Feed aggregator

DFL Chair's Corner with Jeff Blodgett, OFA State Director

Minnesota DFL News - Wed, 05/02/2012 - 09:34

DFL Chair Ken Martin sits down with Jeff Blodget to discuss his role with the campaign and the importance of re-electing President Obama in November.

DFL Stands Up Against Voter ID Constitutional Amendment

Minnesota DFL News - Wed, 04/04/2012 - 15:23

DFL Chair Ken Martin on Republican Passing Voter ID Amendment, creating hurdles to vote for thousands of Minnesotans:

"In a state that has led the nation in voter turnout and election integrity, Republicans in St. Paul have just passed a bill that would only deter thousands of Minnesotans from voting.  This legislation is a solution in search of a problem, and it creates an unnecessary hurdle that will only make it more difficult for our state's seniors, veterans and students to cast their ballot.  It is wrong and deceitful for elected leaders to restrict Minnesotans' right to be heard on Election Day.

"We are now more than two months into a legislative session that has been bogged down with Republicans' divisive constitutional amendments and relentless attacks on Minnesota's middle class.  We have witnessed Republicans passing irresponsible bills that do nothing more than borrow against our future while protecting the wealthy, corporate interests.  As Governor Dayton and DFL leaders have fought for critical investments in our infrastructure and incentives to help businesses grow, Republicans have maintained focus on a narrow political agenda that will take our state down a path of decline.

"The DFL Party is committed to defeating both Republican-initiated constitutional amendments in November because we believe in the progressive values that have strengthened our state and country.  It is absolutely wrong and destructive to create obstacles that would prevent over 700,000 Minnesotans from voting, and we will make that message very clear over the next seven months."

DFL Chair's Corner with Richard Carlbom, Minnesotans United for All Families

Minnesota DFL News - Mon, 03/26/2012 - 09:14

This week on the Chair's Corner, DFL Chair Ken Martin sits down with Richard Carlbom, Campaign Manager for the Minnesotans United for All Families campaign dedicated to defeating the anti-marriage amendment in November.

Minnesota DFL Celebrates Second Anniversary of President Obama's Affordable Care Act

Minnesota DFL News - Fri, 03/23/2012 - 13:59

Today, March 23rd, marks the two year anniversary of President Obama's signing of the Affordable Care Act - which to date has helped millions of middle class families, seniors, and young people receive quality, affordable health care.  DFL Chair Ken Martin recognized the importance of this law that has moved our state and country forward:

“Two years ago with the stroke of a pen, President Obama achieved what no other president had accomplished for decades – comprehensive reforms that improve access to affordable health care coverage for all Americans and end the worst insurance company abuses.  No longer will insurers be able to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions, charge women more than men for the same coverage, or place a dollar amount on how much coverage a person can receive for essential health benefits.

“President Obama kept his word, and because of his tireless commitment to health care reform, Medicare is now stronger for 47 million Americans, women can now get free life-saving preventive services such as mammograms, children won’t lose their coverage just because they were born with pre-existing conditions like asthma, and an additional 2.5 million young adults now have insurance because they can stay on their parents’ plans until they turn 26 – also at no additional cost. 

“For these Americans, President Obama’s leadership stands in stark contrast to his Republican rivals, all of whom have said they would repeal this critical legislation if they were to become President.  The GOP frontrunner, Mitt Romney, continues to follow an Etch-A-Sketch strategy to secure the Republican nomination – saying we should repeal health care reform while hoping that voters will forget he signed similar legislation as Governor of Massachusetts. Romney even said at the time that his bill should be a ‘model’ for national health reform.   Instead of arguing for strengthening and preserving Medicare, Mitt Romney has decided to embrace the Romney-Ryan budget which would repeal the Affordable Care Act, allow insurance companies to discriminate against consumers again, turn Medicare into a voucher program and increase health care costs on seniors by thousands of dollars.  Time and again, Mitt Romney has shown he has no core values and will say anything to get elected – even if it means turning his back on policies he once supported and making seniors foot the bill to cover tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.

“Thankfully, Americans can count on President Obama and Democratic leaders to stand up for them and their health care—and the Affordable Care Act, which turns two years old today, will ensure that Americans have affordable and reliable access to health care for generations to come.”

Chair's Corner with Ken Martin and Senator Jeff Hayden - 3.9.12

Minnesota DFL News - Sat, 03/10/2012 - 22:52

This week, DFL Chair Ken Martin welcomes Senator Jeff Hayden to the Chair's Corner to discuss the week at the Capitol.  Senator Hayden offers his take on the Voter ID amendment and talks about the importance of establishing a health care exchange to create access to quality, affordable health coverage.

Chair's Corner with Ken Martin and Representative Erin Murphy - 3.2.12

Minnesota DFL News - Fri, 03/02/2012 - 09:49

This week, Ken Martin had a chance to sit down with Representative Erin Murphy about the February budget forecast released by the Minnesota Management and Budget office on Wednesday.  Rep. Murphy talks about how the irresponsible budget choices made by the Republicans last summer have created a $2.4 billion debt to our children and $1.1 billion deficit for Minnesota in the next budget cycle.

