Minnesota Takes Shape

With Evacuatin' Dayton being true to his name, the Minnesota race has become wide open... Kinda... Sorta..... Well, not really. Rep. Mark Kennedy, an Irish Catholic - on this blog, he gets points for that - decared his candidacy first and has become the instant Republican frontrunner. Former Sen. Rod Grams may challenge him for the nod, but Kennedy has already wrapped up the support of 85% of Republican state Senators, Sen. Norm Coleman, and possibly Gov. Tim Pawlenty. A Grams candidacy would be a mistake repeated. Rep. Gutknect's decision not to run all but solidifies the nomination for Kennedy. Not only has he done the legwork state-wide, but he also fended off a well-funded challenger in a suburban district where the Republican candidate will have to do well.

On the Democratic side, child advocat Patty Wetterling may go toe-to-toe with Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar. Polls show Wetterling to lead all comers, but With national Democrats attempting to recruit pro-life candidates in Rhode Island and Pennsylvania, look for pro-abortion money to pour in for whichever pro-abortion woman runs. Another impact of those states on this race is that Democrats have failed to clear the field for their favored candidates in both of those races. With competitive primaries sure to soak up Democrat money next year, look for Democrats to do everything they can to clear the field for Patty Wetterling.

Dems need the seat for 50. Republicans need it for 60. If North Dakota isn't a Hoeven-Conrad match-up, this race will probably make for the most expensive votes of any '06 race. With this in mind, how about visiting www.markkennedy06.com and contributing a few bucks. Giving $20 now is like giving $100 later, as this could help deter potential challengers. Consider it an investment in America's future, as this Sen. Kennedy would help Sens. Coburn & Co. move the Republican caucus, and therefore the Senate, to the right.