Part of the polarizing factors in today's political environment have to deal with the fact that there are so few politicians in each party that can get along with each other, and are willing to defend eachother against misrepresentations.
Republicans in Minnesota are usually not wingnuts, at least in my experience. They're conservatives who don't want government to spend more money than it has to. They really don't like government spending money on programs or projects that routinely fail or serve no useful purpose.
Given recent shifts in politics since our last redistricting, I was very glad to see the following letter to the editor in the Star Tribune. (More below)
For those who don't know, Arne Carlson was a very popular, moderate Republican governor of Minnesota from 1991-1999.
IN DEFENSE OF DAYTON
Professional, competent
During the unfolding of the scandal involving mutual funds, I was involved in meetings with members of Congress relative to the kinds of reforms necessary to enhance the strength of independent directors and better serve fund shareholders.
During that time, I received enormous assistance from Sen. Mark Dayton and his staff. They were thorough, forthright, knowledgeable and focused on doing that which is right. I was very impressed with both Dayton's competency and commitment and the professionalism of his staff. It was public service at its best.
Sadly, Time magazine's observations were superficial and designed to grab headlines as opposed to doing a thorough evaluation. Clearly, it was not journalism at its best.
ARNE H. CARLSON, PLYMOUTH
Arne Carlson has actually left the Republican party in 2004 to join the ranks of independents. Regardless it is astonishing to hear a member of one party defended against unfounded statements made by the press by a (former) member of the opposing party.
Maybe Arne Carlson has more in common with Democrats now than Republicans (making him the Republican equivalent of Jomentum), but it's still a breath of fresh air that some people are willing standing up for others.