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
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
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.
Report on the State Central Committee meeting in Bloomington - April 16, 2011
The State Central Committee convened on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at the Ramada Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. The primary purpose of the meeting was to hear reports from the MN GOP officers, to elect a State Chair, Deputy Chair and Secretary-Treasurer, as well as the election of a National Committeeman and National Committeewoman.
State Chair Tony Sutton appointed Linda Presthus as Credentials Committee Chair, Margaret Cavanaugh as Nominating Committee Chair, and Steve Perkins as Rules Committee Chair.
The rules committee had met on Wednesday, March 30, and the proposed rules were sent to all delegates and alternateson Friday, April 1.
The Nominating Committee met on the evening of Friday, April 15 to interview all candidates and bring their names forth to the convention floor.
The positions of State Chair, Deputy Chair and Secretary-Treasurer are somewhat self-explanatory. Incumbent State Chair Tony Sutten, Deputy Chair Michael Broadkorb and Secretary-Treasurer David Sturrock were re-elected.
There were many candidates for the positions of National Committeeman and National Committeewoman. But what does a Republican National Committeeman or Committeewoman do? This position serves two official roles: Represents the MN GOP on the Republican National Committee (RNC) and serves on the fourteen-member Minnesota Republic Party's Executive Committee. The RNC oversees administration of the national party, elects party leadership (including the Chairman of the RNC) and approves the RNC budget. The State party's executive committee oversees administration of the State Party, subject to decisions of the State Central Committee and the State Convention.
The specific duties of the Committeeman/woman are few -- but with an aggressive, activist Republican in this position, the potential impact is great for the State of MN.
Those running for National Committeeman and the final votes were:
Jeff Johnson = 186
Tom Emmer = 154
Phil Herwig = 2
Those running for National Committeewoman and the final votes were:
Pat Anderson = 180
Janet Beihoffer = 137
Mary Igo = 17
Pamela Punt = 6
Through-out the day, the delegates and alternates heard from MN and U.S. legislators. For the First 100 Days in the Minnesota House, the following actions were taken by House Republicans:
State Chair Tony Sutton appointed Linda Presthus as Credentials Committee Chair, Margaret Cavanaugh as Nominating Committee Chair, and Steve Perkins as Rules Committee Chair.
The rules committee had met on Wednesday, March 30, and the proposed rules were sent to all delegates and alternateson Friday, April 1.
The Nominating Committee met on the evening of Friday, April 15 to interview all candidates and bring their names forth to the convention floor.
The positions of State Chair, Deputy Chair and Secretary-Treasurer are somewhat self-explanatory. Incumbent State Chair Tony Sutten, Deputy Chair Michael Broadkorb and Secretary-Treasurer David Sturrock were re-elected.
There were many candidates for the positions of National Committeeman and National Committeewoman. But what does a Republican National Committeeman or Committeewoman do? This position serves two official roles: Represents the MN GOP on the Republican National Committee (RNC) and serves on the fourteen-member Minnesota Republic Party's Executive Committee. The RNC oversees administration of the national party, elects party leadership (including the Chairman of the RNC) and approves the RNC budget. The State party's executive committee oversees administration of the State Party, subject to decisions of the State Central Committee and the State Convention.
The specific duties of the Committeeman/woman are few -- but with an aggressive, activist Republican in this position, the potential impact is great for the State of MN.
Those running for National Committeeman and the final votes were:
Jeff Johnson = 186
Tom Emmer = 154
Phil Herwig = 2
Those running for National Committeewoman and the final votes were:
Pat Anderson = 180
Janet Beihoffer = 137
Mary Igo = 17
Pamela Punt = 6
Through-out the day, the delegates and alternates heard from MN and U.S. legislators. For the First 100 Days in the Minnesota House, the following actions were taken by House Republicans:
- Budget cuts income taxes and provides relief to all Minnesotans
- Stopping the tax and spend cycle and focuses the budget on where the problem lies ... state spending.
