ZBB is Not for Me!

While every good politician loves the idea of 'zero based budgeting, (ZBB)' it has incredible public relations potential, and it sounds nice and saleable to the general public. It mostly and imaginary and wholly unattainable concept to expect State Government to actually be a able to accomplish. Here are some simplistic talking points:

- Minnesota's budget is too large and too complicated for politicians to use ZBB. Minnesota's general fund budget is $34 Billion and $58 Billion all funds. BTW that's roughly $11,500 per capita.

- ZBB is impractical for large bureaucratic institutions. There are way to many programs, expenses, and justifying expense by expense would be more excruciating than watching a Coleman v. Franken recount...I mean watching paint dry...I mean you know what I mean!

-ZBB is against human nature. Everybody wants to know what a particular agency was appropriated last year. Simply D's want to give them more and R's. want to give them no more. Moreover the risk of ZBB is that if you really don't know what they got in the past you could give too much thereby exacerbating the budget conundrum!

-ZBB would take too long. I mean let's be honest here folks. It already takes R's and D's 6 months or more with many special sessions and one government shutdown to pass a budget without the added time that ZBB would require. True ZBB could take MN politicians years to complete!

-ZBB is just a political ploy to convince the public of politicians goodwill and good intentions before they find a nice easy way to let Minnesotan's down gently to the simple fact that "cuts alone won't fix this budget crisis."

I do say it's very much against the traditional Democratic model to have DFLers committing to ZBB so early. On the other side of the coin ZBB comes naturally to Republicans who would prefer this approach even in boom times. To me that shows an incredible amount of discipline and strategy on the part of the DFL, one that cannot last.

I figure that long about the February Forecast, right at the point where Mr. Stinson annouces that the economy is X million dollars worse, many DFL leaders will confirm via press conference, press release, or their own media that the worsening economic conditions highlight the need for both cuts and increased revenues (taxes). Some undisciplined DFLers might call for tax increases much earlier but for now they are singing with one voice.

R's will continue to sing with one voice as well:
- "Minnesota Government needs to live within its means."
- "The State budget GF budget has more than doubled in ten years."
- "Raising taxes is the last thing to do in a failing economy."
- "Minnesota tax code is not conducive to locating your business here."
- "Minnesota is the 12th highest taxed state in the nation and climbing."

Who's right? Well that depends on your prospective. Minnesota's Legislative and Government Affairs world is always a very large gray area. In the end, who is right is answered by who 'wins the day' with many days to come.

Expected Thursday: Minnesota State Budget Forecast

The Minnesota Management and Budget Office will release the perennial November Forecast for the first time ever since its the creation, this week Thursday. In June 2008, the Minnesota Department of Finance was combined with the Minnesota Department of Employee Relations (DOER); in a cost saving measure. The new Department is served by one Commissioner, Tom Hanson, a Governor Tim Pawlenty appointee, and is under one central mission:

“Our mission is to increase state government’s capacity to manage and utilize financial, human, information and analytical resources in order to provide exceptional service and value for Minnesota’s citizens.”

Regardless, of the name of the Department the economic news is likely to show a widening projected deficit. Current conjecture puts the state deficit for fiscal years 2010-2011, which begins July 1, 2009, somewhere between $1-$5 billion dollars short.

The 2008 February Forecast called for projected spending to outstrip projected revenues by a deficit of $1.086 billion and adjusting for inflation, which the current formula doesn’t do, it actually adds another $1.04 billion to the deficit. The previous forecast cited declines in individual income tax revenues, corporate tax revenues, and contracting sales tax revenue. These trends undoubtedly will re-surface and continue exacerbate Minnesota’s budget outlook. The big question is how much?

After the new numbers emerge the Governor is required to deliver a budget to the legislature before the end of January in each odd numbered year. It is important to remember the Governor’s budget is only a recommendation but practically speaking it represents the typical starting point from which the legislature starts the budget process. Also important to note that Minnesota law does not explicitly require a balanced budget rather, it derives from the limits on borrowing contained in the constitution. The state may issue debt only for specified purposes. Borrowing money to pay for a deficit at the end of the biennium is not one of these purposes. Thus the budget must be in balance at the end of the biennium Minn. Const. art. XI, sec 5.

