On Tuesday, February 7, 2012 Minnesotans will gather together in their local schools and government centers to exercise one of our most important rights: to organize and express ourselves politically through the precinct caucus system. Whether you have never attended a caucus or are a long-time advocate, we encourage you to attend. Caucuses mark the beginning of the campaign season - including a Presidential Straw Poll! Registration begins at 6:30, and caucus convenes at 7:00pm.
2012 - Important Dates
Tue., Feb. 7: SD-45 Precinct Caucuses 7:00 pm (Registration: 6:30) - Cooper High School > Map
MNGOP State Central Delegates Elect Pat Shortridge to Serve as New State Party Chair
St. Cloud – The Republican Party of Minnesota issued the following statement congratulating newly elected State Party Chairman, Pat Shortridge. Shortridge was elected at today’s State Central Committee meeting for the Republican Party of Minnesota with 224 votes.
“I am thankful to the delegates of the Republican Party of Minnesota State Central Committee for electing me to serve as Chairman of the State Party. I look forward to working with Deputy Chair Kelly Fenton, the staff, and activists to reorganize and reenergize our Party for the upcoming 2012 elections. Kelly has taken key steps during this past month to get our party back on track and we will continue to take crucial steps on the path to moving forward. We are truly a grassroots Party and together we can maintain our majorities in the Minnesota State House and Senate, unseat Amy Klobuchar, maintain our four Republican seats in Congress and send another Republican Congressman to Washington,” said newly elected Chairman Shortridge.
Shortridge will serve the remainder of former Chairman Tony Sutton’s term, which expires in April 2013.
“We are so thankful to the many people who have considered running for State Party Chair and who desire to work for our Party and move us forward. I want to congratulate Pat Shortridge on his election to serve as MNGOP Chair and I look forward to working with him as we rebuild our Party from the ground up. Pat’s experience will be critical in getting us back on track, paying down the debt and winning elections in 2012,” said MNGOP Deputy Chair Kelly Fenton.
Sen. Ann Rest on Almanac discusses the State Budget & Vikings Stadium
On TPT Almanac Dec. 2, Sen. Julianne Ortmann (R-34) and Sen. Ann Rest (D-45) discussed the recent surplus in the MN State Budget. Note the interesting exchange at the 4:00 mark when host Cathy Wurzer asks Sen. Rest, "You've been in the legislature for a long time... isn't there a better way to try to budget, based on these forecasts?" It catches the Senator off guard:
Sen. David Hann (R-Eden Prairie), Chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and Sen. Mike Parry (R-Waseca), Chairman of the Senate State Government Innovation and Veterans Committee, issued the following statements in response to Ramsey County District Judge Dale Lindman’s decision to block Gov. Dayton’s scheduled vote to potentially unionize child day care providers.
“We are very encouraged by Judge Lindman’s decision to issue a temporary restraining order to stop the child care provider unionization election. As we repeatedly stated, it is our belief that the governor, his administration, and the Bureau of Mediation Services do not have the authority to hold this vote. Although this is not a final ruling on the matter, this initial decision is a positive step forward for our hard working, independently owned, private day care providers. Additionally, we thank the providers for challenging the governor on his overreach, and we will continue to support them,” commented Sen. Parry.
During the hearing and in his decision, Judge Dale Lindman reflected concerns brought forward by the Senate in its amicus brief. Specifically, Judge Lindman questioned Gov. Dayton’s circumvention of the legislature and expressed concerns about excluding nearly 7,000 providers from participating in the vote.
Sen. Hann added, “We agree with and support today’s ruling by Judge Lindman to halt the day care union election from proceeding. We thank the providers for taking the time and effort to stand up for their rights as independent, privately-owned and managed day care providers. Judge Lindman expressed concern for the governor’s desire to create law through executive order, a process we believe is unlawful. It’s our hope that the day care providers will also prevail in the final ruling.”
The next hearing is scheduled for January 16, 2012.
St. Cloud – The Republican Party of Minnesota issued the following statement congratulating newly elected State Party Chairman, Pat Shortridge. Shortridge was elected at today’s State Central Committee meeting for the Republican Party of Minnesota with 224 votes.