- Froze state employee salaries, will reduce the state employees 15% by 2015, will improve service and transform government for the 21st century
- Passed school choice, giving students stuck in chronically low-performing schools a chance for a quality education
- Reviewed "integration aid" programs and found money being wasted on kindness retreats, six-step hip-hop programs, art consultants and jobs such as "equity coach" and "newcomers teacher" paying upwards of $100,000 and by eliminating the wasteful program, saved more than $100 million
- Helped refocus education efforts on basic per-pupil funding that benefits all children throughout the state
- Passed legislation that will create a new teacher evaluation system based on student academic achievement and locally determined factors
- Replaced the teacher seniority-based retention process with a new evaluation system that will no longer punish new, innovative teachers in favor of length of service
- Repealed Governor Dayton's enrollment of Minnesota in ObamaCare and took powerful steps to protect our citizens from a government takeover of healthcare
- Passed the Health Care Freedom Act with tax deductions to individuals to purchase their health care, eliminate costly insurance coverage mandates, and allows Minnesotans to purchas health insurance products across state lines
- Supports and will legislate for Voter ID to ensure the integrity of MN elections
- Put the brakes on light rail expansion the state cannot afford to build or operate
- Made MN more business friendly by phasing out the statewide business property tax
- Cut the budget for constitutional officers and the legislature, cut the number of committees by 1/3, cut legislators' per diem and ended out-of-state travel reimbursements
- Eliminated state-funded Medical Assistance for legal "non-citizens"
It was an exciting meeting!
Report on the 9th Judicial District Convention - Bemidji, MN - April 9, 2011
Judicial District 9 consists of the following Minnesota counties: Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, and Roseau.
The 9th Judicial District Convention was held in Bemidji, MN on April 9, 2011.
Chair Ron Niemala called the meeting to order at 10:00 am which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and an Invocation.
The Chair then appointed Convention Chairs, with Terry Stone as Rules Chair and Pat Ritter as Credentials Chair. He then appointed Shane B. (not sure of last name) as Parliamentarian and Darrell Carter as Sergeant-of-Arms.
The preliminary and final Credentials Report showed 21 delegates and nine alternates present. Eight of the alternates were seated, creating a voting strength of 29.
The Convention Rules were adopted, and the general meeting proceeded with reports from the Secretary, Treasurer, Deputy Chair and Chair.
The following officers (all incumbents) were then elected:
Ron Niemala as Chair
Terry Stone as Deputy Chair
Grace Shook as Secretary
Paul Ritter as Treasurer
A discussion ensued concerning issues that need to be addressed by the MN legislature. all of the Judiciary changes proposed are currently within the MN GOP Party Platform. Some of the talking points were as follows:
The Judiciary, at this juncture of time, is only accountable to itself. The MN Constitution gives specific oversight to the legislative branch of government to oversee the judiciary. These changes are also about the "checks and balances" in government and the making of each branch of government "equal" rather than one branch more powerful than another.
The judiciary writes its' ow rules (cannons) and self-policies itself. This is essentially the "fox watching the hen house." To maintain a check on the judiciary, it is necessary that the legislative branch of government "oversee" and "keep in check" a judiciary run wild. It is for this reason that we have opposed the following changes to how the judiciary operates, elects and funds its operations. There exists a "de-facto" bias and retaliation within the judiciary whenever a challenge is made at the seat of a sitting "incumbent" judge by a challenger. Retaliations comes in the form of courtroom discrimination against the attorney who chose to challenge the judge on the bench. Impartiality is out the door. The judiciary has, due to retirements and appointments, effectively created a system whereby judges choose their successors, without having to stand for election, by retiring early and having the Governor appoint a replacement, thus avoiding an election. This is a violation of the constitutional rights of the voters of the State of Minnesota, failing to have judges elected rather than appointed.
We need the following to be done:
A. Remove the word "incumbent" from all judicial ballots.
B. Provide that each District Judge stand for election only in the county that he or she serves.
C. Enact a statutory code of ethics for judges and lawyers and an independent board to administer it in order to removed this conflict of interest from the Supreme Court of Minnesota.
D. Require that the Governor fills judicial vacancies with people who will serve out the remaining term of the office and then stand for election.
For more than six years we have endeavored to set a framework that would set in place a "guarantee" that the voters of Minnesota would always have the "right" to vote on judges going into office, not just as retention elections. The opportunity to effectively accomplish this is here NOW. If we wait, will there arise another opportunity to pass such all-important legislation? Do we want to allow the judiciary to continue to ignore the State Constitution and the rights of the people in the manner that it operates from the bench and within the confines of chambers? The time is now to put into place "oversight" of the Judicial Branch of government that the legislature has abrogated for too long.
