Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 10:30 am
First, the harsh words from the most influential Republican blogger in town, Michael Brodkorb, who said earlier this week "When I heard that Representative Olson had been endorsed, I was sick to my stomach." Now his future potential caucus, Senate Republicans, just issued this statement:
Over the last few years, too many Republican office holders, especially in Washington, were given a free pass for personal misconduct because they “voted right.” We could all recite the names. Well, it’s time we go back to holding people accountable.
While we respect our endorsing process in the Republican Party, some things rise far above process and party in terms of importance. The integrity and character of our candidates and elected officials are two of those things.
In Senate District 16, Mark Olson won the endorsement. That said, we are all well aware that Mark Olson’s criminal conviction caused him to be kicked out of the House Republican Caucus as well as cost him the party’s endorsement for his House seat.
It is our intention that Mark Olson, if elected, would not be welcome as a member of our Senate Republican Caucus. This is not a matter of philosophy; it is a matter of character and personal integrity.
For the past six years, the Senate Republican Caucus and the State of Minnesota have been the beneficiaries of exceptionally strong legislative leadership provided by former Senator Betsy Wergin. We see in Alison Krueger an outstanding alternative candidate who, like Senator Wergin, combines excellent conservative credentials with a high degree of personal integrity and character.
Accordingly, the Senate Republican Caucus will be throwing its full support behind Alison Krueger and encouraging Republicans in SD 16 to vote for her in the September 9th primary.
First, the harsh words from the most influential
Republican blogger in town, Michael Brodkorb, who said earlier this week "When I heard that Representative Olson had been endorsed, I was sick to my stomach." Now his future potential caucus, Senate Republicans, just issued this statement:
Legislative leaders met with the governor to talk about end-of-session negotiations. The Senate gives preliminary approval to a K-12 education bill with some interesting policy changes. A heated debate about surrogate motherhood takes place on the Senate floor. And activists urge lawmakers to make funding for long-term care a top priority.
Rep. Alice Hausman and Sen. Betsy Wergin join us to talk about all the Bonding Bill action at the Capitol this week.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 - 1:02 pm
It took less than 20 minutes for the Senate to pass a bonding bill 51-7. The Republican lead on the Bonding Committee Sen. Betsy Wergin got an amendment adopted that essentially assures the 3% debt limit is not passed which is the governor's position. Not only was it shocking the Senate moved so quickly with so little debate on a billion dollars worth of spending, but Bonding Chair Sen. Keith Langseth accepted the Wergin amendment:
"In future biennia, the commissioner of
1.3finance shall likewise schedule the sale of general obligation bonds so that, during the
1.4biennium, an amount equal to no more than three percent of general fund revenue for the
1.5biennium will need to be transferred from the general fund to the state bond fund to pay
1.6principal and interest due and to become due on outstanding state general obligation
1.7bonds."
Meanwhile the House seems to be struggling in putting together their bill. They've been stuck in committee for hours.
It took less than 20 minutes for the Senate to pass a bonding bill 51-7. The Republican lead on the Bonding Committee Sen. Betsy Wergin got an amendment adopted that essentially assures the 3% debt limit is not passed which is the governor's position.
Legislative leaders start real negotiations with the governor, the Senate passes budget bills, the governor signs the smoking ban and rips lawmakers' approach to the session.