A growing list of legislative priorities such has Education, Energy, Environment, Health Care, Housing, Human Services, Transportation, and many others combined with decreasing financial means may prompt a very divisive and politically charged legislative session. Suffice to say the newly increased Democratic majorities in both bodies of legislature will certainly have their own agenda; juxtapose that with Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty’s prerogatives and they certainly will have their (budget) work cut out for them this year.

Don't tax small business out of picture

To all those who think raising taxes on individuals making over $250,000 a year is a good idea. Stop for a minute. Put down your pre-conceived ideas and read this news article. If you are truly honest with yourself you will at least see both sides of this issue.

Don't tax small business out of picture
Tom Salonek, Star Tribune, November 30, 2008
http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story?sid=35234499

Stevens Should Not Seek a Recount

Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska is now reportedly down by over 3,700 votes with only 2,500 absentee ballots uncounted. Democrat Mayor of Anchorage Mark Begich appears to be the winner. Senator Ted Stevens has the right within Alaska state law to request a recount. While I am usually very much in favor of recounts, as I believe democracy is served when we can accurately verify close elections, I believe Senator Ted Stevens has been given a chance to "do the right thing." Having been convicted of corruption for accepting gifts from "big oil" he should concede immediately if he has any sense of decency left. He would save himself the expense of an arduous recount process and the headache of being ousted by his Senate colleagues anyways should he actually prevail.

Senator Stevens has already been caught with his hand in the cookie jar, there is no reason he should expect to keep his job at the bakery!

Hillary Clinton Should be Considered for U.S. AG

Despite the rumors and apparent yearning for Hillary Rodham Clinton to become a part of President-Elect Barrack Obama's cabinet as U.S. Secretary of State, I for one believe the more appropriate place for her is as U.S. Attorney General. Mrs. Clinton would be a tireless legal advocate and represent the United States with zeal and without prejudice. The American people would be well served by her gung-ho no holds barred attitude and her Yale Law degree would serve us well.

Democrats Treat Lieberman Correctly

Democrats in the United States Senate treated Senator Lieberman correctly in allowing him to remain a part of their caucus, keeping his Homeland Security Committee Chairmanship, and only ousting him from chairing a subcommittee on Environment and Public Works, are to be commended as conciliatory and not motivated by revenge. Also deserving of a thumbs up is President-Elect Barack Obama who despite being the target of Senator Lieberman's defection called for Lieberman to retain his position in the caucus.

However, less we believe that American Politicians are returning to a days gone by civil approach to partisan politicking where those of opposing viewpoints can ardently disagree all day long and spend time together at night as friends and colleagues, the reality might be just a little more self serving.

Democrats in the U.S. Senate still have a shot at a cloture and filibuster proof 60 member majority. Should all three contested U.S. Senate races go Democrat and Lieberman remains in the caucus.

Comparing Tax Policies

Right here, right now I am going to attempt to explain the differences in the two presidential candidates tax policies. I feel it is important for people to understand the basic philosophy behind both. I will not make an attempt to advocate for either one. I will just explain them in the simplest terms possible. I do have a question for people to think about at the end and a weblink to a video.

McCain:

• Don't raise taxes on anyone.
• Underperforming economies are the worst time to raise taxes.
• Bush Tax Cuts? Yes, Senator John McCain supports making the Bush Tax cuts for anyone making over $250,000 permanent. Yet, what it is crucial to understand is that over 50% of America's small businesses are sole proprietorships with gross receipts of over $250,000 and that those businesses supply and create jobs.
• Letting the Bush Tax cuts expire is essentially raising taxes.
• Why should the rich get richer? Because a free market does reward those in business who take risks and succeed. There is nothing wrong with that.
  

Obama:

• Cut taxes for everyone making less than $250,000 per year.
• Cut taxes for 95% of Americans
• Raise taxes on the top 5%
• Let the Bush tax cut expire
• Raise taxes on small businesses earning over $250,000
• Nevermind that raising taxes on the wealthy will probably reduce jobs.

