Showing posts with label Gopher State Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gopher State Politics. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Center of the American Experiment Celebrates its 25th Birthday!

The Center of the American Experiment celebrated its 25th birthday last night at its annual dinner. Gopher State Politics Institute staff was honored to attend the celebration, along with over a thousand friends of the Center.

Not only did we enjoy great food and enlightening conversation, but we also had the pleasure being entertained by P.J. O'Rourke, the great Political Satirist and Author.

Happy Birthday to the Center of the American Experiment and a special thanks to Mitch, Kim and staff. Keep up the great work.

Bob Smith, 3rd


http://www.americanexperiment.org/

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Needed, One Champion...

Will the Minnesota GOP Blow the 2016 Elections?

It’s a distinct possibility...

Opinion and Viewpoint by Bob Smith 3rd

It won’t be long before 2016 is here; especially in political times as the presidential contests are heating up.  Let’s put it this way, the real prize is not the presidency—it’s sane government for Minnesota.  That means the Republicans must take the Minnesota Senate.  I repeat, the most important goal for the Minnesota GOP is to win the Minnesota Senate while gaining a seat or two in the Minnesota House and maintaining their Congressional seats.

The problem for the Minnesota GOP in 2016 will be to handle adroitly the fanaticism of the fringe and nut elements of the party for various presidential candidates to the detriment of local elections.  Presidential enthusiasm is great but let’s takes half of that energy and re-direct it to winning Minnesota House and Senate seats.

The GopherStatePolitics Institute’s challenge to the would-be caucus and 2016 convention delegates is: Will you devote at least equal time, Funds and effort to help local candidates as you would working for a presidential candidate?

That still leaves the question of how will the state Republicans coordinate a statewide campaign to win the Minnesota Senate?

The Republican State Senatorial Campaign Committee will be in the thick of it along with the state party.  Will that do it?  Unfortunately and sadly, I believe the state party has been weakened and will not have the funds nor the timber to accomplish the task.

They also will most likely be distracted and consumed to a large degree by intra-party presidential politics.  Is there a solution?

Yes.  May I suggest that it must come in the form of a “Champion”.  Someone who can command the trust and respect of all Republicans.  Someone who will be able to devise a plan to take the Minnesota Senate and who will be capable of leading the Republicans to that victory in 2016.

The importance of the Republicans winning the Minnesota Senate in 2016 cannot be overstated—it is the single most important event for all Minnesotans to bring this state to sound government.

Yes, that “Champion” is out there and will emerge soon.

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GopherStatePolitics Institute will feature later articles as the GOP strategy develops to win the State Senate.  The “Champion” will be named at the proper time when s/he steps forward.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Bill Frenzel…a Real Class Act!

November 18, 2014

Bill Frenzel…A Real Class Act

Morning newspapers throughout the country announced the death of former Minnesota Congressman Bill Frenzel yesterday.

If there ever was such a thing as a gentleman and a person you could look up to, Bill epitomized that view in my opinion.  I did not have much contact with him but I remember two things.  One was running across him and his wife outside the White House on a lovely warm day.  We just had some pleasant chatter and this chance meeting was characterized by graciousness.  The other time that sticks with me was many years ago at a political gathering where he introduced VP Nelson Rockefeller in an uncustomary manner.  My guess is that both had been at Dartmouth College.

My brother Bruce and he were both at Brookings and they had set up monthly lunches so I was informed about his doings.  Last month Bill begged off the lunch for health reasons.

Bill was a St. Paul native where attended St. Paul Academy.  He served in the Minnesota House of Representatives before moving on to Congress where he served with distinction.  Bill, thank you; Ruthy, thank you for being the model political wife.



Bob Smith, 3rd