There are bills that are being introduced in the House and Senate to address these issues. Stay informed and support our Republican representatives who are working to right thing wrong.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 am.
The 9th Judicial District Convention was held in Bemidji, MN on April 9, 2011.
Chair Ron Niemala called the meeting to order at 10:00 am which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and an Invocation.
The Chair then appointed Convention Chairs, with Terry Stone as Rules Chair and Pat Ritter as Credentials Chair. He then appointed Shane B. (not sure of last name) as Parliamentarian and Darrell Carter as Sergeant-of-Arms.
The preliminary and final Credentials Report showed 21 delegates and nine alternates present. Eight of the alternates were seated, creating a voting strength of 29.
The Convention Rules were adopted, and the general meeting proceeded with reports from the Secretary, Treasurer, Deputy Chair and Chair.
The following officers (all incumbents) were then elected:
Ron Niemala as Chair
Terry Stone as Deputy Chair
Grace Shook as Secretary
Paul Ritter as Treasurer
A discussion ensued concerning issues that need to be addressed by the MN legislature. all of the Judiciary changes proposed are currently within the MN GOP Party Platform. Some of the talking points were as follows:
The Judiciary, at this juncture of time, is only accountable to itself. The MN Constitution gives specific oversight to the legislative branch of government to oversee the judiciary. These changes are also about the "checks and balances" in government and the making of each branch of government "equal" rather than one branch more powerful than another.
The judiciary writes its' ow rules (cannons) and self-policies itself. This is essentially the "fox watching the hen house." To maintain a check on the judiciary, it is necessary that the legislative branch of government "oversee" and "keep in check" a judiciary run wild. It is for this reason that we have opposed the following changes to how the judiciary operates, elects and funds its operations. There exists a "de-facto" bias and retaliation within the judiciary whenever a challenge is made at the seat of a sitting "incumbent" judge by a challenger. Retaliations comes in the form of courtroom discrimination against the attorney who chose to challenge the judge on the bench. Impartiality is out the door. The judiciary has, due to retirements and appointments, effectively created a system whereby judges choose their successors, without having to stand for election, by retiring early and having the Governor appoint a replacement, thus avoiding an election. This is a violation of the constitutional rights of the voters of the State of Minnesota, failing to have judges elected rather than appointed.
We need the following to be done:
A. Remove the word "incumbent" from all judicial ballots.
B. Provide that each District Judge stand for election only in the county that he or she serves.
C. Enact a statutory code of ethics for judges and lawyers and an independent board to administer it in order to removed this conflict of interest from the Supreme Court of Minnesota.
D. Require that the Governor fills judicial vacancies with people who will serve out the remaining term of the office and then stand for election.
For more than six years we have endeavored to set a framework that would set in place a "guarantee" that the voters of Minnesota would always have the "right" to vote on judges going into office, not just as retention elections. The opportunity to effectively accomplish this is here NOW. If we wait, will there arise another opportunity to pass such all-important legislation? Do we want to allow the judiciary to continue to ignore the State Constitution and the rights of the people in the manner that it operates from the bench and within the confines of chambers? The time is now to put into place "oversight" of the Judicial Branch of government that the legislature has abrogated for too long.
There are bills that are being introduced in the House and Senate to address these issues. Stay informed and support our Republican representatives who are working to right thing wrong.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 am.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Report on the 7th CD Convention - Redwood Falls, MN - March 18 and 19, 2011
The 7th Congressional District Republican Party held their 2011 Convention in Redwood Fall, MN on March 19, 2011.
7 CD covers the western portion of Minnesota and includes the following counties: Kittson, Roseau, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Beltrami, Polk, Pennington, Red Lake, Norman, Mahnomen, Clearwater, Clay, Becker, Wilkin, Otter tail, Traverse, Grant, Douglas, Todd, Big Stone, Stevens, Pope, part of Stearns, Lac Qui Parle, Swift, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Chippewa, Yellow Medicine, Renville, McLeod, Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood and Sibley.
