Minnesota’s Republicans attending the 2012 caucuses voted overwhelmingly for presidential candidate Rick Santorum in the straw poll conducted Feb 7.
According to information entered in the MN Secretary of State’s website, with 100% of the Republican precincts reporting, 24,520 grassroots activists attended caucuses across Minnesota and voted as follows: 10.79-percent for Newt Gingrich; 16.85-percent for Mitt Romney; 27.12-percent for Ron Paul; and 44.95 for Rick Santorum.
Norman County’s 33 precincts were slightly different. They reported the following straw poll results for presidential candidates: zero votes for Mitt Romney; 17.39-percent for Ron Paul; 19.57-percent for Newt Gingrich; and 63.04-percent for Rick Santorum.
The Independence Party will not conduct presidential preference balloting in 2012.
The Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party will report their results by March 6, 2012. They will have two choices on their ballots: Candidate Barack Obama or “uncommitted.”
Monday, March 5, 2012
** Please consider a donation in any amount **
We need you. Are you a conservative? Do you consider yourself a Republican? What are the Basic Principles of the Republican Party of Minnesota?
Republicans stand for personal responsibility, free enterprise, fiscal responsibility and, limited sensible government. We believe that we can:
• Promote Economic Prosperity by lowering the tax burden, exercising spending restraint, and creating and maintaining a fair, honest and competitive business environment to promote economic prosperity and once again make Minnesota the economic engine of the Upper Midwest.
• Preserve Civil Rights by defending the right to life, protecting religious, political and economic liberties, and respecting personal privacy and property and ensuring that government treats all of its citizens equally under the law.
• Educate our Children with the belief that parents are responsible for their children’s education and that parents, teachers and local school boards can make the best decisions about our children’s education.
• Strengthen our Families and Communities by recognizing the blessings that God has bestowed on this great Nation. We also recognize the sanctity of human life and the central role of the traditional family in our society. We work to defend those values in order to strengthen our families and communities.
• Protect Public Safety which we believe is the most fundamental function of government to keep citizens and our property secure.
• Strengthen the Rule of Law by limiting the power of attorneys and judges, limiting frivolous lawsuits, increasing the responsibility of the jury, protecting judicial elections and holding judges accountable to strengthen the rule of law and prevent abuse of our legal system.
• Enjoy and Protect our Natural Resources with proper stewardship that is best achieved through sound science and adherence to constitutionally guaranteed property rights.
• Make Government Smaller and Better by keeping government functions in state, local or private hands, electing honest and responsive legislative bodies and advocating for fair election processes to make government smaller and better.
• Defend America at Home and Abroad by having a strong national defense to maintain peace, securing our borders and by encouraging all people to legally seek freedom, democracy and free enterprise.
If these principles mean something to you and your family…and you want to defeat Obama and the Democrats in November… we need your help.
Please send your donation to:
Duane Hoven, Treasurer
Norman County Republicans
806 Pleasant Drive
Ada, MN 56510
We need you. Are you a conservative? Do you consider yourself a Republican? What are the Basic Principles of the Republican Party of Minnesota?
Republicans stand for personal responsibility, free enterprise, fiscal responsibility and, limited sensible government. We believe that we can:
• Promote Economic Prosperity by lowering the tax burden, exercising spending restraint, and creating and maintaining a fair, honest and competitive business environment to promote economic prosperity and once again make Minnesota the economic engine of the Upper Midwest.
• Preserve Civil Rights by defending the right to life, protecting religious, political and economic liberties, and respecting personal privacy and property and ensuring that government treats all of its citizens equally under the law.
• Educate our Children with the belief that parents are responsible for their children’s education and that parents, teachers and local school boards can make the best decisions about our children’s education.
• Strengthen our Families and Communities by recognizing the blessings that God has bestowed on this great Nation. We also recognize the sanctity of human life and the central role of the traditional family in our society. We work to defend those values in order to strengthen our families and communities.
