Minnesota Independent

Bachmann has more than $600,000 in the bank

By Paul Demko | 10.15.09 | 4:49 pm

Michele Bachmann raised $345,000 in the the third quarter of 2009 — slightly more than Democratic challenger Tarryl Clark. The Sixth Congressional District incumbent had just over $600,000 in the bank at the end of September, as reported by…

Potential Paulsen challengers emerge

By Paul Demko | 10.15.09 | 1:59 pm

Freshman Republican Rep. Erik Paulsen is arguably the most vulnerable member of Minnesota’s congressional delegation. But so far he hasn’t attracted any challengers for 2010. That could change soon.

Paulsen pulls in more than $300,000 in third quarter

By Paul Demko | 10.15.09 | 10:24 am

U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen has raised nearly $1 million so far this year. The freshman Republican took in $318,000 in the third quarter of 2009 and had $725,000 in the bank, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission.

Ward Five challengers target Samuels at lively debate

By Paul Demko | 10.14.09 | 4:06 pm

Minneapolis City Council debates are generally polite, drowsy affairs. But Ward Five has a reputation for boisterous, even unruly, political discourse. That might explain why more than 100 people showed up at the Capri Theater on Tuesday night to watch five city council candidates debate the issues.

Quist eyeing Walz challenge?

By Paul Demko | 10.13.09 | 1:06 pm

Allen Quist has been largely out of the political spotlight for roughly a decade. But according to a recent report on Bluestem Prairie, the conservative Republican is mulling a run at U.S. Rep. Tim Walz in the First Congressional District.

Clark doubles up Reed in third-quarter fundraising haul

By Paul Demko | 10.12.09 | 12:45 pm

Tarryl Clark raised $308,000 in the two months since announcing her campaign to oust U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, according to a campaign announcement today. The St. Cloud Democrat filed federal papers to run for the office in late July…

Ward Four: Trio of challengers take on political dynasty

By Paul Demko | 10.09.09 | 2:21 pm

Four years ago, Barb Johnson was the only incumbent Minneapolis city council member who didn’t attract any opponents. But this year she faces three challengers to the post her family has held since 1975.

Clark adds support of nurses in bid to beat Bachmann

By Paul Demko | 10.09.09 | 1:07 pm

The Minnesota Nurses Association is the latest union to endorse Tarryl Clark in her bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann. The Democratic challenger has picked up support from practically every sector of organized labor in recent weeks.

St. Paul teachers’ union snubs incumbent school board members

By Paul Demko | 10.09.09 | 8:00 am

The three incumbent St. Paul school board members up for re-election this year have been endorsed by the St. Paul Federation of Teachers in past campaigns. But concerns about budget shortfalls, school restructurings and contract negotiations have caused the teachers’ union to withhold its support this year.

Chris Coleman passes on gubernatorial bid

By Paul Demko | 10.08.09 | 4:31 pm

Chris Coleman is seeking a second term as mayor of St. Paul — and no other political office. After months of speculation that he would turn around and run for governor next year, Coleman told reporters at a press…