Super Slides South

When I first heard of the potential candidacy for the Austin gig by our current SPPS Superintendent, I sent the following E-Mail to a School Board member:

I can't say I will be saddened if our Superintendent gets a new gig. I still don't know why we hired someone we knew wasn't going to be here for no more than a few years.

Tell me that, during this time of budget strife, that we will not spend a penny in any kind of nationwide search, that we will move quickly to promote from within, and right this ship without the multi year transition that only amounts to spinning wheels in place.

Here is hoping she gets the job, so those of us who have a real investment in the future of our town and school district can get back to work. Maybe Kent is available. Can't believe we passed on him to begin with.

Kurt 'Flash'
Centrisity.com

Well, if you haven't heard, she's gone!

The Kent I refer to is Kent Pekel, an internal finalist with local roots. We would, and could make a GREAT superintendent. However, soon after he was passed over, he left the district, as most of the good administrators do. It was less than three years ago when the finalists where announced:

Kent Pekel, 38, senior policy associate at the National Center on Education and the Economy since 2005; married, three children.

Key experience: Currently working with states to develop educational systems that replicate worldwide best practices. Past experience as executive director of research and development for St. Paul Public Schools under Pat Harvey; special assistant to deputy secretary of education in Washington, D.C.; social studies/global studies teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School in Bloomington; English language instructor for Yale-China Association in Wuhan, China.

Why here: Enjoys current job, but "I've always planned to apply for the superintendent job in St. Paul, since before I left the district." Says he represents continuity, but "continuity in St. Paul right now is going to require change." His vision will be "education for globalization."

Potential pluses: Knows the district; seen by some as logical heir to Harvey; product of St. Paul Public Schools and has kids in them (eldest, 10, at Capitol Hill).

Potential minuses: No doctorate, might be seen as lacking relevant experience. Some concern about his ability to meet licensure requirement in timely manner. He says state would allow him to operate as licensed while working toward complete licensure within two years.

Personal: "News junkie," spending time with family, active in church in St. Paul.

Here's hoping he is still on the radar!

Flash
(Disclosure: I am a St Paul School District employee and parent of 4 students, 2 former and 2 currently enrolled at Central High School. I obviously have vested interest on both sides of the coin.)

Hamline Library Update

The neighbors of the local library are putting up a fight:

Support for St. Paul's Hamline Library ran red on Tuesday night.

Red pants, pullovers, shirts, scarves and, of course, bright red "Save Our Library" buttons speckled the crowd of at least 270 that showed up for the second — and last, for now — of Mayor Chris Coleman's public meetings to talk about drastic cuts proposed in city services to fill a $44 million budget hole over the next two years.

"We wear red to show the library is vital to our community," said Julie GebbenGreen, who said she walks the two blocks from her Hamline-Midway home with her three children "three to five times a week."

Since it is one of the smallest libraries, it finds itself at the lower end of some misleading statistics:

Hamline, the third least visited of the city's 13 libraries, is potentially on the chopping block. Library Director Melanie Huggins recommended shuttering Hamline, reducing library hours everywhere and slashing the system's materials budget after Coleman requested that all city department heads come up with ways to cut their 2009 budgets by 14 percent.

But raw numbers can be misleading, as pointed out by a poster in the local St. Paul Issues Forum:

There are fourteen libraries in Saint Pauls library system. The Hamline-Midway library has consistently ranked in the top half related to attendance at juvenile and adult events over the past three years. Use of its meeting rooms is in the top quartile of all Saint Paul libraries. In fact, the Hamline-Midway library does not rank last in any usage category.

And where they do rank towards the bottom, it is not due to usage, but to size:

the Hamline-Midway library ranks 12th out of 14 in internet use. The ranking, however, does not adjust for the number of computers available at each library or the fact that the Hamline-Midway library is not open as many hours as other libraries. Of course the Rondo Community library is ranked first and the West 7th library is ranked last, because the Rondo Community library has the most computers of any other library in the entire system and the West 7th library has the least number of computers in the entire system. When the number of computers and hours are taken into consideration, the internet usage at the Hamline-Midway library is comparable and often higher than the computer usage at other libraries.

Based on the annual budget and square footage of the Hamline-Midway library in comparison to its circulation numbers, it is actually one of the most efficient and inexpensive libraries in the city.

Like I mentioned in my earlier post, my neighborhood is the ONLY one facing the closing of its closet library AND closest Rec Center. I can stomach the loss of the Rec Center during these times of budget strife. There are others close enough for my kids to adjust to, but the loss of the library would be crushing to our community. During times of economic tumult, these sources of learning should be as protected as the staffing our our public safety units. Time to look elsewhere.

Corps Update

Drum Corps Night: Wednesday nights are Drum Corps nights. The line is locked in at 58 horns, over 30 guard, and a full drumline. That will put us pretty close to the 128 member limit. This will clearly be one of the most solid and well positioned drum corps in the history of Minnesota. Is a title in the offing, we can't control that. But what we can control is our individual desire to be the best we can be, and do everything in our power to gel with our corps brethren. All day music camp on Saturday, I can't wait!

Rocking the House, and Senate!

The transcript:

I know that we haven't agreed on every issue thus far -- (laughter.) There are surely times in the future where we will part ways. But I also know that every American who is sitting here tonight loves this country and wants it to succeed. I know that. (Applause.) That must be the starting point for every debate we have in the coming months, and where we return after those debates are done. That is the foundation on which the American people expect us to build common ground.

And if we do -- if we come together and lift this nation from the depths of this crisis; if we put our people back to work and restart the engine of our prosperity; if we confront without fear the challenges of our time and summon that enduring spirit of an America that does not quit, then someday years from now our children can tell their children that this was the time when we performed, in the words that are carved into this very chamber, "something worthy to be remembered."

The President simply hit it out of the park. He addressed the issues firmly, and specifically, but with hope, not despair. This speech was crafted in a way that the administration was going to talk straight to us, but lift us at the same time. The President made it clear where we are at, but laid out specifically how we are going to dig ourselves out.

Obama described the nation's financial woes as a "reckoning" for poor decisions made by both government and individuals. Video Watch what Obama says about the "day of reckoning" »

"A surplus became an excuse to transfer wealth to the wealthy instead of an opportunity to invest in our future," Obama said.

"Regulations were gutted for the sake of a quick profit at the expense of a healthy market. People bought homes they knew they couldn't afford from banks and lenders who pushed those bad loans anyway. And all the while, critical debates and difficult decisions were put off for some other time on some other day."

Noting that is easy to "become cynical and doubtful," Obama said he has learned that "hope is found in unlikely places."

I still have concerns with the bloated stimulus package, but I have faith in this administration. A level of respect that the former administration struggled to attain. And there is another sign that we may be headed in the correct direction. The squealing and squawking of the Right Wing of the blogosphere. The remnants of the 20% that can now only kick and scream. They are denigrating into a level of despair unmatched during the entire 8 years of the GWBush presidency. They are afraid, very afraid, cause the know that we just might have the best leader for this time, with a plan for the future. Its more than hope, but success, peace and prosperity that are on the way!

Flash

PC Woes

My 7+ year Old HP is acting up again. I've boosted the memory to 2 GB thinking the crawling speed was more a symptom of newer updated software struggling on an older box. But the snails pace progressed to a molasses drip and finally consistent freezing at boot, or soon after the desktop is drawn.

