Ah, the ever-entertaining race in Minnesota's 6th (yes, the Bachmann seat)

[marmar]

from the MSP Star-Trib:



Tussle in Minnesota's 6th District is topsy-turvy



By PAT DOYLE, Star Tribune

Last update: November 1, 2008 - 7:48 AM



The business leaders gathered at a golf club in Ham Lake seemed a perfect audience for a conservative Republican seeking reelection and respite from two weeks of turmoil.

Then came the stories. A sod farmer, a caterer, an electrical contractor and others told Rep. Michele Bachmann that business was down.

"I'm a frustrated Republican," said Bill Nelson, 72, who works in real estate. "My own kids won't vote Republican this year. We're not seeing the leadership in Washington." The scene played out as Bachmann and Democrat Elwyn Tinklenberg hustled for votes late this week in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District, a once reliably Republican area shaken up by economic woes and controversial remarks by the incumbent.

The race, which has gained national attention, is now considered a tossup, and both sides were reinforcing their ground campaign this weekend with more TV ads financed by a flood of money from partisans around the country.

In a series of stops, Bachmann moved to shift the conversation away from her televised comment that Barack Obama may have anti-American views and onto safer topics such as her call for cutting taxes. She found some support.

At the Ham Lake City Hall, she asked Council Member Julie Braastad, "What are you hearing from residents?" Braastad, 46, replied, "Don't raise taxes."

But Tinklenberg did his best in a debate and campaign stops to keep the controversy alive. He didn't have to try hard.

"El, Michele Bachmann is making your life easy for you," Barbara Schweiger, 61, told him as he stopped at her table in a bar in Anoka. ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/house/33675739.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUs


......and the reader comments about the story.......

Get educated?!?!
Bachmann is the one trying to bring back the days of McCarthyism...talk about corrupt! Get a clue man!

posted by alfster on Nov 1, 08 at 8:31 am |
3 of 4 people liked this comment.
She's a nutjob
Put ASIDE her idiot comments on how senate members should he investigated for unamerican-ness, how about this:
She actually said drilling in the Alaskan wildlife refuge would be GOOD for wildlife because they would get WARMTH FROM THE PIPELINE! See the priceless video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwxJQyyD82s&feature=related

posted by addielass on Nov 1, 08 at 8:38 am |
2 of 3 people liked this comment.
Early Christmas present
Having El replace Michelle in Congress would be an early Christmas present. Bye bye, Michelle!

posted by DogTrain on Nov 1, 08 at 8:42 am |
Bachmann unworthy of the office
Bachmann has demonstrated to the 6th District that she is unworthy and unqualified to represent us. I do not turn to my congressional representative for religious and "moral" guidance, thank you very much. For that I attend my church. We in the 6th want a serious, commited, intelligent person in congress. The middle class needs someone to represent us and our families. Bachamnn has become a caricature of herself, the "Tammy Faye Baker" of the House of Representatives, a clown, a humiliating joke. This is NOT in the vest interests of Minnesota, and certainly NOT the 6th District. Tinklenberg has my vote. Restore dignity and commitment to the office we elect you to.

posted by bevenorsk on Nov 1, 08 at 8:48 am |
What happened to her Anti-Gay activist agenda?
She built her career on this hostility. Is she backing away because of the rumors about Marcus getting out?