A northern Minnesota preacher was one of more than 30 preachers across the country took part in a demonstration regarding the conflict between an organizations need to remain politically inactive to gain tax-exempt status and the protections of the First Amendment. The demonstration was coordinated by Alliance Defense Fund. Rev. Gus Booth's sermon this Sunday supported John McCain. Booth was also a delegate at the RNC earlier this month.
Americans United for the Seperation of Church and State brought suit against 6 churches that took part in Sunday's demonstration, but Booth is not concerned. He claims that not only will loosing the tax-exempt status not hurt church, but that he was still following the Bible which requires Christians to follow the laws of the state.
"I want people to realize that there are two laws here that compete with each other. The IRS says that I cannot talk about politics. The Constitution says I can. Unless there's a court battle, we don't know which law to obey."
From the StarTrib
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Minnesotans are "fired up" about Palin
A few weeks after the RNC was held in St. Paul, McCain and Palin were back in Minnesota, this time up north, for a rally. This video is a good look at some real people outside of the airport that she flew in to before the debate. The excitment is self-evident, but notice the accents of the interviewees and Ms. Palin during her speech at the end of the interview.
They say people vote for candidate who look like them. Could it be that they vote for people who sound like them as well? We'll see come November.
They say people vote for candidate who look like them. Could it be that they vote for people who sound like them as well? We'll see come November.
Voter turnout up
Minnesotans are notorious for their political particpation rates, and already the state has 84 percent of eligible voters registered for the November elections. That's already 12,000 more than in 2004, and some suspect that the state will reach 90 percent registration by the election.
What does this mean for the candidates? It could be bad for McCain, since higher turnout usually favors Democratic candidates, but the rate of registration might suggest otherwise. Since the state's capital was the site for this year's RNC, it's possible that the event spurred participation among inactive GOP members living in a historic Democratic stronghold.
We'll see in November.
What does this mean for the candidates? It could be bad for McCain, since higher turnout usually favors Democratic candidates, but the rate of registration might suggest otherwise. Since the state's capital was the site for this year's RNC, it's possible that the event spurred participation among inactive GOP members living in a historic Democratic stronghold.
We'll see in November.
Polling uncertain
Polling is far from a precise science, but MinnPost argues that this year's election makes the job that much harder. Why? There's no incumbent president or vice president running for the first time in more than 70 years, one of the nominees is black, and turnout is estimated to break records in many states around the country. But that's not all. The question that many pollsters are wondering about is what influence the transition from household phones to cell phone dominated homes will play in polling. The Pew Center found that about 1 in 6 homes is a cell-phone only home, and most pollsters rely only on landlines or polling. On average, these cell-phone dominated households are younger, possibly meaning more liberal.
All of this combines into a messy polling process that certainly leaves a lot of questions for the future.
All of this combines into a messy polling process that certainly leaves a lot of questions for the future.
Ethanol Problems
"Does John McCain have a rural problem?"
Could be. John McCain's stance on ethanol doesn't sit well with voters in rural areas where corn production is the key to economic success. The more markets for corn the more valuable their time, their land, their livelihood, and a candidate who doesn't blatantly support ethanol production threatens potential markets.
McCain is already loosing ground in states like Nebraska, Iowa , Indiana and, of course, Minnesota where Bush was either competitive in 2004 or in some cases blew Kerry out of the water. Especially in Minnesota where the DFL's liberal stance puts farmers on Obama's side already, it could mean serious trouble for McCain in November.
Could be. John McCain's stance on ethanol doesn't sit well with voters in rural areas where corn production is the key to economic success. The more markets for corn the more valuable their time, their land, their livelihood, and a candidate who doesn't blatantly support ethanol production threatens potential markets.
McCain is already loosing ground in states like Nebraska, Iowa , Indiana and, of course, Minnesota where Bush was either competitive in 2004 or in some cases blew Kerry out of the water. Especially in Minnesota where the DFL's liberal stance puts farmers on Obama's side already, it could mean serious trouble for McCain in November.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Senate race
The senate race between Franken and Coleman is getting a little less heated, though with more than a month before the election it's too early for Coleman to stop pushing and campaigning.
Republicans like Mike Huckabee are hoping that Coleman will help capture Republican support for McCain, though Coleman has never been a charismatically popular politician in Minnesota, despite his long political career there.
Republicans like Mike Huckabee are hoping that Coleman will help capture Republican support for McCain, though Coleman has never been a charismatically popular politician in Minnesota, despite his long political career there.
New polls
McCain is still within 3.5 points according to pollster.com. This was updated on the 21st and shows no dramatic dip to compensate for a post-convention bounce, but instead shows steady progression upwards for McCain and downwards for Obama.
