Three state and national election years have been highlights for me. In 1978, before the GOP started calling moderates like me RINO’s, I went to the Republican state convention that nominated and subsequently elected Two Republicans US Senators and a Minnesota Governor. It was called the Minnesota Massacre. In 1990 frightened Independents and Democrats joined moderate Republicans to elect Arne Carlson Governor. On the Presidential level only one political year was as satisfying. That was 2008. That was the second or third year I caucused with Democrats. I went to the caucuses that year to elect Barack Obama. It was an eye popping year at the DFL precinct caucuses. A thousand folks arrived to support either Hilary Clinton or Obama at the old Woodland School, with its new addition for the younger grades in a school with only another four years of life. I was in awe. There were easily ten times the number of people there than had attended any recent caucuses. It was the most gratifying presidential election of my lifetime. Obama with his white Kansas mother, just like mine, got elected.
I was particularly pleased at Woodland for another reason. In caucus after caucus the attendees brought resolutions and passed them calling on the Duluth School Board to let voters have a referendum on the Red Plan. I had been fighting for a referendum for two years and I was heartened to see so many DFLers agree with me. I know the same thing was happening in the Republican precinct caucuses as well.
I’ve just been told about tonight’s DFL endorsing conventions for School Board candidates. Something like 68 people showed up to endorse in the 2nd District which will fill Judy Seliga-Punyko’s seat. Sixty-eight people showed up to endorse and the winner, David Kirby, was nominated by Judy Seliga-Punyko – the champion of the Red Plan and the failed attempt to remove Art Johnston. Dr. Kirby got 75% or about 51 of the votes.
Barb Russ a neighbor of mine and no nonsense City Councilor nominated Charles Obije. Charles brought his children to the convention and played with them rather than milk the small audience for handshakes. When he spoke we warned the delegates that they had a choice of selecting a candidate poised to carry on our school board’s disturbing feud of the past year. His pleas fell on deaf ears as only about 15 folks voted for him while Jane Hoffman garnered another two. It will be interesting to see if a campaign so antithetical to the inclinations of that huge DFL Caucus of 2008 can succeed and, if successful, whether Charle’s predictions come to pass.
Only twelve delegates took part in the 3rd District endorsement to choose a replacement for Bill Westholm. Nora Sandstad won with about eight votes. It would be hard to characterize such an endorsement as a clear mandate from the the party.
Rosie, Annie and Judy were all at the festivities. There is no doubt who they are campaigning for.
Is it any wonder that the editors of the Duluth News Tribune take such a jaundiced view of party endorsements for non partisan offices?
