It's Final: Rep. Mark Olson Dumped

Right-wing bloggger and Michele Bachmann fan Andy Aplikowski:

Officially disgraceful Republican Mark Olson is guilty of another indiscretion of abusing a great woman. Yep, he cost Allison Krueger and the Republicans a State Senate seat. He and his band of self obsessed people in SD16 decided they would run a write in campaign with absolutely no chance of winning.

Well guess what, Olson got a lowsy 316 stinking votes. But that’s not the problem, the Republican on the ballot, Allison Krueger, lost by just 89 votes.

Triple A's rant about Olson continues...

Yes, that’s right. Mark Olson and his buddies up in SD16 caused the Republican candidate to lose. I hope they are excommunicated from all ties to the Republican party. I hope Mark Olson never shows his face at a Republican event, and if he has the nerve, and I am there, I will not be responsible for my actions. (no violence on my part, but oh boy there will be one hell of a scene)

I hope you are proud of yourselves, Olson, Wilson, and crew. Your little collective tantrum up there is now going to cost us a ton of money next election. You took a Republican district and made it Democrat. Yes, YOU caused the Republican loss. Now we (the Republicans who understand how the Legislature really works) are going to have to spend a ton of money to knock off the Dem in 2010.

Way to go asshats, you took out one of our own.

Payback is a bitch, but don’t worry, you have yours coming soon.

Whew!

I will leave this blog up in case he runs again.

The Dump Mark Olson Blog Going Back Into Mothballs

Since the Ithaca Podcar Conference flopped and Rep. Mark Olson's write-in campaign is heading toward likely defeat in November, I'm not going to be wasting time following the pathetic antics of Rep. Mark Olson or his pals the Personal Rapid Transit pod people anymore.

I've closed the comments again so I don't have to bother removing the comments of PRT trolls.

If readers have some really important tips they can still contact me at my g-mail account on my profile like PRT booster Larry Fabian did recently:

Lawrence Fabian to me

How was the Ithaca conference a "bust"?

See the NYT piece on LIRR worker abuse? Like them union types, Mr. Ken?

Lawrence J. Fabian
Trans.21  Boston
www.airfront.us

Yeah, right Larry... let's replace the Long Island Railroad with automated non-union pods... I can really see that happening.

As for the puff piece in the Metro section of the NY Times... we've seen those before... the Jetsons meme, Morgantown, the vague descriptions of studies and projects here and there:

“I think all of the major players were at the conference with their ears wide open,” Mr. Roberts said. “They said they are very interested and looking forward to learning more.”

His group, Connect Ithaca, is now working on the next step: applying for a $75,000 grant from the State Energy Research and Development Authority to study how a pod car system could reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled in Ithaca. Mayor Carolyn K. Peterson said city officials would wait for the study’s findings before going any further.

Connect Ithaca's website is still down... and Connect Ithaca wants $75,000 of the taxpayers' money for a study?... New York could save the taxpayers that money and just download the PDF of the study of PRT that New Jersey wasted money on last year.

Or maybe they can just go and take a look at the PRT going into the DestiNY Mall in Syracuse:

A transportation network that includes monorail and a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system will connect the complex to Hancock International Airport, the Inter-Modal Transportation Center, DestiNY USA and beyond.

..where else did I read that there is going to be a PRT at the DestiNY Mall?... oh yeah, Wikipedia.

No matter how many times Rep. Mark Olson or his "Jetsonesque" pod-transit scheme flops, they will always be in the news... how may chances do these guys get?

Podcar Conference a Bust

The Pod People have been hyping their silly conference for months. The Catherine Burke opinion piece in the LA Times was the opening shot in what I thought would be a barrage of publicity. I'm sure they also expected to see some national publicity come out about the conference.

In the last few days... (crickets).

The Connect Ithaca web site is still down.

There was some very silly local TV news reports on the conference:



A notable absence from the conference was would-be PRT vendor Taxi 2000/Skyweb Express... not even mentioned on the vendor page.

Olson still links to Skyweb Express on his campaign website.

Here's Olson and the Taxi 2000 pod back in the days when both were riding high in the media spotlight:

Olson Files Paperwork for Write-in Campaign

MPR reports that Olson has filed with the the Secretary of State’s office for a write-in campaign.

H/T MN Publius .

Is PRT also an Environmental Regulation-Busting Tool?

The invasion of Ithaca, New York by PRT pod people continues (scroll down)... but this post is about the ongoing invasion by pod people in Alameda, CA.

I've documented how PRT has been used by anti-transit, road warriors like Rep. Mark Olson to block and delay funding for conventional transit, particularly commuter and light rail transit. Now, PRT is being used to bamboozle citizens in Alameda into scrapping Measure A, a ballot initiative aimed to regulate development.

