Yesterday, August 12th, 2014, the Minnesota primary election was held. Current reporting is indicating that only slightly less than 10% of the eligible voters cast a vote. According to predictions, this seems to be what everyone expected. The reasons given are classic: Midterm election, Disinterest or disgust in politics generally, or maybe in Minnesota we’re doing pretty well according to some. For better or for worst, depending on your point of view, the budget is in balance at the moment, and our unemployment rate is generally low. Of course, if you don’t have a job, you wouldn’t consider pretty low as good enough. Nonetheless, and in any event, the primary election results are now in.
Let’s look closely at the statewide races. This year in Minnesota the statewide top of the ticket race for Governor is between Mark Dayton (incumbent-Democrat) and Jeff Johnson (challenger-Republican). The race for U.S. Senator from Minnesota is between Al Franken (incumbent-Democrat) and Michael McFadden (challenger-Republican). Now the candidates reset their clocks and begin campaigning to win the election in November.
It’s also time for we voters to reset our clocks and watch what the candidates do next. Let’s get into the habit of using the Voting Alert Beacons. We can start with the core Beacons: Beacon #3: Listen/Ignore, Beacon #4: The Polls, and Beacon #5: The Money.
Beacon #3: Listen/Ignore
Go back to the Voting Alert Beacons blog and review the detail of this step. At its core is that we want to only listen to what the candidate says about themselves, their positions on the issues and what they plan to do. Ignore everything else they say. To begin, check the candidate’s websites.
Beacon #4: The Polls
This is about what you shouldn’t do. I know that sounds negative, but it’s important not to read polls and not to participate. When a candidate’s representative call you, a polling company appears, or the media interrupts your day, just say no.
Beacon #5: The Money
Let’s start with the numbers as of the end of July (see below). This information comes from the Federal Election Committee and from the state of Minnesota. Generally, it’s what we might expect (not saying this is OK). The incumbent has a lot more money in total and they have a lot more money from PACs and special interests. Again, review Beacon #5 and remember the ideal candidate won’t take money from special interest groups and only smaller amounts from individuals.
Minnesota Governor Candidates
Mark Dayton
Individual $549,437.07
Lobbyists $11,540.00
PACs $41,446.86
Jeff Johnson
Individual $204,640.29
Lobbyists $2,898.40
PACs $1,050.00
Minnesota Senate Candidates
Al Franken
Individual $12,442,034.00
PAC $1,003,139.00
Candidate $0.00
Other $1,680,395.00
Michael McFadden
Individual $3,147,166.00
PAC $249,500.00
Candidate $5,200.00
Other $2,448.00
NOTE: There is a lot more money in the senate race because contributors (individual and special interest) from all over the country send money. Human nature being what it is, the result is that whoever our Senator is really doesn’t faithfully represent Minnesota, as they should.
OK, VOTERS, let’s get to work. Let’s get ready to vote in November by following the Voting Alert Beacons along the way.
Spread the word! Tell your friends about the Voting Alert Beacons!
. . . remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her. America’s best days are ahead of her. They always have been and always will be.
Dave
Copyright © 2014 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.