T. Wall for Senate write-in campaign starts up; Wall disavows involvement

Too bad the company that made his campaign web site is behind the write-in campaign…

…Not that I terribly mind Wall or Westlake making Ron Johnson’s campaign more difficult. The democratic process is full of burrs in the saddle like that.

Predictably, Sykes tries to sabotage Larson

Wallah! is reporting that Milwaukee’s squaker Wunderkind Charlie Sykes has been spreading a lie about Chris Larson. It repeats a fake story about Larson’s non-arrest when he thought someone was trying to steal his car. And, you should know, this is the same lie that push polls have been spreading about him.

At last night’s debate, Plale sounded very sad that push polling and independent expenditure mailers were going out, but he cited no specific action he would take to stop them. Nor did he condemn the ones that were going out against his opponent.

Notes from the Sept. 2 Larson-Plale debate

Tonight was the third and probably final debate between state senate candidates Supervisor Chris Larson and incumbent state Senator Jeff Plale. It was held at the Humboldt Park Pavilion. The audience made up for its small size with its apparent devotion to the two candidates.

A brief rundown of the questions that were asked; bear in mind that I have paraphrased the questions and most of the answers.

1. BadgerCare. The question was related to the Republican gubernatorial candidates’ statement that BadgerCare was somehow a form of entitlement. Plale was given the first answer, and stated that BadgerCare was not an entitlement, but had helped “poor people in Milwaukee County.”  While he claimed that he did not know if he voted for it, he did say that it was fully funded, and not a tax burden. Despite this, Plale said it had been called “socialism” or a “Wisconsin version of BadgerCare.” (I think he meant to say Medicare or Medicaid.) Larson answered that Walker and Neumann were “out of touch,” and that BadgerCare was a part of the Wisconsin legacy that we need to continue.

2. The rights of single fathers. First answer by Larson: As county supervisor, Larson said he made sure county support programs stayed available and funded until they were turned over to the state. Larson stated that he will look out for families, not corporate interests. He then remarked about how a bill Plale got passed made it possible for telecommunication companies to raise their rates by 20%, hurting families. Plale responded that a colleague of his did something on this matter. He remarked about “taking the emotion out of family courts,” and remarked a second time that his friend in the state leg. has worked on this, but took no credit for doing anything.

3. Parks in Bay View; what would you do? This time Plale got the first answer, and said he cared about the parks. His answer included references to people’s memories of county parks. He claimed that the state legislature was not able to a resolution on parks funding. (Need to fact-check this answer.) Plale claimed to have supported the parks and transit referendum (that Larson initiated and got passed). More references to Milwaukee history, the “sewer socialists” who created the park system. Cited other elected officials. Plale then claimed “we will find a stable funding source for the parks” in the next legislative session. Larson noted that the parks was a very important issue for him. He led the movement to “educate the voters” and pass the funding referendum, “but the state balked at it. I will finish the job.” Larson emphasized that rather than being a “man in a suit” who shows up at events, he would be “there helping make this happen. Larson said that he has organized coalitions to help improve the parks, including the Humboldt Park Pavilion, and cleaning the lagoon at Humboldt Park. He mentioned leading the effort to turn county land that been empty for 30 years into a community garden.

4. Alterra’s possible new location in Bay view: The question pertained to Alterra’s apparent hesitation to create a new cafe/bakery at the corner or Lincoln and KK due to the fact that there are two major bus stops at the intersection. (The company’s efforts to have the stops moved to different sites have been rebuffed.) Larson answered that Ald. Zielinski and Sup. Dimitrijevic would work on this, as the site in question was in their respective districts. Larson emphasized that the availability of transit affects you even if you do not use it, as thousands of people do use it every day to get to work. He said that access to thousands of jobs would be lost if further cuts in the bus system occur, but that will happen because the state legislature did not take action when it was presented to them. Plale began his answer with another reference to Milwaukee history. He said Alterra was a great company, and said “I don’t understand why there’s an issue with the county putting bus stop there.”