Marc Albert in the Alameda Sun:

SunCal is scheduled to present more fleshed-out plans to city officials Sept. 19. The public, invited to weigh the merits of two potential scenarios, one with 4,000 units, the other with 6,000, continue to be alternately wowed by futuristic amenities including proposals for a solar power plant and monorail, yet dismissive of both options for running afoul of the city's anti-growth statute, Measure A.

The 1972 ballot initiative regulates lot size and forbids construction of housing units that would accommodate more than two families. The developer has put forward two potential options, both of which would require a ballot initiative, likely in 2009, that would waive Measure A at least at Alameda Point.

Instead of offering a real solution to the transportation needs of the people who move into those additional 2,000 units, Suncal offers an imaginary, snake-oil solution - PRT... CLEVER!!!

Suncal made it's case to the Alameda City Council on September 10th:

Traffic jams and empty storefronts were two of the main concerns of the City Council and the community at Wednesday's special meeting focused primarily on developer SunCal's latest concept for the former Navy base.

SunCal's 6,200-plus residential unit proposal included self-described "visionary" features: a possible "solar farm" to generate energy and heat; a Bus Rapid Transit system to encourage public transit use and ease traffic; and a Jetson-like Personal Rapid Transit system, which would shuttle people in small computerized electrical vehicles on an elevated roadway to transit hubs.

When pressed by Councilmember Doug DeHaan, the SunCal consultant conceded that the overhead roadway with the computerized vehicles may not be viable, but should it work out, it would be extended throughout the island. Developers in years past had extolled the virtues of a ski-lift-like gondola that would transport people back and forth across the estuary, and another proposal called for a BART system to do the same task underwater. Neither idea made it past the dream stage.

But, the fate of Suncal's project at Alameda Point may be already sealed by the collapse of Lehman Brothers:

Lehman invested heavily over the last few years in California's real-estate market through its financing of Irvine-based SunCal Companies.

The firm wrote down its investment in SunCal from $2.2 billion to $1.6 billion earlier this year, the Wall Street Journal reported.

UPDATE: Suncal denies they are in trouble.

Here's Suncal's presentation at the Alameda City Council September 10th:

Debbie Cook Does Not Appear at the Ithaca Podcar Conference

Looks like Congressional candidate Debbie Cook will not appear at the Podcar Conference as the Podcar website claimed.

The current program says the following:

Video Message from Debbie Cook, Mayor of Huntington Beach and candidate for US Congress (D)

Why the "(D)" after her name It should not matter to a supposedly non-political group what party she belongs to. But matter it does since the Pod people are sweating that Republicans will be out of power in January and it is the anti-transit, right-wing fringe that Rep. Mark Olson comes from that supported PRT in Minnesota.

But, Gus Ayer was there... Gus from last year's Podcar conference:

Local TV News Coverage of Wacky Podcar Conference

Hilarious... a bunch of Swedes and a local developer peddling PRT snake oil with a wacky "bubble and beams" CGI video. The developer Frost Travis predicts that Ithaca will be covered in bubbles and beams in ten years.... interesting that the website for Connect Ithaca website is down... is Jake Roberts still working for Connect Ithaca?

The Ithaca Podcar Conference

Mark Olson's pals, the PRT Pod People are having a conference in Ithaca, NY this week. Get ready for more PRT hype like the Catherine Burke commentary in the LA Times and the Star Tribune sparking yet another Treehugger blog post about the pods and in the LA Times Bottleneck blog.

If last year's conference is any guide, the Pod People will be dissing traditional transit as much as talking about their non-existent cyberspace fantasy. Here's a video showing two of last years' Podcar Conference speakers bashing conventional transit... Ron Swenson described LRT as "parasitic".

Someone should ask Olson's old friend and legislative colleague Congresswoman Michele Bachmann whether she still supports the pods like she did in 2004.

Here are some questions I put on the Cornell Sun story's comments:

Who are the "generous sponsors" funding this Podcar Conference?

Why are traditional transit organizations not participating?

Why is a conference about the future of Ithaca's public transportation infrastructure charging citizens $90 and students $60 to attend?

Why did the Podcar Conference pick Jake Robert who has little or no expertise in transportation to host this conference? According to a recent Ithaca Journal article, Jake did a heckuva job running the Ithaca Festival (into the red).

Incidentally, Jake's Connect Ithaca website been down for days:

For laughs, watch this old KARE 11 report on PRT featuring Rep. Mark Olson....

They cut out the part where Olson declares PRT "the Microsoft of public transit"... watch it here.

Here's Olson wasting legislators time with one his failed PRT amendments:

Rep. Mark Olson Says "There is Corruption"... Where?

