SD45 Chili and Chat Summer Edition

Our neighbors from SD45 are having another chili feed and political chat session on June 19th:

Here's a great opportunity to hear some inside war stories from this year's stormy session. Just how bad did it get? Please join us to find out at our 2nd SD-45 Chili n' Chat. This night's topic: 2007 Session–DFL Lowlights & GOP Highlights.

The DFL legislators gambled on busting our state budget with over $4 billion dollars worth of spending with some outrageous bills. But GOP leadership sent them home by holding firm and united. Hear first-hand accounts of this year’s session and meet activists who helped us all win.

Mark Your Calendars—June 19th to listen to and ask questions of these stars of movement conservatism in Minnesota:

* Rep. Tom Emmer, Deputy Minority Leader, 19B

And Special Guest Speakers, noted bloggers and Northern Alliance Radio Network's "Final Word" Hosts:

—King Banaian from "SCSU Scholars"

—Michael Brodkorb from "MN Democrats Exposed"

Tuesday, June 19 € 6:30-8:30 pm
Cooper High School – New Hope
8240 47th Avenue (one block west of Winnetka Avenue)

Fee: $10 per person (FREE with $50 BPOU donation)
Includes Chili dogs, BBQ pork sandwiches & trimmings, cookie & beverage.
Chili Chat—Good Food. Good Friends. Good Politics.

Indivisible

On Memorial Day, we attended an event in St. Louis Park. It's become an annual outing for us and I'm happy to say that turnout this year was quite good. The event is organized by a local American Legion post, Boy Scouts helped pass out programs, a community band supplied the music, and local politicians (including Ron Latz, Steve Simon, and Jeff Jacobs) were on hand to briefly share their thoughts on the day. A thoroughly civic community affair.

And one thoroughly devoid of politics. It was refreshing to join with one's fellow citizens in honoring the sacrifices of those who have made our freedoms possible in a completely non-partisan, patriotic manner. Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Greens, and Libertarians joined together to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, sing the Star Spangled Banner, and applaud the veterans on hand, who stood as the songs of their respective services were played by the band.

Whatever differences we might have were for the moment put aside and our collective attention was focused on our shared duty to recognize our debt to those who had given so much for our freedom. It was an all-too-brief reminder that no matter how darkly divided the country may seem at times, we share a heritage, a flag, and a belief in liberty that unites us as Americans. We need more days like Memorial Day.

Blast From The Past

Clinton heading to Minneapolis; her invitation reveals notable list:

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton will bring her campaign for president to the Minneapolis Club on June 1 for a $1,000-a-plate fundraising dinner.

The invitation to the event provides a glimpse of the co-chairs and vice chairs of Minnesotans for Hillary, a list that includes quite a few names notable for politics, money or both:

Co-chairs: Former Sen. Mark Dayton; publishing multimillionaire Vance Opperman; Pohlad family scion Bill Pohlad and his wife, Michelle; health care multimillioniare Lois Quam and her husband, former House DFL leader Matt Entenza; former DFL nominee for secretary of state Buck Humphrey; 2006 DFL endorsee for Hennepin County Attorney Andy Luger and his wife, Ellen; and Kathleen Flynn Peterson.

Vice chairs: Former Secretary of State Joan Growe; state Sen. Sandy Pappas; Minneapolis City Council member Lisa Goodman; progressive activist Ruth Usem; professional fundraiser Lori Jacobwith; former legislator Betty Folliard; and Donna and Michael Coles.

And possibly the future. Could you imagine Betty Folliard with a role in the next Clinton Administration? Be afraid. Be very afraid.