5. Give an example of when you have turned down a campaign contribution because you didn’t agree with the contributor. This question went to Plale, who struggled to remember having refused or returned a donation. After a very long, awkward pause, he changed the subject to campaign finance in general, claiming that “donations don’t have an impact on me; people do.” (Fsct check that!) He mentioned the special interest groups who’ve been “flooding” our mailboxes with anti-Larson and anti-Plale pieces. He claimed that “five dollar and ten dollar donations from people who I know can’t afford it have a big impact on me.” (I strongly disagree with that assertion.) Larson stated that in contrast to his opponent, he takes no corporate or lobbyist contributions. He cited the prospect of huge corporate contributions that the recent Supreme Court’s recent Citizens United decision has made possible. Larson was able to specify a contribution that he returned: a person he (and I) went to school with at UWM who had worked to remove funding for the UWM Women’s Resource Center and LGBT Center sent him a check, and he (Larson) returned the check. The would-be contributor was quite offended at this, but Larson stood by his principles and refused the donation.

6. Should Wisconsin have an open primary? The current state law has primary voting by party only. Larson said the system “works as it is,”  as it prevents one side from  weakening the other. It also prevents people from voting for both Chris Larson and Scott Walker, which he said some voters have told him that they wished to do. (Boggle over that!) Plale said that the South Milwaukee Women’s Club lobbies to open primaries, and that he would co-sponsor a bill for that.

7. Wisconsin has a reputation for excessive drinking. How has the Tavern League effected legislation intended to fight drunk driving? The first answer came from Plale who said that “we’ve made strides.” (What would Jeff Wood say?) Plale gave the legislature a big back-slap, saying “we did a lot… we took a broad (sic.) leap” in the face of pressure from the Tavern League. He talked about a need to treatment, not just punishment of drunk driving. Larson said that he had restored AODA (Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse) funding to the county budget when it had been slashed by the county executive. He said the drinking culture needs to change, and shared a story about losing a high school friend and classmate to a drunk driver two days before Christmas.

8. MPS: I don’t have the exact question, but Larson got the first response. He said means a change to how $50 million is taken away from it every year. H esaid the legislature needs to “lock arms” and bring all the stakeholders together. He argued for moving the school board elections to the fall as a way to fight the miserably low voter turnout in those elections. Plale, who has received steady funds from voucher school interests, said that the legislature had “screwed up” in crafting the school funding system, but absolved himself of responsibility for that. He focused on the cost of running the Bradley Tech school, yet failed to mention the startlingly high number of developmentally disabled children who attend that school. He made reference to a lack of accountability in the leadership of MPS, yet offered no solutions. His answers seemed to stir up the audience.

9. Expand or maintain the parental “choice” program? First answer by Plale. Keep it. Need to “get over this battle, our kids versus their kids.” He said he found “the politics of this extremely distasteful.” Culture in Madison (at the state capitol) is bad. “Senator Lena Taylor [who came to the debate] and I have locked arms on this.” Kids are hurt by this. He spoke of the importance of making the current systems more accountable. Larson said that he doe not support pulling money out of the system, nor pulling the best and the brightest out of the system, which also pulls parental involvement out. (Interruption from audience.) We need to put emphasis back on MPS. Larson mentioned the misleading push polls and mailings.

10. If you got $5 million to improve a single area of Bay View, what would it be? First answer by Larson. The Humboldt Park bandshell bathrooms would be a great project to use this on, as anyone who’s attended Chill on the Hill will testify to. [Yes, we will—they're hideous! Thanks, Scotty!] The money could go to a BID on KK. [Such a BID exists, but could use more funding.] Plale answered that “we have people who care in Bay View,” and that it would be nice to get the high school “up to speed.” He added that money doesn’t drop out of the sky, so it’s useless to speculate on it happening.

At this point, questions from the audience were read.

11. Unemployment is up. What actions can you take now? First answer by Plale. People need jobs. Trepidation about jobs. “Don’t do any harm [to the business environment].” Wisconsin is a manufacturing state. Need to foster manufacturing climate. [Dog whistle alert.] Promise in ‘green’ energy. We will get a bill passed. Need to train workers. Lots of folks at technical schools. Do no harm. Larson answered that the clean energy jobs bill that Plale killed would have created 15,000 jobs. He talked about the airport, and how the many municipalities in the area near the airport were not at all cooperating to bring businesses to use the Milwaukee airport. Larson said he has been active in “courting businesses” to come to the area.

