Thoughts about the MN Independence Party

Usually when people are talking about Lt. Governor Candidates it because they are political insiders weighing in on how the pick might sway the vote by a fraction of a point here or there. So when earlier this week when it was leaked that Matt Entenza was considering a retiring TV News anchor it caused a little stir in the media (especially the print media) and got everyone to thinking.

Now that the pick is official, what does it mean?

Of course the first official comments came from the Republican Party "Hail Mary pass" and "the latest sign of a desperate campaign" which is probably true in some cases, but there are several things to think of. Robinson is not the first local TV Anchor to go into politics, former Senator Rod Grams was also a TV Anchor, for the same station no less. Senator Grams was in his time one of the most conservative Republicans in the US Senate, I am reminded of the old saying "He who lives in glass house.." Next is most polls have any DFL candidate in a pretty much dead heat with Tom Emmer, this is not as if the campaign is 20 points behind and attempting to make up ground at the last moment. Considering how the Republicans chose Sarah what's her name..

Now Entenza is probably trailing the other candidates in the DFL primary, and yes Robinson is not your typical candidate, but I wouldn't compare her to a Hail Mary just yet. Matt Entenza has been out of politics since 2006 and while those of us who watch politics remember his name he has been out of sight and out of mind with the DFL party members this instantly gives his ticket name recognition. Who else could Matt have gotten, considering how long memories people in politics have what 'named' party member would take a chance on being on Matt's ticket.

This should bring in dollars and volunteers to Matt's campaign, not that he needs the dollars, but he will need plenty of volunteers to beat the other two on the ballot.