• Protect Public Safety which we believe is the most fundamental function of government to keep citizens and our property secure.
• Strengthen the Rule of Law by limiting the power of attorneys and judges, limiting frivolous lawsuits, increasing the responsibility of the jury, protecting judicial elections and holding judges accountable to strengthen the rule of law and prevent abuse of our legal system.
• Enjoy and Protect our Natural Resources with proper stewardship that is best achieved through sound science and adherence to constitutionally guaranteed property rights.
• Make Government Smaller and Better by keeping government functions in state, local or private hands, electing honest and responsive legislative bodies and advocating for fair election processes to make government smaller and better.
• Defend America at Home and Abroad by having a strong national defense to maintain peace, securing our borders and by encouraging all people to legally seek freedom, democracy and free enterprise.
If these principles mean something to you and your family…and you want to defeat Obama and the Democrats in November… we need your help.
Please send your donation to:
Duane Hoven, Treasurer
Norman County Republicans
806 Pleasant Drive
Ada, MN 56510
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Fundraiser at Orpheum Theater, Sep 15
August 18, 2011
Marijo Vik, Chair
Norman County Independent-Republicans
2230 160th Avenue
Ada, MN 56510-9217
Dear Fellow Republicans,
Instead of the usual letter asking for a contribution, I’m going to try something different this year for a fundraiser. Please give Republicans your support.
Enclosed you will find a flyer and two (2) tickets to an evening of entertainment and enlightenment on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at the Orpheum Theater in Ada. Even if you can’t attend, please consider a donation.
We’ll begin at 5:00 pm with Frank Capra’s1939 classic movie, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” starring a young Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur. The movie lasts approximately 2 hours 10 minutes.
At 7:15 pm, Lee Byberg will take the stage to tell you his plans for another run against Representative Collin Peterson in 2012. I know you’ll want to meet Lee, who is a conservative, Christian agri-businessman.
We’ll then adjourn to the lobby for a taste of Minnesota-produced cheeses and wines. If I don’t get a temporary wine-tasting permit from the State, we will just serve sparkling grape juice in place of the wine. No matter, it will still be a fun event!
The ticket price is $25 each in advance or $30 at the door. Only those 21 years and older can attend. Perhaps you’d like to bring some guests. You can either purchase the tickets yourself or you can sell the tickets to others. Send a check written to the Norman County Independent-Republicans to Duane Hoven, Treasurer, in the enclosed envelope. The money we collect will help Republicans running for state and federal offices.
If you have any questions or need more tickets, call me at (218) 784-3794 in the evening. You can also leave a message during the day and I’ll return your call.
With kindest regards,
Marijo Vik
Marijo Vik, Chair
Norman County Independent-Republicans
2230 160th Avenue
Ada, MN 56510-9217
Dear Fellow Republicans,
Instead of the usual letter asking for a contribution, I’m going to try something different this year for a fundraiser. Please give Republicans your support.
Enclosed you will find a flyer and two (2) tickets to an evening of entertainment and enlightenment on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at the Orpheum Theater in Ada. Even if you can’t attend, please consider a donation.
We’ll begin at 5:00 pm with Frank Capra’s1939 classic movie, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” starring a young Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur. The movie lasts approximately 2 hours 10 minutes.
At 7:15 pm, Lee Byberg will take the stage to tell you his plans for another run against Representative Collin Peterson in 2012. I know you’ll want to meet Lee, who is a conservative, Christian agri-businessman.
We’ll then adjourn to the lobby for a taste of Minnesota-produced cheeses and wines. If I don’t get a temporary wine-tasting permit from the State, we will just serve sparkling grape juice in place of the wine. No matter, it will still be a fun event!
The ticket price is $25 each in advance or $30 at the door. Only those 21 years and older can attend. Perhaps you’d like to bring some guests. You can either purchase the tickets yourself or you can sell the tickets to others. Send a check written to the Norman County Independent-Republicans to Duane Hoven, Treasurer, in the enclosed envelope. The money we collect will help Republicans running for state and federal offices.