12. Very concerned about the Hoan Bridge. First answer by Larson. He was co-founder of Coaltion to Save the Hoan. Bridge is vital link to Milwaukee, state. Removing the bridge puts area at risk. I pushed to get funds. I wasn’t playing political games with it. This incensed Plale, who shot back, “You’re playing political games if you think they’re fixing the bridge.” I expressed loud opposition to the D.O.T. over their plans to remove or build anew. I am committed to re-decking. “This is about possibilities.” Put money into existing assets. Federal money comes and goes. People are now talking about the bridge. [Plale went over his time, thus giving Larson extra time.] Larson: We agree. The big difference is that I’ve not been sitting in the state legislature while nothing happened on this, and then trying to invoke an act of Congress and disobeying the President.

13. What factors go into your consideration of an energy or jobs bill? First answer by Plale. Claimed that he made the first renewable energy bill, cited a number of ‘green’ energy facilities. [Fact check! What about the Oak Creek coal-fired plant?] Clean energy jobs act was shellacked together, would have killed jobs. Would have raised energy bills. Price tag [to industry] killed the bill, not me. Absolved self, passed blame on to Assembly Speaker Sheridan, who “told me” that he didn’t have enough votes to pass the bill. Larson retorted that the Clean energy jobs bill was not a “shoot-from-the-hip” bill, took two years to build by governor’s committee. WMC dog whistle. Renewable energy would have kept billions of dollars in the state, rather than exported to coal and petroleum producers. Would have substantially lowered energy bills in long run. Need to build consensus, need to lead. [Larson went over his time, thus giving Plale extra time.] Plale: I was on that committee, spent two years of my life working on the bill. Deferred to manufacturers yet again.

14. Independent expenditures, PACs, outside forces. Will you work to stop this? First answer by Larson. This issue is key to me. Called for publicly funded elections, having $ tried to talking to voters, not dialing for dollars. “I wince every time” a new independent expenditure mailer comes out. They take attention away from issues that matter the most. Plale replied that “Unfortunately, Chris and I have become bit players in this race.” It would be great if this changed. Suggested that Larson did not wince when a mailer attacking Plale appeared, but Plale expressed no regret about anti-Larson mailers. Said he’s worked on campaign finance. Need to work on this.

Closing remarks:

Plale: I ran [for the Assembly] in 1996 because of a “reverse Robin Hood” that was hitting the schools in South Milwaukee. Jobs. Build middle class. Don’t hurt manufacturing. Jobs.

Larson: Clear difference: leadership. Will be active, involved with communities, building coalitions, “not whatever talk radio is screaming about.” Coalitions, leadership. Statement about a PAC mailing.

My take: While I doubt anyone’s mind was made or positions altered as a result of the event, it showed where the two candidates were coming from and how they differed in their approach to being in office. While Plale can talk a lot about happy-feely history, and claimed small donations influenced him the most, he made it clear that he operates in the interest of big business and manufacturers. Larson emphasized coalition building and his lengthy record of community involvement. He suggested that he would be able to extend this into the state legislature to build coalitions to effect positive change.

That’s my take on the debate, and I stand by it.

Also: Zach at Blogging Blue has a recap of the August 11 Plale/Larson debate.

Plale push poll spreads misinformation about Chris Larson

You can tell incumbent state senator Jeff Plale (DINO-Bucyrus) is feeling threatened. His primary challenger Chris Larson is posing a serious threat to Plale’s comfortable incumbency. As Plale’s well-financed backers couldn’t find anything serious to use against Larson, they’re using an old true-but-irrelevant fact to try and scare voters—that Chris was arrested many years ago for stealing some food from a grocery store. He was a very young man at the time, and has said it was stupid. Thing is, he’s moved on. Now his opponents cling to it — again — as if it’s the only and best thing they can use against him.

Again? Yes, again. This surfaced in 2008 during his successful run for the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors in 2007-2008. One of his our opponents in the race — I was in it, too! — was a Milwaukee police officer who was running for the county board. Somehow, doubtlessly through sheer coincidence, the arrest record got leaked.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Chris Larson has never been arrested. See this page for the truth of the matter—that he never was arrested. I thought he had been, but clearly, I was misinformed. I’m sorry, Chris!

Yes, Chris was arrested. No, Chris was NOT arrested. He was given a citation—but never arrested. Chris himself has said it was stupid. But it’s the sort of stupid thing you sometimes do when you’re a college-age kid.

Now Jeff Plale’s campaign (or an independent group operating without recourse) is using that to try and scare voters. They’re using it in a push poll, which the American Association for Public Opinion Research describes as:

…as a form of negative campaigning that is disguised as a political poll. “Push polls” are actually political telemarketing — telephone calls disguised as research that aim to persuade large numbers of voters and affect election outcomes, rather than measure opinions.

