Caledonia Argus

State primaries feature interesting candidates

Posted: 9/3/02

by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter

While the marquee Sept. 10 statewide primary contest is in the race for state auditor, most statewide races feature primary election battles.

Some of the candidates definitely quality as colorful. One has spent time in jail while another vows to discloses lesbians serving on the court bench.

In the U.S. Senate race, former St. Paul mayor Norm Coleman is being challenged by fellow Republican Jack Shepard, whose campaign literature might feature the Roman Colosseum as Shepard, a Middle East specialist for the federal government, currently is stationed in Rome, Italy.

On his filing form, Shepard writes of the importance of winning the war on terrorism.

Democrat Sen. Paul Wellstone also faces primary opposition in his quest for a third term in the Senate.

Besides Alve Erickson, Wellstoneís place on the ballot is also being challenged by election veteran Dick Franson, who served on the Minneapolis City Council in the 1960s.

Franson is still awaits an apology from former Gov. Arne Carlson over the dirty politics Franson believes Carlson engaged in three decades ago in defeating him.

Though the endorsed Independence Party candidate for U.S. Senate, businessman Jim Moore faces opposition from two Independence Party candidates on the primary ballot.

William McGaughey and Ronald Willis both want to replace Moore on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.

McGaughey, of Minneapolis, aims to better define what the Independence Party stands for by stepping on toes. Heís campaigning for a 32-hour work week as a kick at Republicans and demands ìfull citizenship, dignity, and equality of white males (and of everyone else, too).î

The last slogan is aimed at the political correctness he sees crippling Democratic Party.

Endorsed Green Party U.S. Senate candidate Ed McGaa is facing a primary challenge from Ray Tricomo of Oakdale.

In the 8th Congregation District, two Republicans are vying for the right to take on Rep. James Oberstar, D, whoís intent on winning his 15th term in Congress.

Former state representative Bob Lemen of Grand Rapids is facing Warren Nelson of Gilbert in the primary.

In the governorís race, Republican endorsed candidate Tim Pawlenty of Eagan is being challenged by environmental activist Leslie Davis.

Endorsed Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Tim Penny is being challenged by Booker Hodges the Fourth, an executive director with a youth ministry, and by St. Paulite Bill Dahn, who was provoked into politics by disputes with the city over his dwelling.

Sen. Roger Moe, DFL endorsed candidate for governor, is facing primary election opposition from Oleí Savior. Savior is a colorful DFL activist who has sought party endorsement though mustering single-digit delegate support.

Green Party gubernatorial candidate Ken Pentel is being challenged by fellow Green Richard Klatte of Brooklyn Park.

The race for state attorney general also has primary candidates on the ballot.

Two Independence Party candidates ó Dick Bullock of Wyoming and Dale Nelson of Eagan ó are squared off on the primary ballot.

Bullock is a retired justice of the peace. Nathan is a controversial lawyer who served two months in prison in 2000 for refusing to give the whereabouts of a client when asked by a judge.

He has also been accused of filing frivolous lawsuits. But Nathan refutes the accusation and also believes the judge overstepped their authority when demanding the location of his client.

The Independence Party at their state convention did not endorse for attorney general.

On the Republican side, endorsed candidate Tom Kelly is facing primary opposition from challenger Sharon Anderson. Anderson, a frequent candidate for office, bills herself as ìnot a liar or a lawyer.î

She vows full disclosures of lesbians and other judges on the bench. ìWeíre gonna have legal fun,î she states on her website.

Perhaps highest profile statewide primary contest is for state auditor.

Three DFLers, Rep. Greg Gray of Minneapolis, state treasurer Carol Johnson, and MnDot official Gregg Iverson are vying to represent the party.

Gray is the DFL endorsed candidate.

Eagan Mayor Patricia Anderson Awada, the Republican endorsed candidate for state auditor, is facing opposition from Jual Carlos of Karlstad, whoís employed in the motor coach industry.

The Independence Party endorsed candidate, Dave Hutcheson, a former U.S. Army infantry officer and college professor, is facing party colleague Todd Paulson of Brooklyn Center on the primary ballot.

In legislative races, Republican Rep. Dennis Ozment of Rosemount is being challenged in District 37B by Judy Lindsay, who is the endorsed Republican candidate.

Lindsay serves on the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School Board.

Ozment, whoís seeking a tenth term in the House, chairs the House environment and natural resources policy committee.

Salaries for statewide offices are: governor, $114,506; lieutenant governor, $62,980; secretary of state, $66,169; state auditor, $72,187; and attorney general, $93,000.

The office of state treasurer has been abolished.

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