Biased section:

So I ask you, if Obama lowers your individual income tax and you get a couple thousand bucks back at the end of the tax year but you don't have a job because your small business had to cut positions due to increased taxes...How are you any better off?

View the following video no matter what type of partisan you are. All I ask is that you acknowledge that their are (2) viewpoints here and both have their merits!

http://www.nypost.com/seven/10152008/news/politics/obama_fires_a_robin_hood_warning_shot_133685.htm

WANTED: Greenspan please come back!

Have you seen this man? If so, please contact the U.S. Federal Reserve so we may return him to his office to brilliantly guide our economy back to its former glory! BTW it was Ronald Reagan who appointed Greenspan in 1987. He was so good that Bill Clinton wisely kept him. He has been gone since 2006 when Democrats took control of Congress and the economy abruptly 'went to pot' - coincidence? I think not!

Democrats Propose 'Gas Stamps'

Democrats’ latest idea: gas stamps
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/democrats-latest-idea-gas-stamps-2008-09-11_2.html


Read this story. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent or other. You won't believe the latest gimmick or game playing being considered as a ploy to win the Presidential election.

Rather than propose real solutions to solve the energy crisis. Democrats are proposing 'Gas Stamps' not only to help people stuck paying high gas prices but to win those over voters for the presidential election.

Bottom line, no matter what side of the aisle you are on this is horrible public policy!
I would opposed this type of legislation no matter which party brought it up.
America needs solutions to the 'energy crisis' not gimmicks and game playing!

Presidential Election--Tie is a Mathematical Possibility

Not that I expect this turnout nor am I in favor of it but if you indulge me for a brief moment I would like to game out a scenario in which Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain end in a virtual electoral college tie that would be 269 v. 269.

Looking at the New York Times Electoral College map as your base:

If you assume all Solids and Leanings are correct you get.

McCain 227 to Obama 251

If McCain wins Ohio (20), Michigan (17), and takes one or the New Mexico or Nevada.

then...

If Obama wins Colorado (9), New Hampshire (4), and again one or the other New Mexico or Nevada.

The end result would be 269 v. 269, neither winning the ability to claim the presidency.

What happens then?

House of Representatives votes for president and every state delegation gets a vote.

Senate elects the VP

http://www.270towin.com/blog/electoral-college/what-happens-if-there-is-a-tie-in-the-electoral-college

RNC Opening Day Distractions

Convention Officials and Participants Looking for a Re-start

While Republican National Convention officials certainly have no control of the weather they definitely made the right call in suspending much of the opening day’s activities yesterday due to hurricane Gustav. What was originally planned as a seven hour day of RNC business set to include appearances by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Vice President Dick Cheney, and President Bush, was curtailed to 2.5 hours of only “essential business.” Throwing out the script sent the committee on arrangements (COA) scrambling.

First lady Laura Bush arrived at the podium at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul to a full crowd who for the first few minutes refused to stop cheering as she tried to begin her remarks.

“Our first priority for today is to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in the Gulf Coast region. And to all of those living in the Gulf States, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. The effect of Hurricane Gustav is just now being measured. When such events occur, we are reminded that first, we are all Americans – and that our shared American ideals will always transcend political parties and partisanship.” –- Laura Bush, excerpt from 2008 RNC.

Laura Bush introduced the four coastal and republican governors including, Charlie Crist, Governor of Florida; Haley Barbour, Governor of Mississippi; Rick Perry, Governor of Texas; and Bob Riley, Governor of Alabama who spoke to the convention-goers via TV broadcast. They expressed thanks for thoughts, prayers, support, and spoke of the storms not as Republicans or Democrats but as Americans (video available).

Returning to the stage Mrs. Bush was joined by Cindy McCain who shared John McCain’s message “this is a time when we take off our Republican hats, and we put on our American hats.” She urged everyone to go to a website http://www.causegreater.com/ that will allow all of us to aide those who have been effect by hurricane Gustav. She also called for all Americans to work together.

Interestingly, it is now widely thought that the storm will keep George W. Bush from attending the Republican National Convention at all. President Bush’s not attending maybe seen as a positive by even some conservatives considering his abysmal 30% approval rating and Republican’s need to establish its presidential nominee as not “four more years of the same,” as was the theme established last week at the DNC in Denver, CO.