The 2008-2010 7th CD Executive Committee were: Craig Bishop, Chairman; Betty Staebler, Deputy Chairwoman; John Nething, Treasurer; Doug Lindgren, State Executive Committee Vice Chairman; Mike Lokken, Secretary; and Vice-Chairs Ray Rivera, Don Hoversten, Marv Kading, Arles Kumpula, Brian Kohout, and Scott Dutcher.
The night before the convention, a banquet was held at the Redwood Falls Community Center and was well attended. The dinner was catered by Morgan's from Redwood Falls and was delicious.
Former United States Senator Rudolph Ely "Rudy" Boschwitz was a speaker. Boschwitz served in the United States Senate from December 1978 to January 1991, but was then defeated by Paul Wellstone.
To everyone's delight that evening, Boschwitz regaled the attendees with humerous stories about President Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, President of the U.S.S.R. .
The keynote speaker during the banquet was former MN House Minority Leader Marty Seifert.
The next day at the convention in the Community Center, there were 264 Delegates/Alternates allotted with 194 actually seated which created a quorum. Marijo Vik was the delegate from Norman County and was in attendance.
The call to order came at 9:00 a.m., followed by an invocation, the posting of the colors, Pledge of Allegiance led by Betty Staebler and singing of the National Athem led by the Baumann Brothers.
Gary Revier, Mayor of Redwood Falls, welcomed everyone to Redwood Falls for the convention.
The convention call was read, with Chris Swedzinski (MN House of Representatives who represents District 21A) and Paul Torkelson (MN House of Representatives representing District 21B) elected as Convention Chairs. The following appointments were then made: David Nething, Sergeant at Arms and Chief Teller; Leonard Runck, Parliamentarian; and Raymond Rivera, Secretary.
Tony Sutton, Republican Party Chairman, addressed the delegates. Throughout the morning, various candidates for the 7th CD Executive Committee as well as for the Republican National Committeeman and Committeewoman addressed the convention, asking for their votes.
The Treasurer presented his report for the period from January 1 through December 31, 2010 which showed a beginning balance of $10,455.52, Total Income of $22,985.15, Total Expenses of $33,138.99 which left an Ending Balance of $301.68
Four proposed Seventh Congressional District Constitutional Amendments were considered: # 2011-01 adding a Preamble - passed after debate and several changes; #2011 - 02 concerning Article X - Consitution and Bylaws Committee members - passed without changes; # 2011-03 Article VIII - State Central Delegates - failed to make it to the floor; #2011-04 regarding Article V - added wording on Senate District vacancies - failed to make it to the floor.
Election of 7th Congressional District Officers took place in the afternoon.
7 CD covers the western portion of Minnesota and includes the following counties: Kittson, Roseau, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Beltrami, Polk, Pennington, Red Lake, Norman, Mahnomen, Clearwater, Clay, Becker, Wilkin, Otter tail, Traverse, Grant, Douglas, Todd, Big Stone, Stevens, Pope, part of Stearns, Lac Qui Parle, Swift, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Chippewa, Yellow Medicine, Renville, McLeod, Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood and Sibley.
The 2008-2010 7th CD Executive Committee were: Craig Bishop, Chairman; Betty Staebler, Deputy Chairwoman; John Nething, Treasurer; Doug Lindgren, State Executive Committee Vice Chairman; Mike Lokken, Secretary; and Vice-Chairs Ray Rivera, Don Hoversten, Marv Kading, Arles Kumpula, Brian Kohout, and Scott Dutcher.
The night before the convention, a banquet was held at the Redwood Falls Community Center and was well attended. The dinner was catered by Morgan's from Redwood Falls and was delicious.
Former United States Senator Rudolph Ely "Rudy" Boschwitz was a speaker. Boschwitz served in the United States Senate from December 1978 to January 1991, but was then defeated by Paul Wellstone.
To everyone's delight that evening, Boschwitz regaled the attendees with humerous stories about President Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, President of the U.S.S.R. .
The keynote speaker during the banquet was former MN House Minority Leader Marty Seifert.
The next day at the convention in the Community Center, there were 264 Delegates/Alternates allotted with 194 actually seated which created a quorum. Marijo Vik was the delegate from Norman County and was in attendance.
