The GOP Endorsing Contest to Replace Steve Sviggum

Last night in Zumbrota the Republican delegates in District 28A unanimously endorsed Steve Drazkowski of Wabasha to be their candidate to run for the seat being vacated by Rep. Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon) who is now Commissioner of Labor & Industry. Should other GOP candidates file (the filings close today), there will be a GOP primary July 17. The special election is August 7.

Drazkowski's easy endorsement is somewhat of a surprise. Several years ago, "The X," as some GOPers call him, was charged with fifth degree domestic assault for allegedly hitting his teenaged daughter. He was acquitted, and the records are sealed. His daughter has been with him on the campaign trail and his nomination was seconded by her. Local gossip has also focused on Drazkowski's protracted divorce, which lasted from 1993-2007. [No typos here. And, a round of applause to anyone who survives a 14-year divorce proceeding.]

I've never met Drazkowski. But I'm betting his endorsement means all the garbage was hauled away, at least for the Republicans. Should be interesting to see what the Democrats do with it.

A keen GOP observer wrote a play-by-play of what transpired last night. It's a long but fascinating read for political junkies. What follows is written by that observer:

THE PAST MAY BE PROLOGUE

Drazkowski carried District 28B in a narrow loss to Sen. Steve Murphy
(D-Red Wing) last November. Drazkowski defeated the 14-year veteran
Murphy by 143 votes in those portions of Goodhue, Wabasha, and Winona
counties which comprise District 28B. Murphy won by about 3,000 votes
in the other half of the district, with large margins near Winona State
University.

Prior to last year's general election, Drazkowski lost the GOP's
convention endorsement before winning the September primary to face
Murphy.

BY THE NUMBERS

On Monday, Drazkowski demonstrated a much stronger relationship with
the delegates. In a five-candidate field that featured polished and
earnest presentations by each competitor, Drazkowski surprised many
observers with a first-ballot domination of the returns.

With 79 delegates and seated alternates, a candidate needed 48 votes to
secure the 60% support needed for endorsement.

On the first ballot, Drazkowski was one vote short of the 60% majority
needed for endorsement. The results: Drazkowski (47); Jennifer
Berquam (18); Rod Johnson (6); Mena Kaehler (5); and Dave Neil (3).
Under the rules of the convention, only Drazkowski and Berquam moved to
the second ballot.

On the second ballot, Drazkowski had 54 votes. Before that result
could be finalized, Berquam graciously asked the delegates to make the
endorsement unanimous. With standing applause, the convened delegates
agreed.

THE WRAP-UP

After the endorsement, the five candidates joined at the podium for
photographs and warm words.

Drazkowski told the delegates that he was humbled and grateful for
their support. He thanked the delegates, the candidates, his wife
(Laura), his daughter (Kinsey), his campaign manager (Deb Roschen), and
his treasurer (John Adams).

He pledged to bring into play a campaign group that already includes
200 active volunteers. He said that his campaign would assemble a
get-out-the-vote effort for the textbooks, with a ground force unlike
any seen before in a Minnesota legislative race. He said that it will
be important to "win decisively."

In closing, he thanked Speaker Sviggum for 30 years of leadership and
service, and wished him the best of luck in his new opportunity.

THE ATMOSPHERICS

The convention ended a week of intense campaigning by the five
candidates, featuring personal visits, telephone calls, messages from
supporters, and multiple mailings.

The meeting was held in a brightly-lit VFW hall at the edges of the
red-brick downtown of the corn and dairy center.

Drazkowski has large yard-signs for miles leading into Zumbrota. The
other candidates focused on the convention site.

Former state GOP Deputy Chairman Eric Hoplin chaired the convention.

State GOP Chairman Ron Carey advised the delegates that "the only way
we can lose this special election is if we are divided. We are right on
the issues. We are right on the values. We have a good field of
candidates. We must leave here united."

In attendance were House Republican Leader Marty Seifert, Republican
Whip Denny McNamara, Reps. Laura Brod, Matt Dean, Pat Garofalo, and
Randy Demmer, and Senate Republican Leader Dave Senjem.

THE FOND FAREWELL

Speaker Sviggum addressed the convention before the endorsement process
began.

He noted that this would be one of the most memorable endorsing
conventions he had seen, because the delegates faced a choice between
five good people who had done something to make the community stronger.

He called on the delegates to come together as a team, because it was
crucial to win this election and hold this seat as one of the next steps
back to a stronger Minnesota.

He noted that the liberal left had often said that he was "too
traditional" for their tastes. "To that, I will hold up my hand and
plead 'Guilty,'" he said.