Good news is, I can boot with BART PE and still get through my file structure and pull off anything left on the drive. Bad news is I am headed for a System re-install or even a complete wipe and reinstall of the drive itself. Most all my spare time has been going to bring this tired old box back to life.

The irony, the only reliable PC machine left in the house, is my MacBook. Yeap, I run Parallels Desk Top on my Intel based MacBook. Pretty slick.

People always ask me what my preferred platform is, and I always say Windows. They look somewhat surprised and ask me why, and I look at them and say:

"Job Security, if everyone had a Mac they wouldn't need me" *smile*

Flash

Road Apples

via Englehart:

Hope not Hopelessness

President Bubba calls it like he sees it:

"I like trying to educate the American people about the dimensions and scope of this economic crisis," Clinton said. "I just would like him to end by saying that he is hopeful and completely convinced we're gonna come through this."

Its one think to shoot straight, but all this doom and glome, chicken little talk isn't doing anyone, and namely the market, any favors.

Clinton goes on to take a few hits himself, something that those on the Right struggle with:

Though Clinton largely defended his own economic record, he admitted fault for lack of regulation on derivatives during his eight years as president, a problem some economists believe helped contribute to the nation's economic woes.

"I think we should have moved a little more aggressively on these derivatives," he said. "Alan Greenspan and others thought we shouldn't regulate, didn't need to regulate derivatives, 'cause they would only be bought by very large, very wealthy, very sophisticated institutional buyers.

Though Clinton largely defended his own economic record, he admitted fault for lack of regulation on derivatives during his eight years as president, a problem some economists believe helped contribute to the nation's economic woes.

"I think we should have moved a little more aggressively on these derivatives," he said. "Alan Greenspan and others thought we shouldn't regulate, didn't need to regulate derivatives, 'cause they would only be bought by very large, very wealthy, very sophisticated institutional buyers.

See, its OK to look back and re-evaluate your decisions. I look forward to President GW Bush being as candid some day . . . Oh, who am I kidding *grin*

Sentencing

I'll be thinking of my good friend Jimmy as they sentence the drunk driver who killed his sister in law and severely injured his brother in a New Years eve crash last year.

On her last night alive, Margaret Lopez sat next to her husband of more than 20 years in his Ramsey County Sheriff's squad car and listened as music from the radio synced to the blinking of thousands of Christmas lights outside a Shoreview home.

"Maggie had the biggest smile on her face, and an hour later she was gone," said Deputy Kristi Pavek, who worked with Lopez's husband, Joseph, for 18 years.

Shortly after 3:30 a.m., as Lopez drove west on Hwy. 10 in Arden Hills, a 23-year-old woman driving the wrong way collided head-on with Lopez's squad car.

Beth Rhodes will be sentenced today. My heart and prayers are with the Lopez family as they find closure during this difficult time.

Flash

Stimulating

via Ariail:

Sgt. Tom is Home . . Almost

Just got the call from my son. He is on a brief layover at the HHH Terminal here in the Twin Cities. So close but yet so far. He is on his way to California where there will be a debrief and then much deserved time off. No time frame yet on when he'll be back in Minnesota for a visit, or maybe more than that.

Thank to all for your kind words of support.

Proud Marine Dad!

Lost Library

They are closing my library . . maybe . . probably, and some other Ginsu acrobatics:
The Hamline Library has become a God send to those of us parents who know our children have a safe and secure environment to be when they are out and about. It is where my kids have gone after school almost every day. A place to do homework, Internet, and meet up with friends. From their about page:

Recent census figures indicate that Hamline Midway is becoming increasingly diverse, particularly in the African American population, while retaining many longtime households.

The library maintains strong neighborhood support through enduring ties with the neighborhood coalition, it’s own Friends group and by serving on the Hamline Midway Youth Collaborative and other neighborhood concerns.

It doesn't look like the strong neighborhood support will be enough.

Now, this may come across as a NIMBY thing, but not only are they taking my kids Library away, they are also effecting they closest Rec Center

Hahm proposed closing three rec centers: Sylvan, Prosperity and Front. At three others — Baker, Griggs and Margaret — the city would pull out with hopes of finding neighborhood groups or nonprofits to take over the centers with their own programs, much like what was done when several rec centers closed in 2006.

So close the Library and turn your back on the Rec Center. What are the kids to do now, besides get into teen aged mischief.

This is painful, and not only because it is effect me, and my children personally, but it is a sign of the degradation of our lifestyle, and the damage the current economic strife has wrought.

Maybe this isn't a done deal, we'll find out more on March 3rd when our City Councilman presents more information at a conversation (via E-Mail):

Please join me for a conversation with your neighbors and fellow Ward 4 residents in a conversation about the status of the City and its neighborhoods. Tough times are upon the City of Saint Paul, leaving my colleagues and me with the challenge of making responsible, difficult budget decisions. Please join the discussion to lend your knowledge and creativity to the task of sustaining the City's livability despite the challenges we face.

Tuesday, March 3, 6:30-8:30pm at Goodwill Easter Seals (553 Fairview Ave N)-- enter off the corner of Fairview and Charles. (Goodwill/Easter Seals is conveniently located on bus lines 16, 50, and 67. www.metrotransit.org If you're driving, there is on-street parking and a lot across Charles from the building.)

I'm hoping to be there.

I know City staff read these pages. I'd like to hear from them, via comments or E-Mail as to whether these are done deal cuts, or what we as community members can do to preserve the legacies that are established in our neighborhoods for almost 80 years!

Flash

2009 Minnesota Brass; Committed!

I have signed the contract and am committing to the 2009 Minnesota Brass, Incorporated season. Those of you that have been around these parts know that I have another passion aside from my family and politics, and that is the marching arts. I have been performing in Drum corps, off and on, since 1978. This will be my 19th year as a performer!

I was last on the field in 2005, living my dream of becoming a third generation performer with the Class A World Champion Govenaires. It was a bitter sweet end to that season, not that we finished 2nd, just missing the title, but that I lost a good and dear friend.

Then the kids turned into teenagers and I needed to get them though Junior High and into high school. Now that the youngest two are a Junior and Sophomore, they are starting to 'get it'. With their brother, Sgt. Tom due to return to the states, and moving back to Minnesota, he'll hopefully be able to help out during those out of town weekends when the performance schedule heats up.

My last year with MN Brass was 2003, so it has been a while (The photo is from 1998). Some things have changed a lot, others remain the same. The faces are mostly all new in the line, but the crew that supports us remains consistent. That is the sign of a good stable organization, one that placed 2nd in the world last year.

The 2008 DCA World Championship is over. In open class the Reading Buccaneers pulled off the 4 peat and held off a charging Minnesota Brass with a 97.913 to MBI's 96.513.

The DCA PR Director went on to say:

Buccaneers pulled off their 4-peat tonight and are a GREAT champion but in many ways, the night belonged to Minnesota... congrats to all...

This year, we are making a run at the title!

The 2009 program is entitled Nocturne, Songs for the Night. It begins with an old Drum Corps standard, Harlem Nocturne.

This dark and rich program will explore various moods of the night. Earle Hagen's "Harlem Nocturne" provides the thematic backdrop for the production. Additional selections will include an edgy and mysterious take on Stan Kenton’s “Commencement" as well as his "Aspect." A lush rendition of “My Immortal” from Evanescence will serve as the ballad while the intense energy of Dizzy Gillespie's, "A Night in Tunisia" is sure to bring drum corps fans to their feet. The music and expressive visual program will transport our audiences through the scariness, the sadness and the playfulness of the night.