The call to order came at 9:00 a.m., followed by an invocation, the posting of the colors, Pledge of Allegiance led by Betty Staebler and singing of the National Athem led by the Baumann Brothers.
Gary Revier, Mayor of Redwood Falls, welcomed everyone to Redwood Falls for the convention.
The convention call was read, with Chris Swedzinski (MN House of Representatives who represents District 21A) and Paul Torkelson (MN House of Representatives representing District 21B) elected as Convention Chairs. The following appointments were then made: David Nething, Sergeant at Arms and Chief Teller; Leonard Runck, Parliamentarian; and Raymond Rivera, Secretary.
Tony Sutton, Republican Party Chairman, addressed the delegates. Throughout the morning, various candidates for the 7th CD Executive Committee as well as for the Republican National Committeeman and Committeewoman addressed the convention, asking for their votes.
The Treasurer presented his report for the period from January 1 through December 31, 2010 which showed a beginning balance of $10,455.52, Total Income of $22,985.15, Total Expenses of $33,138.99 which left an Ending Balance of $301.68
Four proposed Seventh Congressional District Constitutional Amendments were considered: # 2011-01 adding a Preamble - passed after debate and several changes; #2011 - 02 concerning Article X - Consitution and Bylaws Committee members - passed without changes; # 2011-03 Article VIII - State Central Delegates - failed to make it to the floor; #2011-04 regarding Article V - added wording on Senate District vacancies - failed to make it to the floor.
Election of 7th Congressional District Officers took place in the afternoon.
- Chair: Incumbent Craig Bishop and Pete Balega. Bishop won with 118 votes.
- Deputy Chair: Incumbent Betty Staebler and Barb Chervestad. Chervestad won with 127 votes.
- Treasurer: John Nething ran unopposed.
- Secretary: Mike Lokken ran unopposed.
- State Executive Committee Vice Chairman: Doug Lindgren ran unopposed
- Vice Chairs: (Eight people running for six positions)
The convention was adjourned at 3:15 pm.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
2011 7th Congressional District Convention
As announced by Craig Bishop, Chair of the Seventh Congressional District Republican Party, the 2011 7th CD Convention will be held on Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19, 2011 at the Redwood Area Community Center, 901 East Cook Street, Redwood Falls, MN.
The 7th CD Convention shall be composed of the Delegates and Alternates elected at the 2010 BPOU Conventions designated as lying within the boundaries of the Seventh Congressional District.
The Convention shall be held for the purpose of:
1) Election of Seventh Congressional District Officers
2) Consideration of changes to the Seventh Congressional District Constitution and Bylaws.
3) Any other item that might properly come before this convention.
Anyone running for an Executive Officer position must appear before the nominating Committee, which meets Friday night. Call Rollie Nissen at 320-894-5112 or Scott Dutcher at 320-524-2094 for more information.
Special guest Marty Seifert will speak at the Friday evening banquet.
Registration will open at 8:00 a.m., one hour prior to the start of the convention on Saturday, and will close at 9:30 a.m. You can check http://www.mncd7gop.com/ for more information or contact Registration Chair, Barb Kranz, at 23887 471st Avenue, Gaylord, MN 55334.
Chair Craig Bishop can be reached at 320-582-0138.
The 7th CD Convention shall be composed of the Delegates and Alternates elected at the 2010 BPOU Conventions designated as lying within the boundaries of the Seventh Congressional District.
The Convention shall be held for the purpose of:
1) Election of Seventh Congressional District Officers
2) Consideration of changes to the Seventh Congressional District Constitution and Bylaws.
3) Any other item that might properly come before this convention.
Anyone running for an Executive Officer position must appear before the nominating Committee, which meets Friday night. Call Rollie Nissen at 320-894-5112 or Scott Dutcher at 320-524-2094 for more information.
Special guest Marty Seifert will speak at the Friday evening banquet.
Registration will open at 8:00 a.m., one hour prior to the start of the convention on Saturday, and will close at 9:30 a.m. You can check http://www.mncd7gop.com/ for more information or contact Registration Chair, Barb Kranz, at 23887 471st Avenue, Gaylord, MN 55334.
Chair Craig Bishop can be reached at 320-582-0138.
