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Thursday, April 29, 2010

A great lunch with Councilor Fedora

The Free Democracy Summit held another great lunch with a councilor. This time it was held at blackwoods, and was with 1st district councilor Todd Fedora.

Before I get into the main part of the post, I need to say people really need to put politics a side and listen to both sides. This summit is great, well I don't agree with a lot of it, I still listen to every one's point of view and yes I am even learning from it. I have received comments ( that I have not published) and emails saying why go when it is largely leans to the left. I say what does it matter? Like I said I have learned and received some great information. You may not change your mind and that is fine but at least take the time to listen. People that are so shallow to not attend something because they don't agree politically are missing out on a great summit.


The lunch with councilor Fedora was good, there was about 7 people who came to talk about issues that matter to them. Much of the talk was about the 300 foot rule and NorShor. Issues brought up also included crime, how the council got a long, and more.

Todd was a great guest for the summit, he represented his side and his points very well.

Tomorrow ends the lunch with a councilor series for the summit. Pizza Luce is the spot to be noon to 1pm most of the councilors will be there.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Better Food!

Here is more about food! This is event is a long standing tradition for my family to attend.

The Duluth Lions Club pancake fundraiser is May 6th and runs all day long. It is a fun cheap way to get great pancakes, sausage and pop or coffee and milk. You could go for all three meals if you wished as the event runs from 6am till 8pm.

You can buy extra sausage, milk, juice and pop. Seconds, thirds, fourth on pancakes are included in the price. I believe tickets are $5 a head of time and 6 or 7 dollars at the door. I would advice getting your tickets early, as the line can be very long, especially at rush hours.

Good food!

I am a fan of food, who isn't? The Greater DownTown Council, and restaurants are having a special week to feature there restaurants. It happens May 10th-16th, there will be lunch specials at $10 and Dinner at $20.

Restaurants include, Sir Benedicts, Pizza Luca', Hell's Burgers and much more. For a list of all restaurants go and the menu for the event go to, www.downtownduluth.com

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Norshor approved.

The Duluth City Council approved the sale of the NorShor last night. The city now owns it and the temple opera building, the city approved buying them for 2.6 million dollars by a 6-3 vote.

The partisan vote, was because of type of business located at theater and possibility of rejuvenating old downtown.

The city will most likely turn around and resell the building.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Free Democracy Summit--- First lunch.

Today was the first lunch with a councilor for the summit. There will be one every day this week.

This one was at the Burrito Union and was with 3rd district councilor Sharla Gardner. The group got a chance to share their concerns with the councilor. The conversation was great. The main two topics of the discussion were the NorShore theater and the 300 foot rule. Both topics will come during tonight's city council meeting.

The discussion was great because it was free flowing and because it jumped around and touched on a number of topics. I am looking forward to tonight's (5pm) second chance forum at the central hillside community center. It will focus on a second chance for people who have been released from jail.

Tomorrow is another lunch, this time with councilor Kerry Gauthier at Sammy's pizza downtown, noon-1pm.

At 5pm tomorrow there will be a social networking and digital activism forum. I will be one of the panelists. It will take place at the Harrison community center. It will be followed by an economic forum at 6:30, also at the center.

Today's free free democracy events.

Here is today's line up for the for the summit please join if you can.

Monday April 26th
*Lunch with a Councilor - Noon - 1 pm
3rd District City Councilor Sharla Gardner
@ Burrito Union 1332 E 4th St.

Central Hillside Community Center - 12 E 4th St.
Second Chance for People Coming from Prison
5 pm - 6:30 pm Second Chance Forum - Moderator - Cynthia Finley
Panel - Sarah Walker - Minnesota Second Chance Coalition
Mark Haase - Council of Crime and Justice

7 pm - STAR Power - A Social Justice Simulation

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Join us.

Tomorrow is the kick off for the free democracy summit 7.0. The events start at 4 pm, they include a forum, supper, and program.

Here is a list of the events,

4pm Keeping the faith-- the role of religion in the Public Square.

5pm Soup and Bread supper

5:30pm Habitat play and program,

The events are all at the Unitarian Church 835 W. College St.

I hope you will join us for the kick off event.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Mark Rubin and Ford to face off for County Attorney.

A year ago yesterday, Mark Rubin said he would run for St. Louis County Attorney. Yesterday, he made it official. Rubin held two news conferences to outline why he is running. One was in held in Virginia, Minnesota, where his work started in 1978, and the other was held outside of the Duluth courthouse.