If you've never experienced the marching arts at an almost professional level, you are in for a treat. This isn't your parents Marching Band, this is an intense, well choreographed, and tight musical performance. Our home show is in late August, the peek of our season, in South St. Paul. You'll want to mark your calenders early, to witness the greatest Drum and Bugle Corps to ever come out of the state of Minnesota, and maybe, a World Champion in the making!

Flash

Favre's Deja vu

It was less than a year ago when I wrote this:

Favre Waves the White Flag

Today, a bit earlier then I expected, he does it again:

After a rocky season with the New York Jets, quarterback Brett Favre has decided to retire, his agent says.

The decision marks Favre's second retirement announcement in an 11-month span. Favre retired from the Green Bay Packers in March 2008 before reconsidering and making a comeback with the Jets.

His decision comes six weeks after the Jets finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs after an 8-3 start. Favre threw 22 touchdown passes and an NFL-high 22 interceptions while leading New York to a five-game improvement over their previous season without him.

Favre's retirement will save the Jets his $13 million salary in salary cap space.

The retirement clock expires, and the un-retirement clock start anew *laughing* Seriously, something tells me this is really the end.

Enjoy the time off Brett, you've earned it!

Flash

Breakin' It Down

I could warm to the current version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The bill has 6 primary goals:

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Calls for the enactment of legislation to create jobs, restore economic growth, and strengthen America's middle class through measures that:
(1) modernize the nation's infrastructure;
(2) enhance America's energy independence;
(3) expand educational opportunities;
(4) preserve and improve affordable health care;
(5) provide tax relief; and
(6) protect those in greatest need.

So it is more than stimulus, and unlike prior administrations that attempted to mask what they were trying do to, behind fancy glossary terms, the intent of this legislation has always been more then just stimulus. That allows me to disagree with major portions, since, well, the current folks on the Hill are actually being honest with me. Interesting concept, ya think!

We have heard all the belly aching, from me included, about the pork. But we we aren't hearing enough about, is that over half this bill is direct tax relief and lifeline assistance to individuals and families.

139.4 billion
Make Work Pay Credit: The bill provides a $500 credit per worker and a $1,000 credit per dual-earner couple. Maximum benefit avaialble for those under $70,000 ($140,000 for couples)

17 billion
One-time payments to those who don't work: For seniors who don't work, as well as disabled veterans and retired railroad workers. It's $300m but $300 mora than they have right now.

70 billion
Break for higher income families:: ALternative Minimum Tax relief

11 billion
Temporary credit for car buyers:Interest and sales tax deductions. Too bad it isn;t retroactive to my 2008 Equinox purchase last Fall.

39 billion
Temporary credit for home buyers:A doubling of the home buyer tax credit and dropping the 'first time' clause. Maybe it is time for me to go shopping for some real estate bargains . . . .

10.3 billion
New college credit:Tax credit for Higher Education expenses

14 billion
Pell Grants:increase in Pell Grant benefits

7.2 billion
Child Care Credit:Adjustment of the income threshold to make more benefits available, encouraging single parents back to work. I know what a money vacuum day care was when I was going it alone. It was one of the hardest financial periods of my life.

4.6 billion
Earned Income Credit:An increase in the earnings qualifications and a marriage penalty adjustment.

That's 312.5 billion in direct tax relief. But we also have lifeline assistance to help those who are struggling most and desperately trying to get back on their feet. Unless you have ever been in dire straits, like I have, a helping hand is all most of us need to keep our dignity, and get back on track.

107 billion
Health insurance help for the jobless: Two programs that assist in subsidizing COBRA payments and providing coverage for those not eligible for COBRA.

43.1 billion
Unemployment benefits: Extending benefits, increasing benefit amount, and waving taxes on the first $2400

16.5 billion
Food stamp payments: 'increase food stamp payments by 12%, so a family of four would see an additional $71 on top of the $588 per month they receive currently.'

2.3 billion
Help for needy families:A fund for temporary assistance to needy families.

So that's 481.4 Billion dollars of direct tax relief or lifeline assistance that is putting money directly int he hands of those how need it, and will spend it. This is the area of the bill I have become quite content with.

Now I am going to spend some time digging around for the spending provisions. Those will face much more scrutiny.

Flash

A Peek at the Package

CNN helps layout some of the adjustments to the Stimulus bill negotiated with the help of some on the Right:

Tax breaks

Make Work Pay Credit: The Senate bill would narrow President Obama's signature tax provision. The full credit ($500 per worker or $1,000 per couple) would be paid to people making $70,000 or less ($140,000 per dual-earner couple). Under the House bill, those making $75,000 or less ($150,000 or less for couples) would qualify.

Break for higher income families: The Senate version includes a one-year provision to protect middle- and upper-middle-income families from having to pay the Alternative Minimum tax. The AMT was intended primarily for high-income taxpayers but has in recent years threatened to engulf those lower down the income scale. The House bill has no such provision.

Credit for car buyers: The Senate voted for an amendment that would let those who buy a car in 2009 deduct the interest they pay on their car loan as well as the sales tax charged in the purchase. The House bill doesn't include this provision.

Home-buyer credit: The Senate bill would double the size of an existing temporary home-buyer credit to $15,000. It would also allow all homebuyers to claim it and remove the requirement under current law that the credit be paid back. The House bill also removes the repayment requirement but leaves the credit maximum at $7,500 and would offer it only to first-time buyers.

Child-care credit: Both the Senate and House would expand the eligibility provisions of the child-care tax credit, so that lower income families could claim more of it. But the Senate expansion is smaller.
Direct spending

Education funding: The compromise Senate bill allocates $39 billion to a fiscal stabilization fund that states would use in great part to help fund public colleges and universities. That is well below the $79 billion allocated by the House.

The Senate version also provides less funding for Head Start and teacher quality programs, as well as education efforts for the disadvantaged. It would also eliminate funding in the House bill for K-12 construction and higher education facilities.

Health wellness and flu prevention: The Senate bill excludes money allocated by the House for a prevention and wellness program as well as for pandemic flu research.

Green government vehicles: The Senate version offers $300 million to purchase fuel-efficient government vehicles. That's half the amount allocated by the House bill.
Direct lifeline benefits

Subsidy for health insurance for those laid off: Both the Senate and House bills include provisions to help jobless workers pay for health insurance if they choose to stay on their ex-employer's plan. The Senate, however, offers less of a subsidy - 50% for 12 months - than the House, which calls for a 65% subsidy over 12 months.

Tax break on unemployment benefits: The Senate bill, unlike the House version, would make the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits tax free. Both the Senate and House bills extend the time that jobless workers can collect benefits.

Hiring

via Parker:
And as we chuckle, a cartoon becomes reality:

Looking for work? Try the unemployment office. No, not for the job listings. The unemployment office is one place that's actually hiring these days.

Minnesota's workforce centers are seeing a booming business — thanks to eye-popping layoff numbers like those released Friday — and they are looking to add workers to help handle the crush.

The state is hiring 15 workers to conduct job search workshops, assess skills, assist with job searches or simply to provide face-to-face help to people trying to navigate the bureaucracy of joblessness. Those people will be added to the 85 currently in place to help job seekers at the state's 47 workforce centers.

