At the close of the DFL precinct caucuses at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts on Tuesday, February 7, Cook County DFL Associate Chair Denny Fitz- Patrick and Cook County DFL Chair Diane Parker gather the caucus paperwork to be reviewed and prepared for the county convention.
Before convening the 2012 Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) precinct caucuses at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts on Tuesday, February 7, a large crowd gathered in the lobby for coffee—and sugar cookies shaped like the State of Minnesota, the North Star and the DFL donkey. Everyone enjoyed the treats and visiting a bit before getting down to business.
DFL Chair Diane Parker welcomed about 75 people to the Arts Center auditorium and pointed out the signs denoting where the 12 individual precincts would meet and explained the actions citizens needed to follow—electing a precinct chair, completing the presidential preference ballot, conducting a straw poll of candidates for the 8th Congressional District seat, electing delegates for the county convention, and formulating resolutions for consideration as additions to the DFL party platform.
Parker said the precincts had to have all of the first four tasks completed by 8 p.m., but they could take their time to discuss resolutions. “These are important,” she said. “These are the reason we caucus. This is where we can make a difference. If you want to see something added to the party platform, this is your chance to try to make it happen.”
Attendees then had the opportunity to speak in support of a candidate if they wished. Bill Hansen of Tofte asked to speak on behalf of Rick Nolan. Hansen said he had been contacted by Nolan, who, Hansen explained, is running for the 8th Congressional District seat. “What I like to think of as Jim Oberstar’s seat,” said Hansen to a round of applause.
Hansen added that he did not feel Congressman Chip Cravaack was representing the interests of the 8th District. “We’d like to win that seat back,” he said.
Hansen said all of the people who have submitted their names as candidates to oppose Cravaack were “great people and good Democrats.”
However, Hansen told the crowd, he thought Rick Nolan was the best candidate. “One, he has agreed to abide by the convention process. That means a lot to me.
“Second, he has served three years in Congress. He got a lot done, including serving as the chief sponsor of the Rural Development Act. He left Congress to run the Minnesota World Trade Center Corporation. Before he was a member of Congress, he operated a sawmill, so he has ties to the lumber industry,” said Hansen, adding that he felt Nolan had the experience for the job.
Tina Krauz also voiced her support, noting that if Nolan were elected, he would not be a freshman legislator but would be considered a four-term congressman, with the privileges that bestows. She also said she appreciated his stance regarding mining being done safely, his wish to shrink the number of military bases around the world, and for his support of universal health care.
No one spoke in support of Taryl Clark or Jeff Anderson, although there was campaign literature available.
Cook County Associate Chair Denny FitzPatrick read a greeting from Minnesota DFL Chair Ken Martin, who thanked citizens for taking part in the caucuses, which he said, “are an important first step.”
Abby Toftey, the Cook County DFL affirmative action officer, read the DFL Affirmative Action Statement and FitzPatrick added, “As you vote, remember that the DFL encourages those who are underrepresented to participate in DFL Party activities. Now is the time to empower those with less opportunity.”
Groups then dispersed to precincts and along with laughter, serious business took place as each group chose a precinct chair and then conducted the presidential preference poll and straw poll regarding the 8th Congressional District.
The results of those polls were collected and resolutions were introduced—some met with quick endorsement, others needed more explanation and even debate. Finally, at about 9:30, the precincts began to break up, having completed their tasks.
Many people stayed behind to talk about the issues and to hear the results of the polls. The presidential preference poll was no surprise at all. Of the 74 votes cast by attendees, 73 were for President Barack Obama. Only one ballot was undecided.
In the 8th Congressional District straw poll, Rick Nolan was the big winner, claiming 66 votes. Taryl Clark and Jeff Anderson each received one vote and there were two undecided votes cast.
Dozens of resolutions were submitted ranging from requests for support of entirely federally funded election campaigns and of keeping voting guidelines the same (not requiring photo identification). Other resolutions opposed placing the proposed constitutional amendment defining marriage on the 2012 ballot and opposed funding of sports arenas. Two of the most frequent resolutions were “No sulfide mines permitted if they threaten Minnesota’s water resources and natural heritage” and “Endorse ranked choice voting (also known as instant runoff voting) for state and local elections.”
A resolutions committee will now review the numerous resolutions submitted, combining similar ones to streamline approval at the DFL County Convention at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 10. Another opportunity to participate in grassroots government.
Leave a Reply