They fail to mention that Plale’s former chief of staff is a convicted felon. Katy Venskus stole more than $12,000 from the non-profit organization she worked for. And then she became part of the state caucus scandal, working for former state Sen. Brian Burke. Jeff Plale hired her in 2003, knowing full well of her record.

In 2007, she helped write a deregulation bill that gave AT&T the ability to raise its rate on local consumers. It passed, and AT&T considers it one of Plale’s greatest achievements. They tried to use him to get a second bill through that would deregulate land-line telephones, but it failed. The best part may be that Venskus went on to become a lobbyist for AT&T. Or it may be that Plale’s former chief of staff now faces felony charges for a second time.

Yet Plale had “no problem” with her felony record. Plale hired a convicted felon. Yet he’s trying to scare voters with this blemish on his opponent. What, the voucher people couldn’t dig up anything better for you? For shame, Jeff.

And let us not forget! Former assembly leader Scott Jensen (R-Brookfield), who was convicted as part of the state caucus scandal (and now awaits a friendlier trial in his home county, years later) is raising money for Jeff Plale. Another convict helping for Plale. Amazing that that gets so little attention. And yet they’re trying to scare voters away from Chris over a mistake he made decades ago.

• • •

Back to Chris Larson for a moment. Yes, he was arrested. We know that. He has more than redeemed himself. Chris is running one of the strongest local campaigns I’ve seen. He’s got dozens of volunteers out doing doors and making calls. And he alone has worked to achieve a substantial lowering of property taxes while also creating funding for parks and transit.

As I said before, I was also a contender in the 2008 county board race. During that race, I was struck by Chris’s positions on parks, transit, and the environment. He went on to win the primary by a huge margin, knocking me and the cop out of the race. I went to Chris’s election night party, shook his hand, and said “Congratulations, Chris, you’ve got my endorsement. What can I do for you?” Two years later, I’m helping him run for the state senate.

A vote for Chris Larson is a vote is a vote against against the slimy tactic of push polling.

A vote for Chris Larson is a vote against corruption and corporate lobbyists.

More importantly, a vote for Chris Larson is a vote for responsible, proactive representation. It’s a vote for clean air, clean parks, and clean government.

Vote for Chris Larson on September 14.

Important update: The Larson campaign has posted a new web page devoted to fighting these smears.

Gov. Pat Lucey endorses Henry Sanders for Lt. Governor

While I’m still split between Henry Sanders and Tom Nelson for Lt. Gov, this is pretty cool. Congratulations, Henry!

From the announcement:

Governor Pat Lucey Endorses Sanders for Lieutenant Governor

Former Governor, US Ambassador cites bold leadership in tough times

MIDDLETON – Former Governor Pat Lucey today announced his endorsement of Henry Sanders for Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor. Lucey joins Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris, and hundreds of other County Board Supervisors, City Council Members, District Attorneys, Sheriffs, and local elected leaders supporting Sanders in the Democratic Primary.

“As governor, I tackled many of the same economic challenges we’re facing now in Wisconsin, so I know a thing or two about what the next administration is up against,” said Lucey. “Tough times require strong, bold leaders – leaders who will make tough decisions based on what’s right, not just politics as usual. I’ve had the privilege to work with a lot of leaders like that, and I know one when I see one. Those are the leadership qualities I see in Henry Sanders.”

Lucey served two terms as Wisconsin Governor prior to his appointment as US Ambassador to Mexico by President Jimmy Carter. He is credited with the successful merger of the Wisconsin State Universities into the University of Wisconsin System, along with historic investments in K-12 education and conservation programs. Lucey’s economic vision helped Wisconsin cement its status as a national leader in manufacturing jobs.

“Governor Lucey’s approach to job creation and economic development was nothing short of visionary, and I’m honored to have his support,” said Sanders. “His insight and advice has been invaluable as we move forward with our plans to get Wisconsin families back to work.”
Nonprofit executive, community activist, and small business owner Henry Sanders, Jr. lives with his wife and daughter in Waunakee, WI. Sanders is the founder of Madison Area Growth Network and Propel Wisconsin Innovation – nonprofit organizations dedicated to job growth – and Capacity-360, a small business that connects other small to mid-sized businesses with capital and other resources. Democratic Party leaders and grassroots activists favored Sanders by a 2-to-1 margin in the Democratic Convention poll. His 18-point plan for job creation in Wisconsin, “Progressive Recovery”, can be viewed online at http://www.henrysanders.org.

