Minnesota House Minority Leader Punishes Bipartisan Republicans

Marty Siefert, the house Minority Leader, and lead Republican in the Minnesota House of Representatives today stated he is retaliating against any and all Republicans that jumped ship and helped to override Tim Pawlenty's veto of the transportation bill veto. Here is an excerpt from the Star Tribune article:

"Seifert said dissenting members were aware of the possible consequences before the vote was taken, including the possibility of losing staff support and other resources. But he said he decided that removal from the caucus or other extreme measures would not be taken. Even so, stripping the members of leadership positions was unusual enough that no one could recall a similar action in recent history.
"We expect Republicans to follow other Republicans, and there is obviously a mixed message with what happened yesterday," Seifert said at a news conference Tuesday. "We're not taking anyone's secretary away. I'm not throwing their computers down the Capitol steps. I'm not severing their phone lines."

Well, that's great Marty, I am glad you are not throwing out the computers, since the people that foot the bill are the people that you serve. Thanks for small favors.

And another thing, We don't pay you to be some political party operative hack. We pay you to pass legislation. Even the most Libertarian voter would agree that it is the job of government to fix, build, and maintain the roads. Check with Ron Paul for that. Minnesota has a fine history of bipartisianship. There is a reason you guys lost your butts in the last election. You weren't doing anything. In fact, your hack governor wouldn't have gotten reelected if the stupid DFL hadn't put up such an idiot as there candidate in Hatch. You don't have a mandate. Quit acting like it!!!!

Wow, I feel better.

Tour of California

The rainiest nastiest Tour of California has just ended with Levi taking top honors. Millar and VandeVelde took 2nd and 3rd to demonstrate Team Slipstream/Chipotle's strength as they make a bid for a Tour De France slot. This continues to shape up to be a great race and it is looking more and more like the American Scene is turning into a vital, dynamic one that is gaining every year (even without Lance). The tour of California continues to gain in importance and the mountain climbs really added alot to it. I would like to see them add a few more days but since it is so early in the season the organizers are limited in how difficult they can make it. They need to attract top riders and to do that they need to make it reasonable. Hopefully, the bad weather will not keep riders away next year. I think it has become prestigious enough that we shouldn't have to worry. I would like to see a non american win next year to give it an international flair. Now the European season begins and Paris Nice is next. Minor one day and stage racing has already begun in Europe. I am glad racing is back on. Talk to you soon.
Erik

Weekend at Lutsen

How white and old are Tom and I?

Steven is in the house!

Me (ready to rip it up dude!)

Scotch Anyone?

Jason and Myself

4 musketeers

Andrea was good enough to let me go to a Friend of mine's Bachelor Party this weekend. Jason is tying the knot and alot of us got together to celebrate his impending doom. It was a fun if not restful weekend. Thanks to Tom for driving. Good Luck Jason!

Team Strongheart Fundraiser

A bunch of us got together to spin for strongheart on Friday night. There was a great turnout of familiar faces and the atmosphere was relaxed. I was glad to get the opportunity to see my friends. The moving selection was good (Flying Scottsman and Dodgeball). Thanks to Trailhead for hosting and providing all of the refreshments. The Saylers and their shop are truly an asset to this community and we are all truly blessed to have them and their shop in Champlin! As for me, I am alittle sore this morning, but not too bad. See you soon!

Michelle Obama - Extended Interview by Soledad O'Brien

She gets it.