Some 160,000 people in Minnesota are collecting unemployment benefits, a record high and double the number a year ago. That means a growing number of people are using the workforce centers to pore over job listings, talk to job counselors and use the resources as a starting place for a career transition.

Mitch's Talking Points Memo

Good friend and neighbor Mitch, who never saw a talking point he didn't want to copy/paste, now wants me to stop using the phrase. Generally that means I hit the mark pretty close.

In an attempt to start an honest debate, and reasonable dialogue, he all but ignored my comment to chastise me about the phrase. In an earlier posts, the Mitchkateers have, again, ignored my substantive information and posted facts by clamoring for proof of these talking points I speak of.

Although we suspect that the intellectually dishonest Right Wing of the local blogosphere (the members of which will be the ones that claim they are not) is probably directly involved in crafting said talking points, we do know where they are, and are confident they are subscribed to all of them. But the most important ones, of course, are actually housed on a government website, paid by taxpayers money.

Seeing is believing. Maybe if they are so dead set on cutting waste and pork, they can carry their website to a private hosting server on the RNC side, rather than the ".GOV" site. But as we know in politics, one person's pork, is another person's bacon!

Flash

Spring Arrived . . .

. . . in the Midway at approximately 3:44 PM. I'll be in the garage the rest of the weekend if you need me.

Flash

Pins and Needles

From Sgt. Tom:

I am so close to being back in the states!!!! ARG!!! this is driving me nuts!

Sometime next week if all goes well. When the service star on the right disappears, you'll know he is back in the good ole US of A.

Proud Marine Dad!

To Seat, or Not to Seat

Efforts to seat Senator-elect Al Franken provisionally are not being brought on two fronts. Today the Supreme court will have a hearing on a motion to issue a provisional Certificate of Election.

As both sides hurled taunts and accusations Wednesday, lawyers for DFLer Al Franken and Republican Norm Coleman braced for a showdown today in the state's highest court on whether Franken should be seated in the Senate while their courtroom election fight continues.

Franken attorney Marc Elias called the recount trial -- Coleman's legal challenge of Franken's 225-vote lead in the certified recount results -- "a shrinking case" and said the law demands that the Democrat be seated in the meantime to give Minnesota the two senators it deserves.

At 9 this morning, the Minnesota Supreme Court will hear Franken's motion to be granted a provisional certificate of election.

It is my understanding that their argument relies heavily on a similar Federal election case here in Minnesota involving a congressional district. In Odegard v Olson:

This has been interpreted to me to mean that the certificate itself has no bearing, as in the House (or Senate) decides who their members are. Not issuing a certificate places the canvassing winner at a disadvantage, whereas Issuing the Certificate means nothing as it has no legal bearing.

The Supremes will have to overturn their prior decisions, and that generally take a higher burden to pull off.

But the legislature is not sitting idly by, members of both houses are introducing legislation requiring the issuance of a provisional certificate to the administrative recount winner. Eric Black lays it out:

The bill says that, in a case that proceeds from the administrative recount to the election contest phase (in other words, the current case), the governor and secretary of state must issue a temporary certificate of election (the lack of such a certificate is the main argument Republicans are using to block Franken from being seated) to the candidate who is ahead at the end of the state Canvassing Board recount (in other words, to Franken) that would enable him to be seated in the Senate while the election contest proceeds in court.

I doubt the governor would sign this, and the DFL is about 3 seats shy of the veto proof majority. But maybe calmer heads will prevail, and a compromise will be reached to at least approve this legislation for future contests. Its simply not right for us to go unrepresented, while the contestant is allowed to drag his case on ad infinitum. Maybe if, at least ion the future, they don;t have the ability to prevent the seating of the recount winner by pursuing a frivolous contest, they'll reconsider the time money and effort involved in that process.

Flash

Happy Day, Zam!

Mitch's youngest is having a birthday. My youngest asked to dip into his fiscal reserves. I hope they don't have something brewing, pun intended.

It got me to thinking, that puts Zam at 730 days till enlistment, meaning my Junior in High school is at 420 (Air Force bound) and the youngest at 833 (Navy). Now don't get me wrong, I am not trying to wish my life away, but there are those days I do look forward to having my house back *laughing*

Flash

Tapping Weather

The heck with the groundhog, stay tuned for the real first sign of Spring . . the official tapping of the first Garage Keg.God knows I have had a Winter worthy of an early Spring. Also, with Sgt. Tom expecting to get his travel papers soon and a scheduled return to the states next week, I'll need to be ready for the celebration.

I was soooooo tempted to pick up a keg last Saturday, but knew the cold snap was coming. However, with the front moving in later in the week, and an optimistic extended forecast, this just may set up the earliest Spring in my history living in the Midway.

Here's a view from last Fall, with Kurly ready to go.

Flash

UPDATE: A Keg of Natty Ice has just been ordered for Friday Pick-Up.

Another Howler

Without comment:

Why is it?

Why is it when the GOP was in control of both the White House and Congress, they flew the fickle finger of fate in the faces of the Minority. They even expressed "I have political capital. I intend to spend it"!!. Call it the 'our way or the high way' method of governing.

So now that the Democratic Party is in control we hear this:

Sen. John McCain said Monday that President Obama and Democrats will have to "seriously negotiate" with Republicans if they want to pass a stimulus plan with bipartisan support.
Sen. John McCain says he'd vote "no" on the stimulus bill as it stands.

"I think we are clearly prepared to sit down, discuss, negotiate a true stimulus package that will create jobs," McCain said on CNN's "American Morning."

Don't get me wrong, I agree with the Senator. But where was all the talk of Bi Partisan negotiation when they were the ones holding the power. That's a rhetorical question. We know why they don't want to play nice when they hold the keys to the toy box.

Flash

Bailout Blues Part Deux

I haven't had a chance to dissect the preposterous pork program passed by the House, yesterday. Hopefully I'll have time over Lunch. To be clear, I was against the Bush Bailout, and I am against this one. If you use duct tape and bailing wire to try and get something working again, it may seem like it works over the short term, but becomes even worse down the road. This is the time we need to suck it up and let the market take care of it. That is what will produce the long term sustainability we need. These band aids cost money, too much money, and don't give us what we need in the long term to get out of this mess.

Understand, I am not against provding some assistance in some areas, but this bill seems to have been crafted way to fast, to appease way too many, with out the necessary debate to do what is truly needed. Hopefully in the Senate, calmer heads will prevail.

CNN has a nice little breakdown, that is where I'll be going after morning testing, and a cup of coffee.

Digital Delay

The big transition is coming up February 17th . . . or maybe not:

(CNET) -- Overcoming partisan divisions, the Senate on Monday night unanimously voted to delay the digital television transition until June 12.

Senate Republicans earlier this month blocked a bill to delay the national switch from analog television broadcasting to digital broadcasting, which was originally scheduled for February 17.

The so-called DTV Delay Act, though, was brought back to the Senate floor after Democrats and Republicans in the Senate reached a compromise.

I talked about the transition almost a year ago. I have two boxes, one for the bedroom and one for the garage and I can't begin to tell you how amazing the signal is on these older analog TVs.

I do not support this delay. Much money and time has been spent and if you aren't ready now you won't be ready by June. Some people need a kick in the butt, not a legislative reprieve. The people who need to make the switch will drag their feet until they wake up to a blizzard on their TV. No piece of legislation is going to change that.

