New Home for the DFL In Rochester
02/16/2008
Paul Munnis
The Rochester Democrat
February 16, 2008
Lynn Wilson, Chairperson of the Olmsted County DFL Caucus addressed a large crowd of people who came to an open house for the DFL at their new headquarters located adjacent to the Social Security Offices on 16th St. SW here in Rochester today.
Many local elected officials were present including: Rep. Tim Walz, MN Sen. Ann Lynch, MN Reps: Kim Norton, and Andy Welti, and Assistant MN Legislative Chairperson Tina Liebling. In addition Lori Swanson the Chairperson of CD-1 was present, plus many campaign staff. Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede also came to tour the new facility.
Lynn called the new headquarters the ‘Home That YOU built,’ and thanked one and all for their help and support of the Olmsted County DFL Unit.
The new facility houses the Al Franken Campaign, the Mike Cerisi Campaign, and there are also offices at the facility for the re-election of Tim Walz, plus a spot for the Southeastern Minnesota field director. There are work areas and meeting areas as well. Across town at 2000 2nd Street, at the Mason’s Lodge, is found the offices of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. The new offices are equipped with all the needed equipment to support campaigns as well as plenty of storage space for signs and other paraphernalia in an election year.
Many of the elected officials spoke concerning the legislative needs of Minnesota especially in the areas of transportation and health care. They also spoke of their concerns with a Governor who will not fund these needs.
Congressman Walz spoke of the economic problems of our nation and he also addressed the bizarre budget being brought forward by President Bush one that funds war but not healthcare for kids. A growing State deficit is another stated concern and we heard talk about how best to address these issues in an environment of ‘no new taxes.’
One thing that everyone agreed upon was that this election is important. At the State level a veto proof majority in the House is sought to permit needed investment in our State infrastructure. Recent reports that the Hwy 63 bridge in Hasting that has more than 35,000 vehicles crossing the Mississippi River daily is now officially in worse shape than the bridge that fell down on Interstate 35W and the news is leaving many very concerned about the future of our State and about basic highway safety issues.
We overheard one discussion that spoke about Lt. Gov. Molenau becoming the Governor if Tim Pawlenty goes off to campaign as a running mate to John McCain. At the Federal level an end to gridlock in the Senate is sought so that needed legislation can pass there. One person asked if Moleneau might be more amenable to funding our decaying bridges and deteriorating roads after seeing how strong the need is up front as the head of MNDoT? No real answer came forward to the query. Nobody would hazard a guess. My own thoughts are that Pawlenty will likely still be present by the time this legislative session ends and will wield his veto pen.
The 2008 election is gaining in intensity as spring approaches once again and this time the winds of change are blowing strong.
Every Democrat present with whom I spoke made it clear to me that no matter who heads the Democratic Party ticket in November that they will close ranks and support that candidate.
Talk also was heard about Rochester hosting the Minnesota DFL Convention June 6-8 and the endorsement process for choosing a candidate to oppose Sen. Norm Coleman. More chatter was overheard concerning the upcoming Democratic Party Convention in Denver in August. The concern expressed in that discussion group was that the Convention candidate choices match the popular vote for a presidential candidate.
Politics in Rochester and all across Southeastern Minnesota is anything but dull these days.