> For SD-45 Delegate and Alternate results, click here. Those elected will go on to attend the 3rd or 5th CD Conventions and the MNGOP State Convention.
Congratulations and a heartfelt thanks to our devoted member, Adeline Lundquist of Crystal - honored with a lifetime achievement award for her years of service! Adeline joined SD-45 as a Goldwater Republican and remains active, organizing the MN Senior Republican meet-ups every month in Richfleld. Look for her at the 5th CD and State Convention as a Delegate this year!
A candidate endorsing convention will be held at an upcoming date - to be announced. All delegates and alternates elected at Caucus Feb. 2 will be receiving a call to convention to endorse our local candidates. See 2010 Elections for a list of candidates seeking endorsement.
Important dates:
Tue., March 9: Hennepin County Convention - South View Middle School, Edina > More
Thu., March 18: MNGOP Governor Candidate Debate - Armstrong HS, Plymouth > More
Sat., April 10: CD-5 Convention - DeLaSalle High School, Minneapolis > More
Sat., April 17 CD-3 Convention - South View Middle School, Edina > More
April 29-May 1: State Convention - Minneapolis Convention Center > More
Tue., November 2: Election Day
Two Governor candidates' messages to SD-45
From Tom Emmer (March 5):
From Marty Seifert (dated March 2):
Dear Friends,
Wow, what a weekend! Our campaign had a strong presence at each of the over forty BPOU conventions on Saturday, and I managed to speak at about ten conventions. With over 2/3 of the state convention delegates already elected, our campaign remains in the lead in delegate count and is in a very strong position to win the Republican endorsement.
After seeing so many of you over the weekend, it is clear that Republicans are energized and ready to keep the fight to the DFL this year. Earlier today, I was proud to vote to uphold Governor Pawlenty's veto on the GAMC bill. While the campaign is keeping me quite busy, please know that I will not miss any key votes to campaign. The people of my district deserve a full time representative.
Last week, I was honored to receive the endorsement of Senator David Hann. During the gubernatorial campaign, David distinguished himself as an intelligent, thoughtful conservative leader. I greatly appreciate David's support.
Our grassroots team continues to grow and this week we'll announce some new additions to our campaign field staff. Our campaign will have the resources necessary to win the endorsement for governor and be prepared to take on the Democrats immediately after the state convention on May 1.
Please contact our campaign staff if you would like to become more involved with the campaign - with over 30 BPOU conventions in the next week, we'd appreciate your help. Please call our campaign office at 651-523-0950 or email at
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. Any time you can contribute is much appreciated!
Thanks for all your work on behalf of the Republican Party - I hope to see you along the campaign trail soon.
Sincerely,
MNGOP Governor Candidate Debate March 18
SD-45 Republicans will host the first ONE on ONE debate between Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert. Meet the candidates informally during the first hour Meet and Greet, then get to know their positions during the Q&A session. Other candidates may be there to visit and meet with guests.
This moderated debate will give audience members a chance to ask their questions. Submit your question here.
Thursday, March 18 Armstrong High School (map), Plymouth; 6:00 Mixer, 7:00 Debate
A Straw Poll will be held for Governor and state offices!
Light refreshments served Fee: $10 at the door (SD45 recurring donation supporters get in free)
Support SD-45 with a recurring donation and get in free to all 2010 SD-45 events! Click here.
Rep. Kurt Zellers Speaks Out On DFL Bonding Bill
When finally given the opportunity to speak, Representative Zellers calls out House Democrats for silencing debate on the $1 billion borrowing bill February 15.
Caucus Update
Thanks to all who showed up Tuesday for Precinct Caucus! Many new faces and long-time activists showed and are ready to take the next step in getting involved. Two local candidates announced that they're running: Nick Petersen (New Hope) for 45 State Senate, and
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(Crystal) for 45-B House Representative. Both are seeking Republican endorsement. Our SD-45 BPOU Convention is coming up Saturday, March 6 at Robbinsdale Middle School. Newly elected delegates and alternates were given their calls, and the convention is open to the public.
For our new leaders, delegates and alternates:learn more about these positions.
Meet the candidates for Governor at our MNGOP Gubernatorial Debate Thursday, March 18 at Robbinsdale Armstrong HS!
Lyndon Carlson: Highest House Per Diem Earner in 2009
WCCO's Pat Kessler reported how legislators bump their salaries with "per diem" expense payments in the State House - and Lyndon Carlson's explanations:
Minnesota lawmakers don't earn much from their salary, but almost all of them are taking home many thousands of dollars more in their paychecks.
Part-time lawmakers earn about $31,000 a year and haven't had a raise since 1999, but almost all of them boost their incomes through per diem payments.
What may surprise some is the fact that not all lawmakers' per diems are equal.
"Per diem reflects work load," explained Rep. Lyn Carlson (D). "With the state's budgetary problems, this has been a particularly busy period of time for those of us involved in state finances."
Lawmakers can receive per diem payments all year long, including seven days a week when in session, even if they are not physically at the Capitol. No receipts, no questions asked. Travel and lodging are considered extra expenses, covered outside of per diem.
Carlson took more per diem than any other House member, earning nearly $17,000. He said he is proud of his 100 percent attendance record, and he says he headed multiple committees dealing with Minnesota's deficit.
