On The Eve of Election Day

Let's take a look at all the President and a Democratic controlled Congress has accomplished over the last two years.

I Remember... Do You?

Star Tribune Endorses Mick McGuire (HD25A)

We would like to congratulate Mick McGuire for receiving the Star Tribune's endorsement:

25A: Mick McGuire

Montgomery Mayor Mick McGuire's DFL candidacy gives voters in southwest-exurban District 25A the chance to send a pragmatic problem-solver to St. Paul. It's a chance they ought to seize as they replace GOP state Rep. Laura Brod.

McGuire, 58, has spent 18 years in nonpartisan city government, 10 of them as mayor, and 23 years as owner of a landscape contracting business. Those experiences have prepared him well for legislative service. They've instilled in him a deep understanding of what makes communities thrive, including a good sense of how government contributes to private-sector success.

His Republican opponent, Glenn Gruenhagen, declined our interview invitations. Gruenhagen, 58, is a Glencoe Silver Lake school board member whose campaign website prominently features his opposition to abortion, gay marriage and illegal immigration. Those are tangential matters at a time when state revenues are projected to fall nearly 20 percent short of scheduled spending in the next biennium.

As mayor, McGuire knows first-hand how to creatively cut spending to preserve basic services. He also knows that for cities like his, core services are now unavoidably on the chopping block if state aid cuts continue. State government could use that kind of knowledge.

( Full Story Star Tribune 10/26/10 )

Senate District 25 DFL's Statement on Recent Attack Mailers

As Chair and Associate Chair of Senate District 25 DFL we are very disappointed about the State DFL's use of attack mailers in our district.

We respect our candidates, volunteers and supporters too much to have had any part in these attack pieces.

We have officially notified the State DFL of our disappointment and have requested that they stop using such tactics.

Shawn Groth
SD25 DFL Chair

Harriet Wishnick
SD25 DFL Assoc. Chair

Republicans Want to Repeal This?!?!

Ballad of Paul & Sheila

Wellstone!

Photo courtesy of Wellstone Action!

Today we honor the memories of Paul and Sheila Wellstone.

It was eight years ago today when Paul and Sheila, their daughter Marcia and three campaign staffers - Tom Lapic, Will McLaughlin, and Mary McEvoy - were traveling to campaign events in northern Minnesota when their plane crashed near the Eveleth airport. There were no survivors.

Today we remember, reflect and honor their contribution in making our State, our Country and our World a better place.

Photo Journal: Lonsdale Chamber's Candidate Forum

Here are some photos from the Lonsdale Chamber's candidates forum which occurred this past Wednesday.

State Representative David Bly answers a question. (left: David's Republican endorsed opponent for State House)

State Senator Kevin Dahle answers a question. (left: Kevin's Republican endorsed opponent; right: Kevin's independent opponent)

More photos are posted on our facebook page:  Lonsdale Chamber's Candidate Forum

Madore for Congress - First Commercial

Election Day 101: Finding Your Polling Place via Smartphone

Want to find your polling place via your smartphone?

Simply scan this barcode with your phone's camera (barcode scanning application may be required). Bookmark the site to use on election day.

White House White Board: Tax Cut Explanation

So if it hasn't created jobs ("it doesn't work") why continue the tax cuts to the super wealthy?

~ September 11, 2001 ~

Today we reflect back to the events of September 11, 2001.

We remember the lives and dreams lost on that horrific day.

We honor the survivors, first responders, and the 9/11 families.

 Today we remember.

We will never forget.

God Bless All Who Were Touched That Day.

God Bless The United States of America!

The List: Five Things to Know About Labor Day

1.  The First Labor Day Parade:

On September 5, 1882, some 10,000 workers assembled in New York City to participate in America's first Labor Day parade. After marching from City Hall, past reviewing stands in Union Square, and then uptown to 42nd Street, the workers and their families gathered in Wendel's Elm Park for a picnic, concert, and speeches.  (source)


2.  Labor Day is About the Labor Movement:

Here's a great link that gives some history on the Labor Movement:
http://www.aflcio.org/aboutus/history/history/100years.cfm



3.  Labor Day - How it Came About; What it Means:

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Check out this link for more information:
http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm


4.   More Work to Do:

Here's a link that shows each state's minimum wage - it was shocking to see where Minnesota is on this issue:
http://www.dol.gov/whd/minwage/america.htm#footnote


5.  Honoring Our Nation's Hard Working Men & Women - in Our President's Words:

President Obama marks the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Mark Dayton Addresses the Minnesota DFL State Central Committee

This is Mark Dayton's speech to the Minnesota DFL State Central Committee on the day we officially endorsed Mark Dayton.

