end-run around Republican opposition, but supporters note it's the same one the Bush Administration used to pass tax cuts.
The question is whether House Democrats will have enough votes to even get the process started. Minnesota's representatives will likely vote along party lines.
Twenty-five years ago Congress used the budget reconciliation process to pass COBRA, a law that allows workers to extend their health insurance after they leave their jobs. (In fact, that's what COBRA stands for -- Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act.)
The multi-step process requires the House to pass the Senate version of health care reform first. Fourth District Democrat Rep. Betty McCollum said she will be on board.
"I plan on voting for the Senate bill to move the reconciliation process forward, which is a tool in the tool box," she said. "It's a statute and has been around since 1974."
McCollum said she doesn't expect Republicans to join her, but said Democrats will have enough votes to pass it
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By: Sue Jeffers
Saturday was a great day to be a conservative! Some 4000 of us showed up on a cold and dreary day to send a message to our elected officials in Washington DC. The message was simple: Kill the bill!
Congressman John Kline and Congresswoman Michele Bachmann were terrific. All 8 MN members of Congress were invited. Representative Erik Paulsen had a prior commitment and sent a letter that can be summed up with three words: kill the bill. Governor Tim Pawlenty sent a similar letter with a similar message: Kill the bill!
Considering the rally was held in Congressional District 4 it is strange indeed that Betty McCullum did not show up. Scared Betty?
Twila Brase, Citizens Council on Health Care outlined many ideas to cut the high cost of health care. You can sign the Deceleration of Health Care Independence here: http://www.cchconline.org/
Barb Davis White warned Keith Ellison (another no show) that she was coming after him. Go Barb Go!
Dr. Lee Kurisko spoke on why he left Canada to practice medicine here in the US. Where will the Canadians go when Obamacare screws up our health care system?
MN Representative Mark Buesgens spoke on a bill introduced in MN warning the federal government to leave us alone. No individual mandates in MN! Thirty six other states have similar legislation. The bill was authored by Representatives Tom Emmer, Peggy Scott and Mark Buesgens.
We should also note there were no arrests, no litter, no poop, no riots, no looting, and no damage to property.
It was wonderful to meet so many people who care about liberty and freedom. It is encouraging to see so many people willing to stop yelling at the radio or the TV for a while and get out to fight against the growing size, scope and expense of government.
The lowlight of the day was I got a parking ticket and the media coverage.
Lots of great pictures and stories about the Kill the Bill Rally can be found here:
http://looktruenorth.com/
More media:
http://www.startribune.com/politics/local/87593572.html?page=1&c=y
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/03/13/capitol-rally/
http://hotair.com/archives/2010/03/13/thousands-rally-at-minnesota-capital-to-kill-the-bill/
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/minnesota/Thousands_attend_Healthcare_Rally_march_13_2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU7jprH3nik&feature=player_embedded# |
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Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act - Vote Passed (217-201, 14 Not Voting)
The House approved this bill that would provide $13 billion in payroll tax relief over 10 years for employers who hire unemployed workers and extend through 2010 a law that allows small businesses to deduct up to $250,000 in qualified expenses. The bill goes to the Senate.
Rep. Betty McCollum voted YES
Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act - Vote Passed(262-153, 16 Not Voting)
The House passed this legislation that would establish the first federal safety standards on seclusion and restraint in schools, allowing for restraints in cases when there is immediate danger to the student or others. The bill now heads to the Senate.
Rep. Betty McCollum voted YES
Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act - Vote Passed (217-201, 14 Not Voting)
The House approved this bill that would provide $13 billion in payroll tax relief over 10 years for employers who hire unemployed workers and extend through 2010 a law that allows small businesses to deduct up to $250,000 in qualified expenses. The bill goes to the Senate.
Rep. Betty McCollum voted YES
Temporary Extension Act of 2010 - Vote Passed (78-19, 3 Not Voting)
The Senate passed this bill that provides short-term extensions of a number of programs that expired February 28, including unemployment benefits and federal health care subsidies for jobless workers. The bill was quickly signed by the President.
Sen. Al Franken voted YES
Sen. Amy Klobuchar voted YES |
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CHANGE OF DATE FOR CD4 CANDIDATE FORUM
FINAL: Thursday, March 18 – Joesph’s Grill in St. Paul (Wabsha & Plato)
Meet & Greet: 5–6 PM
Forum: 6:30–8 PM Moderated by Dave Thompson
snacks provided, dinner and drinks available on your own
Everyone Welcome – Good Behavior Necessary |
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Friends and Neighbors – don’t miss the party!