Jennifer Edwards reports in the West Sherburne Tribune:

Olson says he is planning a write-in campaign in November and indicated he felt some votes were missing, uncounted from Orrock and Zimmerman.

"I'm filing the paperwork as we speak," he said Thursday. "People are very upset about how awful, how malicious their campaigning practices were. The only way to get it all out there is a continued campaign."

Olson blamed legislative leaders in St. Paul for contributing to his defeat, saying they cut him off at the knees with illegal campaign brochures.

"There is something wrong with this picture. Candidates who are brought and sold never represent the people. They represent the people who brought them," he said. "There is a cause here. there is corruption involved. Money and power are driving this. I have stood up against the influence of money more than anybody down there, Now I am paying the price."

Corruption? Really!?! I hope Olson contacts the FBI.

Public corruption is a serious problem according to the FBI:

Public corruption is one of the FBI’s top investigative priorities—behind only terrorism, espionage, and cyber crimes. Why? Because of its impact on our democracy and national security. Public corruption can affect everything from how well our borders are secured and our neighborhoods protected…to verdicts handed down in courts…to the quality of our roads and schools. And it takes a significant toll on our pocketbooks, too, siphoning off tax dollars.

Olson's PRT pod buddy Dean Zimmermann was investigated, tried and convicted of public corruption.

Speaking of PRT, there was a PRT-promoting commentary in the Star Tribune on Saturday. I left a comment about Olson and Zimmerman promoting the pods and it was removed. Here is the screenshot of the comment they removed:



I left a another comment that is still up:

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann Supported PRT

In 2004, Rep. Michele Bachmann co-sponsored legislation for PRT and promoted PRT with Rep. Mark Olson and former Minneapolis councilman Dean Zimmermann.... Does Rep. Michele Bachmann still support spending millions of taxpayers' dollars on PRT research?

While we are still on the subject of pods, check out hilarious blog post by Lyle Zapato about the podcar commentary (originally in the LA Times):

Benefits that monorail podcars have over traditional monorail trains are that when one bursts into flames, only four people will be roasted alive, and you won't be able to fit a frightened elephant inside one. Also, when they stall (and they will), you can get out and push.

Podcars are a poor mimicry of the superior Inteli-Tube pneumatic transportation system* and were designed to confuse the car-obsessed public into building more dangerous monorails.

"Olson Strikes Again!!!"

Cory Ewing from the comments:

After the knowledge of his defeat, Mark retires the ideas for better government and moves onto more serious issues in the world. Like the potato chips that his wife Heidi Olson bought for the party that she threw in his honor and the honor of all the citizen's in District 16 who helped in his campaign. I don't know if these particular potato chips were of the healthy line of potato chips, but in the eyes of a man who desires nothing but to input his beliefs into the lives of others around him, these chips were NOT healthy enough for a party of his stature. Not only were they not healthy enough, but they were to be removed immediately from his sight. A little childish you ask? No. This is Mark Olson, a man who thought that a steady diet of non-salted almonds and a glass of water was enough to plenish the likes of a 10 year old Autistic boy 3 times a day. The same Mark Olson who found it necessary to weasel his way into a family directly after the tragic death of the father in that family, taking full advantage of all the amenities of a large home and family of his own that he never had til the age of 46. Not only did he show a poor attitude after a defeat Tuesday night, he most importantly forgot to thank all of those who supported him through his rather large mistakes. I guess though, when all you care about is yourself and the progressions in your own life, then what does it really matter how you treat those around you and the people you supposedly love. I would tell Mark to figure it out, but he won't, because he is a victim in this world according to his own inner thoughts. But in reality, maybe the people around him and those who keep believing in him are the actual victims.

This is very sad... Olson has obviously not learned his lesson.

UPDATE: Another comment from "Little Birdy":

As I was flying around Big Lake today I saw a woman on the side of the road trying very hard to get into her locked mini-van. As I flew closer, I noticed a man in the driver's seat. I thought to myself; "Why is she struggling so hard to get in when there is someone in the driver's seat who can just open the door for her?" So I flew closer once again and to my surprise, the man in the driver's seat was State Representative Mark Olson. Now its not everyday that you get to see a celebrity up close so I went and checked out the situation when I noticed that Mr. Olson had locked the woman who appeared to be his wife out of the vehicle and was not letting her in. Wow is all I said. Who locks a woman out of a mini-van on the side of a road? Well, I guess when you are Mark Olson, you can get away with anything. The incident lasted a little while until the woman was properly allowed into the vehicle.

Doesn't sound like Olson is adjusting well to his lame duck status.

SD 16 Republicans Dump Mark Olson

SC Times:

Krueger defeats Olson in Senate 16 race... 1,708 votes to 1,437...

Olson, true to character, leaves the door open for a write-in campaign :

He hasn't decided whether there will be a write-in campaign, he said, but he wouldn't be the one to start it.