Rubin did not attack his opponent at the Duluth press conference, instead he outlined his background and what he believes is the proper role for a county attorney. Rubin seems to understand that the voters want a positive message.

Rubin outlined his work in protecting the people. He stated that he has the knowledge to take on the tough issues like gun and domestic violence. He has done all this by working with people and by listening. He believes that the county attorney should be rooted in our community, and that will be his focus during the campaign.

Rubin also received key endorsements at the press conference. Rubin got two endorsements from key players in the county. One endorsement came from the Duluth Police union, and the other came from the St. Louis County Sheriffs' Association.

Downtown Duluth losing a key business.

*****UPDATE****** Jernouimis says there maybe a buyer for the business in the near future.


Ace hardware will close after 66 years in Downtown Duluth. The business will close on Saturday but will reopen briefly for a liquidation sale on April 29th. The downtown store has been owned or the last 25 years by Mark Jernouimis who is retiring to focus on other business opportunity's.

The store one of three big time names downtown will be yet another blow to a struggling downtown. Don't worry our city has a plan, they will save us maybe.

Ace along with mainstream fashion for men and Minnesota Surplus are the big names in our downtown and are the main business draws.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

The last days events of the summit.

I hope you take the chance to come out to this great event, and join us for one or more of the forums, lunches, panels. Just a reminder I am part of the Tuesday forum at 5pm.

---Friday, April 30th
-9 am - A Grab Bag of Hot Employment Topics w/ Maria Flores @ Central Hillside Community Center

-Lunch with a Councilor - Noon - 1 pm
2nd District Councilor Patrick Boyle and At Large Councilors - Dan Hartman and Jeff Anderson @ Pizza Luce - 11 E Superior St.
Due to limited seating, please RSVP for any Lunch with a Councilor. Please call Scott at 336-1034 or email tpac@damianocenter.org to reserve your spot.

-5 pm - Democracy NOW!! @ Zinema2 - 222 E Superior St.
-7 pm - Poetry Slam / Open Mic Night @ Amazing Grace - 394 S Lake Ave
-9 pm - After Party @ The Rex - 600 E Superior St.

---Saturday, May 1st
-8 am - Breakfast with Elected Officials and Community Leaders @ Radisson Hotel - Great Hall
Keynote Speakers...
Steve O'Neil - St. Louis County Commissioner
Liz Kuoppala - Eveleth City Councilor and Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless Executive Director

May Day Picnic, Rally and Concert
4:30 pm @ Central Hillside Community Center - 12 E 4th St.

More of the weeks events.

---Tuesday, April 27th
-Lunch with a Councilor - Noon - 1 pm
4th District City Councilor - Kerry Gauthier
@ Sammy’s Pizza - 103 West First St.
The cost of lunch is on your own. Due to limited seating, please RSVP for any Lunch with a Councilor. Please call Scott at 336-1034 or email tpac@damianocenter.org to reserve your spot.

-Harrison Community Center - 3002 West Third St.
5 pm - Social Networking and Digital Activism
6:30 pm - Economic Forum

---Wednesday, April 28th
-Lunch with a Councilor - Noon - 1 pm
At-Large City Councilor - Tony Cuneo
@ Zeitgeist Arts CafĂ©– 222 E Superior St.
Due to limited seating, please RSVP for any Lunch with a Councilor. Please call Scott at 336-1034 or email tpac@damianocenter.org to reserve your spot.

-Double Feature Movie Night
Teatro Zuccone - 222 E Superior St.
5:15 pm - San Marco Video / No Losers
7:15 pm - Shouting Fire - Stories from the Edge of Free Speech
Panel Discussions following each movie

---Thursday April 29th
-Lunch with a Councilor - Noon - 1 pm
1st District City Councilor - Todd Fedora
@ Black Woods, 2525 London Rd.
Due to limited seating, please RSVP for any Lunch with a Councilor. Please call Scott at 336-1034 or email tpac@damianocenter.org to reserve your spot.

-Forum on Higher Education @ UMD - Kirby Student Lounge, 4pm
-Student Housing and other Rental Properties - Facts and Myths - 6pm
Holy Family Catholic Church - 2430 West Third St.

Just a few days away from the summit. Again here is a list of the week long events.

The Free Democracy Summit Kickoff is Sunday, April 25th at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth, 835 West College Street. Events will take place throughout the week. There will be a lot going on, programs, forums, discussions and more.