2011 Norman County Republican Convention
The Norman County Basic Political Organization Unit (BPOU) of the Minnesota Republican Party held their 2011 Convention in Ada, MN on February 26, 2011. The convention was held in the meeting room of the Law Endorcement Center annex to the Norman County courthouse at 1:30 pm.
Chairman Arlen Sillerud opened the meeting with brief remarks and the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Dave Ingraham gave the invocation.
The featured speaker was Juanita Rasmussen, Norman County Crime Victim Advocate, who presented "The Future of Our Children in Norman County." Rasmussen told the delegates and alternate delegates present about bullying in our schools and programs that make everyone of aware of what bullying is and how to combat it. The other topic of discussion was prescription drug abuse, which is now the number one "drug of choice." Rasmussen urged everyone to talk to their lawmakers about support of drug center programs, mental health options for youth and the need to keep school counselors. When making cuts, the legislators should keep the "bigger picture" in mind.
Craig Bishop, Chairman of MN Congressional District 7 of the Republican Party, addressed the group and offered any help he could provide the our BPOU. He also asked for everyone's vote during upcoming elections on March 19
The convention voted to dispense with the reading of the convention call, as well as the 2010 convention minutes.
Marijo Vik, delegate from Hegne township, was elected as temporary chair. The current secretary, Myron Moteberg, was elected as temporary secretary. The chair appointed Arlen Sillerud as Parliamentarian, as well as Duane Hoven and Nathan Redland as Tellers.
For the Credential Report, Sillerud declared that a quorum was present.
Treasurer Hoven reported on the BPOU finances, with a current balance in checking of $537.18.
Election of Officers followed with Marijo Vik selected as Chair, Nathan Redland as Vice-Chair and Duane Hoven as Treasurer. No Secretary was selected but the Executive Board was given the task of appointing a Secretary.
Marijo Vik was elected as State Central Delegate with Richard Hamre chosen as Alternate Delegate.
Upcoming conventions include the 7th Distriction Convention schedule for March 18 and 19, 2011 in Redwood Falls, MN and the State Central Convention scheduled for April 19, 2011 (site to be announced.)
The BPOU wishes to thank Arlen Sillerud and Myron Moteberg for their years of service, hard work and support of the MN Republicans and wish them well.
Thanks also to the new officers, delegates and alternates for your continued support.
Chairman Arlen Sillerud opened the meeting with brief remarks and the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Dave Ingraham gave the invocation.
The featured speaker was Juanita Rasmussen, Norman County Crime Victim Advocate, who presented "The Future of Our Children in Norman County." Rasmussen told the delegates and alternate delegates present about bullying in our schools and programs that make everyone of aware of what bullying is and how to combat it. The other topic of discussion was prescription drug abuse, which is now the number one "drug of choice." Rasmussen urged everyone to talk to their lawmakers about support of drug center programs, mental health options for youth and the need to keep school counselors. When making cuts, the legislators should keep the "bigger picture" in mind.
Craig Bishop, Chairman of MN Congressional District 7 of the Republican Party, addressed the group and offered any help he could provide the our BPOU. He also asked for everyone's vote during upcoming elections on March 19
The convention voted to dispense with the reading of the convention call, as well as the 2010 convention minutes.
Marijo Vik, delegate from Hegne township, was elected as temporary chair. The current secretary, Myron Moteberg, was elected as temporary secretary. The chair appointed Arlen Sillerud as Parliamentarian, as well as Duane Hoven and Nathan Redland as Tellers.
For the Credential Report, Sillerud declared that a quorum was present.
Treasurer Hoven reported on the BPOU finances, with a current balance in checking of $537.18.
Election of Officers followed with Marijo Vik selected as Chair, Nathan Redland as Vice-Chair and Duane Hoven as Treasurer. No Secretary was selected but the Executive Board was given the task of appointing a Secretary.
Marijo Vik was elected as State Central Delegate with Richard Hamre chosen as Alternate Delegate.
Upcoming conventions include the 7th Distriction Convention schedule for March 18 and 19, 2011 in Redwood Falls, MN and the State Central Convention scheduled for April 19, 2011 (site to be announced.)
The BPOU wishes to thank Arlen Sillerud and Myron Moteberg for their years of service, hard work and support of the MN Republicans and wish them well.
Thanks also to the new officers, delegates and alternates for your continued support.
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