Rep. Carlson is "dealing with Minnesota's deficit" by adding to it with per diem expenses, but his fellow DFL Rep. Steve Simon from St. Louis Park accepts no per diem. We looked up our other two DFL legislators' earnings at the Rochester Post Bulletin's database:
November has been a busy month with great guests and new gatherings. We welcomed Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Emmer at our monthly Coffee Meet and enjoyed a fun social evening at the Fieldhouse Bar and Grill with several new friends.
We've added a second Coffee Meet on the second Saturday of the month! Join us at Mountain Mudd Espresso, 9712 63rd Ave N near Plymouth - Saturday December 12, 9:00-11:00 am - and meet State Auditor Candidate Randy Gilbert.
Our New Hope Coffee Meet on Sat., Dec. 19 will feature a visit by Gubernatorial Candidate David Hann. Stop by anytime between 9:00-11:00 am at Bruegger's Bagels on 36th Ave. and Winnetka.
Calls to Action - Voter ID December 8 A critical part of helping our local candidates is identifying voters in our neighborhoods - and we need your help. We will be calling area residents with a quick 4-question survey on Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Congressional District 5 HQ. The office has free on-street parking and is located in the Warehouse District at 800 North 3rd Ave, Minneapolis (Map). Please join us - and RSVP here to plan adequate phone access and snacks.
2010 Caucus Statewide Caucuses are scheduled for Tuesday February 2, and ours will be held at Cooper High School in New Hope. Caucuses begin the planning for the elections of all State House and State Senate members, the eight Congressional members, and all of Minnesota’s Constitutional Officers, including Governor. We will elect 26 delegates and 52 alternates to represent SD-45 at the 2010 State Convention.
If you want to be a part of the process of selecting our Republican-endorsed candidates, this is where you start! Our Caucus page provides details, important dates, and answers to FAQs. Please contact me anytime with questions.
Happy Holidays and thanks for all you do. Together, we'll make 2010 a very Happy New Year for our district!
Candace Oathout, Chair
November 2009 Update
SD 45 has been busy this last month with our Voter ID Drive. Thanks to our incomparable volunteer Red Bartholomew (at right), SD-45 is on record as having one of the highest totals of updated contacts in the State. He's the winner of dinner for two at the restaurant of his choice! This winter, we'll be focusing our Voter ID efforts by updating our lists through phone contacts and updating our email database. This will be critical to a winning campaign season in 2010.
November is promising to be a busy month with several opportunities to get together:
Tuesday, November 17: We are hosting a Social Gathering from 7:00-9:00 pm at the Fieldhouse Sports Tavern located at 5632 W. Broadway in Crystal to welcome newcomers and folks who are interested in the Republican Party. Please mark your calendar and RSVP through the website to help plan for space.
Saturday, November 21: Representative Tom Emmer, candidate for Governor, will be our guest at our November Coffee Meet at Bruegger’s Bagels located at 36th Ave N & Winnetka in New Hope. We meet from 9:00-11:00 am. Stop by any time and kids are welcome!
Saturday, December 5: The next State Cental meeting of the state Republican Party will be held at the Holiday Inn in St. Cloud. Watch this site for updated information on this event. Delegates and alternates will receive calls by mail, and the public is invited.
I attended the League of Women Voters sponsored informational meeting about the upcoming United States Census that will be conducted in 2010. It was a well-attended and very interesting gathering in a free flowing question-and-answer format. Senator Ann Rest acted as host welcoming attendees and introducing Minnesota State Demographer, Tom Gillaspy.
First, the basic mechanics of the census: the census forms will be uniquely bar coded to identify each residence they are sent to. Residents of that home, apartment or dormitory are asked to fill it out and return it by mail. An important point to stress with citizens who maintain two homes is to fill out the form they receive at their permanent residence, not at their vacation home -- even if they also receive one at their vacation home. The census forms will be mailed in March of 2010 and will not be forwarded to another address. People who winter in other areas should expect to find their form at their permanent home when they return. They are requested to fill it out when they return and mail it at that time. College students should be counted at their residence while in school including but not limited to dormitories. Prison inmates are counted where they are incarcerated and people living in Nursing Homes or other care facilities are counted in those locations. Exceptions to this are boarding or military school students who should be counted as residents at their family homes. There will be a one night activity dedicated to counting all people staying in hotels and motels in the state at that time. There will also be a night dedicated to reaching and counting “homeless” people in shelters, under bridges and wherever they may gather to spend the night.
Our monthly Coffee Meets are fast becoming a popular stopping point for Republicans running for office! We have been visited by gubernatorial candidates Tom Emmer and Paul Kohls, and Sheriff Rich Stanek, who is seeking re-election. Saturday October 17th we will be visited by Jeff Wiita, CPA for State Auditor. Jeff has worked for the State Auditor’s Office for 26 years. He is running because he wants to create a program that ensures timely governmental audits at the lowest price. Plan to stop by Bruegger’s Bagels at 36th Ave N & Winnetka Ave in New Hope on the 17th to meet Jeff and learn more about his background.
November has been a busy month with great guests and new gatherings. We welcomed Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Emmer at our monthly Coffee Meet and enjoyed a fun social evening at the Fieldhouse Bar and Grill with several new friends.
SD 45 has been busy this last month with our Voter ID Drive. Thanks to our incomparable volunteer Red Bartholomew (at right), SD-45 is on record as having one of the highest totals of updated contacts in the State. He's the winner of dinner for two at the restaurant of his choice! This winter, we'll be focusing our Voter ID efforts by updating our lists through phone contacts and updating our email database. This will be critical to a winning campaign season in 2010. 
