DFL's Bell throws hat in Senate ring

[question everything]

DFL's Bell throws hat in Senate ring
Patricia Lopez
Star Tribune
Published July 23, 2005

Ford W. Bell, president of the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation and a veterinarian, said Friday that he will seek the DFL endorsement in Minnesota's upcoming U.S. Senate race.

The wealthy scion of a family that includes the founders of both General Mills and the Red Owl grocery chain, Bell, 56, made his announcement on the steps of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, "where four generations of my family have worshipped, where my great-grandfather, a Civil War veteran who fought at Gettysburg, is commemorated."

With a background in philanthropy and public service, Bell said his experience makes him uniquely suited in a crowded DFL field to keep the party's hold on the seat of outgoing Sen. Mark Dayton.

(snip)

Although he has never held elective office, Bell said he has long been active in DFL politics and that his father's friendship with Minnesota political icon Hubert H. Humphrey fueled his interest in public service.

Bell said he favors universal single-payer health care, preservation of Social Security, energy independence, "a new pay scale for teachers" and stronger environmental commitments.

He also opposes the war in Iraq and said he will "be a strong voice for peace and for bringing an end to a war that has taken the lives of almost 1,800 young Americans."

(snip)

http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5520862.html

[BamaLefty]

1. We MUST Keep This Seat

We can't concede anything in blue states. We need to win there and take 1/2 in some red states (ex: Nevada, New Mexico, Indiana) to keep up/pass the Repubs.


So do you think this guy (or any other Dem) will beat the Repub candidate in the general election?

[CatholicEdHead]

2. Bell seems to be taking the Dayton route

in having a rich person come in and run as a Democrat. It is too early to determine Bell's chances.

I think Kennedy is exposed, he has a very non-independent House record in that he votes with Bush 98%+ of the time. I think Wetterling and Klobochar have very good chances against Kennedy.

[goodhue]

3. Unlike Dayton, Bell says he will not self-fund

Doran and possibly Ciresi are also rich people in the race.

[CatholicEdHead]

4. Primary is filling up

whereas the GOP appears to be already over (to the irritation of some Republicans) with Kennedy getting the Rove ordination. We know that the GOP will be sniffing for any and all party primary in-fighting in the DFL.

All canidiates should make a push to be as civil as possible during the primary process. Public sniping at this point not only show signs of weakness but comments to be put in pro-Kennedy attack ads to whomever makes it through the primary. Anyone who continues to run even after the endorcement process will only split the votes at a rate that would eclispse even the most positive Wetterling-Kennedy poll margin.

[Demrock6]

5. I am starting to dig Ford Bell.

http://insideminnesotapolitics.blogspot.com/ Scroll down to the 2 Ford Bell interviews. Give them a listen.

[goodhue]

6. I really like Bell.

He has specific stands on issues!

http://www.fordbell.com/site/issues