As the RNC moves towards an unofficial restart “all eyes are on Minnesota.” Eager to get the ‘bounce’ in the polls that Senator Barack Obama and the Democrats received last week but conscious of the politics of the storm, the Republicans have every interest in a re-start.

Two candidates with the most to gain besides John McCain are Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin and Minnesota’s own Norm Coleman.

First, Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska was the surprise pick of Senator John McCain last week. A relatively unknown she is in a position to ‘introduce herself to America’ at this convention. A fiscal and social conservative, Palin is pro-life, choosing to give birth to a child that she knew would have down-syndrome. She is seen as someone who can passify the conservative base while re-injecting a female into the political dynamics of the unfolding race for the white house. Immediately clear was that there is some risk in picking Palin, she immediately was attacked by Democrats as inexperienced and has the effect of reducing the McCain ticket’s ability to level the same charge at Obama. However, she does have a wider appeal as a women, working mother, and politician. She may be seen “as any woman you might know,” potentially splitting the woman vote. Additionally, with her pro-life stance she is widely expected to split the Catholic vote as well, an important constituency. Recently, it has emerged that Palin’s 17 year-old daughter is pregnant but apparently the father will take responsibility and the two will be engaged. The spin has begun on both sides but what remains unclear is what most American’s will think of the situation. NBC’s today show reported that John McCain was aware of the pregnancy prior to his decision to select Palin.

Finally, the local race for U.S. Senate right here in Minnesota. Of course, Minnesota is not seen as a battle ground state, it has a history of supporting Democratic presidents. So the 10 electoral votes are not really considered ‘up for grabs,’ a fact that may have factored into Senator McCain’s decision not to pick current Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty, who enjoys a 55% approval rating as recently as last week. But a battle for a U.S. Senate Seat rages on right here. Norm Coleman, the Republican former mayor of St. Paul, who brought the NHL back and improved the economic vitality of St. Paul, is being challenged by satirist, comedian, writer, but political newcomer Al Franken. Capitalizing on the Democratic spirit of Minnesota and the message of ‘change’ Franken is on the offensive and running attack ads trying to pigeon hole Norm Coleman as a Bush lap dog. Franken has also been excusing Norm Coleman of answering to the interests of ‘big oil’ and ‘big pharmaceuticals.’ Speaking of finances the most recent reports show that Franken barely out fundraised Coleman from July 1 to August 20th $1.4 to $1.27 million, but Coleman has the advantage with cash on hand at $5.6 to only $2.7 million. Word from the Coleman campaign is that the DNC is preparing to spend $6.4 million against Norm Coleman in the last two months between the end of the RNC and Election Day. For that reason “all eyes will be on Minnesota” through November!

What remains to be seen in St. Paul the rest of the week in St. Paul? Republicans are in a position to still get everything done but now on a more compressed schedule, one political observer’s guess is that the remaining three days of RNC will be action packed, star-studded, full of political heavyweights, all in a ‘shorter time table,’ pun intended.

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Less than Gracious In Face of the Storm

Two politicos who were less than gracious with their remarks were Donald Fowler, former national chairman of the DNC between 1995 and 1997, and in a separate instance filmmaker Michael Moore.

First, Donald Fowler was caught on video joking with Rep. John Spratt (D-SC-5th), a 12 term incumbent, about the coincidence of hurricane Gustav striking land on the opening day of the RNC. “ The timing, at least it appears now, that it’ll be there Monday. That just demonstrates God’s on our side,” Fowler said while laughing (video). Interestingly, Rep. John Spratt (D-SC-5th) was already on the Republican “targeted list” prior to participating in the gaffe. President Bush carried South Carolina’s 5th district with 57 percent in 2004. South Carolina is listed as ‘strong McCain’ and the Republican Party believes demographic trends and conservative temperaments leave the 5th district vulnerable and points to a plausible chance for victory. You can bet that after the gaffe, Republicans in the 5th ‘smell blood in the water.’ The challenger is Albert F. Spencer.