Rail line to Ron Johnson’s factory built with federal grant money

This is just incredible. We already knew that Ron Johnson, better known as Mr. “I have never lobbied for some special treatment or for a government payment,” relied on a big government loan to start his operation. It was a municipal government loan. But it gets better: Johnson then asked for federal assistance to get a railroad line built for his factory.

From WKOW once again:

According to documents from the Oshkosh city clerk’s office, an Urban Development Action Grant in the amount of $75,000 was used to build a rail spur to Pacur, a plastics manufacturing company owned by Johnson.

The city resolution approving the grant was passed on March 15, 1979, the year the Oshkosh factory was built.

The [federal] money for the line went to Wisconsin Industrial Shipping Supplies, owned by Johnson’s brother-in-law, Pat Curler. Months later, WISS changed its name to Pacur and the plant opened. [Emphasis added]

Wait—a rail line? Don’t Republicans hate rail? The two GOP gubernatorial candidates are squaking about rail like it would rain death and economic ruin upon the state. (It would do quite the opposite.) Perhaps this one was okay, as it wouldn’t bring dangerous people from a big city to a suburb.

Would this line get an upgrade with the other lines getting upgraded to a higher speed? That will happen thanks to federal money, you know. Mmm, can’t do that, Ron!

Johnson’s campaign was quick to retort with this statement:

“This grant was secured in March of 1979 by Wisconsin Industrial Shipping Supplies [emphasis added] in exchange for a substantial business investment for the City of Oshkosh…”

Remember the previous indented paragraph? It read:

“The money for the line went to Wisconsin Industrial Shipping Supplies, owned by Johnson’s brother-in-law, Pat Curler. Months later, WISS changed its name to Pacur and the plant opened.

With this, the Johnson campaign tried to spin the granting of federal money away from Johnson—but it landed on his doorstep.

Nice try, folks. I have no problem with people using federal money. But don’t attack it like a hobbling leper when your candidate got his start with it.

Ron Johnson again proves himself to be the not-self-made-man!

The incomparable illusory tenant has the finest derailing of Johnson’s claims that I’ve yet seen.

Washington D.C. special interest trying to buy the Wisconsin senate election

Remember Norm Coleman? Politically astute Wisconsinites may remember him as the embattled senator from our neighboring state of Minnesota. He fought at length and in vain to prevent the recount of the U.S. Senate election in 2008, which Democratic candidate Al Franken ultimately won after each vote was fairly recounted and the election was certified in June 2009.

Not resting happily, Coleman pondered a bid for governor, until he saw the numbers were against him in most of the state, save Michelle Bachman’s district. Still not satisfied, there have been rumblings that the twice-defeated Coleman may try to oust GOP Chairman Michael Steele. Think that’s good enough? Well, hold your horses — ol’ Norm’s back, and he’s trying to muck with Wisconsin’s 2010 senate election.

As the Journal Sentinel reported yesterday, “American Action Network, a right-of-center group based in Washington, D.C., announced Tuesday that it would spend an estimated $380,000 to air an ad in Wisconsin targeting U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.).”

Heading the group is our man from Minnesota, Norm Coleman. You can see him on their About page, along with big wigs from pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and financial mavens JPMorgan Chase.

Let’s be clear: these people aren’t from Wisconsin. It’s a Washington, D.C. special interest group that’s trying to buy the Wisconsin senate election by using a huge pool of money to buy attack ads targeting Senator Feingold.

Get out of Wisconsin, Coleman & Co. You’re not welcome here.

Green Champions for Chris Larson fundraiser tonight @ Sweet Water Organics

Green Champions

for Chris Larson

to support Supervisor Chris Larson for State Senate

at

Sweet Water Organics

2153 S. Robinson Ave., Milwaukee, WI

Thursday, August 26th
6:30-8:30pm$50 suggested contribution
all contributions gratefully accepted

Please join fellow progressives and pro-choice advocates in supporting the next state leader from Milwaukee, Chris Larson, in his run for State Senate against Jeff Plale.  Chris, currently a County Supervisor, has provided great progressive leadership in the fight for quality jobs, public transit, parks and environmental stewardship.