If you have any questions or need more tickets, call me at (218) 784-3794 in the evening. You can also leave a message during the day and I’ll return your call.
With kindest regards,
Marijo Vik
Monday, June 27, 2011
Letter to the Editor - June 26, 2011
The Norman County Fair wound down on Saturday, Jun 25, and at 5:00 pm I drew the names of those who won the quilts given away at the Norman County Republicans’ booth. A total of 85 people (59 from Norman County and 26 from outside Norman County) completed the entry forms and were eligible for the drawings. Rather than drawing the names myself, I asked people walking by or at other booths to draw the names for me.
The winners are: Beverly Walsberg from Borup for the red, white and blue quilt; Ben Fall from Twin Valley for the green and pink quilt; and Kristi Strom from Fargo for the child’s quilt.
The completed drawing entry forms included four questions, and I have compiled the results of that opinion poll. Please note that not all people answered all questions, so the percentages will not total 100-percent.
Question 1. Which do you believe is the best approach to create jobs and grow our economy? 12-percent said “Government subsidy”; 52-percent said “Lower taxes on businesses”; 9-percent said “Government stimulus”; 18-percent said “De-regulation.”
Question 2. What should government’s (Federal or State) response be towards solving budget shortfalls? 1-percent said “Government should borrow”; 6-percent said “Raise taxes of any kind or on any income level”; 91-percent said “Reduce spending.”
Question 3. Would you be in favor of or against legislation that would require voters to show their State or Federal ID to vote in elections? 80-percent said they would be in favor of showing ID and 14-percent said they would be against showing ID.
Question 4. To which Party do you generally think of yourself as being closer? 20-percent said “Democrat”; 39-percent said “Republican”; 21-percent said they “Vote based on the person”; 12-percent said they were “Independents”; and 8-percent said “Other”.
The thing that was most interesting to me was that both Democrats and Republicans seemed to agree on two issues: 91-percent said that government needs to reduce spending and 80-percent said that voters should be required to show a State or Federal ID when voting.
Thanks to everyone who stopped to register for the drawing. See you at the fair next year!
The winners are: Beverly Walsberg from Borup for the red, white and blue quilt; Ben Fall from Twin Valley for the green and pink quilt; and Kristi Strom from Fargo for the child’s quilt.
The completed drawing entry forms included four questions, and I have compiled the results of that opinion poll. Please note that not all people answered all questions, so the percentages will not total 100-percent.
Question 1. Which do you believe is the best approach to create jobs and grow our economy? 12-percent said “Government subsidy”; 52-percent said “Lower taxes on businesses”; 9-percent said “Government stimulus”; 18-percent said “De-regulation.”
Question 2. What should government’s (Federal or State) response be towards solving budget shortfalls? 1-percent said “Government should borrow”; 6-percent said “Raise taxes of any kind or on any income level”; 91-percent said “Reduce spending.”
Question 3. Would you be in favor of or against legislation that would require voters to show their State or Federal ID to vote in elections? 80-percent said they would be in favor of showing ID and 14-percent said they would be against showing ID.
Question 4. To which Party do you generally think of yourself as being closer? 20-percent said “Democrat”; 39-percent said “Republican”; 21-percent said they “Vote based on the person”; 12-percent said they were “Independents”; and 8-percent said “Other”.
The thing that was most interesting to me was that both Democrats and Republicans seemed to agree on two issues: 91-percent said that government needs to reduce spending and 80-percent said that voters should be required to show a State or Federal ID when voting.
Thanks to everyone who stopped to register for the drawing. See you at the fair next year!
Monday, June 20, 2011
7th District Republicans - Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
Tuesday May 17th, 2011
Pizza Ranch – Alexandria MN
7:00 – 9:00pm
Executive Committee Members Present: Craig Bishop, Barb Chervestad, John Nething, Scott Dutcher, Don Hoversten, Brandon Ronning, Mike Lokken, Raymond Rivera, Dennis Poppenhagen, Jim Bobier, Barbara Ulferts, Peter Balega
I. Call to Order – Craig Bishop
II. Invocation – Raymond Rivera
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV Agenda
- Peter Balega asked to add discussion about the Castle Doctrine and the idea that is floating around at the federal level about adding GPS units on cars in order to tax mileage.