Monday, September 15, 2008
50 days and counting
For Minnesota, the 50 day mark is one of tribulation and excitement. According to various polls released yesterday morning, Minnesota is back in swing-state territory after Obama lead in the state for the entire last year. Minnesota was an Obama state during the democratic primary, its neighbors all at least have a shot at going blue in November and the state hasn't itself voted Republican for president since 1972--for Nixon. As reported yesterday, a poll by the local Star Tribune showed McCain and Obama tied. The poll included the largest sample out of all the polls included in the RealClearPolitics average for the state. The CNN poll is the only way still estimating Obama with a double digit gap, and the RCP average has him with only a 4.7 point lead. Even pollster.com, which updated its polls on Friday, has McCain within less than 5 points of Obama.
Could this be a post-convention bump? Sure, But for the first time since the beginning of the year Republicans might have a chance to take over this battleground state. In the 2004 election Bush came within 3.5 points of Kerry, and in 2000 Bush was within 2.5 points of Gore, with Nadar taking about 5 percent of the vote. The state has been on the edge for almost a decade, and has traditionally represented a non-mainstream Republican voter as can be seen in Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty who was up for VP nomination a couple of weeks ago. McCain could be the kind of conservative Minnesotans are looking for. Besides, Bush did well in the state even with his southern accent.
Another key race going down in Minnesota is the race for the senate between incumbent Norm Coleman (R) and challenger Al Franken (D). The state has been inundated with intense political advertisements and appearances by both candidates, and is considered a toss-up by pollster.com which averages dozens of polls from various sources. Coleman is the former St. Paul mayor and a common name in Minnesotan households, but Franken has brought a unique spin on the day to day politics that some obviously find attractive. Minnesotans do have a propensity to vote for the "odd duck out," or celebrity candidate, as displayed by the Ventura governorship of the late 1990's and early 2000's. 80 percent voter turnout isn't unheard of in the state, so this extra energy could guarantee high turnout this November.
The issues facing most Minnesotans? It's the economy, stupid. Minnesotans don't appreciate high taxes, and certainly are sick of high gas prices. Fuel is a legitimate issue in the state due to the thousands of corn farmers and recent pushes for ethanol production, not to mention that high gas prices mean high food prices, meaning both the Minnesotan farmers and consumers take a hit. What's not an issue? Sarah Palin. The Star Trib found that Minnesotans were pretty well split on whether or not they liked the Alaskan governor, but the similiarity in accents has to do something for her, doesn't it???
Minnesota is back in the running, and for good reason. Democrats: consider this a sure state at your own risk. It's been said that Minnesota is an independent state and McCain is independent guy, and that could help him far well.
The state goes red this November. Not by much, in fact, by hardly anything at all, but it goes red.
Could this be a post-convention bump? Sure, But for the first time since the beginning of the year Republicans might have a chance to take over this battleground state. In the 2004 election Bush came within 3.5 points of Kerry, and in 2000 Bush was within 2.5 points of Gore, with Nadar taking about 5 percent of the vote. The state has been on the edge for almost a decade, and has traditionally represented a non-mainstream Republican voter as can be seen in Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty who was up for VP nomination a couple of weeks ago. McCain could be the kind of conservative Minnesotans are looking for. Besides, Bush did well in the state even with his southern accent.
Another key race going down in Minnesota is the race for the senate between incumbent Norm Coleman (R) and challenger Al Franken (D). The state has been inundated with intense political advertisements and appearances by both candidates, and is considered a toss-up by pollster.com which averages dozens of polls from various sources. Coleman is the former St. Paul mayor and a common name in Minnesotan households, but Franken has brought a unique spin on the day to day politics that some obviously find attractive. Minnesotans do have a propensity to vote for the "odd duck out," or celebrity candidate, as displayed by the Ventura governorship of the late 1990's and early 2000's. 80 percent voter turnout isn't unheard of in the state, so this extra energy could guarantee high turnout this November.
The issues facing most Minnesotans? It's the economy, stupid. Minnesotans don't appreciate high taxes, and certainly are sick of high gas prices. Fuel is a legitimate issue in the state due to the thousands of corn farmers and recent pushes for ethanol production, not to mention that high gas prices mean high food prices, meaning both the Minnesotan farmers and consumers take a hit. What's not an issue? Sarah Palin. The Star Trib found that Minnesotans were pretty well split on whether or not they liked the Alaskan governor, but the similiarity in accents has to do something for her, doesn't it???
Minnesota is back in the running, and for good reason. Democrats: consider this a sure state at your own risk. It's been said that Minnesota is an independent state and McCain is independent guy, and that could help him far well.
The state goes red this November. Not by much, in fact, by hardly anything at all, but it goes red.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
BREAKING NEWS
After consistently leading McCain in Minnesota state polls, often in the double digits, the latest poll from the Star Tribune found Obama to be tied with McCain at 45 percent in the state.