---Sunday, April 25th...

-Keeping the Faith - The role of Religion in the Public Square - 4:00 pm
The panel will consist of Rev. Kathy Nelson - Peace UCC, Elizabeth Olson from Churches United in Ministry, David Markusen from On Eagles Wings Church

-Soup and Bread Dinner - 5:00 pm

-Program - Habitat Play about homelessness in Duluth - 5:30 pm

Space sponsored by the Social Justice Committee - Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth

---Monday April 26th
-Lunch with a Councilor - Noon - 1 pm
3rd District City Councilor Sharla Gardner
@ Burrito Union 1332 East Fourth St. Lunch is at your own expense
Due to limited seating, please RSVP for any Lunch with a Councilor. Please call Scott at 336-1034 or email tpac@damianocenter.org to reserve your spot.

-Second Chance for People Coming from Prison forum
Moderator - Cynthia Finley
Panel - Sarah Walker - Minnesota Second Chance Coalition and Mark Haase - Council of Crime and Justice
Central Hillside Community Center - 12 East Fourth St.
5 pm - 6:30 pm - Moderator - Cynthia Finley

7 pm - STAR Power - A Social Justice Simulation"

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

One dead in fire.

A 56 year old woman died in a house fire, the fire broke out early 4758 this morning at Rice Lake Road. There was another man visible out side of the house running around after the fire broke out. It is not known what caused the fire at this time.

The fire took more then six hours to put out, it was first reported at 6:40 this morning, and was not put out till early afternoon. It took the effort of five departments to put the fire out, that included the 148th fighter wing.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Free Democracy Summit 7.0

"The week kicks off Sunday at the Untarian Unversalist Church located 835 W. College St. Events on Sunday include a panel discussion Keeping the faith -- Regions role in public square. A soup and bread dinner, that is followed by Habit play all about Duluth homelessness.

Monday-Friday there you have a chance to meet a councilor and talk with them about issues that matter to you. It is your chance to be heard by our elected officials. Lunch is on your own and space is limited. To take part in the lunches you can call Scott at 336-1034.

The councilors taking part in the lunch series are, Sharla Gardner, Kerry Gauthier, Tony Cuneo, Todd Fedora, Dan Hartman and Jeff Anderson. The lunches are held are a number of restraints around town.

Here is the line up for next Tuesday. It starts with lunch with a councilor, 4th district councilor Kerry Gauthier. His lunch will take place at Sammy's Pizza from noon-1pm. The next event takes place at the Harrison Community Center at 5pm. A panel discussion about social networking and digital Activism. That is followed by an economic forum at 6:30."

Sunday, April 18, 2010

A bit of a struggle today.

The Minnesota Twins are having some trouble today. As they are 7-3 to the Kansas City Royals. They have already won the series, as they have won the first two games. The game right now is at the end of four innings of play.

The Twins have not yet lost a series this season. Winning the opening one against the Angles, it was a four game series and the Twins won 3 of the four. Losing only the opening game of the. Then off to Chicago for three games. The Twins took 2 of 3 against the White Sox's. Then it was the home opener against, in a new place. Target Field saw three sold out games against the Boston Red Sox's. The Twins again won 2 of the 3 games and then this series the Twins won the first two games. The Twins are 9-3 well KC is 4-7 on the season.

One week a way from the kick-off event.

Sunday the April 25th is the kick off of the Democracy Summit. The summit is a great opportunity to learn about a number of issues. It is also going also be a lot of fun. Every day starting Monday the 26th there is lunch with a councilor.

Back to the kick off event. The event will start at 4pm with a great discussion, Keeping the Faith-- The role of Religion in the public square. The panel for this discussion is Rev. Kathy Nelson from Peace Church, and Elizabeth Olson from Churches United in Ministry.

That is followed by a bread and soup dinner at 5pm and then then the headline event for the night, is Habitat play that starts at 5:30pm.

All the kick off events take place at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, located at 835 W. College St.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Tea party rally.


The big rally went off yesterday at Bayfront Park in Duluth. More then 1,000 people rallied for smaller government, and better use of our money.
There was music and speakers at the event,that saw people make there own signs and wave American flags. The rally had people from both sides speak at the event.
There are a lot of pics and video of the event, I will find some and get them up. I will also try to find of the other rally.

Anti-war/peace rally.


