Where the chatter was: MnIndy’s most-discussed stories of 2009

With more than 13,000 comments left in 2009 — more than double 2008′s count — there was no shortage of opinions at the Minnesota Independent. Here’s a look at the 20 stories that generated the most discussion over the past 12 months.

20. Franken amendment to protect victims of sexual assault passes, Oct. 6, 62 comments

19. Bachmann renews ACORN attack with new bill, petition, June 4, 63 comments

18. Ninety-five Lutherans come out during ELCA vote on gay pastors, Aug. 18, 63 comments

17. Rightwing uproar over Best Buy’s ‘Happy Eid al-Adha’ wish to Muslims, Nov. 24, 64 comments

16. Bachmann’s district continues to lead state in foreclosures, Dec. 1, 64 comments

15. Tinklenberg v. Bachmann redux? DFLers already eyeing 2010, April 17, 65 comments

14. Minnesota’s gay Republican will not vote for marriage equality bill, Feb. 17, 68 comments

13. Religious right watch: Health care reform is against God’s design, Aug. 7, 74 comments

12. Obama birth certificate as seed art at the Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 28, 78 comments

11. Cultures collide: Somali youth harass gay man at Pride, June 30, 94 comments

10. Bachmann’s statements on stimulus raise a few eyebrows, Feb. 17: 99 comments

9. Bachmann falsely claims ‘flying imams’ were in Minneapolis for Ellison party, Apr. 15: 105 comments

8. Minneapolis pastor: Tornado was a warning to Lutherans on gay inclusion, Aug. 20: 122 comments

7. Bachmann, Kline oppose public option because it’s ‘cheaper’, July 21: 130 comments

6. Bible-wielding couple arrested for trespassing at Pride, June 28: 133 comments

5. Bachmann joins Paulsen on GOP’s most-vulnerable-incumbents list, July 23: 140 comments

4. Lutheran groups spar over inclusion of gay pastors, Aug. 7: 163 comments

3. Bachmann fears ‘politically correct re-education camps for young people,’ Apr. 6: 244 comments

2. Bachmann: Prayer and fasting will help defeat health care reform, Aug. 24: 258 comments

1. Franken assails Court, Klobuchar slams sexism at Sotomayor vote, July 28: 265 comments