Just got home from my wonderful vacation in Minnesota

[proud2BlibKansan]

I've been to Minnesota many times but never for as long as this time and I had never spent any time in the western and central parts of the state.

We had an absolutely wonderful time and I just wanted to pop over here to your forum and let you know what a beautiful state you have.

We drove through the lake region in the central part of the state and were just blown away by the beauty. Had lunch one day in Walker at a gorgeous little outdoor cafe. Did some shopping. The weather was just perfect.

Spent three days on the north shore at a beautiful resort with a view of Lake Superior that was incredible. Got up early and got some great pictures of the sunrise. Went to the falls and had a great day just sitting looking at water. So relaxing.

We also enjoyed the political commercials. Candidates actually talked about issues instead of slamming each other like they do here. We really were amazed.

Definitely coming back. Hopefully soon :)

[dflprincess]

1. The issues oriented commercials you saw were probably the 3 DFL candidates

running in next week's primary. Unfortunately, the tone of the ads will probably change after that (it's pretty much impossible for the Republican candidate to run on issues - if he's honest about his positions, he'll scare people).

Glad you enjoyed your stay here - you did visit some of the prettiest areas. Next time, let us know you're coming, we'll have a meet up.

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. Didn't see any ads for the republican

Which of the DFL candidates is leading?

Loved the commercial with the kids tearing up NCLB. But it was kind of misleading cause it's pretty hard for states to opt out of federal education policies. Good commercial though.

Thought about contacting DUers in the state but my cell phone got crappy service and internet connection was spotty. We also didn't really have an agenda. We just drove around and stopped when we felt like it.

Picked a great week to come up there. Record breaking heat here. And in spite of what the natives kept telling us, your weather wasn't hot.

The only negative were the damn biting flies. I don't think we have those in Kansas. LOL

[dflprincess]

5. The Republicans aren't running many ads yet as they don't have a primary.

All indications are that Mark Dayton is currently leading the DFL candidates. The commercial you saw was for Matt Entenza - a DFLer but a real weasel (still better than the Repuke) as I think his NCLB ad illustrates. While I'd love to see NCLB scrapped I don't see how Minnesota can get by without the federal money we'd lose if he did scrap it. I can see Entenza moving the public schools down the road to privatization make up the short fall.

He's also the only one of the DFL candidates who opposes single payer health care. I'm sure the fact that all the family money comes from his wife's former job as a wheel at UnitedHealth Group has nothing to do with that opinion.

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. Was that the commercial with two names?

There was a white man and a black woman? Is she running with him? That was kind of confusing.

[dflprincess]

8. Yes.

Robyne Robinson is Entenza's running mate. She's a former anchor for the local Fox affiliate.

[Brickbat]

7. You were within a mile of my house.

:hi:

[proud2BlibKansan]

9. And we paid for a hotel!

LOL

[glinda]

12. Where are you? I am in mid MN, south of Brainerd. Walker is also

considered in the "northern" part of the State. Middle is Brainerd, LF and St. Cloud, Just so you know.

[Brickbat]

14. I'm on the North Shore.

[glinda]

15. Very nice!

[dpbrown]

2. Come on back anytime!

I was actually vacationing in Wisconsin. lol

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. Did Wisconsin two years ago

Also very beautiful.

[MineralMan]

10. Come back anytime.

[glinda]

13. Yes! We'll put the coffee on!

[Lydia Leftcoast]

11. We are known for our hospitality to visiting DUers

We have hosted RFKHumphreyObama (the poster formerly known as socialdemocrat1982), fudge stripe cookays, Rabrrrrrr, Sugar Smack, TZ (formerly turtlensue), and maybe some others I have forgotten or never knew about.

We'd love to add your name to the list of distinguished guests.