6th District Republicans Forum - How Far Right Can You Go?

Congressional Candidates Strut Conservative Credentials



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There are four Republican candidates running to replace Republican Mark Kennedy who is running for the U.S. Senate. Those candidates are Minnesota House members Jim Knoblach and Phil Krinkie, Minnesota Senate member Michele Bachmann and first-time candidate Jay Esmay. At a recent candidates forum, each of them tried to impress several hundred Republicans with their conservative credentials.

Their differences on the issues were only slight. All four plan to abide by the Republican endorsement. They share similar views on illegal immigration, social security, and tax cuts. Where they really differ is their depth of knowledge. Listen and find out why Peter suggests one of the candidates should "focus more on state politics than trying to run for federal office."

We also do some fact checking on what each of the candidates said. Are there more IRS employees than there are people in the U.S. Army? Is Prince William Sound now "better" than it was before the Exxon Valdez oil spill? Listen as we separate fact from fiction.

A belated written thank you to Republican SD 51 chair Andy Aplikowski for organizing the event which was sponsored by the Taxpayers League. Our apologies for not including that earlier.

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Comments or questions please call our hotline 206-33-TALKS or email us at insidemnpolitcs@mac.com.

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Taking Aim At Mary Kiffmeyer's Performance

Christian Sande- Secretary Of State Candidate
•"No one should have to hire a lawyer to protect their right to vote"

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Minnesota was tops in voter turnout last election. The Minnesota Secretary of State's office oversees elections and voter registration, so it's current occupant Mary Kiffmeyer should take a bow for that accomplishment. Right?

Not so fast says Christian Sande, DFL candidate for Secretary of State. Sande says Minnesota had a great turnout despite Mary Kiffmeyer's attempts to interfer with voters' rights. It took a Federal restraining order to prevent Kiffmeyer from disenfranchising 600 Minnesota Native Americans. It took a Minnesota Supreme Court decision to stop Kiffmeyer from kicking the Independent Party off the ballot. Sande says Kiffmeyer has a record of inaction, missed opportunities and bully tactics.

Listen as Sande outlines why he is the candidate who will bring impartiality and fairness back to this important constitutional state office.

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Comments or questions please call our hotline 206-33-TALKS or email us at insidemnpolitcs@mac.com.

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Value of DFL Endorsement-Steve Kelley

Kelley's plan to defeat Tim Pawlenty
•Says strong DFL turnout in '04 gives more weight to endorsement

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Senator Steve Kelley says Governor Tim Pawlenty has undermined the trust of Minnesota Legislators and the public. He says the Governor resorts to "game playing" by calling taxes "fees" and vetoing bipartisan solutions to transportation problems. He says that's why Minnesota's government shut down, because Pawlenty never rose above gamesmanship. Kelley says that was not the case with the previous Republican Governor Arnie Carlson.

Endorsement Pledge
Kelley is also sticking to his pledge to abide by the DFL endorsement despite Mike Hatch and Kelley Doran hedging against making the same pledge. In the last several elections, the DFL endorsed candidate has rarely won the primary. So why is Kelley sticking by the endorsement process? He says the DFL endorsement is now worth more because of the large number of people who showed up for the 2004 caucuses and have continued to stay involved in the party.

Kelley also says he's the strongest candidate because he can unite Democrats as well as attract independents and moderate Republicans.

Photo to right- Peter and Steve talk politics------------>

You can subscribe to our podcast in iTunes with just one click.

Comments or questions please call our hotline 206-33-TALKS or email us at insidemnpolitcs@mac.com.

Click here to stream podcast if you can't download it.