Spend a fabulous evening celebrating and supporting freedom – at the
Liberty Gala
Friday, April 23, 2010, 7 pm to Midnight
Manitou Station – Grand Ballroom
2171 4th Street, White Bear Lake
Please join us for great food, live music, dancing and lots of fun. Tickets are
$50 each; net proceeds will benefit your grateful hosts – the Minnesota
House District 53B Republicans.
Visit us at www.LibertyGala.com
Calling all local conservatives and liberty-minded folks to join us for the social event of the year...
The LIBERTY GALA! Connect with fellow conservatives at Manitou Station while "The Original Rewind Band" plays some funky music. This is sure to be an unforgettable event you don't want to miss!
This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet many of your local elected people like Carol McFarlane and the candidates running for Governor one week before the state convention.
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EVENT DETAILS :::
ENTERTAINMENT: The Original Rewind Band
Funky music preview on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheOriginalRewindBand
LOCATION: Manitou Station - Grand Ballroom
A brand new restaurant and bar in downtown White Bear Lake. http://manitoustation.com
COST: $50 / ticket (Only 350 tickets available!)
Covers facility expenses, appetizers, and live entertainment. Remaining proceeds to benefit Minnesota HD 53B Republicans.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS :::
Send a check payable to "Minnesota HD 53B Republicans" to the address below:
(Add $1.00 for postage and handling.)
Liberty Gala
2142 Park Ave
White Bear Township, MN 55110
Visit us at www.LibertyGala.com |
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WASHINGTON – Minnesota Congressman John Kline joined bipartisan opposition today to a bill to raise the debt limit to $14,294,000,000,000 ($14.3 trillion). The bill narrowly passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a 217-212 vote.
“Last week, the President spoke often of ‘fiscal responsibility’ – both during his State of the Union address and again in a meeting with House Republicans – yet Speaker Pelosi today passed the largest one-time increase in the debt limit in our nation’s history,” Kline said. “Minnesotans are tired of the reckless, runaway spending that has become all too common for this Congress. I agree with the overwhelming majority of constituents who want to end the growth of this massive mountain of debt.”
The new debt limit increase of $1.9 trillion that passed today amounts to an increase of $6,157 per person; and $16,214 per household. It raises the national debt limit to $14.3 trillion, which amounts to $46,319 per person or $121,982 per household.
It has been seven weeks since majority leadership in Congress last voted to increase the debt limit – raising it by $290 billion on Dec. 16, 2009. In that time, Speaker Pelosi and majority leadership have:
Passed seven resolutions congratulating sports figures or teams;
Passed 23 resolutions honoring individuals, entities, or causes;
Passed five bills naming post offices;
Authorized $50 million to construct a new National Park in the Virgin Islands; and
Passed ZERO bills to reduce spending or lower the deficit.
In his fourth term in Congress, Congressman Kline is the top Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee. He also serves on the House Armed Services Committee. |
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Here is the list of 2010 Republican BPOU Conventions (Base Political Operating Units - aka Legsilative Districts) and locations for BPOUs in the 4th District
| BPOU |
Date |
Location |
Address |
Contact |
| 39A |
February 27 |
West St.Paul Armory
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1356 S Robert St
W St.Paul MN 55118 |
Bill Jungbauer |
| 39B |
February 20 |
Wentworth Library
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199 E Wentworth Ave
West St. Paul 55118
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Kathie Roberts |
| 50B |
February 27 |
Christ the King Lutheran Church |
| 1900 NW 7th St. New Brighton 55112 |
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| White Bear Lake HS North Campus |
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| 5040 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear 55110 |
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2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville 55113
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| 55A |
February 27 |
| 9 a.m. Maplewood Middle School |
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2410 Holloway Avenue
Maplewood, MN 55109
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9 a.m. Oakdale City Hall |
1584 Hadley Ave N
Oakdale, MN 55128 |
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| 64A |
February 20 |
Pellows
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1354 Jackson St.
