http://monkeysponge.blogspot.com/2005/08/senator-norm-coleman-minnesotas-mayor.htmlSenator Norm Coleman; Minnesota's Mayor in...the Hamptons
Just days after voting against 32,000 Minnesota sugar beet farmers, and on the same day that he was scheduled to attend Minnesota's largest farmers gathering (Farm Fest)--where he was to take the stage along with Colin Peterson (among others) to discuss how federal farm and trade legislation affects Minnesota farmers...he cancelled, by the way--Norm Coleman was spotted in the Hamptons, playing tennis in a pro-am with New York Port Authority Commissioner Bruce Blakeman.
August 3, 2005 -- SEN. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) playing tennis with Port Authority Commissioner Bruce Blakeman in the Green Hollow Tennis Club's Pro-Am tournament in East Hampton, where Coleman made it to the semifinals
Hot damnit! The semifinals!! He must be good.
I'm sure that the thousands of Minnesota sugar beet farmers will be happy to know that their junior Senator ducked out of the largest farm gathering in Minnesota so he could play tennis in the Hamptons.
I'm sure that these farmers will be especially happy to know that a NYC Port Authority Commissioner tennis buddy is more important than explaining the most important Minnesota farm-related vote in recent history.
Norm Coleman, ladies and gentlemen...putting Minnesotans first.
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http://www.mnspeak.com/mnspeak/aggregator/ Norm Coleman Spotted In The Hamptons
The DFL just sent out this hilarious release highlightning Norm Coleman's participation at a tennis tournament in East Hampton, Long Island. Can't blame him, though; when you've got a thousand dollar smile you have to show it off somewhere:
The New York Post reported today in their gossip column that Senator Norm Coleman recently played in a tennis tournament at a private tennis club in East Hampton, Long Island, New York. State DFL Chair Brian Melendez chastised Coleman for his continuing habit of overlooking the needs of Minnesotans while supposedly representing them in the Senate.
“It’s disappointing - but not surprising - that Senator Coleman, who has virtually forgotten the interests of regular Minnesota families during his time in Washington, got lost on his way ‘home’ to Minnesota for the Congressional recess,” said Melendez. “While most Members of Congress are in their home states meeting with their constituents and hearing about their concerns over the Iraq war, health care, schools, and the economy, Senator Coleman is missing.”
Senator Coleman has been repeatedly criticized in the past for his frequent forays around the country for political and fundraising events, and his lack of attention to Minnesota. Coleman has been one of President Bush’s top Senate loyalists, voting with him over 95 percent of the time.
Melendez continued, “I’m glad that Senator Coleman is getting some rest and relaxation with his tennis partners in the Hamptons. He must be exhausted after his tireless defenses of the faltering Bush administration.”
Looks like Norm Coleman isn't the only Minnesota Republican having trouble remembering who he represents.
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http://pollytick.blogspot.com/2005/08/kennedys-sugar-aint-so-sweet.html Kennedy's sugar ain't so sweet
The annual Farmfest Ag Show is in full swing this week near Morton, MN. On Tuesday, Rep. Mark Kennedy (R-MN), Collin Peterson (D-MN), and company showed up for an agriculture forum.
Much to the relief of Mr. Kennedy, the CAFTA issue did not come up until the last audience question. Oh Oh.
When asked about it, Kennedy explained that it was only the sugar beet growers who were 'concerned' with his yes vote. He stated that ALL the other farm groups (8 different organizations) supported the vote.
Well, Rep. Peterson and mostly Rep. Stephanie Herseth (Dem-S.D.) took after him. They wondered out loud as well as after the meeting why Kennedy would take the word of the Washington DC farm groups over those from his home state (not all the local state groups supported this legislation). Rep. Herseth also asked why Kennedy was the only farm legislator, from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest, to vote for this bill (including Republicans and Democrats)?
The crowd was clearly angry at Kennedy. Many sugar beet growers in attendence walked out before the end of the forum.
Editorial boards in the Red River Valley have unloaded on Kennedy and Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) since the vote and bill signing (Coleman actually had the guts to attend the signing ceremony and stand next to the President). The Fargo Forum newspaper (typically a fairly conservative rag) basically told Kennedy to forget about their US Senate endorsement next election. The Grand Forks Herald and others have taken basically the same path.
Gee whiz Mark, was it really worth selling your soul to Rove and Bush? Hooking your train to a President with a Minnesota approval rating of 43% seems a bit clumsy doesn't it?
All the big DC money in the world won't help you dig out of this rather large hole.
edited to change subject from "Kennedy" to "Screech" - didn't want to confuse nonMinnesotans about which Kennedy I was talking about during the brief time this will be on the latest page.