McGuire Responds (Le Sueur News-Herald)

McGuire responds to letter in last week's News-Herald

I am responding to a submission in your last issue by David Anderson of Lonsdale with a clarification regarding some of the information he provided in his letter.  

While it is true that I respectfully declined to submit the MCCL endorsement questionnaire, I would add that I also did the same with the NARAL endorsement questionnaire. 

For the benefit of your readers, I would like to describe the nature of these questionnaires.  In both cases, candidates are asked to answer a series of questions with only a “yes” or “no” response.  In fact, the questionnaire instructions specifically forbid candidates from offering any kind of explanation or reasoning in their response to questions involving extremely complex issues.  This format prevents them from offering any meaningful information about their stance on these issues.  In both cases, the organizations are using these questionnaires as nothing more than litmus tests.

Complex issues require more thoughtful and nuanced answers than a simple “yes” or “no” response.  Mr. Anderson may call this “smoke and mirrors,” but I believe that most people don’t see the world simply in black or white.  As a candidate who seeks to represent House District 25A – in all its diversity—I believe it would be a disservice to see just the black or the white, without consideration of the many shades of gray in between. 

I for one believe that there are too many polarizing influences in our current politics.  This is one of the reasons I have chosen to run for the State House of Representatives.  I do not come to this campaign, as some do, with a strong ideological agenda.  Instead, I promise two things:  to listen and to do my best to serve my constituents.      



Mick McGuire

Mayor of Montgomery

Candidate for House District 25A

Source:  Le Sueur News-Herald Thursday, August 19, 2010

Fifth Year Anniversary of Katrina

Today we remember the victims of Hurricane Katrina. We honor those that died and those who survived. You are in our thoughts.

DFL STRONG

at Webster Harvest Days Parade!

Today we had an AWESOME group of DFLers out to support State Rep. David Bly and State Senator Kevin Dahle in the Webster Harvest Days Parade. See the photos below of today's fun!

Thank you to all who volunteered! You all were GREAT!!

Our great volunteers standing with State Senator Kevin Dahle and State Rep. David Bly.

Waiting for the parade to begin.

The parade starts!

Alan and Charlie preps "Carla" (the car).

State Rep. David Bly gets the team ready.

Lonsdale Community Days Photos

Supporters walk with State Senator Kevin Dahle down mainstreet.

State Senator Kevin Dahle with a supporter.

"Carla" (the car), State Senator Kevin Dahle and DFLers wait for the parade to start.

Remembering the Dream

Lonsdale Community Days Parade

Come walk with fellow DFLers in the Lonsdale Community Days Parade. 

There will be two units available. One is the Rice County DFL's unit and the other one is State Representative David Bly's unit.
Information below.

When:  Saturday, August 14th
              Line up begins at 1:00pm
              Parade starts at 2:00pm

Where:  Line up is on Industrial Drive Southeast
               Industrial Drive is off of Highway 19 in Lonsdale
               (Map)

Rice County DFL's Unit

Parade Unit Number:  38
Confirmed candidates walking with the Rice County DFL Unit are:
State Senator Kevin Dahle
T-shirts and signs will be available for these candidates.

Volunteers Needed:

To walk with the Rice County DFL, Candidates and Supporters.
Please contact Rich Keiser by phone:  (507) 301-3346 to volunteer. You can also just show up.

State Representative David Bly's Unit

Parade Unit Number: 52
T-shirts and signs will be available for volunteers.

Volunteers Needed:

To walk with State Rep. Bly and Supporters.
Please contact David Bly by phone:  (507) 645-8328 or by e-mail:  david@davidbly.com to volunteer.You can also just show up.

Rep. David Bly on Health Care Safety Net in Greater MN

State Rep. David Bly (DFL - Northfield) talks about the state of our health care safety net in Greater Minnesota and its impact on patients and providers.

Remembering Ken Beck

In Loving Memory
Kenneth (Ken) J. Beck
1949 - 2009

Today we remember a dear friend and fellow DFLer. It's been a year since our community lost a champion of people, a teacher, an actor, a husband, a brother, a friend.

