Paul Skrbec wraps up Stonewall DFL's success rate in local races. In many of these local elections, the gay community had a win/win choice. I think it's unfortunate that Bob Fine won reelection. His reluctance to take John Erwin's amendment to explicitly state the agreement with De La Salle must include a non-discrimination clause spoke volumes. I'm rather surprised that Stonewall endorsed Fine. Bernstein in my view would be more concerned about discrimination against gays and also church/state separation with the deal with De La Salle.
In my view, the elections that really matter for gays are not local elections - where all candidates are going to reach out to gay voters - but rather special elections to the state legislature and the general election in 2006. I think it does speak volumes that Stonewall's candidate in the contested 10th ward seat lost. Ralph Remington - who will be a good friend in the council to gay residents, won. What is going to be more of a challenge for Stonewall is the 6th District race. Elwyn Tinklenberg (now the only candidate in that race) said he supported the Federal Marriage Amendment at his announcement press conference. I contacted Paul Skrbec for comment, and he would not comment on Tinklenberg's position. The state auditor's race will also be a challenge for Stonewall DFL. Rebecca Otto - the leading candidate for auditor voted for the Bachmann amendment. I actually think it's a good use of time for Minneapolis residents to pick candidates and help some of these special election candidates. The more we can counter the anti-Minneapolis sentiment in the legislature the better. >From the anti-gay Pastor's summit invitation: http://www.minnesotaformarriage.org/ss/live/index.php?action=getpage&sid=64&pid=272 It goes without saying that Natalie Johnson Lee's good buddy, Bob Battle is listed. Here are the Minneapolis Pastor's mentioned: Pastor Barbara A. White Light Foundational Ministries Minneapolis, MN Steve Loopstra Executive Director Prayer Transformation Ministries Minneapolis, MN I did a search on Light Foundational Ministries - and the address is: Light Foundational Ministries 1407 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN (763) 477-4006 But isn't the phone number a bit peculiar? Why does this "Minneapolis church" have a 763 phone number? Barb White from Light Foundational Ministries was quoted in the St Paul Pioneer press story - and was on TV. I think it speaks volumes that Barb White and Bob Battle are the two African American ministers they are using in the press. Does that mean some of the Northside Minneapolis African American congregations are more resistant to this? Does anyone know more about these two ministries? Did anyone attend the Pastor's summit? I'm wondering if Art Erickson, Duane Coleman and Ralph Bruins from Urban Ventures were in attendance. Eva Young Eva Young Near North Minneapolis Blogs: http://lloydletta.blogspot.com http://www.outletradio.com REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