For their tastes, he was "too traditional." But that was a good thing
when you are talking about the time-honored traditions that are
important to free men and women, strong families, a growing economy, and
a future of personal liberty and personal responsibility.

He noted what a difference a year had made in the agenda of the state
after the November election.

Where Republicans had been working to hold down taxes to strengthen
family budgets and the job environment, the Democrats had now proposed
over $4.5 billion of new tax burdens.

Where Republicans had worked to protect Life, the Democrats had passed
more funding for Planned Parenthood and abortions.

Where Republicans had worked for the marriage amendment, the Democrats
had passed domestic partner benefits.

Where Republicans had worked for prudent management and unselfish
stewardship of the House, the first act of the Democrats was to raise
their per diems and housing allowances.

Yes, time-honored traditions are important to a healthy future when
they are based on personal liberty and personal responsibility, he
said.

That is why the next 28 days would be so important to the future of
Minnesota. That is why the team needed to leave the convention united.

And speaking of the number 28, the Speaker was moved to recognize and
thank his wife Debbie for 28 years of patience, love, and support. He
did so manfully, and sincerely.

THE CANDIDATES

What made Drazkowski's first-ballot surge so impressive was the fact
that he faced four polished, committed, and accomplished opponents who
offered very different styles in their presentations on almost identical
policy stands.

The candidates spoke in alphabetical order.

JENNIFER BERQUAM

Berquam, 29, is a legislative specialist with the firm of Messerli &
Kramer. She grew up on a farm near the Speaker's Kenyon operation. A
former House page, she worked for Thrivent after graduating from
Gustavus. Her presentation was stately, but verged into folksy as she
described how she and her three sisters had learned a work ethic by
baling hay, helping with the animals, and "picking rock" on the farm her
great grandparents had founded in 1894.

She was nominated by neighbor Jim Sviggum. He urged the delegates to
select her because we need the most electable candidate and because "we
cannot empower the liberals." He said she was the best candidate
because he had watched her "grow up with principles and values of
family, faith, freedom, and work."

Berquam opened her comments with thanks to the other candidates for
their past commitments and a solid week of fair campaigning all around.
She then thanked Speaker Sviggum for 29 years as a friend, mentor,
neighbor and leader. She said it was a deep honor to have the
opportunity to seek to fill his shoes.

Berquam said some delegates had wondered about her age. She told them
that she was old enough to vote, and was two years older than Speaker
Sviggum had been when he was first elected.

She said she felt called to serve when the Speaker announced his
resignation because they shared the same values, work ethic, and
commonsense approach to life.

Berquam discussed her commitment on a variety of issues, saying she was
proudly pro-life, pro-family, pro-Second Amendment, pro-jobs creation,
strongly supportive of accountability in schools and market-based
accessability in health care. She expressed an urgent need for
restrained government and fiscal stewardship in balancing government
budgets without relying on expanding tax burdens.

She noted that the DFL would love to win this special election to pile
on the Republicans after last November's surge.

Berquam noted that the way to begin reversing that surge was to endorse
a candidate with our shared values, a fresh face with the youth and
energy that will not be outworked for 28 days and 28 years. She noted
that she had already raised $5,000 and would devote every minute in the
next four weeks to knocking on doors, finding the votes, and turning
them out.

She concluded with a call for unity in the convention, commitment to
victory, and dedication to shared values.

STEVE DRAZKOWSKI

Drazkowski was nominated by well-known GOP activist Kyle Rupprecht, who
spoke of Drazkowski as a strong conservative who "walks the walk" with
the Republican platform, and has proven that he is electable because he
carried District 28B less than ten months ago.

Drazkowski's nomination was seconded by his wife (Laura) and daughter
(Kinsey). Kinsey noted that "my father has supported me very well."

Drazkowski thanked his nominators, the delegates, and the other
candidates. He noted that critics of their shared values were circling
District 28B, hoping to hang another defeat on Republicans.

He urged the delegates to endorse a candidate with three assets: 1)
leadership; 2) a willingness to stick to values; and 3) a proven
ability that he can and will win.

On leadership, Drazkowski said he would follow Speaker Sviggum's
example of polite but firm advocacy for fundamental principles. He said
that "leadership is the courage to take authentic action."

On values, Drazkowski said that he will not waiver on conservative
principles. He noted his years of work on a Republican platform that
has "been constructed, perfected, and now must be used." He pledged to
"work over" any other Republican officials who do not heed the
Republican platform.

On electability, Drazkowski noted that he had won twice in District
28B. He earned over 60% in last September's Republican primary. He
then beat a 14-year incumbent in the District in a political climate
where 19 House seats were lost to the Democrats.

