Candidates weigh winning vs. principles

ST. PAUL - Political activists in both major parties are divided over whether candidates should be pure or electable.

Columnist George Will wrote about two Minnesota presidential candidates, former Gov. Tim Pawlenty and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann: "He would be much easier to elect than to nominate; regarding her, reverse that."

Those in the right wing of the Republican Party and left wing of the Democratic Party are more likely to attend caucuses, be elected to conventions and vote in primaries than those more toward to middle. So, as Will says, GOP conservatives hold more power in nominating the party's presidential candidate than the more moderate segment.

And when political extremes pick candidates, moderates often have no place to go. An example is last year's Minnesota governor race, where Republican Tom Emmer and Democrat Mark Dayton represented the two sides.

The debate about whether it is wise to pick someone who sticks closely to an ideological extreme fits into the Iowa caucus presidential campaign.

"One of the big debates within your party is winning vs. principles," radio talk show host Steve Deace said recently before a southern Iowa Bachmann appearance.

The conservative talker, who was fired from the state's most prominent radio station, said he thinks right-wing principles can win an election.

No. 2 hits road

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon plans a series of visits around the state in an attempt "to bring the Capitol to greater Minnesota," her office says.

First up is a Hastings stop Monday, featuring Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel and Labor and Industry Commissioner Ken Peterson. A Marshall visit also is in the works, and her office reports that other tours are planned.

At each tour stop, Prettner Solon will join local legislators and Dayton administration commissioners in a town hall session, hold office hours and visit local initiatives.

Also, Prettner Solon has been re-elected to the National Lieutenant Governors Association leadership committee. She is the at-large member from the Midwest.

Skogen running

A Democratic senator ousted in last year's surprising Republican take­over of the Minnesota Senate wants his seat back.

Dan Skogen plans to seek election to his former post, which included all of Otter Tail and Wadena counties, and part of Becker County, the Wadena Pioneer Journal reports.

He was defeated by Gretchen Hoffman, one of a new class of conservative Republicans who now control the Senate. Skogen could be the first of several Democrats who try to regain their old Senate jobs next year.

Don Davis reports for Forum Communications Co.