Today we celebrate the blessings we received in having known such a kind, and caring individual. We miss his laughter, his advice, his knowledge, his friendship, his passion and his love.

His contributions to us collectively and individually will never be forgotten.

Here's a story that ran in Ken's hometown newspaper roughly a year ago:
Beck made a difference in community

Happy Independence Day!

(c) 2010 S. Groth - All rights reserved.

DFLers throughout the Senate District celebrate Independence Day the American way - with food, family, friends, fireworks and parades (lots of parades)!!

Pictured above is State Representative David Bly, who walked with supporters in Veseli's Fourth of July Parade.


The Senate District 25 DFL wishes everyone a Happy and safe Fourth of July!

Check out our Facebook page to see more photos.

Fourth of July Parades

                                 (c) 2010 sgroth. All rights reserved.

Elysian's Fourth of July Parade

Join LeSueur County DFLers, and Candidates...

When:  Sunday, July 4th, 2010

             Parade starts at 2:00 p.m.

             Line up starts at 1:00 p.m.

 

Volunteers Needed:

To walk with the LeSueur County DFL's parade unit and with candidates and other DFLers.

Please RSVP to Janet Straub, LeSueur County DFL Assoc. Chair
(click on Janet's name to send e-mail RSVP)

Click here for information about Elysian's Fourth of July Events.

***

Veseli's Fourth of July Parade

Join State Representative David Bly and Supporters...

When:  Sunday, July 4th, 2010

             Parade starts at 3:00 p.m.

             Line up starts at 2:00 p.m.

 

Volunteers Needed:

To walk with State Rep. Bly and Surporters.
Please contact David Bly by phone:  (507) 645-8328 or by e-mail:  david@davidbly.com to volunteer.

Click here for information about Veseli's Fourth of July Events.

Republicans disdainful of unemployed Americans

Rachel Maddow reviews disparaging remarks made by Republicans about unemployed Americans, referring to them as "hobos" and 'stray animals."

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Henderson's Sauerkraut Days Parade

Join Le Sueur County DFLers and Candidates at Henderson's

Sauerkraut Days Parade

When:  Sunday, June 27, 2010

             Parade starts at Noon

             Line up starts at 11:00 a.m.

 

Volunteers Needed:

To walk with the LeSueur County DFL's parade unit and with candidates and other DFLers.

Please RSVP to Janet Straub, LeSueur County DFL Assoc. Chair
(click on Janet's name to send e-mail RSVP)

What is Sauerkraut Days?

Cherry Creek Days Parade - Cleveland

It was a beautiful day for a parade!  Thank you to the Le Sueur County DFL for organizing a parade unit to walk in Cleveland's Cherry Creek Days parade.

State Senator Kevin Dahle (SD25) and State Representative candidate Mick McGuire (HD25A) walked with an energetic group of DFLers and supporters.

Mick McGuire chats with parade spectators.

Mick McGuire's Ford tractor.

Mick McGuire waves at parade spectators.

photos courteous of S. Groth

(c) 2010 S. Groth. All rights reserved.

Join us at the Cherry Creek Parade in Cleveland

Join Le Sueur County DFLers and Candidates at Cherry Creek Days Parade in Cleveland.

When:  Saturday, June 19, 2010

             Parade starts at 5:30 p.m.

             Line up at:  5:00 p.m.

 

To Volunteer (walk with the parade unit):

Line up no later than 5 p.m. by the grain elevator on the east side of Cleveland across the road from Kokomo's.

Candidates & Elected Officials:
Please RSVP to Janet Straub, LeSueur County DFL Assoc. Chair
(click on Janet's name to send e-mail RSVP)

LeSueur County DFL's First Parade

Join Le Sueur County DFLers and Candidates at Waterville Bullhead Days Parade.

When:  Sunday, June 13, 2010

             Parade starts at 1:00 p.m.

 

To Volunteer:

Walk with the LeSueur County DFL's parade unit 
Meet at Dave and Jane Cummiskey's residence
1280 Highway 13, Waterville 
11:30 a.m.

Please RSVP to Janet Straub, LeSueur County DFL Assoc. Chair
(click on Janet's name to send e-mail RSVP)

Area Business Forums

{from State Senator Kevin Dahle's weblog}

This past week I spoke at a meeting of the Northfield Downtown Development Corporation along with Representative David Bly. A few days later I spoke at at a gathering of the New Prague Chamber of Commerce along with Representative Laura Brod. With a couple of dozen persons on hand, the topics focused on the recently completed legislative session and the outlook for the next session. Of course there were some concerns expressed about Local Government Aid cuts, rising property taxes, the next state budget, the overall economy, and the health of our downtown businesses...