The anti war group can't be happy with yesterdays turn out at the rally. About 100 people where there. A far cry there original event a number of years ago. It is however one of the best attendant events in recent events for them, I guess they can take that as a positive.
I wonder if the event was poorly attended because the President is a Democrat. The group likes to play the partisan card all the time. Could it be they are afraid of something else?

No post for this reason!!!!

One would have thought ,I would have had a lot to post about yesterday. And you would have been right, there where a couple of big events in town. The tea party rally and an anti war/peace rally but I was busy.


I will try to comment on the rallies today as I have gotten a lot of feed back from people.


I was at Target Field, taking part in the opening series events. I won tickets to the game,and what a great place to play baseball.









From our seats in left field.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

NLA hosting sound off.

NLA Bob Hanson will be hosting a pre tea party show tomorrow. He will have Chuck Fredrickson on, the show. Fredrickson is head of the DNT opinion page. There has been a lot talk about the tea party movement.

Join them tomorrow 8-10am an take part in the discussion.

Another pro tea party letter from the Duluth News Tribune.

Bias taints editorial on Tea Party movement
I was appalled when I read the News Tribune’s Sunday Opinion page and the “Our View” editorial, “Tea Party: Duluth can sip with civility: Violence and ugliness may be marring the Tea Party movement elsewhere, but we don’t have to stand for it.”

This editorial clearly was a thinly veiled attempt to mischaracterize the Tea Parties. If the newspaper wanted to be honest it would have pointed out that any violence that has occurred has been against the Tea Partiers and health-care protesters and that the violence was conducted by those on the left, in my opinion. As for name-calling, the claims were dubious at best.
The bias in today’s media seems to be getting worse and worse, and this editorial was one of the most biased I’ve read yet.

“Question authority” has always been a noble cry when coming from the left. When from the right it seems nothing short of a crime. Today’s Tea Parties are the voice of mainstream America, and the mainstream media seem intent on squelching that voice. We’ve seen that before, and the end results have always been disastrous.

Shane Camozzi

Cloquet

Pro tea party letter from the Duluth News Tribune.

"Tea Party speaks for a silent majority of Americans
John F. Kennedy is probably rolling over in his grave.
Over the past year and a half or so, the leadership (and I use that word loosely) of the Democratic Party has nationalized the health-care industry, the auto industry and most of the banking industry.


People, wake up! A child born this year will be burdened with a government debt of approximately $46,000 at the present level. If the government continues to grow at its current hyper-speed, that number could double by the end of the year.
On April 8, President Obama basically neutered our nation’s nuclear program by cutting our defenses by, and I quote him, “over half.” The president’s job is to protect this nation’s interests, not throw them away.


U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar recently proved he is for sale by bending his moral conscience and voting for the health-reform bill, which could result in publicly funded abortions. Oberstar has been a fixture in Washington for more than 30 years and reportedly has, in the past, listed his property on the Potomac as his residence of record. I’ve heard that he even had his property tax statements for his Chisholm home sent to the Potomac address. Oberstar has been overpromising and underachieving for much too long. He can now please step aside and let someone who genuinely cares about us in northern Minnesota be our representative.
A group of Northlanders will gather this week in Bayfront Park to let their voices be heard. They call it a Tea Party. I call it the “Silent Majority No More.” I will be there with a sign and with the Stars and Stripes because I am still an American and for now can speak my piece.

Bob James

Duluth

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Free Democracy Summit page.

I will have much more on the summit very soon. I wanted to call your attention to side bar, there I have a page just for the summit. Information will be there and in post here on the blog. Check the page out daily.

Free Democracy Summit 7.0

More of the week's events. Plan on attending as many as possible it will be a great week, of learning, forums, and fun.

Wednesday:

Lunch with a councilor noon-1pm. At-large councilor Tony Cuneo will host a lunch hour discussion. It will take place at the Zeitgeist Arts Cafe 222 E. Superior St.

The night session of the summit will feature movie night. There will be two movies that night at teatro Zuccone 222 E. Superior St. The fist movie San Marco Video/ No losers will play at 5:15 pm. The second film is Shouting Fire- Stories from the edge of free speech, that will start at 7:15pm.

There is no cost to the movies and a panel discussion will follow each movie.

Thursday:

Lunch with a councilor again noon-1pm, this time it is councilor Todd Fedora's turn to meet with the public. His lunch time chat will take place at Black Woods 2525 London RD. Fedora represents the 1st district.

A higher education forum will take place starting at 4pm at Kirby Student Lounge at UMD.