Flash

Previously on '24'

via Cagle:
boop . . . beep . . . boop . . . beep

The Trial Begins

The Election Contest trial begins about 1:ish, today. theUptake is you best one stop shop for great analysis, live streaming video, and active Live Blog.

I wish we had two Senators, but am glad this process is going forward. The Coleman Camp is on record so many times saying they will abide by the outcome of this process. Now, i know, former Senator Coleman stated he would concede if he were in the same situation on Election night, but the statements we have heard over the last few weeks are much more definitive.

The Contest panale will determine if the canvassing board did everything according to law. I suspect the only adjustment that may be made, that could possibly change the outcome is related to absentee ballots. I believe the only real error that took place, was the allowing of veto power to the campaigns during the review of absentee ballots. I believe those vetoed ballots should all be counted. In fact, I would be open to the panel reviewing for a final time all rejected absentees and applying the statutes accordingly.

The wild card this week is the outstanding motion before the Supreme Court regarding Senator Elect Al Franken's claim to an Election Certificate. If the MN Supremes uphold Odegard v Olson, Franken could very well have that coveted piece of paper that even Coleman claims is required to be seated. To prevent the issuance, the court would have to overturn the prior ruling, a much more difficult determination.

Fireworks being today, and will last for weeks to come.

Flash

Happy Anniversary!

Frequent commenter GiGi and Hubba (in case you haven't figured it out, yet, my mom and dad) are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary, today.

Please take a moment to stop over at Green Tea for a before and after picture, and an opportunity to wish them the best on this GREAT day.

Currently they are in Las Vegas, so I won't be in too much trouble till they get back *laughing*

Flash

Historical Do Over

The 20th amendment states:

Section 1. The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.

When I was watching Yo-Yo Ma perform, as the clock struck noon, I wondered what that meant. Originally, the oath was to be administered at 11:56, so CBS was saying that since Obama hadn't received the oath yet, Vice President Biden was technically President. The XXth Amendment is pretty clear that, regardless of the timing, at Noon, Sen Obama became President Obama. You'll never hear anyone else mention it, but in reality, Chief Justice Roberts flubbed twice that day. Since it was ale=ready after noon, he should have looked up and stated "President Obama, are you ready"!Article 2, Section 1, Clause 8:

Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

So it's in quotes, so must be said word for word, right. Yet, it appears that Chief Justice Taft flubbed the oath administered to Hoover. In an unusual offering, Taft recited the entire offering, only requiring Hoover to say "I do". But in Taft's version, he said ""preserve, maintain and protect." instead of "preserve, protect, and defend".

In 1929 Chief Justice William Howard Taft administered the oath of office to Herbert Hoover. Taft had been a President. He’s the only President then to serve as Chief Justice to administer the oath of office to a President. But when Taft read the oath of office he made a mistake. In stead of asking Hoover to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution he said, “preserve, maintain and defend.” Well, it seemed to have just passed by, but this was broadcast on the radio. A 13 year old student heard this and she said that’s wrong. She had memorized the oath. She wrote Taft a letter. She said you goofed. He wrote her back and said you're quite right. In fact she said, you said “preserve, maintain and defend.” He said you’re right, I didn’t get it right, but I didn’t say it that way. I said, “preserve, maintain and protect.”

Well she was sure she was right, and sure enough, the news media checked their recordings and she was right and Taft was wrong twice.

Later, when concern was raised, Hoover figured no big deal and never retook it. Of course, Hoover didn't turn out to be the greatest administrator of the country, so maybe President Obama was concerned about Karma.

So here is my take. President Barack Obama assumed office, without an oath, automatically, at Noon Eastern Time on January 20th. However, he could not begin the EXECUTION of the office, until the oath was administered. There is precedent that the oath itself doesn't have to be perfectly recited so President Obama decided "out of an abundance of caution," to have a do over.

Clear as mud, right *laughing*

Flash

Welcoming Committee

Brookins:

The Den, After

There is a new dawn in America!

"Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust our selves off, and begin again the work of remaking America"

President Barack Hussein Obama II
Inaugural Address
January 20, 2009

The Den, Before

As mentioned previously, I have a Presidential frame in my den. It currently holds the sitting President. But in about an hour and a half, while the country is in transition, so will my den.

Peaceful Transition

Today is when we show the world how a civil society creates change.



Flash

32 Years Ago

This is a virtual copy past from this post four years ago. It has been edited for timeliness:

--

Today is inauguration day. Over 46% of the country will not be doing back flips or backslapping today. Their guy lost. The inaugural event may be likened to the Super Bowl. If your team is in the big game, you are tuned in closely to enjoy the event and relish in the spoils of the victor. If you are on the outside looking in, you may have a keen interest in the festivities, but probably won't be glued to the TV, hanging on every word throughout the day. This year howevrer, may break that mold, for reason that have been repeated for months.

I have a somewhat different perspective. I've been there. I have been in DC during an inaugural week and was engulfed in the moment of leadership transition. My experience was similar to what the Fergus Falls Marching Band is experiencing, and I am sure they are having a blast.

Soon after Jimmy Carter's victory in 1976, an all out lobbying effort ensured by various musical organization seeking to be selected by the governor to represent the State in the inaugural parade. As a member of the Anoka High School marching band, we felt our chances were pretty good. Three time Minnesota State Fair champs, 3 time Tri State champions, and coming off our Victory over Buffalo Grove IL for the Manisphere title in Winnipeg Canada during the Summer of 1976. These laurels did not go unnoticed, and we were the pick.

The trip was fantastic, aside from the 24+ hour bus ride. Our schedule was tight and structured, but still included many of the important venues that DC has to offer. Here is a picture of a 16 year old Flash, presenting the city to the viewer.

The morning of the parade was an early one. Security was pretty tight even back then. All the busses carrying the various musical groups had a specific route to take, and were required to be in their parade order. What a logistical nightmare for the organizer, but as a participant, I was none the wiser. We were going to be playing for the President, and there wasn't much that was going to hinder us from completing that mission. Here is a shot of those busses lined up:

The parade went off without a hitch. It was chilly. We had a 'special' valve oil mixture, including a few drops of antifreeze to prevent our horns from locking up. The parade moved at a quick clip, almost to the point we were running. We didn't have any time to play during the parade route itself, but of course, performed the Minnesota Rouser, along with Johnny Comes Marching Home for the dignitaries in the box. I tried straining my eyes to see the new President and Vice President, but the rules were the same then as they are now. No stopping, no looking, no nothing directed at the President's box.

We left the next day, with our heads full of memories, and an honor not many have experienced. I even managed to get a little sleep on the way home:

So I honor and respect President Elect Obama and his supporters today. Enjoy the moment before you roll up the sleeves. Just because I relish in victory doesn't mean I will roll over and play dead. It is the job of the winner, to carry out their platform, and the duty of the opposition, to keep us all in check!

Flash

Thank you, Mr. President!

Dear Mr. President:

Thank you, for committing that last 8 years of your life to the people of the United States of America!

We haven't always seen eye to eye, and there were certainly times I took a pot shot or two here and there. But never did I doubt that the decisions you made, you believed, were in the best interest of our nation.

Thank you for keeping our country safe. Thank you for keeping my family safe. Thank you for giving of yourself, for others.

May God watch over you in your time of respite.

Respectfully

Kurt 'Flash' Schiebel
Nemesis

Miracle on the Hudson

I would be remiss for not acknowledging the heroism and spirit of Americans displayed before the world once again. From the incredible aeronautical skills of the pilot, the speedy response of the ferry boat captains, and anonymous pedestrians there at the right time, and the right place.

