Robert Lilligren: In the mayor's race Rybak was not found "acceptable" by SDFL. Speeches were made in favor of this action citing his disregard of the party endorsement, past work against DFL endorsed candidates, and deliberately dividing communities (the police chief debate was used as one example). No speeches were made against. An acceptable rating by the caucus is perquisite to endorsement. McLaughlin was found acceptable and endorsed.
1. The woman who made the motion to find Rybak unacceptable was Lisa Vecoli - who used to be Peter McLaughlin's assistant at the county board. She raised the issue of Rybak not being willing to abide by the DFL endorsement as the reason.
2. CM Gary Schiff raised the issue of the Police Chief.
3. Rybak wasn't present - and neither were any of his supporters who knew enough to defend the mayor, when Schiff spoke to the caucus. Rybak came to the event - but only stayed for about 10 minutes.
Dyna sez:
Note the double standard- if Don Samuels can be forgiven for the sin of defying the DFL endorsement, why can't RT? I dropped my support for RT after his taxpayer funded puff piece, but he doesn't deserve this insult. RT has been an unwavering supporter of the gay community, even attending a Stonewall DFL fundraiser after SDFL endorsed his opponent in 2001. To deny him an "acceptable" rating and put him in the same class as the Michelle Bachmans suggests that SDFL is still trying to avenge the defeat of Sharon Sayles-Belton.
Tamir Nolley writes:
Do Stonewall members really believe in the civil rights and human dignity of all people, or do they actually quietly support police brutality?
EY: I don't think it's fair to say that Stonewall supports police brutality because they had concerns about the way that Rybak handled the police chief appointment. At the same time, I agree with Dyna Slyter's assessment of the vote to find Rybak "unacceptable". I've never understood why Stonewall even asks whether candidates plan to abide by DFL endorsement. It seems to me that Stonewall's job is to screen candidates for their positions on GLBT issues - and weed out anti-gay democratic candidates.
I also hear that Annie Young is considering running as a Green in the Ward 9 race. Annie - you are on this list - can you confirm or deny this one?
Since Peter McLaughlin has agreed to abide by DFL endorsement, my guess is should he show weekness at the convention, his delegates will walk and have someone call quorum - in the same way quorum was called during the convention 4 years ago - and that was by the SSB forces to prevent an endorsement for Rybak.
The question is whether Rybak as an incumbent has energized the grassroots troops he energized so effectively last time.
Eva Young Near North Minneapolis [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lloydletta.blogspot.com
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