The night will end with a very interesting forum about student housing and other rental properties facts and myths. This discussion is of interest to me and many Duluth citizens. This forum will start at 6pm at the Holy Family Catholic Church 2430 W. 3rd St.

Friday April 30th:

Lunch with a councilor at pizza luce located at 11 E. Superior St., this one will feature at-large councilors Jeff Anderson and Dan Hartman. Again noon-1pm.

5pm A movie I have wanted to see will play as part of the event. Democracy NOW at Zinema2 222 E. Superior St.

Then off to Amazing Grace 394 S. Lake Ave (Canal Park), for poetry slam and open mic night starting at 7pm.


I will have much more on these events as we get a bit closer.
9pm party at the REX 600 E. Superior St.

Saturday May 1st:

8 am. Breakfast with Elected Officials and community leaders at the Radission in the Great Hall meeting room. Keynote Speakers are St. Louis Country Commissioner Steve O'Neil and Eveleth City Councilor/ Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless Executive Director Liz Kuppala

The event ends with a May Day picnic, rally and concert at the Central Hillside Community Center, starting at 4:30pm.

Free Democracy Summit 7.

The Twin Ports Action Coalition is sponsoring a great event. It is a week's worth of learning, fun, and politics. The event starts Sunday April 25th and ends May 1st with a concert and keynote speakers.

Sunday April 25th:

4pm Keeping the Faith: The role of Religion in the Public Square.

5pm Soup and Bread Dinner

5:30 Habitat Play and Program

All Sunday's events take place at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation 835 W. College St.

Monday starts a great series of lunches. You will be able to sit down and have a conversation with a number of Duluth City Councilors. They all start at noon and will last one hour. They are in a number of restraint's around Duluth. Lunch is not provided, you are responsible for your own lunch.

Monday April 26th:

Lunch with a councilor noon to 1pm: 3rd District councilor Sharla Gardner kicks off the lunch with a councilor series. The lunch hour visit will take place at the Burrito Union 1332 E 4th St.

Second Chance Forum 5 to 6:30 pm: The forum is en tilted Second Chance for People Coming from Prison. There will be a number of people taking part in this forum. It will be held at the Central Hillside Community Center 12 E. 4th St.

The day will conclude at 7pm, with Star Power - A social Justice Simulation.


Tuesday April 27th:

Lunch with a councilor, this time it is 4th district councilor Kerry Gauthier. It will take place at Sammy's Pizza down town 103 W. 1st st., who by the way has a great lunch buffet. Time for the lunch is again noon-1pm.

The Harrison Community Center will the spot for a great forum. The forum is on social networking and digital activism and will feature Duluth Politics John Rathe among others.

I am pleased to take part in this discussion and hope many of you will come out and take part as well. This event starts at 5pm.

The second forum that night is equal as interesting and important it is an economic forum and that will start at 6:30 pm.

** Lunch with the councilors are on your own.

More coming in the next post.

Monday, April 12, 2010

The 148th takes part in the opening day at Target Field.

Duluth based 148th fighter unit took part in the opening ceremony's at Target Field. The guard send three F16 fighter jets to conduct the fly over during the National Anthem. The timing was perfect, great job by our men and women who proudly serve there Country.

This is one of the fun things the 148th get to take part in, and it is good they get to have some fun. The 148th also received some tickets to the game.

By the way a game update. Twins 3- Red Sox's 1 in the bottom of the fourth. Twins out hitting the sox's 6 to 4.

College chancellors retire

University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Wisconsin Superior and Lake Superior College all looking for new Chancellors. All three schools have lost there heads in the last year the latest being UWS. UWS chancellor has announced he will retire that in today's Duluth News Tribune.

It is something in the water? Yes all three have been around for some time however it seems a big odd they are all leaving so close to each other.

What does this button mean.

I have a story about this button, but before I tell it, here is a question I would like you to answer.

What does this button mean to you?

Tea party post coming after Thursday.

I will have some comments about the media and it's coverage of the tea party express and the NLA's tea party, after the rally on Thursday.

I have had a lot of people call me and ask for some thoughts and I have said wait and see. A good post coming most likely Friday.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Chip Cravaack and Jim Oberstar.

The race for the 8th congressinal district is set. The republicans endorsed Chip Cravaack one the first ballet he received more then 60% of the vote.

Cravaack was the clear winner all along, when you went to an event he had the most support. When you entered Mr.D's for the town hall meeting, a couple weeks ago the buttons where almost all for Cravaack.

