Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor Party Spokeswoman Donna Cassutt says that although state insured numbers are high, the number of uninsured Americans is still unacceptable. :26
Minnesota registered nurse Glenda Cartney says she is heartbroken when she sees families come to the hospital and have to face the high cost of medical care. Cartney says she wonders where the money for costs comes from. :27
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) came under fire from Democratic party organizations Wednesday for participating in Bob McDonell’s (R) controversial campaign for Virginia’s governorship.
“Pawlenty is in Virginia today fundraising for a man who has stated that working women destroy families,” said Donna Cassutt, the Associate Chair for Minnesota’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party during a conference call, referencing McDonell’s recently unearthed college thesis in which the candidate described women in the workplace as “detrimental” to families.
“[Pawlenty] is selling his soul to further his ambition,” Cassutt added.
The Minnesota Governor has been rumored to be a key contender for the 2012 Presidential election.
McDonell’s thesis, which was written in 1989, has garnered additional controversy for opposing abortion in the cases of rape or incest and condemning homosexuality. McDonnell dismissed the thesis as a mere academic exercise and has stated that he no longer subscribes to many of the views he once expressed.
The Democratic National Committee also took not of Pawlenty’s campaign appearance, and implied an ideological link between the two Republicans.
“By coming down to campaign for Bob McDonnell … Governor Pawlenty has completely embraced this man who holds views that are utterly antiquated not just for this century, but for the last century,” argued DNC Press Secretary Hari Sevugan.
Newly sworn in Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) warns against the dangers of judicial activism during his introductory remarks during Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation hearings on Monday. Franken suggests that in his opinion, the Supreme Court may have recently crossed its role with that of legislative branch in Congress. (0:29)
Vice President Joe Biden swore in Al Franken as the junior senator from Minnesota. Franken repeated the oath of office and was then congratulated by the Vice President (0:36)
Senator-elect Al Franken (D-Minn.) joins Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) for a press conference. July 6, 2009.
U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) says “I’m ready to work day and night to make sure that our kids have a great future and that America’s best days lay ahead.” He says he’s ready to get to work. (0:15)
U.S. Senator-elect Al Franken (D-Minn.) comments on how his addition to the Senate will amount to 60 Democrats in the legislative body. However, he said he is focused on is “the number two” and primarily sees himself as the second Senator from the state of Minnesota. (0:12)
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) tells reporters about a comment made by former U.S. Rep. Vin Weber’s (R-Minn.) on Senator-elect Al Franken (D-Minn.). Weber says people will be pleasantly surprised when they realize Franken is a “smart guy” who is serious about issues. (0:23)
By Courtney Ann Jackson-Talk Radio News Service
Senator-elect Al Franken (D-Minn.) is receiving a warm welcome from Congressional Democrats, complete with a press conference alongside Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). During his brief statement, Franken struck a more serious tone than that of his days as a comedian.
“I am going to work day and night to make sure that our kids have a great future and that America’s best days lay ahead. I’m ready to get to work,” said Franken.
Franken will raise the total number of Democrats in the Senate to 60. However, Franken said all he is focused on is the number two, noting that he sees himself as the second Senator from the state of Minnesota.
“Much has been made of the expectations of Al Franken joining the Senate,” said Reid. “Here are my expectations. He, of course, is going to work hard for the people of Minnesota. They’ve gone far too long without full representation…I expect him to help deliver on the change that this country is demanding.”
Franken described Minnesotans as practical people, adding that his constituents want to make sure the work being done in the Senate makes sense and has a “strong return for investments.”
Franken highlighted health care, economy, energy policy, and education as some of his major concerns.