St. Paul, MN
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Larry Grewach |
| 64B |
March 6 |
Expo Elem School |
540 Warwick St
St.Paul MN 55116 |
Leslie Rosendahl |
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| 65A & 65B |
February 27
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State Party Office
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| 66A |
February 27
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Dick Pellow's Antique Car Museum
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| 1350 Jackson St. St. Paul 55117 |
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| 66B |
March 2
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2077 Larpenteur Ave. |
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| 67A & 67B |
March 6
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| 1730 Old Hudson Road, St. Paul |
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| SD51 |
February 27 |
Mounds View Community Center |
5394 Edgewood Dr
Mounds View MN 55112 |
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| SD57 |
February 27 |
South St. Paul High School |
So St. Paul 55075 |
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Here's a link that might motivate you to call Betty McCollum's office:
http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2009/11/09/13283/key_deal_in_houses_health_care_vote_centered_on_abortion
If you can truthfully promise these things, I urge you to call her offices (202-225-6631, 651-224-9191) and promise that, due to her vote on health care, you will:
1. give money to whoever runs against her, and campaign for them
2. write letters to the editors about her refusal to hear or see reason
3. talk to your friends and neighbors to try to convince them to do the same
It's not going to change her vote, but it's important that we all decide now to do our best to steamroll her next campaign, and it's fun to let her and her staff know the steamroller is coming. Bev, any candidates on the horizon?
BTW, be ready to give a couple ideas for reform that you would like to see McCollum vote for. Her staff member clarified, "So you're against the healthcare reform bill as a whole?" And when I said yes, he started to characterize my view as against any healthcare reform, so I was able to correct him and say, "No, there are reform measures I'd like to see. I'd like to see people able to buy insurance across state lines. I'd like to see a great strengthening of the burden of proof in tort cases, so that doctors don't have to spend such a high percentage of their income on malpractice insurance. But unfortunately, the Democrats don't want to consider turning to the free market or letting individuals take responsibility for themselves, so no, I can't imagine a bill they would offer that I'd be in favor of." So be ready with some positive ideas for reform. God may perform a miracle in McCollum's hard heart and help her see the truth; you could be God's instrument in that way.
Most of you have heard, but in case not: a test vote has been scheduled for Saturday evening on healthcare reform in the Senate. So it's time to call Klobuchar's and That Fool's offices to let them know you're going to enjoy campaigning against them if they vote they wrong way--which seems likely:
Klobuchar: 202-224-3244 (this appears to be just the main Senate line, so probably better try her Metro line, 612-727-5220)
That Fool (Franken): 202-224-5641, 651-221-1016
Again, obviously you can't promise retribution if you're not going to carry it out. So this msg is really a call to arms. Many of you will already have gotten a "please call" message. This one is from someone you know (or could meet if you come to the next BPOU meeting Dec. 10 at 7pm, hint hint) who has actually called already. Make up your mind now to show these arrogant demi-gods the door. Feel free to forward to friends not on this list, but most importantly, make the calls. |
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On Friday the 13th of November, over 60 Republican activists congregated at Gulden’s Restaurant in Maplewood to celebrate the 29th Anniversary of the establishment of the Fourth Congressional District Republicans. Those in attendance were treated to the entertaining style of MC Mitch Berg and the inspirational program by Roger Revak, and his message of “resilience”, a spirited auction lead by Frank Wymore (as only he can do) during which a legislator, Carol McFarlane, donated her boat and services, and two candidates for Governor, Pat Anderson and Tom Emmer, had a strong bidding war as to who was going to be the one to offer a dinner at the Governor’s Mansion next fall plus a few other odds and ends……..all to the benefit of the Fourth District.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards.
Eva Ng presented a LIFE TIME ACHIEVMENT AWARD to Roger and Beth Maliuk for the many years of service and the special work they did for her campaign for St. Paul Mayor. She also presented the LEADERSHIP AWARD to Jennette Gudgel, for the many hours as well as the inspiration she offered to the many volunteers that worked on Eva’s campaign.
The Fourth District Republican VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD was presented by Chair, Bev Aplikowski, to Bob Murray, HD 54A, Roseville, for his many, many hours of volunteer work on many campaigns and numerous committees and countless hours at the County and State Fairs. He is especially noted for his outreach work with the Hmong and Hispanic communities. He truly has served the entire Fourth Congressional District.
Congratulations Bob!
Thanks to organizers Kathie Roberts and Chris Jacobson and helpers for a job well done!
And, to Gulden’s Staff for great service and fabulous food! Next year will be our 30th Anniversary. Hope you will join us for a fabulous time! |
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Copyright © 2010 CD4 Republicans. All Rights Reserved.
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