Campaign Hackery: A Macalester Tradition
Esteemed Scots:
Whether you are working hard to (look busy?) wrap up those last few projects at your summer internship or getting the last few rays of sun before returning to the hot, humid but soon-to-be frigid climate of Minnesota, we all share something in common: an (unhealthy?) addiction to politics. If you're returning to St. Paul this fall, I encourage you to find a campaign and introduce yourself early. We Scots are known for getting things done, and now that Entenza is out of the race (didn't know that? check a previous post...), there is no candidate that will throw as many internships our way as Matt.
That said, here is Klaber's not-quite-complete compendium of campaign opportunities:
Make a difference
Tim Walz for U.S. Congress (MN-01) - http://www.timwalz.org/ - The Walz campaign promises to be the sleeper campaign of the Congressional sweep in November. Walz, an energetic and engaging populist has been holding opponent Gil Gutknecht's feet to the fire every day. Check out Tim and Gil in a County Fair debate: The First Congressional is in Southern Minnesota, but that doesn't mean you can't be part of the team--they're looking for some sharp young talent to do some research and communications work from afar. Contact Meredith at meredith@timwalz.org Slight disclaimer: I have been working with Tim since Dec. 2004.
Patty Wetterling for U.S. Congress (MN-06) - http://www.pattywetterling.com/ - The Wetterling campaign nearly defeated current Senate candidate Mark Kennedy in a conservative district. This year she's back, and she has a candidate more polarizing than Kennedy: Michelle Bachmann Even better, Wetterling will win because she's a great candidate, not because Bachmann has had Rove and Bush fundraise for her. She's part of the DCCC's Red-to-Blue program. Help out wherever you can.
Competitive State Legislature Races
These races are open seats that must go blue in November. Our local Senate District (64) is coordinating rides, etc. for anyone that wants to help out up there. Check out: http://wiki.sd64dfl.org/SD64DFL/VolunteerOpportunitiesAndEvents for details.
Sandy Rummel - State Senate, MN-53, White Bear Lake area - www.electrummel.org
Paul Gardner - State House, MN-53A, Mounds View area - http://www.electpaulgardner.org/
Jim Berry - State House, MN-53B, White Bear Lake area - http://www.votejimberry.com/
Kate Knuth - State House, MN-50B, New Brighton area - http://www.kateknuth.org/
Bev Scalze - State House, MN-54B, Vadnais Heights area - http://www.bevscalze.org/
Keep it local
Bill "Chief" Finney - Ramsey County Sheriff - http://www.finneyforsheriff.com/ - Former St. Paul Police Chief Bill Finney is the DFL endorsed challenger to the current hard nosed Sheriff Fletcher. That's right folks, there's gonna be a new sheriff in town. Finney is a big proponent of Servant Leadership, or leading by serving.
Erin Murphy - State House, MN-64A, Mac-Groveland / Summit area of St. Paul - http://www.neighborsformurphy.com/ - Erin is the DFL endorsed candidate to replace Rep. Matt Entenza in the MN House of Representatives. This soft spoken, yet fiery Irish nurse is going to be a leader in MN. (As an added bonus, Danny Schwartzman is working with the campaign.) Another disclaimer: Erin was totally my candidate in the 64A race. Sorry Keith supporters.
Toni Carter - Ramsey Co. Commissioner, District 4 - she's so cool she doesn't even need a website. I'm not sure if Toni even has an opponent this year, but she's a great leader and engaging speaker. That, and her campaign manager, Mr. John Stiles, is a stud.
Pad the resume
Amy Klobuchar for U.S. Senate - http://www.amyklobuchar.com/ - So Wetterling's opponent was so frightened that Patty would kick his rear this year that he jumped ship and is running for Senate. But not before a huge make-over. That's right, the Congressman from Minnesota who voted with the President 98% of the time is now trying to hoodwink Minnesotans into thinking he's an "independent," and an "accountant." (He hasn't been an accountant since the 1970's.) That said, don't under estimate the stuff the GOP will pull on Mark's behalf, Amy could use your help. The campaign may even throw you a fancy title, or let you feel special for a day. Suggested resume entry:
Lead Pencil Sharpener, Amy Klobuchar for Senate - Sept. 2006 to Nov. 2006 - Lead team of a dozen volunteers to efficiently sharpen campaign pencils, streamlined process through implementation of electric sharpener, solicited donors to purchase said sharpeners.
Betty McCollum for Congress (MN-04)
Paper Manager, Betty McCollum for Congress - Sept. 2006 to Nov. 2006 - Managed office paper scraps, often digitized and cataloged. Worked directly with Field Coordinator to develop a paper management system. Handed paper to Congresswoman McCollum on an as needed basis.Contact Field Coordinator Joe Carlile for details: joe.carlile@mccollumforcongress.com Tell him Matt sent you... on second thought, just tell him you don't know how many ways you can screw up putting in a lawn sign, but you'll sure try.
UPDATE By Jake: Rebecca Otto, DFL endorsed candidate for State Auditor and Mac alum, is offering internships for her campaign. This comes with the added benefit of a campaign where people sharpen their own pencils and sort (most) of their own paper. Rebecca is running to build stronger communities and restore
integrity to the office. She has found MILLIONS of dollars in errors in the
State Auditor's reports, too! To apply, contact campaign@rebeccaotto.com or
651-251-6335.
Love the game, hate the players
Anyone know if the famed 527's are hard at it again? America Votes? I dunno.
So, there you have it. We Scots are known for our campaign skills and contributions, lets keep the tradition alive and turn Minnesota to a deeper shade of Blue.
UPDATE by Jake again: Want to meet all of these campaigns and more and learn about internship opportunities first hand? Come to the Mac Dems Internship Fair! Wednesday, September 13 from 11:00am to 1:00pm, Basement of the C.C.
Pax,
-MK
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