The mission of mnpACT! is to build a progressive community based upon the
core values of respect, dignity and opportunity, by educating people about
progressive ideas, advocating for progressive issues, and electing
progressive candidates to local, state and federal offices.
When Congressman John Kline wishes to rail against earmarks, I wish he would argue the issue on the merits and not just regurgitate more politics.
In another hokey Op-Ed in the Star Tribune, Congressman Kline informs us of the "evils" of earmarks with, what amounts to, only partial information.
First he tells us about the "injustice" of earmarks:
But rather than using an orderly, reasoned system for setting priorities on how taxpayer money is spent on earmarks, decisions in Washington are based on a member's seniority, committee assignment or party affiliation. This is wrong.
What he doesn't tell you is that the biggest abusers of utilizing that system were the Republicans, when Congressman John Kline was in the majority. Now, that he is not in the "majority" -- those same rules seem suddenly "unfair".
In Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District, Ashwin Madia has been outperforming expectations on all fronts. An Iraqi War veteran with a strong message and compelling biography, he has been just what the doctor ordered for a competitive open seat.
Last month, MPR had a great article about how the Indian-American community has rallied around Madia's candidacy. He doesn't dwell on his heritage or run away from it either. But the generosity of this ethic group has given the Madia campaign a head start on competing for this Congressional seat.
But he needs more.
One of the biggest obstacles for Democratic candidates in the remaining Republican seats has been fundraising. The networks have been slow to build and quite frankly, in places like the 2nd and 3rd Districts, there had been a lot of discouragement because of the long track record of losing.
Just a note about next week's Denver convention. My family and I are going to be there next week. I am not a delegate or an "official" floor blogger, but I did get accepted as a blogger for the "Big Tent in Denver" for new media.
You can check out more information about The Big Tent here. The main sponsors are Digg and Google and is hosted by Daily Kos and ProgressNow. I am not sure what to expect.... this is a new venture for them and everybody else; but the "tent" (it is two stories) is just a few blocks away from the Pepsi Center. They plan to have a live feed to the convention and will have forums and discussion groups on their own stage.
The Convention floor itself has bloggers from every state. The Minnesota . . .