I am not sure a republican can win this district however if there was a year for it to happen this would be it. I still point to Oberstar beating Grams in the 2006 race. Grams did not get much better numbers then any other republican that has ran against Oberstar. Grams was a former Senator, and he had the name reconginzion, he also was a good fund raiser. Still he was well be hind Oberstar in the race.

I think Cravaack is a good candidate and only time will tell. He lives in the southern most part of the district and will have to campaign up here a lot to try to make any in roads on the race. He will have to try to convince a heavily DFL area that now is the time for change.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Duluth Huskies radio update.

Red Rock radio has announced they will not pick up the Duluth Huskies. This leaves the Huskies little choice left. They could go to midwest but I don't see then taking them either as midwest has gone away from sports broadcast.

The only other thing they could do is use an do something on there website. It is to bad as most of the North Woods Leagues teams have a radio out let to do there games.

Twins win.

The Minnesota Twins have won there 5th straight. They improve to 5-1 in this early season. They lost opening day and have now rolled off 5 wins a row.

The last win was today against the Chicago White Sox's with a 2-1 win. They look for a sweep tomorrow game time is 12:05pm. John Raush has two saves in a row and four on the season so far. He is doing good in the closer roll after Joe Nathan went down in spring training. Raush has not lost a save opportunity yet.

The White sox's drop to 1-4 on the season, they won there opener and have not yet won sense then.

April 15th.

Duluth will be one of hundreds of community's around the country hosting local tea party events. The Duluth event is sponsored by the Northern Liberty Alliance, and will take place at bayfront park from 3-6pm.

Music will ring threw the park starting at 3 pm and speakers will start at 4pm. The event is the second annual, last year 1,000 people attended the event. They look for a bigger event this year.

Bachmann/ Palin rally.

As you know I organized a bus trip down to the rally on Wednesday. The rally took place at the Minneapolis Convention Center. I went for one reason, you will find out why later in this post.

The rally started with an interesting choice of music, the Go Fish band. They are a group out of Minneapolis and play Christian music geared toward a younger crowd. Then speakers started but the big ones started about half way into the program. Governor Tim Pawlenty was the first major speaker of the day. While his speech was only about five minutes long, he was the hit of the show, using comedy and wit to fire up the crowd.

Then came the major act of Michele Bachmann, whose message was much the same as it was when she stopped in Duluth. She delivered it again with great poise.

The person I went to see was Sarah Palin, because I wanted to make up my mind on what I thought of her. I went to the event with no prejudgment, because I wanted to be 100% fair to her in my decision making.

I was less than impressed with her, she was not a good speaker and there was no real point to her speech. She attempted to be funny but was not. She proved to me that she is not electable as president and the party must find a different way to go. I think a good way to go would be the person who was the best at the rally, Governor Tim Pawlenty!

Friday, April 09, 2010

Stupak out.

Long time Michigan Representative Bart Stupak is not going to seek his 10th term. He said it was not because of the tea party movement that is tiring to oust him. I think that is part of the reason he is not seeking another term.

The tea party is holding rallys in Michigan to oust him starting today, the same day he announced he would not run again. He said the decision not to run was made in the last 36 hours, before all indications where he was going to run for re-election. Still want to tell me the movement had nothing to do with it?

At any rate the move by Stupak leaves the seat wide open.

Tea anyone?

So yesterday I went to the tea party express rally, that made a stop here in Duluth. I went not knowing how to feel, I have heard a lot of good and bad things about this movement and this express group.

I was impressed and thought they handled them self's with respect, I did not think that they where over the top or mean to anyone. There was no big speaker at this event however, that may or may not make a difference. There was a great message of taking our country back and returning it to the way it should be. What is that? Fiscal responsibility, both sides have gotten away from this. Personal responsibility, smaller government. There was also great by a number of musicians that travel with the group.

There was about 300 people at the rally. The rally I think would have had a lot more if it was better publicized. Next week April 15th is the local tea party at Bayfront park starting at 3 pm with music speakers at 4.

Four games in.

The Minnesota Twins are just four games in to the season, but they are off to a good start at 3-1. They won 10-1 last night against the Angles and won 3 of 4 games, winning three in a row. A great week in California for the team.

Now it's on to Chicago to play the hated white sox's, the two teams have been in a headed battle the last few years for the division. It has grown in to a tense rival. The sox's a 1-2 on the season.