DFL Chair Ken Martin Reminds Minnesotans of GOP Budget Choices Haunting Our State

Minnesota DFL News - Wed, 02/29/2012 - 14:55

Today the Minnesota Management and Budget office released the February forecast, announcing a $323 million surplus in the current two-year budget cycle.  DFL Chair Ken Martin offered the following response to the news:

"Today's news from MMB officials is overshadowed by the fact that, due to Republicans' irresponsible budget choices over the last decade, we still owe our schools $2.4 billion.  Time and again Republicans have borrowed against our children's future to make sure the richest Minnesotans didn't have to pay a single dime more in taxes.  The current surplus represents little more than a minimum payment on what we owe our schools, and we can expect to continue paying for Republicans' budgeting gimmicks and accounting shifts far into the future.

"Middle class Minnesotans, homeowners and small business owners who are facing significant increases in their property taxes are not celebrating news of a surplus today, because Republicans chose to balance our state budget on the backs of our children and all property owners across the state.  Republicans rejected fair and responsible budget solutions proposed by Governor Dayton as part of their plan to protect the millionaires of Minnesota.  The decisions made by Republicans in this state will continue to haunt us with the $2.4 billion debt to our children, rising property taxes and a predicted $1.1 billion budget deficit in the next biennium.

"The differences between DFL and Republican priorities could not be more clear. While Governor Dayton and DFL legislators have been fighting for jobs proposals that would put thousands of Minnesotans back to work, the GOP has offered nothing but more distractions in the form of constitutional amendments that would further jeopardize our state's financial future along with the voting rights of thousands of Minnesotans."

Chair's Corner with Ken Martin and DFL Attorney David Lillehaug - 2.24.12

Minnesota DFL News - Mon, 02/27/2012 - 10:13

Last week, DFL Chair Ken Martin sat down with DFL attorney David Lillehaug to talk about the redistricing process and the outcomes in Minnesota.

"Chair's Corner" with Ken Martin - 2.16.12

Minnesota DFL News - Fri, 02/17/2012 - 15:22

DFL Chair Ken Martin shows his support for Governor Dayton's State of the State Address and the DFL initiatives that will move our state forward in his weekly podcast - "Chair's Corner."     

DFL Chair Ken Martin shows support for Governor Dayton's State of the State Address

Minnesota DFL News - Wed, 02/15/2012 - 21:12

On Wednesday, February 15th, Governor Dayton delivered his State of the State Address.  Governor Dayton emphasized the need to put Minnesotans back to work, change the way government works and invest in education and the future of our state. DFL Chair, Ken Martin showed his support for the Governor's message:

"Tonight, Governor Dayton called on Minnesotans to think about the decisions we are making today and how we can leave our state in a better condition than when we inherited it.  The DFL has put forth legislation that will do just that.  Governor Dayton and our DFL leaders have the solutions that will put thousands of people back to work, make government more effective and invest in education to create a world class workforce in our state.

"Republicans have no place to be critical of the progressive, DFL policies that will help turn our economy around.  For all of their talk about jobs before the 2010 election, the Minnesota GOP has not managed to propose a single jobs bill. Instead they have focused their efforts on divisive constitutional amendments and legislation that only protects the rich, corporate interests at the expense of middle class families.  

"Visiting with students in St. Cloud and St. Joseph today, I heard the concerns of young people who are preparing to enter the workforce. Governor Dayton and DFL leaders have a plan to help ease the burden on young people and their families, while creating an environment where students can graduate with confidence that Minnesota businesses will be ready to hire them.

"Governor Dayton reminded us this evening that it is our job to be responsible stewards of our state, and to make decisions that will benefit Minnesotans now and years down the road.  By putting Minnesotans back to work, investing in our schools and education system and building a more effective government, we are helping to build a Minnesota that we can all be proud of.  Governor Dayton and our DFL leaders have shown time and again that they are committed to this vision and to giving future generations of Minnesotans the tools and resources they need to succeed, thrive and lead our state forward."

Ken Martin Launches Weekly DFL Podcast - Chair's Corner

Minnesota DFL News - Fri, 02/10/2012 - 15:40

Tune in weekly to catch DFL Chair, Ken Martin give an update on DFL happenings and brief update on the upcoming week.  This week, Ken gives an overview of the Minnesota precinct caucuses and brief look at the week in St. Paul.

DFL Kicks off 2012 Election Season with Successful Precinct Caucuses

Minnesota DFL News - Wed, 02/08/2012 - 10:29

After attending his local precinct caucus and talking to people across the state about their experiences, DFL Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:

“Tonight, DFLers across the state attended their precinct caucuses because they believe in our candidates, the ideals of our Party and the ability to make a difference through our democratic process. Thousands of people came out tonight to support our candidates, voice their disgust with the divisive constitutional amendments being put forward by the Republican legislature and start organizing to ensure DFL victories this fall.