On 9/11 these same selfless acts were engulfed in an aura of remorse, but not today. This morning about 155 human beings wake up to experience the gift of life for another day, and for that, we can thank one man, the Captain, but also his gallant crew!

(CNN) -- Passengers on the US Airways flight that crash-landed into the Hudson River Thursday afternoon praised the actions and courage of the pilot, a safety consultant with 40 years of experience in the aviation industry.

Sources tell CNN that Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger was piloting US Airways flight 1549 from New York's LaGuardia airport to Charlotte, North Carolina, when at least one of the plane's engines failed.

Passenger Jeff Kolodjay offered "kudos" to Sullenberger for a landing that minimized damage to the aircraft and its 155 passengers and crew.

"All of a sudden the captain came on and he told us to brace ourselves and probably brace ourselves pretty hard. But he did an amazing job -- kudos to him on that landing," said Kolodjay, who was sitting in seat 22A.

Sullenberger's wife told CNN that she was stunned to hear the news from her husband after it was all over.

"I hadn't been watching the news. I've heard Sully say to people, 'It's rare for an airline pilot to have an incident in their career,' " said Lori Sullenberger of Danville, California.

"When he called me he said, 'There's been an accident.' At first I thought it was something minor, but then he told me the circumstances and my body started shaking and I rushed to get our daughters out of school."

US Airways said all 155 passengers and crew are alive and safely off the plane.

Thank you Captain 'Sully" and your amazing crew.

Flash

Gophers' Squeaker

You thought I was talking about the men . . . well, before the Gentlemen Gophers played, the unranked ladies were in a tilt with the #13 Buckeyes.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ashley Ellis-Milan scored 17 points, including two tiebreaking free throws with 17.3 seconds left, leading Minnesota to a 59-56 win over Ohio State (No. 13 ESPN/USA Today, No. 15 AP) on Thursday for its first win on the Buckeyes' home court.

The Golden Gophers (12-5, 4-2 Big Ten) never trailed after the 9:31 mark of the first half, although the Buckeyes (14-3, 5-1) pulled even twice in the second half.

Minnesota was 0-23 at Ohio State.

The testosterone Gophers win, in OT, 78 - 74. So, unfortunately for the ladies, that will be your lead story.

I all but wrote the men off at just under a minute, and then Westbrook took over.

MADISON, Wis. -- Lawrence Westbrook hit a 3-pointer to tie the game with two seconds left in regulation, then scored nine points in overtime as Minnesota (No. 17 ESPN/USA Today, No. 18 AP) rallied for a 78-74 victory over Wisconsin on Thursday night.

Westbrook scored 29 points to lead the Gophers (16-1, 4-1 Big Ten), who rallied from a nine-point deficit with 3:24 remaining to steal a rare road victory at the Kohl Center. Minnesota hadn't won at Wisconsin since Feb. 12, 1994

What a club!

This game ranks up there with the day Bobby Knight's Indiana was up by 7 with 22 seconds left. Gophers tied that game as well, and got the W in over time.

I bleed Maroon as much as I bleed Purple. If you aren't paying attention to Tubby and the boys, you are missing some high octant roundball!

Flash

KHAAAAANNNN!

Ricardo Montalban is gone:

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Actor Ricardo Montalban, star of the hit TV series "Fantasy Island," died Wednesday in Los Angeles, a family spokesman said.

Ricardo Montalban attends the opening of a theater named for him in 2004 in Hollywood, California.

Montalban, 88, was in deteriorating health over the past several days but "died peacefully" at 6:30 a.m. at his home, son-in-law Gilbert Smith said.

He understood "it was his time," Smith said. The cause of death was not given

Balmy

Without comment:

On the Seventh Day

When the 7 day waiting period for issuance of a Certificate of Election was adhered to, Senator Elect Al Franken's attorneys sent letters to the Governor and Secretary of state requesting the Certificate. To be clear, I thought this move was poor form on the part of Franken's attorney's. However, they wouldn't be doing their job if they didn't show due diligence in doing everything in their power to serve their client.

After digging around, it seems there is case law to support the move. Case law that has superseded State election statutes in the past. Federal law and court precedent (Odegard v Olson 1963) support a position that an election certificate should be issued despite MN Statutes

In Odegard v Olson, , the MN Supreme Court ruled:

After carefully examining these statutory provisions, we must come to the conclusion that § 204.32, subd. 2, has no application to a contest in the United States Senate or House of Representatives. Our courts are divested of jurisdiction by U.S. Const. art. I, § 5, which provides: "Each house shall be the judge of the election returns and qualifications of its own members, * * *." The determinative fact in the mechanics of this particular election is the act of the state canvassing board in declaring the election of the respondent pursuant to [*443] authority of that board under Minn. St. 204.31, subds. 3 and 4. The certificate of election as provided by § 204.32 has no greater significance than a publication by the secretary of state of
the official action taken by the canvassing board. The effect of any order of this court enjoining the secretary of state from performing the ministerial function of furnishing respondent a certificate of election would be gratuitous and of no force as bearing upon the merits of the election contest pending in the House of Representatives. It would, as expressed in State ex rel. 25 Voters v. Selvig, 170 Minn. 406, 408, 212 N.W. 604, be "officious and nugatory."

The contest is pending in a forum, the jurisdiction of which this court is bound to respect. The House of Representatives may seat members elected without a certificate, just as it might refuse to seat members who have a certificate, if it chooses to do so. Since the House of Representatives is the final and exclusive judge of the legality of election or qualification of its members, this court should not gratuitously issue a prerogative writ which might be considered a tactical advantage for one or the other candidate.

This has been interpreted to me to mean that the certificate itself has no bearing, as int he House (or Senate) decided who their members are. Not issuing a certificate places the canvassing winner at a disadvantage, whereas Issuing the Certificate means nothing as it has no legal bearing.

So, under MN case law, Franken's attorneys do have recourse, but wouldn't have been able to take the next step without getting a denial first. They received their denial, and now have filed in MN Supreme Court I presume in hopes that Odegard v Olson will be upheld:

In Franken's petition to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, he asks justices to order Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Secretary of State Mark Ritchie to issue him an election certificate. Pawlenty and Ritchie on Monday refused to do so, saying state law did not permit it. Franken lawyer Marc Elias cited another part of state law Tuesday in arguing that Franken should be certified and seated pending the outcome of Coleman's contest in court.

"The impetus for this is the need for Minnesota to have full representation in Washington, D.C.," Elias said.

Frenken's attorneys continue to school the Coleman Camp, it is surprising that Coleman has not gone to the bull pen for this extra inning final game of the championship.

If O v O is upheld, they would most certainly win in the court of law, but take a huge risk in the court of public opinion.

Flash
*I've cribbed this post together from various legal analysis of this situation. It is possible some edits are not properly block quoted. Google is your friend if you want to research on your own.

Catch Me if You Can . . . ooops!

via Cagle:

Bert Misses Hall, Finishes 4th

Congratulations to Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice for their election to Baseball's Hall of Fame!

The ONLY retired pitcher in the 3000 strikeout club to not be in the hall, Bert strikes out again.

