For some reason it seems to me that the Minnesota Senate race is not getting as much attention as it deserves. It is an open seat in a purple state that is vital to whom ever wins it. So I thought I would post some info and commentary on recent events. More below!
The fighter: Patty Wetterling
The whole "Minnesota's own Hackett vs. Brown" takes into consideration Patty Wetterling's near upset for the sixth congressional district in 2004. Patty was able to energize the Democratic base and get some swing voters. Unfortunately the sixth is one of the most red districts resulting in a
loss to incumbent Mark Kennedy . Mark Kennedy is the only viable republican running for the senate thus far. Patty did get a chunk more votes then John Kerry in the district and has high name recognition. Out polling Bush shows strength with independents.
Some would think "well if Patty Wetterling almost took out Mark Kennedy for his house seat, she would be best to fight him for a senate seat", similar to Paul Hackett's near loss in Ohio back in August. If She can do good in a republican stronghold, She would kick ass state wide. A reason why Hackett has lots of support.
Patty Wetterling is focusing on bringing the Troops home by Thanksgiving of next year, and child safety. She had led the way for such things as the Amber Alert system and other child safety laws. Patty's son, Jacob Wetterling was unfortunately kidnapped 1989. Patty is a fighter and I love her for it. She uses that tragic event to push her and make her stronger. She consider by many to be "Minnesota's Mom". For more information go to http://www.jwf.org/...
Front runner: Amy Klobuchar
One of the other two Democratic candidates is Amy Klobuchar. She is no D.C insider by any means and is picking up endorsements while leading the money race for the good side. She is wildly popular thus far with young activist from what I hear. Amy is the county attorney for on of the most populace counties in Minnesota, a young John Kerry held the same position in 1976 while in Massachusetts.
Good news for Amy and bad news for Marky Mark and the funky gop bunch is a recent St. Cloud State University poll. It asked people to think of a temperature on political figures ranging from 0-100. 50 being neutral, zero is a strong dislike. Amy Klobuchar came out on top with Mark Kennedy and George W. Bush getting the lowest temps. Notice that Patty Wetterling is not doing to bad either.
The wild card: Ford Bell
Ford Bell does it all: veterinarian, philanthropists, teacher and so much more. Now he wants to add Senator to his name. Great intellect on foreign policy issues, and pushing for single payer universal healthcare, Ford Bell is a true progressive candidate. Although not doing as well in polls or fundraising it is still early. Ford Bell has really been getting a lot of media attention lately. Last week when Bush came into town for a $1,000 a plate fund raiser, Ford Bell bought lunch for veterans. He even invited Mark Kennedy and Bush over to explain to the vets why the republican party keeps voting to under fund veteran hospitals. Bell is also getting attention for a pledge he is pushing for: Calling on all Minnesota senate candidates to push for universal health care within their first year in the senate. http://www.fordbell.com/...
Ford Bell is a force to be reckoned with. He knows the history and culture of countries that Mark Kennedy never even heard of. It seems to me lot of people are thinking they can brush him off due to the strong showing by Wetterling and Klobuchar. I disagree.
Conclusion:
All three candidates are currently leading republican Mark Kennedy in the polls.
All three would make a great senator from Minnesota.
All three would send Mark Kennedy to early retirement.
This race will be one of the most watched later next year I honestly believe. Only time will tell.
http://www.pattywetterling.com
http://www.amyklobuchar.com
http://www.fordbell.com