Second, filmmaker, liberal political commentator, and consummate critic of George W. Bush, appeared on MSNBC’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann and stated, “I was just thinking, this Gustav is proof that there is a God in heaven. (video)”

All Eyes On Colorado! -- DNC Starts Today

The 45th Democratic National Convention starts today at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. By week’s end Senator Barack Obama will no longer be referred to as a presumptive Democratic Party nominee for president. Senator Barack Obama is expected to accept his party’s nomination for president on Thursday at INVESCO Field at Mile High, a stadium that holds 70,000 plus and home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos. Side note for you football fans, Denver won back to back Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII (1998, 1999). Tonight’s headline prime-time speaker will be Michelle Obama. Tuesday the headline speaker will be Senator Hillary Clinton. On Wednesday, Senator Barack Obama’s Vice Presidential Nominee, U.S. Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) will take the stage. Also speaking on Wednesday is Former President Bill Clinton, former Senator Tom Daschle, Governor Bill Richardson and Senators Evan Bayh (previous VP contender) and John Kerry. Full details regarding the program on Thursday have yet to be released.

Colorado is a key ‘battle ground state, ’ 1 of only 3 states out west listed as a virtual toss-up by the New York Times Electoral Map. Up for grabs are 9 electoral votes, one less than Minnesota site of the RNC. Once considered a perennial GOP stronghold, Colorado has gone Republican for three consecutive elections and 12 of the past 14. However, President Bush won Colorado by less than 5 percent in 2004 as the state has become steadily more Democratic. The Democratic Party has been surging in Colorado and has picked up the governorship, a Senate seat, and two U.S. House seats. An increasing Hispanic population and Republicans attempts to strengthen immigration laws may be problematic and help Senator Obama.

Democratic Businessman Jared Polis, who recently won a three-way primary battle, is one candidate hoping to get a boost from the DNC. The 33-year-old Polis, who would be one of the youngest Congress members if elected, has big advantages in both fundraising and political demographics for his general election race against little-know Republican nominee Scott Starin. Colorado’s 2nd district was formally held by five-term Democrat Mark Udall, who is running for Senate with a slight lead, is listed as ‘safe democrat.’

One thing is for certain. Partisans, pundits, and political junkies will keep ‘all eyes on Colorado’ well after the Democratic National Convention.

Drill Now: Gaining Momentum, will Congress act?

Everyone knows that markets respond in an anticipatory way. Therefore the U.S. simply signaling an intention to drill will reduce the price at the pump. Best guess is about a $1 per gallon drop in price over one or two short weeks time.

Prove it, you say? Look at President Bush recent removal of an executive order that has no effect of law, considering a current federal law preempts it. Just having made that move dropped the per gallon price by fifty cents in about a weeks time. The market responded.

So what needs to be done? Congress needs to take up an energy bill and the Democratic majority needs to procedurally allow the drilling amendment to be brought forward. Unfortunately, the Democratic leadership in Congress, especially in the U.S. House of Representatives went on a (5) week summer break without bringing the bill to the floor. Why? Strategy! They knew that their were enough votes in congress to pass the drilling amendments, so they gavel session to a close and sent congress home to campaign.

In the meantime...

Senator Barack Obama has switched from opposed to drilling to "willing to consider it."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has switched from opposed to drilling to "an openness to allowing an offshore drilling vote."

They must have finally got around to reading the polls.

The big question now is...will she actually follow through and allow the vote?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(see below for Boehner and Blunts quotes about the speaker's intention)

“If Speaker Pelosi is truly sincere about having a vote on deep-ocean oil and gas drilling to help bring down fuel costs, she should use her power as Speaker to call Congress back into session immediately and schedule a vote on the American Energy Act,” Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said in a statement released Tuesday morning.

“I was certainly encouraged to hear the Speaker last night suggest a willingness to allow the House to have an up-or-down vote on the merits of unlocking the potential of America’s abundant energy resources. But the proof will be in the proverbial pudding,” Republican Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) stated.

Democrats who believe McCain is the REAL DEAL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSpcxkKlEFA

Click through to this youtube segment to find clips of Democrats praising Senator John McCain. There is no question that he is a "do-er." He works together with bot sides of the aisle. He gets things done!

