Elwyn Tinklenberg

6th District Debate

tptadmin — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:29:57 -0500

Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-6th District and Democratic candidate Elwyn Tinklenberg squared off in a St. Cloud debate earlier this week. We have some lively highlights for you.

6th District DFL Debate

tptadmin — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:05:48 -0500

The two Democrats who want to unseat Congresswoman Michele Bachmann debate live in our studio in advance of this weekend's nominating convention. Elwyn Tinklenberg and Bob Olson join Cathy and Eric on the couch.

Tinklenberg Press Conference

Mary Lahammer — Mon, 1 Oct 2007 10:58:56 -0500

Elwyn Tinklenberg just announced his candidacy for the 6th Congressional District seat held by Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. His press conference was full of interesting and seemingly contradictary elements, yet it was a well-done and carefully orchestrated event. He was flanked by union members, but the former minister was clear that he is pro-life although he said it was not his "mission to eliminate Roe" and he supports civil unions. He wouldn't commit to abiding by the DFL endorsement, he said he would work hard for it, but noted that he hasn't gotten DFL support in two previous campaigns. His moderate/conservative social credentials are important in this Republican district, but it also puts him at odds with party activists. Tinklenberg was transportation commissioner for Gov. Ventura and he said the 35W bridge collapse pushed him to run. Republicans' press release says "Tinklenberg Breaks Word" after saying he wouldn't run in this race again. But all candidates and PR people should take notes on this announcement because it was how to run a press conference. Tinklenberg didn't bury his head in notes, he looked up spoke to the audience and the cameras with passion. He talked for 10 minutes and finished questions in 20 minutes. He was well-prepared for some tough questions and not defensive. PR wizard John Wodele deserves some serious credit here. Let me also say that Tinklenberg is up against an effective communicator herself, who many Dems underestimated last time around. Michele Bachmann's ties to President Bush (especially The Kiss) could hurt her, but she now has incumbency at her back. The question for Tinklenberg is if he can get passed more liberal candidates to face Bachmann who's kept a low profile lately, I hear on purpose.

Congressional Campaign News

Mary Lahammer — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:35:52 -0500

Elwyn Tinklenberg will announce he's running to try to replace Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. Tink will make it official Monday morning and it appears former Ventura spokesperson John Wodele will be helping him out. The former transportation commissioner will join DFLer Bob Olson in this race. It's a very red district and tough for a Dem, but Tink has some more conservative views that should help him.

And Eric Black has news that "James B. Hovland, the Republican mayor of Edina, will be switching to the DFL and is seriously contemplating entering the race for the Dem nomination for the open Third District congressional seat." Also in the 6th "State Representative Erik Paulsen (R-Eden Prairie) announced today that he will actively explore a run for Congress in Minnesota's Third District and will form a federal campaign committee next week. 'I have received an outpouring of encouragement to run for the Third District seat,' said the former Majority Leader of the Minnesota House of Representatives. 'I want to take the necessary steps to consider this race seriously. Forming a campaign committee is the next step.'"