Campaign Notebook 7/16: Back to the Grind

For us as well as candidates. 

Money numbers, coming right up!  The deadline for reporting Q2 fundraising totals has officially passed, and this week should bring actual reports from the top-of-the-ticket candidates.  As noted last week, Cong. Tim Walz, D-Mankato, posted impressive numbers in Q2, holding almost half a million dollars in cash-on-hand.  One of the Republican hopefuls squaring off for the GOP nod to oppose Walz, elder statesman Sen. Dick Day, said recently that it would take about $1.5 million to challenge an incumbent like Walz.  Day’s FEC report indicates that he has raised about $116,000, with a little more than $77,000 on hand.

Bachmann in the crosshairs:  The campaign website going down was one sign, and reports last week further indicated that Bob Olson is switching from the U.S. Senate race to the Congressional race in the 6th District.  Olson staffer Eric Mitchell indicated this morning that the move is indeed official.  This may turn into an interesting race for the DFL nomination:  Although neither candidate is showing an FEC report as of Monday morning,*** attorney Bob Hill has been generating a considerable amount of buzz and cash flow in that race as well.

28B Special election is under way:  The race to replace former House Speaker Steve Sviggum has gotten underway in earnest.  DFL-endorsed candidate Linda Pfeilsticker appeared in two parades, one in Mazeppa and another at the Winona County Fair.  Reports indicate a generally friendly response to the popular high school teacher.  No rest for the weary in this short election cycle.

While some of us are getting back to the grind this Monday morning, others are still in the fire pit, having skipped the frying pan altogether.

***Update:  Bob Hill actually has filed FEC reports that show him having raised a shade under $100,000.