Senator Barack Obama can talk his cute little game by using words like "hope" and "promise" and "yes we can" but all of that just feels pretty empty to me. After (4) years in the U.S. Senate can anyone name one thing he has done? Do you remember his name being mentioned as part of any ground breaking legislation?

Kind of feels like when you drink a warm Coca Cola too fast on a hot summer day!

Pandering Politicians

Websters defines 'Pandering' in the following

: to act as a pander; especially : to provide gratification for others' desires
Now I want to prefice this by saying that yes of course both sides do pander but this is just one of the most recent and richest examples.

Senator Barach Obama announced today a broad energy plan which includes two reversal of his previous policy.

One he is calling for the exercise of the U.S. Strategic Reserve = Pandering --> Repbulicans have been calling for this since gas hit $3 a gallon and now Senator Barack Obama wants to talk about it why? Oh yeah, I forgot...he is running for president and he is willing to tell the majority of americans "in the middle" on the political spectrum that he agrees with them. You see he is smart, politically astute, motivated, he knows he has the Democratic Party base "locked up" so now he needs to reach towards the moderates in in the middle. He needs to, in a clever way, convince people he is willing to consider exercising the U.S. Strategic Petroleum reserve. Meanwhile, should he ever be in a position to make that decision, should he be president, he has no intention of sigining such a measure. He will assuredly find a way to derobe himself of responsibility of following through on this campaign pledge.

Two he is calling for "some offshore drilling" as long as it is done in a "responsibile way" = PANDERING --> Republicans have been asking for Congress to open ANWR (Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge and offshore drilling in gulf and other coastal waters for quite some time. Senator Barack Obama's attempts are merely a ruse designed to trick those in the middle who may be inclined to agree with him on some issues but are being squeezed in the pocketbook. Honestly, Senator Obama play here in the least is to look as if he is "willing to reach out" and work with both sides of the issue. When in fact he is just telling them what they want to hear. He is co-opting the parts of the Republican agenda for his own political gain while simultaneously trying to "steal his opponents thunder" on an issue that he knows is winning in the polls with the american people. Drill more, payless now!

Third he wants to end oil dependancy in 10 years = PANDERING and completely ludacrious. Every economist in the world knows that a conversion, even if the technology where here right now today...and it isn't, could not even possibly occur in such a short amount of time.

Obama thinks of 10 years like a young person would 10 years still equals..."like forever."

McCain sees 10 years very differently. Ten years to McCain is...only twice as long as he spent as a prisioner of war.

No matter how cliche, commercialized, and overdone Senator John McCain's "Straight Talk Express" has become you can still trust it.

With Senator Obama...you get the feeling he will say and do anything to become president!

Lobbyists Wanted!

Issue

A recent TV ad by a particular U.S. Senate candidate discusses the issue of former and retiring Congressmen and women becoming lobbyists. Click here to view this ad spot on You Tube.

The ad suggests that Congress has been considering how long a former member has to wait before becoming a lobbyist either 1 or 2 years.

"Right now hundreds of former members represent big oil and special interests, no wonder gas is $4 a gallon. Something has got to change. If elected I will work to make sure former members of Congress never become lobbyists."

Viewpoint

Here we go again! Another wanna-be politician running for Congress against Congress! Another politician making blanket statements equating all lobbyists and "special interests" as evil.

Time to debunk the myth!

Here are the facts.

Elected officials cannot not possibly be experts on every issue that comes before them. They rely on their staff and yes professional lobbyists to inform them on issues. It is a fundamental part of the system. Remember at some point lobbyists are just organized citizens.

Do some lobbyists represent big oil and big coal? Yes!
Are all lobbyists and 'special interests' bad? No!
Are there bad actors in every industry? Yes!
Should we punish the many on account of the few? No!
Is there something wholly un-American about dictating by law what job an individual pursue? Yes!

Remember the "Americans" all have lobbyists (American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Medical Association) are you calling them 'special interests?' Should they be banned from Washington? Also, the Alzheimers Association has lobbyists should they not enjoy a quality and professional candidate who might also happen to be a former member of Congress with an extensive network and excellent knowledge of the process? If we allow some but not others then where do we draw the line?

