Paul Demko

Union lauds McCollum for health-care efforts

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum’s failure to support legislation that would establish a universal, single-payer health-care system has drawn criticism from some liberal activists. But on Thursday, members of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota showed up at McCollum’s St. Paul office to praise her efforts on the health-care front.

Franken supporters celebrate victory at the Capitol

Hundreds of Democrats gathered on the front lawn of the Capitol today for a noon-time rally to celebrate Al Franken’s long-awaited victory in the U.S. Senate contest. He’s expected to visit the Iron Range this weekend, before heading to Washington to take his post. “It was close — but we won,” Franken told the crowd.

Texas firm: Allegations in Coleman-connected lawsuit are baseless

All of the allegations contained in a pair of lawsuits detailing a purported scheme to funnel $100,000 to then-U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman are false, according to the findings of a Special Litigation Committee appointed by the company at the center of the legal dispute. The lawsuits allege that Nasser Kazeminy and his allies were responsible for gross fiscal mismanagement of Deep Marine Technology, a Houston-based underwater services firm. Among the alleged waste: an attempt by Kazeminy to provide funds to Coleman through a Minneapolis insurance firm where the former senator’s wife was employed.

Democrats will hold Franken victory celebration

Sen.-elect Al Franken will host a rally at the state Capitol on Wednesday to celebrate his victory in the U.S. Senate contest. The event will run from noon to 1 p.m. on the upper mall of the Capitol grounds. Franken, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and DFL party chair Brian Melendez are expected to be present. [...]

More reactions to Franken’s Senate victory

Al Franken will become Minnesota’s junior senator — and everyone wants to weigh in on the development. Here’s a round-up of the latest statements about the end of the bruising U.S. Senate contest. We’ll continue to update as reactions come in.

Coleman concedes U.S. Senate contest

Norm Coleman has conceded. The former senator called Al Franken this afternoon to congratulate him on his victory nearly eight months after election day. The concession came shortly after the Minnesota Supreme Court issued a ruling naming Franken the winner in the protracted contest.

Senator Al: State Supreme Court rules Franken won Senate race

Minnesota’s interminable U.S. Senate race may finally be over. More than seven months after election day, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled today that Democrat Al Franken prevailed by 312 votes over Republican Norm Coleman. Franken will almost certainly now become Minnesota’s junior senator. The court, however, did not explicitly order Gov. Tim Pawlenty to sign an election certificate.

Who’s in for 2010: Third party contenders

The 2010 gubernatorial contest will not be a two-party affair. With no clear favorites on either the Democratic or Republican side of the aisle, the political climate is potentially ripe for a third-party candidate to gain a toehold in the race.

McCollum to host health care forum

Some lefty activists are seeking to recruit a primary opponent for U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, mainly because they’re upset that she hasn’t signed on as a co-sponsor of legislation that would establish a universal, single-payer health-insurance system. Next week Twin Cities residents will get a chance to let Rep. McCollum know how they feel about [...]

New role for T-Paw: ‘The Geek’

In the wake of Mark Sanford’s marital meltdown, The Reliable Source, The Washington Post’s politico gossip column, is making casting suggestions for a new GOP reality TV program. Among the dozen proposed contestants: Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Here’s the role description:
Tim Pawlenty: “The Geek.” Minnesota earnest with a dash of bland — is he flying too [...]