we need betty out of the house and in the senate!!!!!!

[stackhouse]

often u.s.reps. from minnesota do rise fast up the ranks. however they often find themselvs running in to a glass ceiling, which blocks them from any real place in the house...we need betty out of the house and in the senate. think, when is the last time a minnesotan us rep became the speaker of the house or a majority leader or had any real role in the dem house leadership

the state dfl party does not give a flying ....about our/minnesotan role in in the u.s.house or the senate .we need to tell the st party what we want not have the party big shots tell us who there going to send. we are being sold a bill of goods by the degrading the service and potential role of betty McCollum by asking her to remain in the house!!!

as to patti wetterling... i would support her in a congressional race but not senate... as to any others the no way

"betty and babs for u.s. senate 2006"

[ISUGRADIA]

1. as to your question

"when is the last time a minnesotan us rep became the speaker of the house or a majority leader or had any real role in the dem house leadership"

I can think of two MN reps who have had/have powerful positions. Sabo was Chairman of the House Budget Committee 1993-1994. He'd be an Appropriations Subcommittee Chair (a powerful position) if the Dems retake Congress.

Peterson is ranking member on House Ag and would be chair if the Dems ake control back in the future.

The only Senator I can think of who had a leadership role was Humphrey as Majority Whip before he was VP. Committee Chairs in either body are in key, powerful spots.

[MnFishhead]

7. One problem

Colin Peterson is no Democrat. Well, in name only. I'd call him the Reeking Democrat, not ranking.

[Tigress DEM]

2. I like Betty. I think she brings more experience and a solid vote record.

Patty has more name recognition, but I don't know if that will be enough.

[CatholicEdHead]

3. True

lack of political experiance would hurt, but could also help in that Patty is not covered with the precived slime of usual politicians.

[Tigress DEM]

4. Except that the perception of Patty is a ONE Issue person.

I'm thinking that grass roots can do a hell of a lot with perception, but you can't train someone to be further along than they are.

I've read good things about Patty too, so I'm not knocking her or against her, I just think there are a lot of long term things that have to be done that someone who has been working in the system might have an advantage actually getting done.

Politicians establish their network of contacts and find out where the push works or where you have to finesse it though.

Also someone who has been in the system a while may be a bit tougher and not let the bs get to them as much. It's going to be a tough fight.

http://www.mccollum.house.gov

But it may be a pipe dream, cause it doesn't look like Betty is running anyway. Still, there is something so Wellstone about Betty. I guess this is great, we have a LOT of good DEMS out there that could do 2006.

[wellstone dem]

5. We need to be careful

not to just think like party activists, that's what got John Kerry the nomination. We need to try to think more like non-active DFL voters and like independents. Patty did better than Kerry in the 6th district, a tough district for democrats. She is polling better than any other candidates. Downside for her is "one issue" portrayal, though she should do better combating this on her second run. Upside is, I think she has best name recognition, is viewed as "ours", and does not have slime of political involvement attached to her. I thnk she would do better than other candidates outstate, not sure about in Twin Cities. Outstate, only Mike Hatch would have similar name recognition.

[Demrock6]

6. I must agree........

On every point you just made. Took thought out of my brain.