- Motion to accept agenda as amended by Brandon Ronning, 2nd by Barb Chervestad – motion carried.
V. Chairman’s Report – Craig Bishop
- For the next few months we will be working on voter ID, fundraising and College Republicans.
VI. Deputy Chair Report – Barb Chervestad
Barb has confirmation that Marve Kading is now the SD1 Chair.
VII. Executive Vice Chair Report – Scott Dutcher
1. Scott handed out a written report detailing the issues that he will raise at the May State Executive Meeting on Thursday, May 29th. In the report Scott outlined the following issues:
a) Caucuses are currently scheduled for February 5th. This is still open to change but most would like to keep it there.
b) Late Option 3 payment from the state – Scott will ask again but he has been assured that it will arrive in two or three weeks.
c) There is discussion about creating a finance committee and campaign committee at the state level. Tony Sutton wasn’t real receptive to the idea. There was some discussion as to how it would be implemented. Scott feels that without it the board is just rubber stamping things.
2. Scott also announced that Dan Severson announced his candidacy for US Senate against Amy Klobuchar.
VIII. Treasurer’s Report – John Nething
1. John handed out a written treasurer’s report.
2. In April John received the last of the receipts from the convention and membership drive totaling $4020.00.
3. Account Totals
a) State account $6598.82
b) Federal $80.00
- John needs to know where to put the next option check when and if we receive it.
- Rita Nething also mentioned that we don’t always get our website money transferred in a very quick manner with Wells Fargo. There is still $40.00 outstanding.
4. Motion to accept treasurer’s report by Scott Dutcher, 2nd Mike Lokken – motion carried.
IX. Secretary’s Report
- There was some discussion about peter’s comment about not having a candidate (Lee Byberg). As a point of clarification it was suggested that we amend the April meeting minutes to read as follows: “We note as a board that we at this time do not have any endorsed candidates in regard to any seat the 7th district is involved in because we haven’t gone through any endorsement and that any support that we would have is for any candidates that currently hold office.
- Motion to adopt the minutes as amended by Scott Dutcher, 2nd by Don Hoversten – motion carried. Meeting minutes will be sent out as amended.
X. Farm Fest
1. In the past we have had a booth at Farm Fest where we have had a drawing for gas cards as a way to get contact information.
2. We need to have out volunteers by mid-June so that we can get their passes, get candidate signs for the booth,
3. When all of the details are figured out then Don Hoversten will send out an email to the district asking for volunteer help.
4. Scott Dutcher mentioned that we should have the membership drive pins available at the booth.
5. Peter made a motion to purchase a $50 gas card for Farm Fest, 2nd by Dennis Poppenhagen – there was discussion about requiring an email, it was also suggested to announce the winner by email as an incentive – motion carried.
XI. Convention Arrangements – Raymond Rivera
1. A lot of the preliminary bids were high in cost so Raymond is looking at different avenues. All locations so far have had a caterer. Raymond is looking at the possibility of using the armory and then bringing in an outside caterer but the cost difference isn’t much; we still need to come up with cups, plates, etc...Raymond gave an example that the Rotary Club is $13.95 plus tax and tips.
2. Raymond’s goal is to try to get the food cost down to around $10.00 per plate.
3. Scott Dutcher negotiated room rates at the Hampton in Alexandria for $79.00.
XII. Finance Audit Committee – Brandon Ronning
1. Brandon passed out minutes from a Finance Audit Committee Meeting.
a) Discussed the possibility of selling membership drive pins to the BPOU’s at a discounted rate of 60% (%60 is a proposal) of the original price as a joint fundraiser. Peter Balega suggested revisiting the idea of making arrangements with the BPOU’s where they don’t have to buy the pins ahead of time but rather we would make the pins available to the BPOU’s, keep track of what they sell and then get a cut. Don Hoversten mentioned that it is difficult to track these so it will require a well organized plan. It was also discussed to send a set amount of pins with a deadline and bill for whatever pins they fail to send back.
