Minnesota DFL Senate Race
Minneapolis, MN
February 5, 2008
I compiled this guide after attending 4-5 US Senate debates.
U.S. Senate
Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer
Endorsed Vote: Yes
An amazing peace and justice professor at St. Thomas. He's by FAR the most progressive candidate. The Duluth News Tribune reported this morning (1/24/2008) that Jack "won much of the night's applause" at last night's packed-house DFL Senate candidate forum in Duluth - just like he has at all of the debates. He is on fire!
From the Duluth Labor World, Erik Petersen writes...
"There are many reasons to support Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer for U.S. Senate, but what won me over was his clarity, focus and urgency about core issues and his vision and courage, which remind me of Paul Wellstone, the seat Jack is running to fill. Jack grabbed my attention the first time we met. I asked him why he was running, a question I ask all candidates and one that most completely muff. Jack’s response was crisp, clear and compelling: 'The next ten years will be the most important decade,' he began."
Global warming is Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer's biggest issue. He is VERY knowlegeable about alternative energy, conservation, green building, etc. His other big issues are universal single payer health care, ending the war in Iraq, affordable education for all. PLus he's the strongest on GLBT rights.
Most importantly, Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer is a collaborator. He inspires others -- who might not necessarily agree with him to start with -- to join him in solving the issues we face.
For more information, here is the URL to his website...
http://jackforsenate.org/
UPDATE:
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On 1/27/2008, Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer won the straw poll at the TakeAction Minnesota Annual Member meetinig.
Al Franken
Endorsed Vote: No
Great comedian, originally from St. Louis Park. Caustic, sarcastic, funny, sometimes at the expense of people's feelings. He more-or-less understands the issues, but has only recycled ideas for solving the issues our nation faces.
Addendum:
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Sadly, in today's (1/24/2008) Star Tribune, an article appeared which docoumented some mean-spirited behavior on the part of Al Franken. At an event at Carleton College, Al "mocked" and "mimicked" a student, a self-described "conservative". Despite this, the student, a fan of Al Franken's, still wanted to shake hands with Al, but Al refused. You may want to read it for yourself... Here's a link to the article...
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/14166796.html
And, in the interest of fairness, here's the URL to Al Franken's website...
http://www.alfranken.com/
Mike Ceresi
Endorsed Vote: No Endorsement
He's the lawyer who won the famous MN tobacco settlement. If I were in trouble, I'd want this dude as my lawyer!! He's quite the fighter and he's a darn good speaker. However, he is also pro-nuclear power. He says he's for "gay rights", but he doesn't even have a section for GLBT issues on his website. Also, he just doesn't have the passion for this issue that I'd like to see.
Here is the link to Mike Ceresi's website...
http://www.ciresiforsenate.com/