Rickey Henderson 511 (94.8 percent); Jim Rice 412 (76.4 percent); Andre Dawson 361 (67.0 percent); Bert Blyleven 338 (62.7 percent); Lee Smith 240 (44.5 percent); Jack Morris 237 (44.0 percent); Tommy John 171 (31.7 percent); Tim Raines 122 (22.6 percent); Mark McGwire 118 (21.9 percent); Alan Trammell 94 (17.4 percent); Dave Parker 81 (15.0 percent); Don Mattingly 64 (11.9 percent); Dale Murphy 62 (11.5 percent); Harold Baines 32 (5.9 percent); Mark Grace 22 (4.1 percent); David Cone 21 (3.9 percent); Matt Williams 7 (1.3 percent); Mo Vaughn 6 (1.1 percent); Jay Bell 2 (0.4 percent); Jesse Orosco 1 (0.2 percent); Ron Gant 0; Dan Plesac 0; Greg Vaughn 0

From his Wiki Bio:

Blyleven is often considered to be the best eligible pitcher not yet in the Baseball Hall of Fame; his first year of eligibility was 1998 and if not elected by the 2012 ballot, he will lose eligibility for election through the writers' vote. If that happens, he can still enter the Hall of Fame through the Veterans Committee. He currently ranks 5th all-time in Strikeouts, 9th all-time in Shutouts, and 27th all-time in Wins. He is the only retired member of the 3000 strikeout club not in the Hall of Fame. Though he received only 17.55% of the vote for Hall of Fame admission in 1998 (first year of eligibility), by 2006 this total had increased to 53.33%. In 2007, Blyleven's total dipped to 47.7% (75% is the minimum required for admission to the Hall). In 2008, he received 336 votes, or 61.9% of the vote.

So after a startling dip in votes in 2007, he made up for it in 2008, and continues the climb this time around.

I'd like to think it is inevitable, but one never knows.

Next year, voters, Circle Bert!

Flash

Together For Israel

There hasn't been a moment that I can recall, when Senator-Elect Franken, and former Senator Coleman, have agreed on much of anything, let alone policy. Yesterday, they stood in solidarity, in support of Israel:

The show of unity for Israel stood in sharp contrast to recent dealings between Coleman, the Republican incumbent now in political limbo, and Franken, his Democratic foe and declared winner (for now, by 225 votes). The two have been engaged in a bitter recount battle for Coleman's former Senate seat that has dragged on for almost two months, and now Coleman is contesting the results in court.

Coleman and Franken sat apart, on opposite sides of a center aisle. But at the close of his speech, Coleman leapt off the 2-foot dais and enthusiastically pumped Franken's hand; and after Franken's remarks, the DFLer shook hands with a number of people seated in the front row, including Coleman.

The world could learn from the US as we build towards the inauguration, and the peaceful transition our republic has displayed for over 200 years. Yesterday, at the Sabes Jewish Community Center in St. Louis Park, our two Senatorial candidates displayed that same respect and professionalism you would expect of Senators.

My hat (or Yarmulke) is off to both of them for putting their differences behind them, and displaying, for all to see, what they agree on.

Flash

Bean Soup, MMmmm

I made my special, yet simple, bean soup yesterday.

Before:

* 2 pounds dry great Northern beans
* 16 cups water
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 ham shoulder or shank bone
* 1 lbs package carrots, chopped
* 1 stalk celery, chopped
* 2 to 3 medium/large onions, chopped
* 2-4 cloves garlic minced
* 1 teaspoon mustard powder (or Tablespoon Brown Mustard)
* 2 to 3 bay leaves
* 2-4 cups chopped ham
* 1 teaspoon ground white pepper

In a large pot over high heat, bring the water to a boil. Add the salt and the beans and remove from heat. Let beans sit in the hot water for at least 60 minutes.

After soaking, return the pot to high heat and place the ham bone, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, mustard and bay leaves in the pot. Stir well, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 60 more minutes.

Remove ham bone and clean meat off, returning ham to pot. Discard bone.

Stir in the chopped ham and simmer for 30 more minutes.

Remove Bay Leaves

Season with ground white pepper to taste.

It sure turned out yummy!!
Enjoy

Flash

Vetoed Voters Get Letter

Secretary of State Mark Ritchie decided to send letters to the almost 400 absentee voters, whom the local election official deemed were improperly rejected, but were vetoed by one of the campaigns.

The 400 voters also could file separate lawsuits to insist their votes should have been counted in the race.

Local elections officials believe they were correct in not counting the vast majority of the 12,000 ballots that weren't included in the Election Day tally or the recount. But after Election Day and before the end of the recount, the officials realized poll workers mistakenly rejected about 1,350 absentee ballots.

Through a process ordered by the state Supreme Court, the Coleman and Franken campaigns and local elections officials received veto power over which of those would be included in the recount.

In local meetings statewide last week, the campaigns used that power to exclude 381 ballots. The ballots were not opened, so the candidates could not see whom the voters picked in any of the races.

The providing of veto power to the campaigns was the biggest error made in the recount process, in my opinion. In fact, I believe if the Contest Board rules on anything, they will rule that ALL improperly rejected absentees, as determined by local canvassing board, be counted. They may even go through all 12,000 themselves and re-evaluate. Either option is acceptable to me. All valid and legal ballots need to be counted.

Those receiving the letters have some recourse, but are under the same 7 day deadline Coleman's campaign was, in order to file and election contest:

The voters do have some recourse.

The letters, sent Wednesday, tell them there are "at least two possible options for voters who believe that their right to vote has been wrongly denied."

The voters could file a claim that there was an error or omission in the election or could file an election contest, claiming there was some irregularity in the election or questioning who received the highest number of legally cast votes.

"Only the results in the United States Senate race are still open to contest," said the letter signed by the secretary of state's legal adviser, Bert Black.

But if the voters want to file such a contest on the Senate race, they'd better step to it. According to Black's letter, Monday is the deadline to file an election contest.

Although it would be nice to have a seated Senator in Washington representing us, I am thankful for Coleman's decision to contest. It will put and exclamation point, instead of a question mark, and the end of the long run on sentence that is or US Senate race.

Flash

My Guitar Hero

Part of a message from Sgt. Tom I received today:

You may be a little proud of me, I learned to play the guitar out here, I'm not good yet but I have all of the basics down. I'm working on "Tom Sawyer", "Limelight", "Farewell to Kings" Well see if they are recognizable by the time I get home lol. Probably not though. Rush is pretty complicated for only being a 3 piece band.

I am so proud of him for so many other reason, but nice to see a chip off the old block showing.

Flash

Maplewood 06

Of the few nits that Senator Coleman is going to pick in his election contest, the ONLY one that has caught my eye is the charge of duplicate counting, specifically with regard to more votes than voters. Only ONE precinct in the entire state, has more votes cast, than voters signed in on the rolls.

I had to dig around, at first, to find info on the only precinct whose numbers seemed very screwy. I found this article from early December that talks about the tumult in that precinct. A machine malfunction that snow balled due to human error.

The Machine malfunction causes 171 ballots to not get counted that night because there were never rerun through the machine after a counter was fixed.

County election officials said Tuesday the problem started on Election Day morning at the Hazelwood Fire Station in Precinct 6 in the heart of Maplewood. When a ballot counter kept jamming, officials called for a runner to swap out the broken counter with one that worked.

By then, 171 people had voted and their ballots had been fed into the ballot box. Ninety-one of those votes were cast for Franken, 54 for Coleman and 26 for other candidates.