- Craig Bishop and Brandon Ronning will come up with a proposal for the pin idea by July.
b) Brandon also discussed sending fundraising letters to delegates and alternates. Craig Bishop mentioned that letters work best if you follow up with phone calls (perhaps we could ask the College Republicans to do a phone bank).
- It was then suggested that we start with an email blast, follow up with phone calls and then, if need be, send letters.
2. Peter Balega made a motion that every voting member of the board would donate a recommended amount of $100.00 to the CD7 treasury, 2nd by Dennis Poppenhagen – motion carried 6-5.
XIII. Technology Committee – Don Hoversten
1. Don discussed an idea of putting together a directory to aid in the redistricting process.
2. We will do polls and surveys on the mncd7gop.com website but this time we will require an email address. Some ideas for polls would be: Presidential candidates, Gubernatorial poll, constitutional amendments poll, gambling expansion poll (probably won’t have time for this one), photo ID, marriage amendment. Any other ideas should be emailed to Don.
3. Don also discussed a contest idea where people submit email addresses and the one who submits the most wins a dinner with Tony Sutton.
- Don mentioned trying the survey, polls idea first and the email contest idea second.
- Scott Dutcher re-addressed the finance audit committee report and suggested to the committee that they formulate a prospect campaign directed toward businesses. We could look into getting prospecting lists from the NRA, Minnesota Majority, local Chambers of Commerce, etc…
XIV. BPOU Development – Arles Kumpula
- Arles was unable to make it to the meeting but Craig Bishop shared about how Arles has been working in the various counties to help develop them. Peter Balega mentioned the idea of matching less developed BPOU’s with other more developed ones.
XV. College Republicans and TAR’s Committee
1. Josh Anderson has been coming to their meetings and he is a real go-getter.
2. Craig Bishop showed a t-shirt that could be considered.
3. Some suggested using release time in the schools to get in there and teach about the
Constitution and other relevant subjects. We can have these meetings on school property only after school hours. We should see if there is some way to get teenagers (close to voting age) to the caucuses by perhaps seeing if they can get school credit.
XVI. Voter ID – Craig Bishop and Barb Chervestad
1. They have had conference calls every week and Craig has had a couple of Phoenix training sessions.
a) Craig has all of the Phoenix information organized and ready to send out to the BPOU’s. He wants to be sure that the process is working before sending it.
b) The goal is to get a group together at some point in each area that can sit down, look at the list of unknowns and identify whoever they can.
c) Web based training can be schedules through Joel Chavez at the state party @ 651-224-4122.
d) The lists should be done by the end of the summer and then perhaps the College Republicans and others can call through the lists.
XVII. Pat Anderson Gambling Expansion Issue
- Craig Bishop gave out phone numbers so that, if we want to, we could contact them on our own.
- Pat Anderson 612-850-9181
- Tony Sutton 612-868-2311
- Scott Dutcher 320-759-9000 and tell his assistant that you are from the CD7 Republicans.
XVIII. Castle Doctrine – Peter Balega
1. Peter testified in favor of the Castle Doctrine at a Senate Committee hearing. He pointed out the mischaracterizations of it surrounding statutes that specify an attempt to retreat and others such things. The Minnesota State law doesn’t give a full right to defend yourself wherever you and have a legal right to be - this is one thing that the Castle Doctrine would fix by providing immunity to a civil law suit. This goes back to Brown vs. US in 1921 where if you have a legal right to be someplace then you have the right to defend yourself.
2. Peter also gave info on a concealed carry class
XIX. GPS Tracking – Peter Balega
1. Green and hybrid has caused a movement to capture revenue by use of another tax because the gas tax doesn’t raise as much revenue anymore. The proposal floating around Washington is to put a GPS on each and every car.