Through months of caucus trainings, phoning and door-knocking efforts and outreach to communities of new Minnesotans, we have been working hard to make sure Minnesotans know about the important opportunity they have to help build our party and make their voices heard through participating in their precinct caucus. 

At my own caucus in Eagan, I saw a room full of enthusiastic DFLers who were anxious to get to work to re-elect President Obama and Senator Klobuchar, take back the majorities in our State House and State Senate and defeat the constitutional amendments we will be facing this fall.  

With strong turnout and strong support for President Obama, Senator Klobuchar, and Democratic leaders up and down the ticket, we are confident that voters are ready to move our state forward with the progressive policies that will improve the future for Minnesota families, starting with victory in November.”

Ken Martin Kicks Off Weekly Podcast - Chair's Corner

Minnesota DFL News - Fri, 02/03/2012 - 15:07

Tune in weekly to catch DFL Chair, Ken Martin give an update on DFL happenings and brief update on the upcoming week.  This week, Ken gives an overview of the week in St. Paul and talks about the importance of next Tuesday's precinct caucuses.

DFL Chair Ken Martin Strongly Urges Legislature to Close Campaign Finance Loopholes

Minnesota DFL News - Tue, 01/31/2012 - 12:41

DFL Chair Ken Martin issued a statement today in response to the Campaign Finance Board’s ruling on the complaint filed last Monday regarding $70,000 paid by the Republican Party of Minnesota to Sen. Dave Thompson that was not disclosed in Thompson’s campaign finance reports.

"The ruling by the Campaign Finance Board draws attention to a legal loophole that has allowed elected leaders like Senator Thompson to sidestep disclosure requirements that are there to make campaigns and government more transparent.  This loophole needs to be closed immediately.”

“A bill introduced in the House by Representative Ryan Winkler would close that loophole. In the last year, we have witnessed a Republican Party pushing ethical boundaries and forcing Minnesotans to ask if the Minnesota GOP is paying their candidates to run for office.  Rep. Winkler's bill would eliminate that practice by forcing elected officials to disclose all sources of income.

"When you have employees of a political party also working for the House, Senate or Joint Legislative Commissions, it raises serious ethical concerns about whether that person is working for the best interest of the party or the best interest of our state.  We saw the consequences of this practice last session with a former GOP Senate staffer. 

“At a time when so many Minnesotans have lost their trust in government, Rep. Winkler’s bill would help restore public confidence and hold elected leaders accountable on both sides of the aisle, and I encourage the legislature to pass it.”

Join Your Neighbors at Your Precinct Caucus

Minnesota DFL News - Fri, 01/27/2012 - 15:31

The precinct caucus is the first level of the DFL Party structure. A precinct is comprised of the voting precinct which can be a township, an entire town, or a voting precinct within a larger community. The precinct caucuses are a foundational pillar to the DFL Party's grassroots history because all Minnesota constituents have the ability to participate at this level.

To find your caucus location, you can use the Secretary of State's Caucus Finder. 

At your precinct caucus, you cast your vote in a Presidential Preference Ballot, propose resolutions that you want included in the DFL platform, and elect delegates to your local conventions. Candidates or elected officials often tour different caucuses to meet with constituents. If you are elected a delegate to your local convention, you will be part of the DFL endorsement process that chooses which candidates the DFL Party will support.

Caucuses will take place on Tuesday, February 7, 2012.  They officially convene at 7:00 p.m.  Registration for the caucus starts at 6:30 p.m. and the Statewide Preference ballot is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  At 8:00 Preference ballots will be tallied and certified by the caucus. The totals will then be announced   The results will be reported to Minnesota State DFL Headquarters. Those votes will determine the allocation of Democratic National Convention Delegates.

You do not need to stay at the caucus beyond voting in the Statewide Preference Ballot, but you are encouraged to

• run as a district delegate
• sign-up to be an election judge
• propose, discuss and vote on resolutions

If you want to submit a resolution to be considered for inclusion in the party platform, you can use the Platform Resolution Form (Word) (PDF). If you cannot attend your caucus but wish to be nominated for an elected position (such as convention delegate or party officer), use the Letter Nomination Form (PDF).

Who can participate at the precinct caucus?

Any Minnesotan, who will be eligible to vote by November 6, 2012, and is not an active member of another political party (or attending another political party’s caucus in 2012), can attend and vote at the DFL caucus.  A 16 or 17 year old, who will not be 18 by November 6, 2012, may also participate in general caucus business. However, they may not vote in the Statewide Preference ballot, or vote for delegates to Organizing Unit conventions.

How can you get involved in the candidate selection process?

The first thing to do is to run for delegate at your precinct caucus.  In most cases, all this takes is volunteering to be a delegate.  The precinct elects delegates to Organizing Unit conventions (organizing units are generally a county or a senate district, but there are some exceptions).  Organizing Unit conventions elect delegates to the State and Congressional District Conventions.

Delegates at the State DFL Convention will vote to endorse DFL candidates for statewide office. In 2012, the convention will endorse a candidate for US Senate.  A candidate must receive 60% of the vote to be endorsed at the convention.