Ciresi drops out of senate race

[Minnesota Raindog]

STATEMENT OF MIKE CIRESION HIS WITHDRAWAL FROM THE U.S. 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 a 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.

God bless all of you --

Mike and Ann Ciresi

[Rick Myers]

1. Here's the link at Fox 9

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=5990633&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

[CubFan7125]

2. That's Too Bad

He would have been a good candidate. No we are left with the unelectable Al Franken which sadly means another 6 more that dink Coleman. Well played DFL. This is a party in serious need of new leadership.

[Minnesota Raindog]

3. Now maybe Nelson-Pallmeyer will get the attention he deserves

Until now, this was treated as a two-man race, even though Ciresi never really has done any better than third place--behind Nelson-Pallmeyer. Minnesotans weren't interested in sending another rich lawyer to the most exclusive club in the world.

If anyone thinks Franken is "unelectable," here's your candidate.

[CubFan7125]

4. So What Your Saying

Is lets back Jack. I don't know a lot about him but he has to be better than Al. About the only thing I agree with BillO on is that al is a putz.

[Minnesota Raindog]

5. Try to hear Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer speak

That's his forte. His positions on the issues and credentials are excellent:

http://www.jackforsenate.org/

Even though it's an uphill battle, don't write him off. He got to second place in a three-way race that included a multimillionaire financing his own campaign. Now that it's down to two, even with Franken's lead in delegates, there could be an opening for Jack. It isn't necessarily a money race to get the endorsement, it's more of an organizational challenge, and Nelson-Pallmeyer could possibly pull it off. Stranger things have happened in Minnesota politics...

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

10. Al is NOT a putz.

I met him after Wellstone's death when I was working with some other DFL volunteers, phone banking for Mondale. Al, who was a strong supporter of Wellstone, came in from New York to support the hastily-assembled attempt to defeat Coleman with Mondale as the last-minute candidate. He stayed and talked to us for quite awhile, and also called in to a right-wing radio show to debunk the lie they were spreading that the Wellstone memorial service was a scripted political event. He was terrific -- very well-informed and very passionate about what Wellstone stood for. I was very impressed with him. Anybody who thinks he's just a comedian who's running for the Senate as a lark has their head deeply implanted up their ass.

Maybe Jack Nelson-Pallmeier is the progressive-du-jour. I don't know. Maybe he'd be great, though his name is much too long to fit conveniently on a bumper sticker. I'll support him if he looks like a viable candidate. But Franken is anything but a putz. You don't know what you're talking about.

[loveable liberal]

13. Talking point for Sheeple...

Al is a putz. At least Al cares. I dont care who beats Senator Sprinkle, as long as they do. If Al turns out to be Wellstone-esque; all the better for the state of Minnesota. Why anyone would agree with falafel boy is beyond me....

[Kixel]

11. Nope

The delegate counts are all going towards Al. It would be amazing if anyone else gets the nomination. Both Mike and Jack are trailing be large margins.

[kenfrequed]

12. Of course Jack is a better candidate

By almost every score Jack is better on the issues for us liberal progressive types.

I still see the chair coleman sits on as Wellstone's seat. I think we owe it to ourselves to put someone closer to Wellstone in terms of policy in that seat.

[dflprincess]

7. Actually, there was a Rasmussen poll in February that showed Franken pulling ahead of Coleman

It was 49% to 46% in Franken's favor. The same poll had Ciresi behind Coleman by 2 points. (No mention of Nelson-Pallmeryer, who I support). Not that these difference mean much other than Coleman is in trouble. :rofl:

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/election_2008_minnesota_senate

Coleman has long been considered one of the more vulnerable incumbent senators up for re-election in 2008. Any incumbent who polls below 50% is considered potentially vulnerable and that is especially true for an incumbent who trails a challenger early in the campaign.

Against Franken, Coleman earns support from 82% of conservative voters while Franken draws support from 88% of liberal voters. Over half (58%) of moderate voters choose Franken, while 37% choose Coleman.

Coleman is viewed favorably by 55% of Minnesota voters and unfavorably by 42%. Fifty-percent (50%) of voters view Franken favorably, while 42% view him unfavorably. Ciresi is viewed favorably by 46% of voters, and unfavorably by 42%.

[CatholicEdHead]

6. It is about name recgonition and money raised

Not much more than that. Gone are the days you could easily run on a shoestring budget and win.

[Rick Myers]

8. A statewide race is a marathon and you need SO much money!

You can easily blow $250K on county-wide race in the Cities, a statewide race is VERY EXPENSIVE. That's just the nature of the game. It's pathetic. but I don't know how you get money out of politics...

[Minnesota Raindog]

9. But IF Nelson-Pallmeyer wond the endorsement, the $$ would follow

I don't think it's necessarily a money race to get the endorsement, however. He may not have the celeb drawing power for out-of-state money that Franken does, but I think Coleman could be beat by Nelson-Pallmeyer even while being outspent by the weasel.