I Don’t Hate America!

From MyFox 9:

MINNEAPOLIS — Former Vice President Al Gore thinks Al Franken would be “a fantastic senator,” according to a letter sent to Democratic delegates.

Gore’s endorsement of Franken’s bid for the U.S. Senate comes days before Franken squares off against opponent Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer for the DFL endorsement at the state party convention in Rochester, Minn.

One reason Gore endorses Franken is their shared goals of an effort to slow global warming.

The big day is this Saturday where Franken and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer will fight for the DFL party nomination.  It should also be mentioned that the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) and AFL-CIO have endorsed Franken.  I do wish that JNP would voice his concerns for nursing more, like Franken has done on his website.  I have contacted JNP twice about it with no answer.  However, I cannot endorse Franken for his poor universal healthcare plan that requires each state to enact their own.

With low numbers in the delegate count, including the latest Rasmussen Poll stating that Ciresi has a better chance of losing against Coleman (than Franken), Ciresi decides to drop out of the U.S Senate race today. This was reported on KSTP’s 5 Eyewitness news:

Mike Ciresi announced he would withdraw his candidacy for the U.S. Senate Monday afternoon.Ciresi said in a statement that he was retracting his bid to relieve unnecessary fights.

“We are at defining moment in our nation’s history, and we have the opportunity to reject the failed policies of the past and write a new chapter in the American story. I am confident we will do so because of the spirit, creativity, and optimism of our fellow citizens,” Ciresi said.

In the statement, Ciresi also thanked the state and his staff members.

“I firmly believe that America’s best days are still ahead of us. As we return to private life, I will continue my efforts, as I have my entire life, to work with others in contributing to the common good of our state and nation,” Ciresi said.

From my post on Feb. 29th, Franken leads Coleman, latest poll,

Today’s latest Rasmussen Report shows Al Franken leading Norm Coleman, 49% to 46% if Franken were to be the DFL candidate. If Ciresi were to get the DFL nod, Coleman would be ahead, 47% to 45%. There was no mention about Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.

Mike Ciresi’s statement, from MinnPost:

From: Ciresi, Michael V.
Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 4:28 PM
Subject: MIKE’S STATEMENT ON WITHDRAWING FROM SENATE RACE

I am announcing today my withdrawal from the contest for the DFL endorsement and the conclusion of my candidacy for the U.S. Senate. In my judgment, continuing the endorsement race would only lead to an unnecessary floor fight. It is time to step aside.

On entering the race, I expressed my passionate belief that our country had lost its direction and that the middle class was being crushed economically. We have a failed foreign policy that has led us into a war that, despite the extraordinary service of our armed forces and the sacrifices of their families, has served to further destabilize the Middle East and led to a less safe world. Middle class jobs are evaporating and quality educational opportunity is being denied to our children. College education is increasingly unaffordable, and graduates are saddled with enormous loans. We have a “sick care” system rather than a health care system that is affordable and accessible to all. The environment is not being nurtured and protected. We have a tax system that has created the greatest wealth gap since the early 1900s. Staggering debt is being passed on to future generations, and yet those who seek political office say little about the difficult economic choices we must make.

We are at defining moment in our nation’s history, and we have the opportunity to reject the failed policies of the past and write a new chapter in the American story. I am confident we will do so because of the spirit, creativity, and optimism of our fellow citizens.

Ann and I have traveled our entire state for the past year, and the desire and sense of urgency for change is palpable. We believe that the people will demand that the tough choices be presented and that the vast majority of Americans will reject self-interest in favor of the common good and shared sacrifice. I firmly believe that America’s best days are still ahead of us. As we return to private life, I will continue my efforts, as I have my entire life, to work with others in contributing to the common good of our state and nation.

Ann and I and our family wish to express our deep gratitude to all of our fellow Minnesotans who have so graciously welcomed us into their homes, businesses, and towns and engaged us in heartfelt discussions concerning the issues facing our nation. We are also deeply indebted to all of our supporters and staff who passionately believe in our message and have worked tirelessly on our behalf. The memories and friendships forged are timeless. We encourage all to remain committed to changing the direction of our nation and to support candidates of their choice.

Fondly –

Mike and Ann Ciresi

Does Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer have a chance to scoop up more delegates? More to come soon.

This post is coming to you live from the DFL State Central Committee meeting in at Prior Lake High School in Savage.

That last part was important because there was some confusion about where the meeting was going to be: some thought it was at the OLD high school (which is now a middle school) and some were initially unable to find it because it was not clear to everyone that the school was in Savage, but it appears everything is smooth sailing.

I will becoming to you later today with a liveblog of the debate between DFL candidates for US Senate.  Mike Ciresi and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer have been working the crowds; no sign of Al Franken or Jim Cohen yet. Congressional candidates Jim Hovland and Ashwin Madia (Third District) and Steve Sarvi (Second District) have already spoken.

See you all at 4:00 p.m.