- Motion to adjourn by Jim Bobier, 2nd by Don Hoversten – meeting adjourned.
Pizza Ranch – Alexandria MN
7:00 – 9:00pm
Executive Committee Members Present: Craig Bishop, Barb Chervestad, John Nething, Scott Dutcher, Don Hoversten, Brandon Ronning, Mike Lokken, Raymond Rivera, Dennis Poppenhagen, Jim Bobier, Barbara Ulferts, Peter Balega
I. Call to Order – Craig Bishop
II. Invocation – Raymond Rivera
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV Agenda
- Peter Balega asked to add discussion about the Castle Doctrine and the idea that is floating around at the federal level about adding GPS units on cars in order to tax mileage.
- Motion to accept agenda as amended by Brandon Ronning, 2nd by Barb Chervestad – motion carried.
V. Chairman’s Report – Craig Bishop
- For the next few months we will be working on voter ID, fundraising and College Republicans.
VI. Deputy Chair Report – Barb Chervestad
Barb has confirmation that Marve Kading is now the SD1 Chair.
VII. Executive Vice Chair Report – Scott Dutcher
1. Scott handed out a written report detailing the issues that he will raise at the May State Executive Meeting on Thursday, May 29th. In the report Scott outlined the following issues:
a) Caucuses are currently scheduled for February 5th. This is still open to change but most would like to keep it there.
b) Late Option 3 payment from the state – Scott will ask again but he has been assured that it will arrive in two or three weeks.
c) There is discussion about creating a finance committee and campaign committee at the state level. Tony Sutton wasn’t real receptive to the idea. There was some discussion as to how it would be implemented. Scott feels that without it the board is just rubber stamping things.
2. Scott also announced that Dan Severson announced his candidacy for US Senate against Amy Klobuchar.
VIII. Treasurer’s Report – John Nething
1. John handed out a written treasurer’s report.
2. In April John received the last of the receipts from the convention and membership drive totaling $4020.00.
3. Account Totals
a) State account $6598.82
b) Federal $80.00
- John needs to know where to put the next option check when and if we receive it.
- Rita Nething also mentioned that we don’t always get our website money transferred in a very quick manner with Wells Fargo. There is still $40.00 outstanding.
4. Motion to accept treasurer’s report by Scott Dutcher, 2nd Mike Lokken – motion carried.
IX. Secretary’s Report
- There was some discussion about peter’s comment about not having a candidate (Lee Byberg). As a point of clarification it was suggested that we amend the April meeting minutes to read as follows: “We note as a board that we at this time do not have any endorsed candidates in regard to any seat the 7th district is involved in because we haven’t gone through any endorsement and that any support that we would have is for any candidates that currently hold office.
- Motion to adopt the minutes as amended by Scott Dutcher, 2nd by Don Hoversten – motion carried. Meeting minutes will be sent out as amended.
X. Farm Fest
1. In the past we have had a booth at Farm Fest where we have had a drawing for gas cards as a way to get contact information.
2. We need to have out volunteers by mid-June so that we can get their passes, get candidate signs for the booth,
3. When all of the details are figured out then Don Hoversten will send out an email to the district asking for volunteer help.
4. Scott Dutcher mentioned that we should have the membership drive pins available at the booth.
5. Peter made a motion to purchase a $50 gas card for Farm Fest, 2nd by Dennis Poppenhagen – there was discussion about requiring an email, it was also suggested to announce the winner by email as an incentive – motion carried.
XI. Convention Arrangements – Raymond Rivera
1. A lot of the preliminary bids were high in cost so Raymond is looking at different avenues. All locations so far have had a caterer. Raymond is looking at the possibility of using the armory and then bringing in an outside caterer but the cost difference isn’t much; we still need to come up with cups, plates, etc...Raymond gave an example that the Rotary Club is $13.95 plus tax and tips.
