Ron Amundson’s Political Blog

Winona DFL: Winona County DFL Banquet - March 2, 2008

Wow, what a blast, there were well over *170 folks in attendance, as well as Mike Ceresi, Jack Nelson-Palmeyer, and Al Franken’s wife. The keynote speaker was MN Senator Ellen Anderson.

I met a number of folks, a surprising number from adjoining states of MN and IA. Its good to get out in 3D and have some face time, as contrasted with the 15 or so hours online I spend every week volunteering with Obama’s campaign. I almost wish, I would have spent more 3d time pre-caucus, but that is water over the dam at this point.

One fellow I ran into was Victor Vieth of the National Child Protection training center. They are rolling out some new programs in the near future, and their work looks to be pretty amazing and they most definitely fill a critical need. It was also cool to learn of Mike Ceresi’s involvement in getting them funded.

I also talked engineering with a couple guys, and met a number of interesting folks from a variety of walks of life. Everything from biodiesel conversions to pathology to folks involved in foster care. A most diverse crowd indeed.

Jack Nelson-Palmeyer was one of the first speakers… there were others, but alas, my palm battery died, and I’d rather not get a name wrong, so I’ll have to forego that for now.

Jack presents a most inspiring vision, its easy to get behind him… od course being I signed up to volunteer with his campaign some weeks back I was already behind him. He has the greatest vision of any of the candidates, both by paper research, and by hearing what he has to say. To some extent, he carries a tone reminiscent of Paul Wellstone yet with a mix of Russ Feingold. Granted, as a prior republican I didn’t agree with their views, but was impressed with the stances they took nontheless. I really think Jack would be a top notch senator for us.

Next up was Al Franken’s wife… and its hard to say a whole lot one way or another since he wasn’t there himself. She did put on a nice speech though. I have a feeling based upon paper research that Al would serve the party very well, although he doesn’t have the vision of Jack, nor the get it done approach of Mike Ceresi. Were it not for his name and success, he likely would mostly be a go with the party type of guy. However, with his name, he can rally folks, and he is a smart man. Assuming he surrounds himself with great advisors, I think he will do well.

Mike Ceresi comes across as a go to get things done sort of guy, and can capture a big picture fast, and capture secondary and tertiary consequences of a multitude of issues. I met Mike back in 93 or so, when a friend was of council with Robins Kaplan. Mike’s speech was pretty powerful, and he presented a big picture view, and specifically used the word sacrifice, a rarity for a politician… Apart from my personal knowledge, as well as my paper research, his position of being willing to say what folks need to hear, rather than what they just want to hear goes a long way. I have no doubt he will get things done, and do exceedingly well. Its too bad we can’t have both him and Jack as senators, that would be a dream team combination.

Tim Walz sent a representative, and they talked a bit about the FISA bill which I blogged about previously. His staff seem to really be on top of things.

And then on to Ellen Anderson’s keynote speech, where she relayed the long term history of the energy bill, and how Gov Pawlenty jumped on the bandwagon. It was a fascinating history for sure, including how they stopped some rather off the wall definitions as concerns renewable energy sources. She also discussed the use of non-corn based ethanol, which imho is the way of the future. She also talked about how rapidly things are moving forward in this session, and a little bit on healthcare. Again, I wish I had my palm, as I am really lost without it.. thus this summary is a lot more vague than I’d really like it to be.

I left around 8:45PM as I expected the weather to take a dive. It was a good call, the weather gradually deteriorated over the 30 minute drive home. Starting at 35 deg F in Winona, and ending up at 30 deg F with ice pellets in St Charles. I’m sure it was no fun for those who had a long drive this evening.. the weather went south really fast.

I think the organizers did a wonderful job of putting this together, and I really appreciate the Winona County DFL chair Ann Morse responding to my last minute email and getting me in. It was well worth it.

* I think they said 170, but my hearing is not so great.