Sources close to Rep. Jim Abeler (R 35A) have told me that he will be entering the race for CD6 CORRECTION: US Senate as a Republican with in the next day or two.

We have 3 candidates so far that have confirmed they are running for the 6th Congressional District seat being vacated by Michele Bachmann.

Tom Emmer (Emmerforcongress.com)

John Pederson (As of June 14: Yes, with formal kick off still to come, but he is in)

Rhonda Sivaraja (Rhondaforcongress.com)

There are still others considering jumping into the race.

I was on the Late Debate Friday night and this race was discussed. Here are the links to the segments: 8PM hour – 9PM hour

More possible CD6 news.

Rhonda Sivarajah will announce her future political plans at 9:30AM tomorrow (6/12) at Victory Auto Service & Glass (16326 Highway 65 NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304)

 

For those that don’t know, I’m going through a bit of a ‘transition’ in my life. I’m trying not to post about it anymore which is a change for me, as long time readers of RF probably are aware I usually wear my heart on this blog.

I am hunting for a new home. I even made an offer on a house in Ramsey last night. Its with a heavy heart, but things just didn’t work out as I had planned.

Another probably shocking thing long time readers of RF is what they will not see on this blog: CD6 commentary and candidate vetting. In 2005 & 2006, this blog was relevant in the endorsement race. I did exclusive interviews with the candidates and from time to time, it got a bit heated and unfiltered.

But in 2013, having the wisdom of 8+ years of activism and having held numerous positions in Republican party leadership, I have learned a thing or two. Most importantly, that while free will rantings and mudslinging may feel good, it is not productive in building a stronger Republican party by uniting the coalitions.

I am the Treasurer and Finance Director for the CD6 Republicans now. I’m helping implement the leadership team’s plan to turn CD6 into a powerhouse in Minnesota politics. My role is behind the scenes meeting with donors, leaders, and setting up the machine that will help elect Republican candidates in CD6 and statewide.

I guess I can say that I have finally learned my place in this political world.

As an officer in CD6, I will remain neutral in the race publicly. I think we have some very fine candidates stepping up. My hope is that this race can be positive and build on the hard work of the CD6 leadership of uniting the coalitions and focusing on results: aka winning. In 2012 we were the model for working together and winning. Our plan for 2014 is much more of the same.

A return to the AAA of old would be unproductive to what we have been building in CD6 and I hope I can set the example to others to stay positive.

Its a new day for me & RF.

I’d been trying to be much better on the blog for a few years, but the volatility of the past has been hard for many to forget. In 2012, my work in CD6 helped many see I was more than just an angry guy in his underwear. I did a tremendous amount of work that resulted in wins last November. Work that if I had not stepped up to do, wouldn’t have been done. That’s the whole “Yippie ki yay” thing. More people need to understand that talk is cheap (well unless you are paid to talk), but work is what wins elections.

While making sure we have credible candidates is a major factor in winning, the far more important ingredient to winning is good data and an army of volunteers. While some people wage the war for who gets to put their name on the lawn sign, I’m helping to build that army and ID those voters so who ever we pick for CD6 and statewide races can win.

While postings have been fewer and less interesting lately, its for the better. I’m sure once my life settles down and I figure out what God’s plan is for me personally, I will find my voice again and RF can return to a daily read. Or who knows, maybe this is God’s plan for me.

This new start in my life filled with emotions, sadness, but also happiness. I wish the people who are going down a different path all the best in their journey for happiness. Maybe our paths will cross again some day.

I also want to thank everyone, friend or casual observer, for being so supportive in this process. Its not over yet, and there will be bumps in the road, but I want you all to know that your prayers, words of encouragement, and support have helped me find the silver lining and keep getting out of bed in the morning.

I don’t really know what tomorrow will bring. I don’t know how to be a great man, I just know what I can do. (Yes, that’s a rip off from Star Trek ITTD) Its time for me to accept my priorities and focus on them.

Work, Politics, me.

All 3 need more attention and effort on my behalf.

Omnia Causa Fiunt

Everything happens for a reason.

Thank you all again, and keep an eye out for my house warming party announcement.

Rep. Peggy Scott of HD35B is not running.

State Representative Peggy Scott Will Not Seek Sixth Congressional Open Seat

Today, State Representative Peggy Scott, (R-Andover) has made the following statement regarding the 2014 election.

