The Minnesota Independent

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Bachmann says no to White House run, wants controversial Rep. King instead

By Andy Birkey | 10.21.09 | 9:17 am

Michele BachmannRep. Michele Bachmann told the Sioux City (Iowa) Journal that she isn’t considering a run for the White House in 2012 — despite Palin-Bachmann 2012 stickers — but she is very interested in seeing Rep. Steve King,…

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…

Bachmann’s punk-rock benefactor says Obama ‘unpatriotic to the max’

By Andy Birkey | 10.20.09 | 5:16 pm

While Rep. Michele Bachmann eventually backed off her infamous statement about “un-American views” she feared Barack Obama held, she’s standing by someone with sharper views. Next month, she’s headlining a fundraiser for Bradlee Dean’s Christian punk rock band and ministry, You Can Run But You Cannot Hide. Here’s a rundown of his recent statements, including his belief that Obama is “not American” and “unpatriotic to the max.”

Pawlenty refuses to disclose state broadband priority list

By Andy Birkey | 10.20.09 | 3:55 pm

A watchdog group, Stimulating Broadband, which keeps tabs on stimulus spending on broadband infrastructure, says Minnesota is the only state holding back details about funding priorities. Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s administration says it doesn’t have to disclose the information.

Ward Twelve: Colvin Roy faces three challengers

By Andy Birkey | 10.13.09 | 4:41 pm

In Minneapolis’ southeast corner, all candidates for the city council share concerns about saving small businesses and keeping big developers in check. But beyond this agreement, the three candidates vying for the seat now held by Sandy Colvin Roy offer distinct choices for Ward 12 voters.

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…

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 ColemanChris 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…

‘You Can Run’ may be running afoul of the Constitution

By Andy Birkey | 10.08.09 | 2:49 pm

Civil liberties groups say that You Can Run But You Cannot Hide International — a ministry/punk band that brings its Christian message to public school kids — is causing schools to run afoul of the constitutional principle of separation of state and church. Rep. Michele Bachmann, who says such a separation is a “myth,” will be headlining a fundraiser for the group in November.