2. Raymond’s goal is to try to get the food cost down to around $10.00 per plate.
3. Scott Dutcher negotiated room rates at the Hampton in Alexandria for $79.00.
XII. Finance Audit Committee – Brandon Ronning
1. Brandon passed out minutes from a Finance Audit Committee Meeting.
a) Discussed the possibility of selling membership drive pins to the BPOU’s at a discounted rate of 60% (%60 is a proposal) of the original price as a joint fundraiser. Peter Balega suggested revisiting the idea of making arrangements with the BPOU’s where they don’t have to buy the pins ahead of time but rather we would make the pins available to the BPOU’s, keep track of what they sell and then get a cut. Don Hoversten mentioned that it is difficult to track these so it will require a well organized plan. It was also discussed to send a set amount of pins with a deadline and bill for whatever pins they fail to send back.
- Craig Bishop and Brandon Ronning will come up with a proposal for the pin idea by July.
b) Brandon also discussed sending fundraising letters to delegates and alternates. Craig Bishop mentioned that letters work best if you follow up with phone calls (perhaps we could ask the College Republicans to do a phone bank).
- It was then suggested that we start with an email blast, follow up with phone calls and then, if need be, send letters.
2. Peter Balega made a motion that every voting member of the board would donate a recommended amount of $100.00 to the CD7 treasury, 2nd by Dennis Poppenhagen – motion carried 6-5.
XIII. Technology Committee – Don Hoversten
1. Don discussed an idea of putting together a directory to aid in the redistricting process.
2. We will do polls and surveys on the mncd7gop.com website but this time we will require an email address. Some ideas for polls would be: Presidential candidates, Gubernatorial poll, constitutional amendments poll, gambling expansion poll (probably won’t have time for this one), photo ID, marriage amendment. Any other ideas should be emailed to Don.
3. Don also discussed a contest idea where people submit email addresses and the one who submits the most wins a dinner with Tony Sutton.
- Don mentioned trying the survey, polls idea first and the email contest idea second.
- Scott Dutcher re-addressed the finance audit committee report and suggested to the committee that they formulate a prospect campaign directed toward businesses. We could look into getting prospecting lists from the NRA, Minnesota Majority, local Chambers of Commerce, etc…
XIV. BPOU Development – Arles Kumpula
- Arles was unable to make it to the meeting but Craig Bishop shared about how Arles has been working in the various counties to help develop them. Peter Balega mentioned the idea of matching less developed BPOU’s with other more developed ones.
XV. College Republicans and TAR’s Committee
1. Josh Anderson has been coming to their meetings and he is a real go-getter.
2. Craig Bishop showed a t-shirt that could be considered.
3. Some suggested using release time in the schools to get in there and teach about the
Constitution and other relevant subjects. We can have these meetings on school property only after school hours. We should see if there is some way to get teenagers (close to voting age) to the caucuses by perhaps seeing if they can get school credit.
XVI. Voter ID – Craig Bishop and Barb Chervestad
1. They have had conference calls every week and Craig has had a couple of Phoenix training sessions.
a) Craig has all of the Phoenix information organized and ready to send out to the BPOU’s. He wants to be sure that the process is working before sending it.
b) The goal is to get a group together at some point in each area that can sit down, look at the list of unknowns and identify whoever they can.
c) Web based training can be schedules through Joel Chavez at the state party @ 651-224-4122.
d) The lists should be done by the end of the summer and then perhaps the College Republicans and others can call through the lists.
XVII. Pat Anderson Gambling Expansion Issue
- Craig Bishop gave out phone numbers so that, if we want to, we could contact them on our own.
- Pat Anderson 612-850-9181
- Tony Sutton 612-868-2311
- Scott Dutcher 320-759-9000 and tell his assistant that you are from the CD7 Republicans.
