Almanac: At the Capitol

In Philadelphia, President-elect Barack Obama met with governors like Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (who got in the photo that's on Finance and Commerce's site and not our Gov. Tim Pawlenty also often-mentioned with Jindal as a presidential contender). 

In a conference call with reporters afterwards Pawlenty said he was "thankful and grateful" for Obama coming to the National Governor's Association meeting which Pawlenty said is unprecedented for an incoming president.  The governor said Obama was "very gracious" and talked with the governors for about an hour.  Pawlenty was particularly pleased with Obama's closing remarks that this "isn't goodbye, but hello."  

The Minnesota governor got some one-on-one time with Obama “off to the side” where they talked about renewable energy.  Pawlenty said the President-elect was “aware of Minnesota’s commitment” in this area. Pawlenty said as Obama left the meeting the governor indicated to the new president his interest in "moving the nation ahead" on more renewable energy.

Looking towards Thursday’s state budget forecast, Pawlenty said he didn’t know the number but it’s obvious Minnesota, along with other states, is facing a “major financial problem.”  The governor said on Thursday he’ll announce “some immediate plans and actions” in regard to a state deficit.  He also said he expects the cushion that was built up with higher revenue in recent months has been "burned through" and he expects a "noteworthy deficit" in the current budget cycle that ends in June. 

In terms of federal help Pawlenty said “I have not asked Obama for more money” and reiterated he does “not support an across the board bailout.”

As Barack Obama spoke to the world, Minnesotans gathered in this hotel in St. Paul seemed to feel like they were in the crowd with Obama.  I've never seen people at a state election celebration care so much about a national election.  The emotions are running strong.

Before Obama began his acceptance speech, people were already clearing out at Republican Party headquarters with the biggest races in the state still unknown (two congressional races and the Senate race).  Sources have told me Sen. Coleman was ready to wait until Wednesday to speak if the race was at all close.

As Obama became the winner, the crowd at DFL headquarters went wild.  People were screaming, crying, hugging, slapping hands.  The crowd is diverse, but all felt the same thing:  complete elation.  The songs ringing out include "Celebrate" "Only in America" "Glory Days" "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"   A former party chair told me he hasn't seen Democrats this excited in at least a decade--and maybe never before at this level.  It is history.

At Republican Party election headquarters, Gov. Tim Pawlenty stood with his wife Mary and told the crowd "Don't believe for a minute our beliefs have been damaged."  Pawlenty of course was McCain's national campaign chair and a serious contender for vice president.

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.

Reports from the polls are busy already this morning.  I've heard from a couple of people at a Woodbury and Burnsville polling place.  One said there was a long line outside with 300-400 people waiting for the site to open.  Inside they described “organized chaos” as voters filled out their ballots on the floor, on the wall, and just some inside the booths.  The voters told me they had never seen such diversity and youth at their suburban polling places which are new swing districts.  There were many people doing same day registration. 

In the conservative suburb of Lakeville, one man told me there was no line to vote and the line was longer to get his coffee at Starbucks a few blocks away.  A couple of voters in the St. Paul area report "busier than usual" with waits of 20-40 minutes.  One saw an exit poller for the first time at their polling place. Send your polling stories along at the contact us button.

Here's the empty room inside the Minneapolis Convention Center.  Obama and Franken signs hang side by side.   The backdrop (which seems required campaign staging now) is an enormous American flag.  Music with the theme of change is being tested.   The room is huge and stark.  The crowd won't be coming in for a while yet.  

People poured into the Minneapolis Convention Center when the doors opened to see Pres. Bill Clinton and Senate candidate Al Franken--and perhaps most important to this crowd rally for Barack Obama. Supporters are really fired up wearing homemade t-shirts for the presidential candidate. Because Bill is reportedly running late (as usual) there are lots of warm up speakers to keep the crowd entertained while standing on their feet for what will be hours. Gubernatorial hopefuls like Clark, Kelliher, Rybak, Coleman all took to the mic. Sen. Amy Klobuchar's high approval ratings proved true in this crowd, getting the loudest applause of the night.  

John McCain told the thousands of supporters packed in an Anoka/Blaine airport hanger "with this kind of suppport and enthusiasm we will win Minnesota."  Palin picked up a baby on her way in and mixed policy and personality in her remarks.  She took on Iran saying they should not have nuclear weapons.  Palin also said she will have new responsibilities on government reform, energy and kids with special needs.

First Lady Mary Pawlenty said her husband would haved loved to be here but he's in northern Minnesota for groundbreaking of a billion dollar steel plant, an "economic shot Minnesota needs."

McCain and Palin puppets

Inside it's packed and people are excited.

 Senator McCain leaving for the bus.

Protesters against the war lined the entrance to the Anoka Airport. They had a good audience because turn out seems big, thousands easily. Cars are backed up and authorities wouldn't let media enter through assigned entrance so there's lots of hoofing.