Progressive DFLer Ford Bell announces for Dayton's seat!

[Carolab]

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

[jean]

1. this will be a lively contest

from the strib, using Carolab's link:

Bell will face Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar, child safety crusader Patty Wetterling and real estate developer Kelly Doran for the DFL endorsement. Of the four, Bell has the smallest campaign chest so far -- $100,000 raised in the first half of the year, compared with Klobuchar's $1.24 million, Wetterling's $750,000 and Doran's $310,000, of which $250,000 is his own money.

Although Bell has previously listed his assets at between $1 million and $5 million, he said he will not self-finance and will rely on fundraising in what experts already say could be the most expensive election contest in Minnesota history.

[Carolab]

2. I'm going to give to him.

I gave money to Patty but after she basically ignored what I told her about the weird election results in the 6th District and also that she appears "weak" in general, I won't.

I like this guy Bell.

[jean]

4. I'm unsure still... although Klobuchar may have appeal in my neck of the

woods - the vast western suburbs, saturated with such folks as "Sportsmen for Bush."

[Minnesota Raindog]

3. Still wish Wetterling would run in the 6th

She did pretty well in 2004 for a first-timer--46%, much better than Janet Robert's 35% two years earlier--and would go well beyond that the second time around against a nonincumbent. I don't understand how losing a congressional race qualifies one for a far more difficult senate race two years later, when the congressional seat is wide open now.

[Carolab]

5. Yes, this bothers me as well.

Although when I spoke to her, she did say that it was a "close race" and I think that gave her courage--plus the consultant's input that showed she has strong support.

Still, I am not sure she is strong enough.