It is time for all candidates to stop using sensationalistic but empty calls to end 'special interests' and lobbying.


Most lobbyists are exceptionally educated, professional, and highly dedicated to "doing the right thing."

Lobbyist does not necessarily equal "dirty, rotten, scoundrel!"

Why High Gas Prices!

Time for a little review. Just five years ago in July 0f 2003 Twin Cities gas average was 1.57 per gallon and as recently as December 23, 2006 we were paying $1.89 per gallon. So what is the real deal with gas prices. Who is to blame? The answers might just shock you!

Well if you are the kind of democrat that wants to believe everything that the liberal media spoon feeds you then you probably think that George Bush and his big oil tycoon, a la monoply, vice president and their ill founded and funded war are to blame for the worldwide increase is gas prices. However, the reality that couldn't be further from the truth. So what is keeping gas prices so high, we examine that question here together.

First the demand side of the issue. Industrialized nations throughout the developing world have increased their the overall global demand for fossil fuels. Just think about it why do you think Bejing looks worse than Los Angeles on every given day. Not to mention the U.S. continues to use its fair share now more than ever. This increase in demand puts price pressures on the barrel price of fuel keeping prices staggeringly high.

Second, the supply side of the issue. OPEC has a long history of intentionally withholding production to limit the supply of oil on the market at any given time. They actually meet, discuss the what their daily output should be, and are sophisticated enough to know exactly what the resulting barrel price, price per gallon, and more importantly what their return on investment will be. The general public must understand that OPEC has no incentive to increase supply and lower prices because that would in turn reduce their financial gains.

Third, the United States has a strategic reserve. The United States does hold significant strategic reserves. Their release always lowers prices.

Fourth, expanding drilling. The U.S. States in its wisdom has made it illegal for any further exploration or drilling in Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge. You can blame Democrats here. Dominanted by greenies these environmentalists are intentionally driving up prices to further their political agenda. $4 a gallon gasoline, they are reveling in moment and celebrating the success. They have the general public believing that only clean technology will fix our dependancy on foreign oil and fossil fuels all together. They love it!

Fifth, Democrats in Minnesota raised your gas tax. This is the flat out truth, ask them and they will tell you straight out that they raised your gas taxes at a time when gas prices were at an all time high. There is no avoiding this truism.

So what would drop the gas prices tomorrow?
-Decrease global demand.
-Force OPEC to increase production
-Exercise the U.S. Strategic Oil Reserve
-Legalize off shore and ANWR drilling
-Just begining the process of moving men an materials to the oil fields of ANWR would signal OPEC to drop prices. Oil would not even have to begin flowing before prices would drop and stabilize.
-Actually, recover ANWR oil and begin making it available to U.S. Citizens immediately. Export as little as strategically possible to keep global prices low.
Long Term:
-Invest in smart car technologies
-Invest in clean technology
-Switch grass bio-fuel has tremendous promise, could you imagine a fuel from the weeds growing at the side of the road.

MN Senate Is Not Up for Re-Election

Yesterday (07/09/2008) the Associated Press released a story about a particular Minnesota DFL Senator who decided to resign the day after the election this year. This story immediately prompted the misinformed to post comments following the story stating it was a conspiracy and strategy. Some complained that extra money would be wasted on the special election. They wanted the Senator to pay for the cost of the special election out of his own pocket. They could not understand and cried foul about him waiting until the day after the election, so he would not be included in the general election.

News flash political uninformed masses who can't resist the temptation to comment about politics even though they obviously don't understand the system, the Minnesota Senate is not up for election this year. Therefore, he could not have the seat be decided in this years general election. And Why should he pay? In fact, it is to the citizen constituent's advantage that he not pay the cost of the special election and be in a position to exert undue influence on the result of an election.

Just one short message and a soon to be "Practical Politician" classic!

Tune in next time!

Practicial Politician seeks to educate the general public about MN politics, policy, and process. Examples are "ripped from the headlines" and reviewed to illustrate strategic points from the simplistic to the down right complex.