I think that Amy Klobuchar should be the senate nominee in 2006, and Patty Wetterling the candidate in MN-6. Wetterling hasn't proven herself ready for primetime, while Klobuchar is polished, experienced and ready.
First of all, lets face it - Patty Wetterling is not very articulate, is not an inspiring speaker, and does not have a good grasp of the issues. Yes, I deeply admire and respect Patty Wetterling too, and have nothing personal against her. But she ran an amiturish campaign for congress in 2004, and rather trying for congress again with a more sophisticated campaign, she runs for senate. She needs to prove that she's ready by winning an election and show that she can win - you don't nominate a loser for a higher office and hope that they do better in a more visible position where they will be under statewide scrutiny.
Instead, Patty Wetterling deserves a second shot at congress. If she's learned from her mistakes as she's claimed she has, great - try running for congress again. This time, even though it's a conservative district, she'll be helped by the fact that this is an open seat in a non-presidential year, and that the GOP will have a bloodbath primary. Ms. Wetterling came close to winning in 2004, so if she can correct her mistakes and take advantage of these new conditions, she should be able to win.
Most importantly, there are few, if any DFL'ers who can win MN-6, but plenty of DFL'ers who can win the senate seat. Ms. Wetterling should take one for the party, and run for congress again.
As for Ms. Klobuchar, I have no doubt in her ability to win. She has showed us her political skill in the endorsements she's won, the money she's raised, and the excitment she's sparked among young DFL'ers. She's a great public speaker; she's articulate, charismatic and very likable. She's won a tough race before against a tough opponent, and as Hennepin Co. prosecutor, she has won universal praise from both parties, including many top Republicans. She has been very tough on crime and has conducted herself in a professional manner.
As a result, she should have appeal to independents, especially moderate women in the suburbs. And by being from Hennepin County, she should be able to win many of the swing suburbs that she's won in the past - the very suburbs that pushed John Kerry over the top in Minnesota last year. On a side note, Klobuchar's father is a former columnist for the state's largest newspaper, so she has plenty of media contections she can use.
If Ms. Klobuchar is the DFL nominee for senate next year, as I believe she will be, it presents the DFL with a great opportunity. The DFL will have a fresh, young, charismatic face to deliever the DFL message - something that is long overdue. If Ms. Wetterling can prove herself able by winning a congressional election, her time for statewide office will follow. But for now, Amy Klobuchar is the star of the DFL Party.