Minnesota Independent

Barb Johnson’s hair-raising campaign expenses

By Paul Demko | 11.02.09 | 4:09 pm

Johnson The personal is apparently political for Minneapolis City Council president Barb Johnson. City Pages reports that the four-term council member, who is locked in a tough, four-way re-election fight,…

Anti-IRV group calls claims of Obama, DFL endorsement ‘evil’

By Paul Demko | 11.02.09 | 11:16 am

The knives are out in the battle over instant-runoff voting (IRV) in St. Paul. The No Bad Ballots Committee has filed a second complaint, alleging the voting system’s supporters are using “evil” campaign practices worthy of Karl Rove.

A vote for ‘The Rock’ is a vote for … DelRay Rokke

By Paul Demko | 10.30.09 | 3:26 pm

DelRay Rokke and Ken Smart didn’t make the cut during last month’s primary election in Maplewood. Smart finished third in a seven-candidate mayoral field, while Rokke took fifth in the…

No Bad Ballots Committee files campaign grievance

By Paul Demko | 10.30.09 | 1:48 pm

The battle over instant-runoff voting in St. Paul is getting heated. The No Bad Ballots Committee, which is advocating against adopting the new voting system, has filed a grievance with the state’s Office of Administrative Hearings alleging that supporters of the ballot measure are knowingly making false claims in their campaign literature.

CNN poll: Pawlenty trails GOP rivals

By Paul Demko | 10.28.09 | 10:07 am

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is the top choice of roughly one third of Republicans for the presidential nomination in 2012, according to a new CNN poll. Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was the second most popular choice, with…

Bostrom eyeing run for Ramsey County Sheriff’s post

By Paul Demko | 10.27.09 | 2:19 pm

Assistant St. Paul Police Chief Matt Bostrom is likely to challenge Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher in 2010. Bostrom filed campaign papers with the Ramsey County Elections office…

Minnesota’s unemployment insurance system $155 million in red

By Paul Demko | 10.27.09 | 2:00 pm

Minnesota is among 22 states that have had to borrow money from the federal government to pay unemployment benefits during the ongoing economic crisis. The state’s unemployment insurance system is currently…

Twin Cities tops list of safest cities in the U.S.

By Paul Demko | 10.27.09 | 11:48 am

Minneapolis is the safest city in America, according to Forbes. The ranking was based on crime rates, traffic deaths, workplace fatalities and risk of natural disasters. The Minneapolis metropolitan area ranked in the top 10 nationwide in each…

Powers will challenge Kline for House seat

By Paul Demko | 10.26.09 | 5:19 pm

Dan Powers will seek the DFL endorsement to take on U.S. Rep John Kline in the Second Congressional District. The construction contractor and Burnsville resident argues that the four-term Republican incumbent is out of touch with his constituents.

AFSCME backs Dayton for governor

By Paul Demko | 10.25.09 | 11:06 am

AFSCME Council 5, the state’s largest union for public employees, has endorsed former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton for governor.
“Mark Dayton has won statewide elections — twice,” said Eliot Seide, director of AFSCME Council 5, in a press release announcing…