The Minnesota Independent

Posts by Andy Birkey

A graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in forestry, urban studies and sociology, Andy has been active in Minnesota’s LGBT community for the six years he has lived in Minneapolis, and has worked with and volunteered for a number of causes including LGBT rights, HIV prevention and care, transportation issues and environmental research. He has been writing Eleventh Avenue South, a blog about Minnesota LGBT news, issues, and politics, for three years and is a contributor to Metroblogging Minneapolis. Email abirkey [at] minnesotaindependent [dot] com. Twitter: @AndyMN

Updated: Bachmann’s New Hampshire campaign staffers call it quits

By Andy Birkey | 10.21.11 | 11:20 am

Since winning her congressional seat in 2006, Bachmann has had five congressional chiefs of staff, five press secretaries, four legislative directors and three communications directors.

Ellison: Defeat of Gaddafi signals Libya’s transition to democracy

By Andy Birkey | 10.21.11 | 7:52 am

Rep. Michele Bachmann said the “world is a better place without Quaddafi.”

Klobuchar has huge money lead over Senate challengers

By Andy Birkey | 10.21.11 | 1:00 am

Klobuchar took in almost $1 million in the last financial quarter.

Group named after gay soldier killed in Aghanistan aims to defeat marriage amendment

By Andy Birkey | 10.20.11 | 11:38 am

A group named for a gay soldier killed in Afghanistan is launching to advocate equal rights for gays and lesbians.

Bachmann to visit Minnesota in fundraising swing

By Andy Birkey | 10.20.11 | 4:00 am

Ticket prices for the Minnesota Congresswoman’s appearance begin at $50 for the town hall and $5,000 for a private reception.

Battle beginning over campaign finance and the marriage amendment

By Andy Birkey | 10.19.11 | 1:04 am

Transparency advocates say the group appears to be prepping a lawsuit challenging the state’s already weakened disclosure rules.

Bachmann, Trump: Countries the U.S. invaded should give up their oil

By Andy Birkey | 10.18.11 | 6:00 am

Trump said something “has got to be done to break it up,” referring to the “very well-dressed” protesters at Occupy Wall Street demonstrations across the country.

In 8th district, Nolan takes straw poll, Clark dominates fundraising

By Andy Birkey | 10.17.11 | 6:00 am

Former state Sen. Tarryl Clark, who lost a bid for Rep. Michele Bachmann’s seat last election cycle, outraised all other 8th Congressional District candidates, including Rep. Chip Cravaack, last quarter.

Archdiocese plans anti-gay marriage committees in every Minnesota Catholic church

By Andy Birkey | 10.17.11 | 6:00 am

The letter asks priests in each of the state’s parishes to identify a “church captain” to create a committee to push the constitutional anti-gay marriage amendment.

(Audio) NOM founder Maggie Gallagher debates professor on marriage amendment

By Andy Birkey | 10.14.11 | 10:41 am

Gallagher argued that same-sex marriage would erode the institution of marriage, while Carpenter said it would have only positive impacts.