No radio for Huskies.

ESPN Radio 560 WEBC will not air the Duluth Huskies baseball games this summer. The Huskies who have been responsible for providing a play by play person could not find one in time for the radio station to commit to doing it this season.

The Duluth Huskies have been on WEBC sense they started in the North Woods League six years ago. This seventh year to date means thee will be no radio broadcast of there games. There are a few things they could do. Red Rock radio could pick them up, not likely. The other thing is they could do something on the internet.

Thursday, April 08, 2010

Short rally ecap.

I will have more on yesterdays rally later but for now here is just a short recap.

The days started with the bus trip down to the Minneapolis at 8am we got there about 11:30. Got in to the convention center looked around at the vendors bought some buttons. Got our spot to stand. The amount of people there was crazy, easily 10 thousand.

The rally saw speeches from the heads of the Minnesota Republican party, Scott Baker local talk show host down there. Also Governor Pawleny, Michele Bachmann and Sarah Palin. The crowd was very loud threw most of it and engized.

I will have much more later on what was said and I hope to have some pic's up too. Need to get a couple hours of sleep be four the tea party express today. That should be another interesting event. I have no idea if I will like it or nut but be sure to find out here.

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

Minnesota Twins.

The Minnesota Twins lost there opening game of the season 6-3 to the Anaheim Angles. Scott Baker was the starting pitcher for the Twins he went four plus innings allowing 4 runs and threw more then 90 pitches in the four innings he pitched.

The Twins play the Angles again tonight in California. It is a tough series to start your season with. The Twins home opener is against the Boston Red Sox and even tougher challenge. The play next Wednesday, opening the Twins new stadiums Target Field.

It is a challenging start for the Minnesota Twins but it will show us what we have early in the season.

Monday, April 05, 2010

Duluth Chamber to host a forum.

The Duluth Chamber of Commerce is hosting a forum on ranked choice voting. The forum is happens tomorrow, and is open to the public. It takes place at the playground theater in the tech village, and is free. The forum will last an hour started at 8am.

The forum will feature Andy Celik of MN voter alliance and Jeanne Massey of fair vote MN.

Friday, April 02, 2010

Do you enjoy this blog?

If you enjoy this blog please become a follower (fan) of it. You can do so by clicking on the follow link to the right of the page.

It is always nice to see people like reading the blog.

Thanks much and enjoy the weekend.

Bus is set.

The Duluth Politics bus trip is set. We will be heading down to Minneapolis April 7th at 8am for the Bachmann/Palin rally.

There reservations for the bus are now closed. Thanks to everyone that was able to take part in this trip. This is the first bus trip organized by Duluth Politics but it will not be the last.

Bus will leave the Miller Hill Mall at 8 AM on April 7th and return to Duluth after the rally is complete. It will be a long day but it should be a good day as well.

Thursday, April 01, 2010

Still no word.

During his town hall meeting yesterday, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty stayed clear of answering questions that asked if he would run for president. Instead, he used the town hall meeting to talk about a few issues and his political action committee that will endorse and fund conservative candidates.

The big issue was health care, but Pawlenty also took questions online and they ranged in topics from health care, taxes, and much more. He also encouraged people to nominate candidates that they would like to see endorsed by his PAC.

Last night Pawlenty talked like someone who is running for president, but he has still not announced that he is running. I wonder why the wait, I think it only hurts him to wait. I wonder if he is waiting until the end of year, when his term as governor will be up. As you know, he said he would not seek another term, leaving open the chance to run for president. Many people on the online chat feature were also offering running mates for Governor Pawlenty. There were two I found interesting.

One was an all Minnesota ticket, Pawlenty/Bachmann. I don't see that happening, but it would be kind of cool to have an all Minnesota ticket. It however would not do well on a national level. It seems like one person needs to come from the South for a ticket to work. That brings up the second one I found interesting, Pawlenty/Huckabee, possible but I am not sure Mike Huckabee has an interest in VP. Both of those would be pretty conservative tickets.

Get on the bus.

There is still room on the bus if you want to take part in the Bachmann/Palin rally. I need to know no later then Sunday and need payment no later then Monday. These prices are biased on a full bus, small bus $30 a person full size bus $25 a person.

We will leave Duluth at 8am from the Miller Hill Mall and return after the completion of the rally.

If have questions or would like to get a seat on the bus leave a comment here or email me at duluthneedshelp@yahoo.com .