Sheila and Ann Throw Their Hats In The Ring

01/12/2006

Paul Munnis

The City of Rochester was buzzing about Senator Sheila Kiscaden’s decision to not run for election to Senate District 30 in November of 2006 and her decision to run for the Lt. Governor position in 2006 as a co-candidate with Kelly Doran.

In the very next breath, the candidacy of Ann Lych to fill the vacancy that will be created when Sheila steps down for the Senate post is mentioned.

From what we are hearing Democrats are pleased, Moderate Republicans are pleased and the neo-Cons are not.

Sen. Kiscaden is now free to serve out the remainder of her term during 2006 at St. Paul and to be able to speak out on her key issues without any ideological restraints. We know she would love to be able to announce the full plan for a U of M Campus in Rochester to cap off her career in the Senate. We hope that she can accomplish these things.

As for Ann Lynch, she is a high quality candidate and a good choice to run for Sheila’s seat. Ann Lynch in the MN Senate will make a powerful team member and allow Rochester to express its needs and potential in St. Paul in a forum where it needs to be stated loud and clear. 

As a part of the conversations that we overheard, some GOP faithful are upset to see good candidates leaving the GOP for greener pastures in the DFL.

Some have been in awe that not only would the DFL take in such folks from the GOP but that we would also give them a chance to run as candidates and shine in politics. They are also beginning to understand that Democrats allow candidates to represent their Districts and get upset when they do not do so.

We are happy that Ann and Sheila have thrown their hats in the ring. Good people make a big difference in the quality of politics.

Welcome and let’s win in 2006.