Citing an energetic and energized team of 200 volunteers, Drazkowski
said that he has already raised enough funds to qualify for the
candidate funding program, has a website, and would have twice as many
yardsigns as he would need up and in place by the end of the week.

Noting that the strongest in our society have a duty to stand their
ground in the face of the highest winds and the harshest conditions,
Drazkowski restated his three grounds for selection (leadership, values,
and electability) and pledged that "we will win."

It is worth noting that Drazkowski's presentation and style were
understated and his words were measured.

ROD JOHNSON

Rod Johnson gave the best presentation by a legislative candidate that
this observer has seen in 40 years of watching democracy in action. The
only explanation for the results could be found in the fact that his
enthusiastic supporters were not delegates. After being recruited to
the race nine days earlier, Johnson did not have the lead time or
organization perfected by Drazkowski.

Johnson has been a farmer, small businessman, champion auctioneer, farm
broadcaster, and the radio voice of the Timberwolves for 12 years. He
presented a distinguished appearance and spoke in a voice that makes Rod
Grams sound squeaky.

He was surrounded by bodies, babies, and American flags. He spoke with
pride of the American heroes in his family.

Johnson was nominated by legendary party-builder Bill Callister.
Callister noted that he was a driving force in Speaker Sviggum's first
two elections, and had helped to elect many House Republicans over more
than three decades. "Rod Johnson is committed to God, family, and
community," Callister said. "He will serve you well."

The nomination was seconded by one of Johnson's sons. Nathan and his
father are partners in an auction business. Nathan said that his father
had shown him by words and action that three things matter. "Faith
first, family second, and community third," he said. "Do the right
thing, and then give back to the community that nurtures you." Nathan
said that his father understood the challenges and opportunities that
face small-town America. Small businesses that must grow without
unnecessary red tape, farm families who must adapt to an increasingly
global economy, communications that must be improved. "He will abide."

Johnson was accompanied to the podium by 42 supporters, most of whom
carried a baby, the American Flag, or a professional sign.

He spoke of the need to win the sprint of a 28-day campaign and the
marathon of standing up for values. He noted that the DFL would spend a
record amount in this special election to continue the pressure of their
2006 victories. Johnson called for a united effort to turn back the
juggernaut that is heading to the area.

Then he introduced Captain Jesse Johnson, a pilot who has just returned
from Bosnia and Afghanistan and is headed back to Iraq. Jesse and his
family drove from Colorado to be at the convention.

Then he introduced his daughter-in-law Natalie, an Army nurse who has
just returned from the battlefield. Her husband is Captain Bobby
Johnson, who is currently on the battlefield.

Then he introduced his business partner and son Nathan and his wife,
Ann. He discussed with pride the values that they are bringing to the
new business.

Then he mentioned with pride his son Corey, who is a college basketball
coach.

Then Johnson spoke with a hushed voice of how his wife Bernie shaped
the home that has nurtured them all.

On the issues, Johnson touched on his commitment to all of the issues
in the Republican platform: pro-life, pro-family, supporter of hunting
and fishing, advocate for the strengthening of America's sinew in small
towns, battler for the commonsense of fiscal responsibility in
government. "I will not compromise," he said. "I pray daily for the
guidance, strength, and courage to carry the battle."

On electability, he cited his name recognition, his communication
skills, and the strength that has been required to succeed on so many
fronts. "No one will outwork us," he said.

Johnson pledged to call the Governor on August 7 to report that "the
Republicans are united, organized, victorious once again, and primed for
future battles."

MENA KAEHLER

Think of Carol Molnau at her feisty best on the House Floor. Mena and
Ralph Kaehler raise cattle and kids. She is also a teacher, a global
thinker, and a change agent. She knows how to look Communists in the
eye and get things done. She and her family led a trade expedition to
Cuba, where she talked with Fidel Castro about the benefits of American
agriculture as a partner with Cuba when the trade embargo is lifted.
She also convinced Rep. Phyllis Kahn (D-Minneapolis) to join Speaker
Sviggum as co-authors on a resolution to urge the lifting of that
embargo for the benefit of American farmers, Cuban consumers, and the
democratizing effect of open trade. After 47 years of waiting for
incremental results, perhaps it is time to try a different approach,
someone said.

After the pageantry of Rod Johnson's presentation, Kaehler presented
calm dignity and pointed rhetoric.

She was nominated by education reform advocate Mike Smith. He
said she was a no-nonsense, non-flashy person of substance. A strong
parent, farm wife, educator, and neighbor, Kaehler is a person of
integrity and commitment. She understands the immediate needs of the
local economy, and blends that understanding with an appreciation for
the long-term needs for a national and international scope, he said. He
urged the delegates to endorse a person with small-town common-sense and
global vision.