Taken a week after the RNC was held in St. Paul, some speculate that McCain is just riding a post-convention bump, but it's sure that the McCain camp won't treat it that way. Though Minnesota is seen as a battleground state, Obama hasn't really needed to worry about it considering that no poll has ever shown McCain closer than four points behind Obama in the past year. Now, though, both sides are sure to0 be energized and Minnesotans can expect to have the spot light for the next couple of months. With 11 electoral votes Minnesota is nothing to scoff at, and if McCain could turn this state red after three decades of voting blue it would surely mean substantial things for the Republican party and its base.
Taken a week after the RNC was held in St. Paul, some speculate that McCain is just riding a post-convention bump, but it's sure that the McCain camp won't treat it that way. Though Minnesota is seen as a battleground state, Obama hasn't really needed to worry about it considering that no poll has ever shown McCain closer than four points behind Obama in the past year. Now, though, both sides are sure to0 be energized and Minnesotans can expect to have the spot light for the next couple of months. With 11 electoral votes Minnesota is nothing to scoff at, and if McCain could turn this state red after three decades of voting blue it would surely mean substantial things for the Republican party and its base.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Mixed reviews for Palin
According to a new poll by the Star Tribune, Minnesotans are conflicted about McCain's VP pick. While more people looked at Palin favorably over Biden, the Delaware senator lead the poll on preparedness for the presidency by more than 20 points. New polls come out on Sunday that will look at the McCain/Obama standings as a whole within the state.
Tension all over
The presidential election isn't the only hot and heated race going on in Minnesota this fall. The senate race between incumbent Norm Coleman and DFL candidate Al Franken is stealing some of the national spotlight in Minnesota, and it doesn't seem to be focusing on the issues either. According to the Star Tribune a recent Coleman ad showed the senators' face for only 2-3 seconds instead of the 4 seconds required to qualify for discounted ad time.
The Coleman camp says the issue has been tweaked, but if forced to pay the higher ad rate the campaign would need to cough up more than $1 million.
The drama between this duos back-and-forth is surely catching the attention senate elections rarely do, and might help spur turnout in November.
The Coleman camp says the issue has been tweaked, but if forced to pay the higher ad rate the campaign would need to cough up more than $1 million.
The drama between this duos back-and-forth is surely catching the attention senate elections rarely do, and might help spur turnout in November.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Not so clear on RealClear
According to RealClearPolitics McCain is closing what used to be a double digit gap between himself and Obama, but not very quickly. The closest polls have McCain dragging by 2 points, but CCN/Time still found Obama to be ahead by 12 points. According to RealClearPolitics average of four polls, the closest McCain has to catching up to Obama is behind by 4 points.
Minnesota has gone republican three times since WWII, and never since Nixon. There's certainly A LOT of ground to cover for the McCain camp before this state can even be considered purple, and based on the senate and other races in the state Republicans aren't going to be given any breaks, even if they're playing the incumbent card.
Minnesota has gone republican three times since WWII, and never since Nixon. There's certainly A LOT of ground to cover for the McCain camp before this state can even be considered purple, and based on the senate and other races in the state Republicans aren't going to be given any breaks, even if they're playing the incumbent card.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Truth Trooper
Bachmann, others enlist in ‘Palin truth squad’
September 10th, 2008 – 6:19 PM by Kevin Diaz
While vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin has encountered a veritable posse of media and political vetters since she joined the GOP ticket more than a week ago, a trio of Minnesota politicians has rallied to her defense.
Sixth District congresswoman Michele Bachmann, state Rep. Laura Brod and former state Rep. Barb Sykora are joining a throng of Republican women who have signed up as members in a so-called “Palin Truth Squad.”
According to the group’s press release, the squad is meant to “counter recent attacks on Governor Sarah Palin, her family, her friends and her record of accomplishment. The Palin Truth Squad will set the record straight against Internet and liberal smears of Governor Palin.”
READ MORE
September 10th, 2008 – 6:19 PM by Kevin Diaz
While vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin has encountered a veritable posse of media and political vetters since she joined the GOP ticket more than a week ago, a trio of Minnesota politicians has rallied to her defense.
Sixth District congresswoman Michele Bachmann, state Rep. Laura Brod and former state Rep. Barb Sykora are joining a throng of Republican women who have signed up as members in a so-called “Palin Truth Squad.”
According to the group’s press release, the squad is meant to “counter recent attacks on Governor Sarah Palin, her family, her friends and her record of accomplishment. The Palin Truth Squad will set the record straight against Internet and liberal smears of Governor Palin.”
READ MORE
Monday, September 8, 2008
Bounce in the Polls?
The latest poll from Pollster.com shows McCain dragging behind Obama by 8 points, but the poll hasn't been updated since either Palin or McCain's speech last week at the RNC. A Gallup poll on Fox News this afternoon showed McCain in the lead Nationally after last weeks events, but Minnesota remains a battleground state that has traditionally fallen hard to the left so state-specific results here will be interesting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