When the new counter replaced the one that malfunctioned, officials said an election judge should have re-fed the 171 ballots back in so they would be counted on the official tape. Instead, they sat in the ballot box and then in secured transfer cases until they were discovered by recount officials Tuesday at the Ramsey County recount site on Plato Blvd.

The error was blamed on an election judge's failure to follow proper procedures, according to Karen Guilfoile, Maplewood's director of city services. She stressed that all the votes were properly cast and securely protected the last month.

And the more votes than people signed in controversy, it was simply human error not recording Absentee registrations.

A second election judge error in the same precinct had Coleman observers wondering why there were 31 more ballots than voters who had signed in on Election Day. Guilfoile said the mistake involved absentee voters who properly sent in their registration cards, but whose names judges failed to record on the voting rolls on Election Day.

The burden of proof is on the Senator to PROVE his case. Reasoanble explanations will properly explain the realities of election night workers and will eventually support the numbers as certifed this week

This was the only issue I thought Coleman had any real hope in showing serious electoral problems. Now that I know what happened, Norm is even more toast than I thought.

I welcome this contest, it will close the book and write the final chapter without prejudice.

Bring It On!

Flash

Love Seat

Sack had a GREAT idea a few weeks ago:

Considering the campaign we were all subject to, I think they both should sit in the seat till the contest is over. Maybe they'll find out that neither of them is all that bad after all.

Flash

Coleman to Speak at 3:00

STRIB:

Republican Norm Coleman, who received 225 fewer votes than DFLer Al Franken in the U.S. Senate recount, will speak to the media at 3 p.m. today in St. Paul.

It will be Coleman's first public appearance in Minnesota since the recount results were certified Monday by the state Canvassing Board.

Coleman's campaign didn't say what he will talk about, but it's expected that he will announce whether he will file a lawsuit challenging the results of the recount.

PLEASE fight one, Senator, with all your might. Show the citizens of Minnesota who you really are!!

In other news, high ranking Republicans start lining up to wave the white flag:

Former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson says Republican Norm Coleman should concede to Democrat Al Franken in the U.S. Senate race.

Carlson says Coleman shouldn't sue over the results of the recount.

. . .

Carlson predicts that Coleman would probably lose a legal challenge to the recount. He says delaying a finish to the race would damage Coleman's image with the public and says, "There's no disgrace in losing."

Don't listen to him, Senator, you need to FIGHT . . FIGHT ON!!!!

Flash
*trying to get the tongue out of my cheek*laughing*

Franken's Lead Certified

CNN:

he Minnesota State Canvassing Board on Monday certified the results of the recount of Republican Sen. Norm Coleman's fight to retain his seat against Democrat Al Franken.

The results showed Franken with a 225-vote lead.

In other news, former Senator Norm Coleman closed his Senate offices.

Norm Coleman has closed his U.S. Senate offices.

Coleman's U.S. Senate term expired Saturday and is expected to be declared the loser this afternoon in his re-election bid against Democrat Al Franken.

The closure, announced by Coleman himself early this afternoon, affects four offices in Minnesota and one in Washington, D.C., all of which are paid for by Senate funds.

Could an official concession be far behind. Remember, he was the one that said the healing should begin!

Flash

Message from Bill; RE:Commerce

From the AP:

For nearly three decades, I have been honored to serve my state and our nation in Congress, at the U.N., as Secretary of Energy and as governor. So when the President-elect asked me to serve as Secretary of Commerce, I felt a duty to answer the call.

I felt that duty particularly because America is facing such extraordinary economic challenges. The Department of Commerce must play an important role in solving them by helping to grow the new jobs and businesses America so badly needs.

It is also because of that sense of urgency about the work of the Commerce Department that I have asked the President-elect not to move forward with my nomination at this time.

I do so with great sorrow. But a pending investigation of a company that has done business with New Mexico state government promises to extend for several weeks or, perhaps, even months.

Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact. But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process.

Given the gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing, I could not in good conscience ask the President-elect and his Administration to delay for one day the important work that needs to be done.

So, for now, I will remain in the job I love, Governor of New Mexico, and will continue to work every day, with Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, to make a positive difference in the lives of New Mexicans. I believe she will be a terrific governor in the future.

I appreciate the confidence President-elect Obama has shown in me, and value our friendship and working partnership. I told him that I am eager to serve in the future in any way he deems useful. And like all Americans, I pray for his success and the success of our beloved country.

I've included President-elect Obama's statement in response to my own:

Statement of the President-elect:

It's with deep regret that I accept Governor Bill Richardson's decision to withdraw his name for nomination as the next Secretary of Commerce.

He is an outstanding public servant and would have brought to the job of Commerce Secretary and our economic team great insights accumulated through an extraordinary career in federal and state office.

It is a measure of his willingness to put the nation first that he has removed himself as a candidate for the Cabinet in order to avoid any delay in filling this important economic post at this critical time.

Although we must move quickly to fill the void left by Governor Richardson's decision, I look forward to his future service to our country and in my administration.

Thank you for your past and continued support.

I look forward to putting this matter to rest and in the meantime I am preparing for the upcoming New Mexico legislative session.

All my best wishes,

Bill Richardson
Governor of New Mexico

Gov Bill is an honorable man who will not allow anything to stand in the way of President-elect Obama's mission to hit the ground running. There is much work to be done and not a moment to waste. This selfless act shows the class and character of the Governor, and exemplifies all the reasons I supported him in his run for President.

Flash

Setting the Bar

I find it simply hilarious that the Right is setting the bar for a potential Franken Senatorial term so low that all he has to do is survive with a heart beat to be successful. Reality is, should a Senator Franken come to fruition, many of us, including myself, will be in for a big surprise.

As for President Obama, the past administration already set that bar, and even I could out perform that reality!

Flash

She Said 'Former'

With the expiration of his Senate term yesterday at noon, and the doom and gloom prospect following the relative completion of the recount, PiPress reporter Stassen-Berger states (emphasis mine):

More than 930 mistakenly rejected absentee ballots have now been counted in the Minnesota U.S Senate recount and they've added 176 votes to Democrat Al Franken's total, giving him a lead of 225 votes.

Franken had held a 49-vote lead over former Republican Sen. Norm Coleman before the absentee ballots, which election officials mistakenly rejected on Election Day, were tallied. The ballots were counted by state officials today.

Tomorrow it may become official, but the process isn't over yet. The candidate who carries the certificate of election to Washington DC will be my Senator, and there are a few barriers in the way for either of them to have that luxury just yet.

Flash

The Final Countdown

Thanks to AMAZING coverage at theUptake, we are watching them serialize the ballots and envelops for potential later challenges. They are doing it in a way that will, to the best of their ability, protect the anonymity of the voters, but still allow for a three stepp track back if necessary.

Counting, which was suppose to being this AM, is somewhat delayed due to the process.

In other news, Nor Coleman is officially unemployed. His term expired at Noon Easter time, which was just a few minutes ago. I don't know if that makes Sen Amy our Senior Senators, but, for now, it does make her our ONLY Senator.

Between Gopher round ball, MN Brass Open House, the Black Out watch, and the recount, I will be one distracted cookie.

Flash

UPDATE: FRANKEN WINS RECOUNT -- With less than 200 votes left to count, Franken has an over 200 vote lead. Now, I didn't say Franken wins the election, that is not for me to decide. But after all votes have been counted, Franken has the lead.

PS: Corps rehearsal was AMAZING!!