Kaehler then stood alone at the front of the room and provided arch
commentary.

After thanking the delegates and renewing her pledge to abide by the
endorsement, Kaehler urged the delegates to evaluate the candidates in
terms of their life experiences, rather than assessing "electability"
under a lens affected by previous disagreements or friendships.

Kaehler contended that she had the broadest and strongest life
experiences that would grant her the best chance for election.

She cited her faith and family as grounds for support that would
sustain her in a short race and a long career of service.

Kaehler discussed her success as an agricultural educator, a business
manager, an American negotiator in Cuba, a grain exporter, and a
legislative advocate.

She discussed her demand for school equity and school accountability,
which is based on her experience as a parent, a teacher, and a
home-schooler at times.

Kaehler outlined her commitment to renewing small-town economies by
crafting state policies that were livestock friendly in farm country and
job-friendly with respect to red tape and taxes. Informed and dedicated
leadership on these issues are the key to keeping rural Minnesota viable
in the near and distant future.

She indicated that while you do not compromise on principles, you have
to seek broader support and consensus on means whether you are seeking
successful election or effective implementation of new public policy.

Kaehler then outlined her plan for an effective 28-day effort. She
pledged to carry the message to all 29 townships and 20 towns with
door-knocking, barn-storming, and open advocacy. She said she had
brought the delegates the most comprehensive message in the past week
with an introductory letter, an issues briefing, and two other mailings.
Given her many roles in her life to date, she promised to bring her
full skills to bear for the next month.

She outlined her fund-raising campaign, and noted that electability
would involve a fresh face with broad appeal in schools, small-town
cafes, and farm country.

Kaehler then put a grin on her mouth and a glint in her eye as she
pulled a pair of sharp elbows. Some other candidate may have more
campaign experience. Some other candidate may have spent more time at
the Capitol. Some other candidate may have a sweeter or richer voice.
But Kaehler promised to bring the multi-tasking skills of an experienced
mom to the challenges of the short campaign. In the face of internal
strife or bad feelings, the delegates should choose the most electable
endorsee who had the broad life experiences and record of success that
would appeal to a wider electorate while remaining committed to basic,
fundamental principles.

She then thanked God and the delegates for the chance to participate in
the most open government system in the world.

DAVE NEIL

A farmer, school bus river, and pastor, Dave Neil earned a credible 47% as a legislative
candidate against the late Rep. Ken Otremba in 1994. There is a tender
story about that later. But first, a bombshell.

Neil was nominated by WALTER KLAUS! Klaus is one of the key architects
of the form of the Republican Party of Minnesota as it exists today. He
was first elected to represent most of the area of the current District
28B in 1957. He melded fierce fiscal conservatism and strong social
activism, and stung almost every GOP legislator with his annual LEA
reports.

Klaus said simply: "I have known Dave Neil for all his life, from when
he worked with me on farm issues when he was in 4H. He has worked so
long and hard on the Republican platform, which all Republican officials
should follow. I trust him. He will work for a conservative and
constructive culture. I urge you to endorse him."

Neil's nomination was seconded by his wife. Ann said,"It is not often
that I can tell him that I love him in front of a lot of people, but I
do."

Neil said that he was proud of his service to the Republicans, which
included his 1994 race, his 31 years of work on the platform, and his
service for many candidates.

He said that he wanted to put his experience from the 1994 race to work
in 2007, in a district where a Republican does not have such an uphill
climb as in Todd County.

Neil said that delegates should never have to worry about how he was
going to vote. As a Methodist minister in Zumbro Falls and Mazeppa, his
faith goes through the door with him in any meeting.

He pledged to bring honor and integrity to the race and to his
service.

Neil said he would talk with, and listen to, and work with anyone to
achieve his goals of educational equity, market-based health care
reform, and fiscal responsibility.

He said that his heart had been touched by his former opponent, Ken
Otremba, a few years after their 1994 campaign. Neil said he visited
Otremba a few weeks before his death. Otremba said he deeply
appreciated the civility which Neil had brought to the race, and to tell
Steve Sviggum thanks for the flowers sent by the Republican Caucus to
Otremba's hospital room.

Respect goes a long way, and respect helps you find ways to work with
people on shared principles. And when that is not possible, you can
disagree without being disagreeable. Neil pledged to meet with every
Member of the House to explore such options before the start of next
February's legislative session.

Neil then humbly asked the delegates for their endorsement.