The Minnesota Independent

Latest Headlines

Wisconsin Democrats begin Gov. Scott Walker recall effort

scott walker 80
By Jon Collins | 11.14.11 | 12:08 pm

Democrats need to gather more than 550,000 signatures; Republicans vow to document “foul play by Wisconsin Democrats or big government union bosses.”

Digital rights groups target Klobuchar on Commercial Felony Streaming Act

Klobuchar 80
By Jon Collins | 11.14.11 | 10:39 am

On its website, Demand Progress, a progressive group, says they have one goal for the ad: “We need to embarrass a key lawmaker to set an example for others, and make it clear that it’s not okay to shill for the entertainment industry.”

North Dakota set to open first state health care exchange, Minnesota moving forward

North Dakota 80
By Jon Collins | 11.14.11 | 9:54 am

Gov. Mark Dayton created two committees charged with forging and implementing the state’s health exchange plan, but Republicans are questioning whether he has the authority to move without the legislature.

Bachmann’s campaign manager says CBS employee suppressed conservative message

bachmann80
By Andy Birkey | 11.14.11 | 5:00 am

Campaign manager Keith Nahigian entered the spin room where the media and campaign staffers were gathered and said, “John Dickerson should be fired. He is a piece of shit. He is a fraud and he should be fired.”

Sierra Club comes out against anti-gay marriage amendment

By Andy Birkey | 11.14.11 | 5:00 am

It’s one of the first times a chapter of the powerful environmentalist group has backed an LGBT rights issue. The group declined to get involved in California’s Prop 8 battle in 2008 and Maine’s Question One in 2009.

ADL: Film linking abortion and Holocaust ‘cynical’ and ‘perverse’

stop abortion sign 80
By Ashley Lopez | 11.14.11 | 3:00 am

The Anti-Defamation League said the film is a “cynical abuse of the memory of those killed in the Holocaust.”

Poll: Fifty-five percent of Minnesotans see state on wrong track

MN flag 80
By Jon Collins | 11.11.11 | 1:09 pm

Minnesotans see jobs and the economy as the state’s biggest problem. The survey also found that U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann was the most unpopular public figure of 11 surveyed.

(Video) Pawlenty says he won’t consider VP run with Romney

Pawlenty Romney 80 jpg
By Jon Collins | 11.11.11 | 11:06 am

Pawlenty said the “bench strength of the Republican Party and conservative movement is incredible,” citing vice presidential prospects for politicians like New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

Academics: Democrats and GOP can both claim victories on Nov. 8 ballots

By Andrew Duffelmeyer | 11.11.11 | 9:30 am

Democrats won some big ballot issues on Nov. 8 against laws that would have taken away collective bargaining rights of public workers and further redefine abortion, but Republicans also have some reasons to be optimistic.

(Video) Texas and Minnesota reporters give perspective on Bachmann and Perry

ainn video 80
By Jon Collins | 11.11.11 | 9:07 am

Minnesota Independent reporter Andy Birkey and Texas Independent editor Patrick Michels discussed how their home-state candidate is viewed back home, how religion plays a big part in both candidates’ politics and the “outsider” personas they have cultivated on their way to the national stage.

Spotlight on: Target Corporation

(Updated) NLRB findings of intimidation could overturn Target store’s vote against union

The findings could provide enough evidence for an administrative judge to recommend that June’s vote to reject the union at the New York store be overturned.

Community wants answers from Target on marriage amendment

Twin Cities Pride is asking the LGBT community for feedback over the decision by Target to stay neutral on an anti–gay marriage amendment that will appear on the ballot in 2012.

Target, Best Buy and 3M get downgraded in HRC equality rating

In the new 2011 Corporate Equality Index released by the Human Rights Campaign, three Minnesota corporations’ ratings were decreased due to political activity: Target, Best Buy and 3M.

Target’s reputation takes a hit after gift to MN Forward

Brandweek, a weekly trade magazine for the marketing industry, notes that Target’s reputation or “buzz” took a serious hit after donations to MN Forward were revealed in early August.

Target CEO Steinhafel helped nix eating disorder clinic

Earlier this year, an eating disorder clinic called the Emily Program was attempting to open a new facility in an affluent part of Orono, a town of 7,500 people west of Minneapolis. But opposition from some neighbors, as well as…