Lights, Camera, Convention!
Awards, Bow Ties and Republicans named Kennedy – It Definitely Isn’t the Oscars, It’s Senate District 41’s 2005 Convention

Senator Michel Registers for the Convention

Over 100 delegates, alternates and seated guests came out on a gray March morning for SD 41’s 2005 Convention. Off year conventions are normally less well attended given the lack of endorsements for office or other hot button issues, but as Senator Norm Coleman’s Regional Affairs & Policy Liaison, Jim Smith remarked, SD 41 is recognized statewide for its organization and activist commitment. 

State Representative Abrams Chairs the Convention

Minnetonka State Representative, Ron Abrams, often an attendee at SD 41 conventions past, returned to Chair the steady procession of GOP elected officials, candidates and accolades for volunteers. 

41’s own State Senator Geoff Michel started off the morning fittingly with an overview of affairs in St. Paul and the ongoing battle between the GOP and the DFL, with its media allies, on whether or not to raise taxes. Michel recognized the pressure on both chambers of the legislature from “a lot of people who want us to spend more money.” With spending about to go up to $28.5 billion, perhaps even $30 billion, Michel asked the delegates and alternates if the state was spending enough money. A chorus of ‘yes’ answers was sprinkled with a few replies of “too much” in response. “We’re going to have the largest budget in state history and I’m not proud of that,” Michel said.

Michel was barely done with his remarks when 6^th Congressional District Congressman (and U.S. Senate candidate) Mark Kennedy appeared to address the crowd. Called “battle-tested

Congressman and Senate Candidate Kennedy addresses the Convention

and tough” by Abrams, Kennedy stressed, “We need to replace Washington values with Minnesota values.” Kennedy repeatedly joked about another Senator Kennedy in Washington----Teddy Kennedy of Massachusetts. Congressman Kennedy recalled an incident where he was referred to as “Senator Kennedy,” to which he replied: “Ma’am, where I come from, those are fightin’ words.” 

Margaret Cavanaugh, Chairwoman of the GOP 3^rd Congressional District, spoke on behalf of Congressman Jim Ramstad and brought with her some disturbing news. Ramstad had minor surgery on one of his eyes that has resulted in a, hopefully temporary, loss of sight. Unfortunately, Congressman Ramstad’s busy congressional agenda will have to momentarily take a back seat to his health. Many well wishers conveyed their sympathies to Cavanaugh to make sure she informed the Congressman he will be in their prayers.

Representative Jeff Johnson from Plymouth, a candidate for the Republican nomination for Attorney General, spoke of his desire to “make sure Mike Hatch is out on the street chasing ambulances” by defeating him in 2006. Johnson talked of having the office work for the law, not partisan games. “AG shouldn’t stand for ‘aspiring governor’”, Johnson joked. But Johnson was measured in his criticisms of Hatch, especially on the issue of protecting children. “I won’t claim that I care more about children…I’m sure Mike Hatch cares about kids, but it just isn’t a priority of his office.” Johnson believed the reason why was one of publicity, not partisanship. “It isn’t splashy, it isn’t flashy.”

41A Representative Ron Erhardt raised concerns about K-12 education funding and especially those activists who demonstrated on the state capitol grounds earlier this week. Calling Pawlenty “our great Governor”, Erhardt said he hoped for more bipartisan leadership in the House and Senate in order to get “the people’s business done.” The Senate District doesn’t have any such leadership problems, he remarked as he commended 41’s co-chairs Linda Presthus and Jerry Paar. “I haven’t seen [senate district] leadership this good since, well, myself,” Erhardt joked.

Weekly Fundraising Winners Display their Prizes

Erhardt’s hopes for bipartisanship were shared by freshman Representative Neil Peterson. While introducing Peterson, Abrams remarked how little the term “freshman” really applies to the former Bloomington mayor. “You normally think of freshmen as people who are green, wet-behind-the-ears types.” Peterson, with his vast local governance experience, is no freshman, but according to Peterson, he is known as “Alice Seagren with a bow-tie”, having replaced the now Education Commissioner. Stressing his desire to work for the district, not just the GOP caucus, Peterson said his brief time in St. Paul has been a learning experience. “I’ve learned there are a lot of people you can listen to and listen to closely,” citing Erhardt and Abrams as two examples. 

Julie Labosky Accepts Her Volunteer of the Year Plaque from the Co-Chairs

The Senate District hadn’t merely gathered to hear speakers but conduct the business of the district in electing SD officers and vice-chairs. The co-Chairs, Jerry Paar and Linda Presthus, returned along with most of the executive committee. Four Vice-Chairs, Judy Cipolla, Steve Neuger, Floy Sims and Sue Moline, decided to retire and were honored for their long-time services to the Senate District. The four new additions are a young, vigorous group made up of John Heutmaker, Tara Anderson, Jack McCann and Joyce Edwards.

Volunteers of all stripes were also honored including Senate District fundraising. Vice-Chair Lew Coffey and volunteer Patsy Murphy were both named weekly winners for the January fundraising effort in addition to eight daily winners. Linda Presthus especially honored Patsy Murphy, currently at home recovering from major surgery, with handing out note paper for delegates to send their thoughts and prayers to Patsy. Six volunteers were awarded “Volunteer of the Year” plaques for their services: Ralph and Nancy Anderson, Joyce Edwards, Carol Kerr, Julie Labosky and John Swon IV. 

Ric Davies is Awarded This Year’s Crystal Eagle

But the major volunteer award of the day, the famed Crystal Eagle Award, went to Ric Davies as he also received a standing ovation for his work. Called “the consummate Republican” by Paar, Davies ran for Senate District Chair 22 years ago and hasn’t looked back since. On various committees, both for the Senate District and the community at large, Davies spoke of the importance and value of civil service and of the honor of being awarded at the Edina Community Center, a building that holds so many positive memories for him. Formally a high school, Davies not only attended school at the building but, choking with emotion for moment, recalled meeting his wife there as well.