Minnesota Independent

Is Pawlenty conservative enough for Iowa?

By Paul Demko | 10.23.09 | 5:29 pm

The Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder recently suggested that Tim Pawlenty might want to consider skipping the Iowa caucuses in 2012 given the sway that…

The Fix: T-Paw is the ‘buzz candidate of the Republican establishment’

By Paul Demko | 10.23.09 | 11:53 am

Tim Pawlenty is currently the second most influential Republican in the country, according to the Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza. Pawlenty leapfrogged former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney in the rankings, but…

With stakes high, DFL allies’ new PAC targets governor’s race

By Paul Demko | 10.23.09 | 6:00 am

Democrats haven’t won a gubernatorial contests in Minnesota in more than two decades. The formation of a new political action committee is more evidence that they’re serious about ending that drought in 2010.

Coleman raises cash for GOP school board candidate

By Paul Demko | 10.22.09 | 3:40 pm

Last year about this time Norm Coleman had his sights set on becoming the next chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. The post would have required Coleman to spearhead candidate recruitment and fundraising efforts for the organization. But…

Rosen ponders political plans for 2010

By Paul Demko | 10.21.09 | 2:36 pm

State Sen. Julie Rosen has been generating a lot of buzz lately about her political plans for 2010. Both the governor’s race and the First Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. Tim Walz have been mentioned as possible targets for the Republican from Fairmont. Right now, however, Rosen’s not committing to either contest.

Two million pounds of pollutants dumped into Minnesota’s waterways

By Paul Demko | 10.21.09 | 12:49 pm

More than 2 million pounds of toxic chemicals were dumped into Minnesota’s waterways during 2007, according to a new report (pdf) by Environment Minnesota. 3M was by far the most prolific dumper of pollutants, with more than 1…

The write stuff? First Avenue’s Conrad for Minneapolis city council

By Paul Demko | 10.21.09 | 8:32 am

Conrad Sverkerson is a legendary figure at First Avenue. Conspicuous for his dreadlocks (although more recently sporting a Jewfro), the iconic rock club’s stage manager has spent more than two decades making sure shows go off without a hitch.…

Pawlenty’s Christian conservative ties should play well in Iowa

By Paul Demko | 10.20.09 | 5:21 pm

Should Gov. Tim Pawlenty skip the Iowa caucuses? Yes, it’s ridiculously early to be contemplating such questions about the 2012 presidential campaign. But The Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder raises that question in a post today. He notes that only candidates…

T-Paw to share stage with reviled GOP operative at conservative gathering

By Paul Demko | 10.16.09 | 4:22 pm

Gov. Tim Pawlenty will be in Newport Beach, California, this evening for the Western Conservative Political Action Conference. At a “private VIP” reception this evening he’ll be sharing the dais with…

Pawlenty trails GOP rivals in Rasmussen poll

By Paul Demko | 10.16.09 | 12:03 pm

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee was the top choice of 29 percent of Republican voters to be the party’s 2012 presidential nominee, according to a…