Almanac: At the Capitol

Returning from vacation and looking back at the year, I decided to put together my Minnesota Top Ten Political Stories of 2008.

1. The Recount:  It may be the top story of this year too if it keeps going.  The most expensive and ugly political race in state history has continued, and continued, and continued.  It seems the state was split and rather lukewarm about Coleman and Franken.  I'll make no predictions about who "wins" and when.

2. Pawlenty Almost VP:  Keeping track of where and when VP candidate Pawlenty would surface was tough work for local political reporters.  He was everywhere.  He nearly got the number two job.  After not getting the nod, Pawlenty said he "doesn't get disappointed."  He might be super steady, but c'mon he is human.  The question is if he'll run again for gov. (I doubt it) and if he gains traction as a presidential candidate?

3. Transportation Override:  For the first time lawmakers overrode Gov. Tim Pawlenty's veto.  A bridge fell down.  Dems crafted a deal and did the impossible.  Republicans suffered for it.

4. RNC:  The world did watch our wonderful Twin Cities shine (generally).  The protests got more local news than national play, so overall the country seemed to think St. Paul did a fine job hosting a huge event.  Republicans got the convention bounce they needed, but it didn't last.

5. Obama in St. Paul:  He might not have made many campaign visits here, but the biggest day of the campaign happened in a packed Xcel in St. Paul.  Obama secured the Democratic nomination in the place Republicans would officially choose their nominee.  It was the loudest and most emotional political rally I have ever covered.

6. Palin Shopping Spree:  Hey maybe it was a good economic stimulus for the local economy.  The hockey mom's big ticket suits and spending spree at Neiman Marcus created a big problem for her Average Joe image.  And that may could the memory of the solid speech she delivered in St. Paul that had quieted her skeptics.

7. Bachmann Bashes Obama/Media:  Later calling it an "urban myth" Congresswoman Michele Bachmann made big news after questioning Obama and members of congress for "un-American" views, though she says she didn't say that.  We've all seen the tape.  She did damage control and won.

8. Republicans Retention:  Going into the election, with the economy down, a Republican president's dismal approval ratings, and the GOP ticket topper behind, few Republicans really thought they would hold on to all of their congressional seats.  Most betting people thought either Bachmann or Paulsen were going to lose.  Paulsen's margin of victory surprised most observers.

9.  DFLers Do Well:  Dems fell short of an override majority in the House, but picked up a couple of seats.  The Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher probably deserves the most improved politician award this year.  Her level headed leadership helped guide a session-ending deal that seemed unlikely and gained praise from all involved.   The question is will she run for governor?

10.  Jesse Surfaces:  Remember when the nation was watching that odd appearance on Larry King to see if former Gov. Jesse Ventura would run for Senate.  He seemed to love the attention, but again cited his family for the reason to stay away from politics.  In his only local interview, Ventura told me how his Mexican retreat has help his wife Terry's health.  They are still Minnesota residents.  He's also sure 911 was a conspiracy...

12:30 am Democrats sat quietly and watched a somber Ashwin Madia conceded victory to Republican Erik Paulsen who will elevate from the State House to the U.S. House after an ugly and bruising campaign. Bachmann also wins.  No pick ups for the Dems in the congressional races.

9:30 Republican John Kline won big and was the first winner to work the crowd at Republican headquarters.

9:15 GOP headquarters, congressional candidate Erik Paulsen is the first candidate on the scene talking to reporters.  Congresswoman Michele Bachmann follows suit. It's not very common to see candidates do media before their race is called.  Bachmann says she's confident she'll win, other Republicans weren't so sure.  At DFL headquarters, Congresswoman Betty McCollum is the first victor to address the crowd.

By 8:30 the DFL party is packed and rocking.  As Ohio goes for Obama they chant "O-hi-o" over and over followed by "O-ba-ma."  The excitement is already crazy.  There is barely room to move and the night is still early.  I haven't seen DFLers this excited before.

At 8:00 the party just started here at DFL headquarters.  Minnesota was called for Obama seconds after the polls closed and the crowd roared.  That got the mood started with an exciting and energetic tone.   The crowd is good for this early in the night.  Dems are excited. 

Republican headquarters seems to be a bit slower out of the shoot. Perhaps not as exciting early returns to celebrate.  One GOP party insider predicted that Erik Paulsen will win against Ashwin Madia and Michele Bachmann will lose to El Tinklenberg.  No one is making many predictions on the Senate race.  We expect it will be late.

Republicans are excited about Sarah Palin though, here's the "Minnesota's Wild About Sarah!" hockey pucks celebrating the hockey mom.

Tonight on TPT-17 at 7:00pm I will host the first televised debate in the most important congressional race in Minnesota and one of the top races in the country.  AARP is co-sponsoring the debate with us, we'll address issues important to 50+ and plenty of other timely and important issues to all of us.  Squaring off will be Independence Party's David Dillon, Democrat Ashwin Madia and Republican Erik Paulsen.  The candidates that hit 5% in an independent poll are included. Should be interesting!

Gov. Tim Pawlenty got a standing ovation immediately upon walking out on to the stage at the RNC.  It was the first speech of the night that people actually stopped and listened to. Most of his remarks we've heard before, but this national audience liked it.  They answered along with his refrain "John McCain put our country first."  The VP contender said "I've gotten to know John McCain and his purple heart is a heart of gold."
Privately, most delegates and reporters say Pawlenty deserved a better speaking slot and were disappointed with him getting about five minutes early in the night. Most expected he would be introducing McCain.

Rep. Erik Paulsen also got a quick speaking slot even earlier in the night. His DFL opponent Ashwin Madia got to wave from the stage at the DNC.  We spoke to Paulsen right after his speech and he said it was exciting and valuable.