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| 7/30/2008 1:00:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article | Ask Norm why he's (not) a Republican
 | David Strand
Columnist
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At the DFL state convention in Rochester, candidates for the U.S. Senate nomination were asked questions prior to delegate balloting. The first question asked of Al Franken and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer was "Why are you a Democrat?"
Al and Jack gave thoughtful answers, both supporting a government that works for average citizens, instead of one catering to wealthy people and large corporations. Those groups already have too many supporters on K Street and in Congress.
Which brings me to a curious observation. Why don't Norm Coleman's campaign commercials mention that he's a Republican? It's an interesting oversight, but perhaps Norm's re-election website reveals his party affiliation. Nope. His home page makes no mention of his political party. He does admit to changing parties in 1996, but you have to comb through pages to find it.
So what about endorsements? Norm's endorsement by Minnesota's Republican Party must be his flagship backing. Guess what? It doesn't even show up. He advertises eight different endorsements, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, three local Minnesota chambers, the Minneapolis and St. Paul police, NFIB (small businesses) and something called Minnesota Pipe Trades. But where is the endorsement of his party, the Minnesota Republicans?
Is Norm really not proud be a Republican?
Here is another question. The next time you meet a supporter of Norm, ask "Do you like paying $4 a gallon for gas?" Let him complain that it's the Democrats fault that the oil companies aren't drilling more wells, as if they are unhappy with $4 gas. When he is done venting, ask if he has a dollar. Assuming he does, ask to see it. Take his dollar and tear it in half. When he threatens you with bodily harm just tell him this. Since late 2000 the American dollar has lost half of its value to the other major reserve currency in the world, the euro.
Check it out. In October of 2000, a euro bought $0.82 and just this month a euro is worth $1.60.
Here is the sad truth. Energy experts agree the main reason gas is $4/gallon is the shrinking value of the dollar against world currencies. We shouldn't assume the Arabs are as mathematically challenged as Americans. In fact they were the first people to use mathematics while blue-eyed Europeans were sinking into the Dark Ages. Turns out they are pretty smart. They also fancy European food, fashions and especially real estate. Why would they stand idle and allow Americans devalue their oil because we foolishly devalue our money?
Assuming your Republican friend is still with you, ask him who is responsible for the rapidly shrinking dollar, Democrats or Republicans like George Bush and Norm Coleman? Paraphrasing John McCain, "My friends, the main reason gas has gone through the roof is really quite simple. We have spent money like drunken sailors, borrowed to the hilt and the market and the Arabs have acted according to fundamental economics."
The biggest reason not to vote for Norm Coleman is he is a loyal Republican. Give him credit. He knows the Republican brand is in the tank. The more people don't know he is a Republican the better his chances that they might mark his box on Nov. 4.
Also, while Norm is hiding from the Republican Party, he would like you to believe that Al Franken is the enemy of labor unions, the truth is exactly the opposite. The group running the current TV ads attacking Al's stand on worker voting for unions is a coalition of business interests. In fact nearly every labor union has endorsed Al Franken (his website lists 28) because Norm is their enemy.
And don't buy the rot that Norm saved the taxpayers money while chairing the Senate Committee on Investigations. That will be the subject of a future column. The truth is he favors cutting taxes for the rich and giving welfare to fat corporations. That's why they bankroll Norm and other Republicans.
When Norm and Al meet for their first debate this autumn, here is the first question they should ask each candidate. "Al, why are you a Democrat and Norm, why are you a Republican?"
Oh, and as a favor to Norm, the moderator could give him an option. "On the other hand, Norm, why aren't you a Republican?"
It would be a hoot to see him dance around that one.
David Strand is a director for the county DFL party. After hacking around the front nine of life, he tells stories to his grandchildren en route back to the clubhouse.
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Reader Comments
Posted: Thursday, July 31, 2008
Article comment by:
wayne halverson
I think that Norm Coleman is a self-serving person. I have a report sent to me telling me how my senator voted. Senator Coleman will vote along with Amy K. only if the vote is not going to affect the vote against the Republican's total vote. [he plays the numbers game]
I never got the Bowling buddies slander. "this message is approved by Norm Coleman" either.
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