Read full posting here:  http://www.kevindahle.net/wordpress/?p=693

State Rep. David Bly on the end of session

Armed Forces Day - Thank You!

We would like to thank the brave men and women who serve in our armed forces today, as our country celebrates "Armed Forces Day", and everyday.


History of Armed Forces Day:

In a speech announcing the formation of the day, President Truman "praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas" and said, "it is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace." In an excerpt from the Presidential Proclamation of Feb. 27, 1950, Mr. Truman stated:

Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense.

Source:   http://www.defense.gov/afd/military/history.html

Le Sueur County DFL - Old Fashion Bean Feed

Join your friends and neighbors of the Le Sueur County DFL for their annual Old Fashion Bean Feed.

When:    Saturday, May 15th, 2010

              1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Where:    Dave and Jane Cummiskey's Home

               1280 Highway 13 North

               Waterville, MN

Ticket Cost:     $10.00

For more information please contact Janet Straub (mailto:jrstraub@usfamily.net ).

"Inside the Beltway" to Feature Dan Powers

Carleton College's radio program "Inside the Beltway" with Erik Anderson and Dan Antoszyk to feature Dan Powers - DFL Endorsed 2nd Congressional District Candidate on May 5th's show.

Show Time:    7:00pm
Tuning In:       88.1 FM (in the Northfield area) - You can also listen online: http://www.krlx.org/dj_blogs/2117/

If you have a particular issue(s)/questions you'd like to see addressed, contact Erik at antoszyd@carleton.edu

St. Olaf College Democrats Celebrate "Blue Week"

The St. Olaf College Democrats kicked off Blue week with an hour long event featuring State Senator Kevin Dahle of Northfield. Pictured above is State Senator Dahle listening to a question by the St. Olaf College Democrat's Chair Jason Teiken. Many issues were discussed from the budget deficit to the tone in the legislature.

Blue Week continues with the following events:

Dinner Discussion with Dan Powers - DFL endorsed candidate for Congress

The discussion will focus on Green Jobs and an update on Dan's Campaign.

When:    Wednesday, April 28th

                6:00 - 7:00 pm

Where:    St. Olaf Campus

                 Buntrock Commons

                 Room # 143

Discussion with State Representative David Bly

The discussion will focus on Healthcare and the Middle Class Amendment

When:    Thursday, April 29th

                6:00 - 7:00 pm

Where:   St. Olaf Campus (Northfield)

                Buntrock Commons

                Room #142

These events are open to the public.

Happy 40th Anniversary Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day everyone!

I thought I'd provide some useful links dealing with Earth Day and Environmental Concerns. Please share with your friends!

The Earth Day Action Network:
http://www.earthday.org/

The Arbor Day Foundation:
http://www.arborday.org/

Need information on recycling electronics - check out the EPA's site:
http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/materials/ecycling/donate.htm

40 tips to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day:
http://earth911.com/earthday/

Find a recycling center near you at Earth 911:
http://earth911.com

Earth Day is a worldwide event - so here's an interesting blog from the UK:
http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/

Sierra Club's website:
http://www.sierraclub.org/

Join the Earth Day Action Network on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Earth-Day-Network/22877548156


Know any other blogs or websites dedicated to the environment?
Please share by posting a comment with the link.

This is what we're about!

 

"We all do better, when we all do better."

State Senator Dahle & Representative Bly Host a Town Hall

This past Monday - State Senator Kevin Dahle and State Representative David Bly held a Townhall meeting at the Northfield Public Library. Roughly thirty individuals attended the meeting. A broad range of topics were discussed from health care to the budget deficit.

We would like to thank Senator Dahle and Representative Bly for listening to their constituents.

State Rep. Bly listens to constituent's concerns. (above)

State Senator Dahle listens to constituent's concerns. (above)

State Rep. Bly answers a constituent's question. (above)

State Senator Dahle shares a lighter moment with a constituent.

Photos:  (c) 2010 Senate District 25 DFL. All rights reserved. You may not use the photos in this post without written consent of the Senate District 25 DFL. Use of these photos without consent is violation of the U.S. Copyright laws.