Chris Larson will champion protecting our natural resources, and won’t give up until our lake, our waters and wildlife have the protections denied them by short-sighted policy.  Please pass this invite on to any friends you wish to.

Join celebrated activists Tom Brandstetter, Leonard Sobczak, Tia Nelson, Representative Spencer Black, and many others at Sweet Water Organics, a cutting-edge urban farm in the heart of Milwaukee.  Chris Larson has been endorsed by the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters and the Clean Wisconsin Action Fund.  Join our coalition of eco-activists and organize your neighborhood to fight for a Chris Larson victory on September 14th!

Please RSVP with Megan Schmidt at megan@larsonforsenate.com or donate directly at www.larsonforsenate.com

If you cannot attend, please consider contributing to Chris’ crucial campaign at www.larsonforsenate.com or sending a check directly to Friends of Chris Larson, 3261 S. Herman St., Milwaukee, WI  53207. Thank you!

Hope to see you there!

Sept. 10th Beautification Day at the Bay View Hide House Garden

This came in via email a moment ago:

Hope all is well!!  I wanted to make sure everyone knew about the major beautification plans that are underway for the Bay View Hide House Community Garden.  Teri, from Arts at Large, has coordinated a phenomenal project between Muneer (fabulous artist that did Walnut Way) and Tippie Canoe school.  They have taken the fence posts that Home Depot has donated and have created super cool tiles that are an artist perception of the cellular structure of nature (ie, plants animals, insect etc).

Home Depot & BVNA will be installing the fence on Sept. 10th in the morning. VGI, Arts at Large and the kids from Tippie Canoe School are going to be installing benches, flowers, and woodburned sponsor signs around 11:30-2pm on Sept. 10th. We would love to see YOU there too!  The Bay View Hide House Community Garden is located on the corner of Burrell Street and Deer Place.

Feel to bring any perenials that you would like to see at the garden and we can plant them together!

Thanks
Melissa Tashjian

• • •

This garden has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams. Many of the plants in it literally are six feet tall — and those are just the tomatoes! It’s been an honor to be a part of it.

Madison Teachers endorse Ben Manski for Wisconsin Assembly

This is something. The group Madison teachers union has endorsed Wisconsin Green Party candidate Ben Manski in his bid for the state Assembly.

Ben will face whoever wins the crowded Democratic primary next month, and the winner of the November election will take the seat of outgoing Rep. Spencer Black (D-Madison). I think very highly of both Ben and Rep. Black, and I will be eager to see how this election turns out in November.

The teachers union endorsement will certainly confound the traditionally safe Democratic Party waters in Madison.

Some may instinctively laugh or snort at a Green Party candidate getting endorsed. Those who do so probably do not know Ben Manski. I knew Ben when I lived in Madison and was involved with the Progressive Dane Party at the time when Ben was the staff person. I was glad we had him on our side, for I have seen few people work as hard, as thoroughly, or as smartly as Ben Manski. His words carry the kinetic energy that few have been able to match, and I know his skills of organizing will make it very difficult for his opponents.

I’m reminded of when a colleague of mine who is a very classic Republican happened to meet Milwaukee Mayor Frank Zeidler. Mayor Zeidler was Milwaukee’s third Socialist mayor, and a very well-respected mayor at that. Upon meeting, Zeidler asked my friend Charlie his name, which party he was with, and what he believed in. He replied with his name, said that he was a Republican, and that he believed in providing efficient government, in giving people the lowest possible tax rate, and enabling people to lead independent lives. Mayor Zeidler replied that it was funny that he, a Socialist, and my friend Charlie the Republican, believed in the same things. Strip off the party labels, and they’d be hard to tell apart.

Ben Manski is a proud Green. I can tell you that the efficacy of his message will make it hard for people to not try to look past party labels and look at the message of what he’s saying. I know this may not be easy reading for the state Dems, but it’s true. Prepare your people well. Ben Manski is out to win this! Republican candidate David Redick and Constitution Party candidate David Olson must be praying that this splits the votes. We’ll see how it goes.

Update: Ben noted on Mr. Redick, the Republican candidate: ” ‘The owner of Sustainable Energy Earth, an environmental consulting firm, Redick calls himself “sensitive to the environment.” He figures he’s unlikely to win because he is a Republican in a …liberal district but doesn’t worry about the odds.’ “