XVIII. Castle Doctrine – Peter Balega
1. Peter testified in favor of the Castle Doctrine at a Senate Committee hearing. He pointed out the mischaracterizations of it surrounding statutes that specify an attempt to retreat and others such things. The Minnesota State law doesn’t give a full right to defend yourself wherever you and have a legal right to be - this is one thing that the Castle Doctrine would fix by providing immunity to a civil law suit. This goes back to Brown vs. US in 1921 where if you have a legal right to be someplace then you have the right to defend yourself.
2. Peter also gave info on a concealed carry class
XIX. GPS Tracking – Peter Balega
1. Green and hybrid has caused a movement to capture revenue by use of another tax because the gas tax doesn’t raise as much revenue anymore. The proposal floating around Washington is to put a GPS on each and every car.
- Motion to adjourn by Jim Bobier, 2nd by Don Hoversten – meeting adjourned.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Report on the MN BPOU Chair Caucus Annual Meeting - April 16, 2011
The MN BPOU Chair Caucus exists to 1) establish lines of communication between all MN GOP BPOU Chairs, and serve as a repository of information, matreails, and best practices for every BPOU; 2) help strengthen every MN GOP BPOU; 3) remain neutral in all Republican Party and public elections and to strive to support all endorsed Republican candidates. BPOU Chairs are free to support and endorse candidates of their choosing. The Caucus, however, shall remain neutral; 4) to strive to uphold the platform of the MN GOP.
Jim Newberger (Becker County), MN BPOU Chair Caucus Lead, called the meeting to order immediately following the State Central Committee meeting on April 16, 2011.
The agenda was a follows:
Welcome
Pledge of Allegiance
Prayer
Explain Chair Caucus
Introduce Guests (Tony Sutton)
Election of new leadership (one year terms)
Other Business
Adjourn
MN GOP Chair Tony Sutton spoke about the importance of the BPOU and grassroots activities. There is a need to train BPOUs to raise money...they have to ASK...in person if at all possible. There will be training available in the near future.
Presidential election years bring new people to the caucus -- people who have never shown up before will come because they want to defeat Obama in 2012. It's just the way things work. Volunteer organizations are a revolving door and you will lose 50% of your volunteers. Let people leave graciously and thank them for serving.
Collin Peterson in CD7 only got 55% of the vote -- he's vulnerable in 2012.
Most people are hard-working citizens who believe in conservative values, but then they vote against those very values by voting Democrat.
Once Sutton left the meeting, new officers were elected. Names to follow as soon as I receive them.
Other discussions surrounded ideas for fund-raisers and how we could share ideas.
Jim Newberger (Becker County), MN BPOU Chair Caucus Lead, called the meeting to order immediately following the State Central Committee meeting on April 16, 2011.
The agenda was a follows:
Welcome
Pledge of Allegiance
Prayer
Explain Chair Caucus
Introduce Guests (Tony Sutton)
Election of new leadership (one year terms)
Other Business
Adjourn
MN GOP Chair Tony Sutton spoke about the importance of the BPOU and grassroots activities. There is a need to train BPOUs to raise money...they have to ASK...in person if at all possible. There will be training available in the near future.
Presidential election years bring new people to the caucus -- people who have never shown up before will come because they want to defeat Obama in 2012. It's just the way things work. Volunteer organizations are a revolving door and you will lose 50% of your volunteers. Let people leave graciously and thank them for serving.
Collin Peterson in CD7 only got 55% of the vote -- he's vulnerable in 2012.
- Democratic-Farmer-Labor COLLIN C. PETERSON = 133,096 votes or 55.20%
- Republican LEE BYBERG = 90,652 votes or 37.60%
- Independent GENE WALDORF = 9,317 votes or 3.86%
- Independence GLEN R. MENZE = 7,839 votes or 3.25%
- WRITE-INS = 193 votes or 0.08%
Most people are hard-working citizens who believe in conservative values, but then they vote against those very values by voting Democrat.
Once Sutton left the meeting, new officers were elected. Names to follow as soon as I receive them.
Other discussions surrounded ideas for fund-raisers and how we could share ideas.
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