“I would like to thank Congresswoman Bachmann for her years of dedicated service to the 6th District, the State of Minnesota, and our country. Her deep love and concern for what is best for our state and country have been the driving force behind her service.

As a result of Congresswoman Bachmann’s announcement not to seek re-election, I have received encouragement from many to run to be the next Congresswoman of the 6th District of Minnesota.  My family and I have given careful consideration to this opportunity to serve. While I am indeed flattered and thankful for words of encouragement and support, I have decided not to seek the Republican nomination for the 6th Congressional District. My family has always come first and the timing of this opportunity is just not best for us.

I am proud to represent the wonderful, hardworking people of Andover, Northern Coon Rapids, and NE Ramsey, and will continue to work on their behalf in St. Paul.”

“The 6th District is rich in qualified potential candidates for congress and I have confidence we will choose a candidate who will represent well and work on behalf of, the values of our district in Washington, D.C.”

Via Blois Olson’s Morning Take email:

CD6: via the St. Cloud TimesMark Sommerhauser, VERBATIM: “State Sen. John Pedersonedged closer to a run for Congress on Monday, announcing he’s forming an exploratory committee for a campaign in Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District…Pederson, R-St. Cloud, is one of many Republicans eying the seat in the wake of U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann’s announcement last week that she won’t seek a fifth term.”

A couple of From The INBOXes:

Tom Emmer sent out an invite to an announcement this Wednesday.

I wanted to let you know I will be making an announcement on Wednesday, June 5th at 6 p.m. at the River Front and Lions Park, 225 North River Street, Delano.  I hope you can be there.

Tom Emmer

In possibly related news, Sen. Michelle Benson sent out a release stating she was not running to replace Bachmann.

State Senator Michelle Benson announces she will not run for Congress in 2014

 

(Ham Lake, MN) – Today State Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) released the following statement regarding the open seat in Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District:

 

“I’m honored to serve in the Minnesota State Senate representing Anoka, Isanti, and Sherburne Counties.  Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District would also be a great honor as our country faces many challenges and opportunities.

 

Although my desire to serve our nation is strong, right now my family, particularly my young children, needs me in Minnesota and not in Washington, D.C.  After thoughtful consideration for the needs of my family, I have decided that I will not be a candidate for Congress in 2014.

 

I want to thank the many people who have encouraged me to run for higher office. Their support reinforces my commitment to serve.

The 6th Congressional District is home to many committed and qualified Republican candidates and I have no doubt the District will continue to have Republican representation in Washington, D.C.”

Time to work on the resume…..

I emailed this to PPP, it will be interesting to see if I get a response.

I’m curious if your recent poll was entirely statewide respondents.

http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2013/05/franken-in-solid-position-for-reelection.html#more

You released results for just one Congressional race. Were those results of only respondents with in CD6, or were those from the people who participated in the statewide questioning?

Andy A. Aplikowski

RF Flashback: Democrat Polling Firm Finds MNGOP In Trouble – A Case In Media Bias & Laziness

I’m sure you have seen this being repeated the last week: Bachmann in trouble, Franken Way ahead of unknown challengers……

The poll done by the Democrat polling firm PPP is worth about as much as a DFL campaign pledge.

First off, it was an automated poll, meaning: press 1 if you agree, press 2 if you disagree….. so short fused people hung up so its not a great sample base. Secondly, as is usually done in Minnesota, Republicans are extremely undersampled.

You have to dig deep into the crosstabs, but you can see why the poll shows things so poorly for Republicans.

If you are a Democrat, press 1. If a Republican, press 2. If you are an independent or identify with another party, press 3.

Democrat ……………………………………………….. 38%

Republican ……………………………………………… 27%

Independent/Other …………………………………… 35%

You can not make this up: (includes other MN Delegation reactions/spin/Communist propaganda)

Finally, Rep. Keith Ellison went on MSNBC twice Monday and Tuesday to say that the scandal means Congress should move quickly to enact new campaign finance laws.

“I think the thing to do is to take the right lesson, which is, we need Congress to act to say that we’re going to scrutinize all groups that are electioneering when they really should be doing social welfare, he said. “I think the IRS should get more engaged, not less. … I think we need to redouble our efforts to bring real campaign finance reform forward.”

HE JUST SAID CONGRESS NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE AMERICANS!!!!!

The next reporter in MN that portrays Bachmann as the most fringe while ignoring this tyrant’s rantings only Stalin would appreciate…….