Almanac: At the Capitol

The news is big, I think. Eric Black, the much-read man behind the Strib's Big Question is officially headed to "web land." This is pretty solid evidence newspapers, journalism, and public affairs are changing. We've been lucky at tpt to have people like our former web guru Chuck Olsen see trends like this coming when more than five years ago he told me I had to start doing this blogging thing (although one local blogger once called it my "weekly paragraph" — sorry, I do have a really busy job where TV is the first thing I have to do ahead of blogging). Now, I know I'm not nearly as prolific or well-read as Eric Black, but I do see value in traditional journalists opening themselves up to the blog world. We've got nothing to hide. I'm more than happy to share my insider's perspective with you. If you read and watch often you'll see we cut and reward both sides of the aisle. It's not about partisanship here, it's about good governing and good journalism. Enough of my little rant. Here's the news release:

Washington, D.C. (06/05/2007)—The Center for Independent Media (CIM) today announced the hiring of veteran Minneapolis Star Tribune reporter Eric Black. Black, who recently accepted a buyout from the newspaper after 30 years of service, will begin writing his own blog and cross-posting at CIM’s state sites MinnesotaMonitor.com, ColoradoConfidential.com and IowaIndependent.com.

“I've been at the Star Tribune 30 years. That's a long run. I look back on it with fondness. But maybe 30 years of any one gig is long enough,” said Black. "That's a lot of years writing in the voice of a newspaper writer and imbibing and internalizing the norms of newspaper journalism. They have their good points, but for where we are now are I think they’re more constricting than they need to be. Journalism needs something better than the model it's been using for several decades now.”

“Bringing Eric on board is exciting news for the Center for Independent Media and its sites,” said CIM President David Bennahum. “While there are national blogs who have hired ‘main stream media’ reporters to write on national issues for its online journalism sites, we believe that our model of local coverage is a first-of-its-kind in the United States.

“As local newspapers continue to cut staffs, online reporting continues to grow. Online journalism will be the place that traditional print reporters naturally move to over the course of the next few decades. We’re on the cutting edge of this change.”

Black will fulfill his commitment to the Minneapolis Star Tribune and then begin reporting for CIM from Minneapolis later this month. To read an interview conducted with Minnesota Monitor on Black’s buyout, visit http://minnesotamonitor.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1870

Black also began writing his popular Star Tribune blog, “The Big Question,” in 2005. Visit the blog at http://www.startribune.com/blogs/bigquestion/

In the past year, CIM’s sites in Minnesota and Colorado have won prestigious Society of Professional Journalism awards in its respective states, and the Iowa site, Iowa Independent, recently launched. CIM will continue to grow this year, with announcements to be made this summer.

The Center for Independent Media is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that fosters diversity of ideas in the national debate through the advancement of independent media, with a primary emphasis on online journalism. The Center brings talented and diverse voices and ideas to the forefront through its fellowships, publications, conferences and research. Programs emphasize the importance of citizen-driven journalism as a critical founding principle of our nation. Program participants adhere to the highest standards of journalism and follow the code of ethics adopted by the Society of Professional Journalists.

Eric Black’s bio

Eric Black has written for the Star Tribune for 30 years, mostly as a reporter and most recently a blogger for the Star Tribune. His specialties have included political coverage, pieces that provided historical context to issues that were in the news, and, during the 2006 election cycle, he wrote pieces for both the paper and the Big Question blog fact-checking campaign ads and other political communications.

A popular bumper sticker from the 2004 presidential campaign simply stated: "November 2nd," signifying the date of the election and those displeased with the politics and policies of the Bush administration to change course.

Had that bumper sticker — and the election calendar — been in effect in 2006, the 2007 legislative session would have been decidedly different.

That's because the extra week in last year's election may have made the difference in this year's session as the gubernatorial outcome profoundly changed the potential direction of the North Star state. To be sure, as far as momentous media points in politics, Mike Hatch's media meltdown about the ethics of ethanol policy and reporters' loyalties doesn't compare with Ed Muskie's wet tears in the wet snows of 1972 New Hampshire, or even Thomas Dewey's rage against railroad workers that may have cost him some of the union vote and 1948 election. But as far as session 2007 goes, it still is the defining dynamic that resulted in near status quo.

Had Mr. Hatch won, it's likely the legislature would be looked at historically: Historically bad, of course, to many Republicans who would have watched taxes rise to pay for more state spending. Historically good, however, to DFLers hoping that Minnesota would regain its progressive position of investing in health care, transportation and education. The state would have been significantly different not only in 2007, but beyond, as the spending — and taxes — took root.

Instead, a stalemate that vexes voters and politicians alike now stands, as Minnesota again sits out any decisive action on the direction of the state. And it's likely to stay this way for the next several sessions, unless Governor Pawlenty tires to move from the Mississippi to the Potomac as a veep candidate for Senator McCain, or has other political ambitions. Right now, he benefits by emulating the sport he loves, as he plays defense as a goalie from whatever the DFL throws at him.

How the electorate responds in the future will depend on many factors, but the entire legislative grind may make it harder to recruit candidates from both sides, as well as those passionate about the political process, as voters may grow weary of the ordinary threats of special sessions, governmental shutdowns and little action in either direction.

So, the last few months were most affected by a few moments and a slip of the tongue — first by Judi Dutcher, then by Mike Hatch — that may be one of those accidents of history that may not only have framed Session 2007, but 2008 and beyond.

And after years of the legislature proposing and the governor disposing of new initiatives — including transit funding — there may be plenty of time to look for a new series of bumper stickers, including one supporting one party control — or a third party — to avoid a second decade of inaction.

Here's the word directly from Joe Atkins:

A SENATE RUN? When I was approached about a possible run for the U.S. Senate at the start of the legislative session, I said I'd look at it when the legislature adjourned in May.

Since that word got out, I have been astounded at the flood of kind letters, calls and emails I have received * now numbering over 1000 * encouraging me to join the race. Mainstream Minnesotans are clearly looking for a candidate who can carry some common sense to our nation's capital.

However, while I deeply appreciate the support and encouragement, my heart lies here in Minnesota. Many of the issues that matter most to me and to most Minnesota families * quality schools, access to health care, lower property taxes, better transportation, protecting consumers and our great outdoors * are crying out for real vision and genuine leadership here in Minnesota. Leadership isn't about standing up for the privileged and the powerful and simply saying what you oppose. It's about standing up for the little guy, bringing folks together, and moving Minnesota forward. I look forward to continuing to do just that.