am.mn logoGetting named in a developer’s lawsuit on Thursday, five days before Election Day, was bad enough. But Friday wasn’t much better for Minneapolis Council Member Diane Hofstede, whose office got more than 50 calls after the city’s public works department towed cars to clear University Avenue for cleaning without having posted required warning signs. Among the victims: the girlfriend of Hofstede challenger Allen Kathir, who has made parking a campaign issue in the Ward One Three race.

Elsewhere in Minnesota news this morning …

MINNEAPOLIS: Flowers’ pot charge dropped. Friday was better for Al Flowers, a candidate for mayor, who had a possession charge dismissed. [Star Tribune]

SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: Kline wants Afghan ramp-up. U.S. Rep. John Kline saw President Reagan get a lesson in saluting, something President Obama will be doing more of if he takes Kline’s advice. [Minnesota Public Radio; New York Times]

MINNEAPOLIS: Episcopalians pass over lesbian, Native American in choosing new state bishop. Instead, it’s a white guy. [Associated Press]

SIXTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: Health care reform is “crown jewel of socialism.” U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann urges foes to storm Washington, D.C. and “look at the whites of [her colleagues'] eyes.”  [Talking Points Memo]

STATEWIDE: Anderson starts campaigning on day 2009 candidates stop. Former state auditor Pat Anderson launches her 2010 guv bid with a 14-city tour today, the last day of 2009 electioneering in cities and school districts across the state. [Hot Dish Politics; Associated Press]

ST. PAUL: Lege also an unallotment victim. The state Legislature should change the law if citizen suit over Gov. Pawlenty’s cuts fails, says DFLer David Lillehaug. [MinnPost]