"I'm not initiating a write-in campaign, but I'm absolutely amazed how many people have brought it up to me," he said late Tuesday.

Two defeated, one more to be defeated in November:



UPDATE: Aaron Landry at MN Publius has this hilarious screenshot of Michele Bachmann's teenager pal and Olson's legislative assistant, Ryan Flugaur's comment on Brodkorb's blog:



(Cross-posted at the Dump Bachmann Blog)

Podcar Conference Marketing & Sponsorship Director Fired from his Other Job

Ithaca Journal:

ITHACA — The Ithaca Festival faces a major deficit and a search for a director following this past June's event that saw an expansion of attractions and performers at two locations in the city.

“The festival is in debt, and the festival director was terminated, and the festival board is determined that the festival continue in 2009 and beyond. We expect to continue the mission of the festival to bring out the artist in everyone,” said Ed Marion, the president of the festival's board of directors.

According to the 2008 Executive Director Jacob Roberts, who was fired by the festival's board on July 11, the budget was approximately $300,000 and the deficit as of June was well into the six figures.

Scott Hamilton, who managed expenses for the 2008 Festival, said that the deficit handed to the board following the festival was $150,000.

Jake Robert's bio in a Podcar Conference newsletter (PDF):

Jacob Alan Roberts

By Christer Lindstrom

PODCAR CITY: ITHACA is pleased to announce the recent hiring of Jacob Alan Roberts as its Marketing & Sponsorship Director. Over the past decade, Mr. Roberts has been a tireless leader in catalyzing and inspiring the creative sectors of Syracuse and Ithaca, NY. His extensive body of work as an executive, civil servant and community volunteer has yielded transformative action in social, cultural and economic spheres that continue to bring about sensible and innovative solutions to the greater region.

Since graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in Fine Art in 1996, Jacob has committed himself to the promotion and advancement of Upstate, NY by creating a diverse portfolio of initiatives that produces results. From co-founding NGO’s that work to support the areas “creative class”, to launching a community-based fiber optic network, to spearheading the largest
gathering of “young professionals” in US history, Mr. Roberts continues to make positive impacts with his time and energy.

We are happy to welcome Jacob to the team!

What a team... Michele Bachmann, Dean Zimmermann, Mark Olson, Jacob Roberts... the PRT guys sure do a heckuva job picking people to promote their boondoggle.

Alison Kruegger's Campaign Lit

Chris Kumpula posted the brochure... click to make larger.

Pre-Primary Blog Digest

Lots to read in Lloydletta and Dump Bachmann.

Take a look at Allison Kruegger's non-campaign blog/web site.

Over at the Let Freedom Ring blog, Gary Gross says the following:

As a blogger, I’ve consistently written about corruption wherever it’s found. I’ve written about corruption when I found it in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. I certainly wrote about the corruption machine named John Murtha. I’ve written about Mark Foley’s acts of corruption. In fact, I won’t stop writing about corruption.

I don't think Mr. Gross has touched Rep. Mark Olson's corruption... it could be argued that Olson's arrest and conviction for abusing his wife, while a criminal offense is not what the FBI defines as public corruption.

If Gary Gross wants to find evidence of Rep. Mark Olson's public corruption, he only needs to cite Rep. Mark Olson's partnership with convicted felon Dean Zimmermann to scam Minnesota taxpayers out of millions of dollars for a bogus PRT test track. I think that fits the definition of conspiracy to defraud the government and taxpayers.

The FBI seized Zimmermann's computer, it is likely they have emails between Olson and Zimmermann and others about PRT... Olson has yet to defend, or even explain why he worked alongside Zimmermann at the Capitol, Minneapolis and elsewhere to promote the PRT boondoggle.

If Gary Gross has any lingering doubts whether PRT is a scam, he should watch this video of the chief witness in the Zimmermann investigation and trial describing how Zimmermann attempted to scam him out of $250,000 with PRT:

Group Organized to Defeat Rep. Mark Olson in the Primary?

LTE in the West Sherburne Tribune:

At the recent House District 16 A/B board meeting an obnoxious, boisterous man (who identified himself as Phil Herwig) threatened the members of the BPOUs in Senate District 16. He demanded that the executive committees undo the endorsement of Mark Olson as senate candidate or he and his group would begin releasing literature designed to defeat Olson in the primary.

Does this group exist? Has anyone seen their literature? I will be happy to post their literature on this blog. Just send an email to the gmail address posted on my profile.

In another LTE, Rep. Mark Olson frames the election this way:

The event of my private mistake in 2006 has been a persistent topic. People who speak against me exercise some courage, which should be appreciated.

From the beginning, I repeatedly acknowledged my need for forgiveness from God, my wife and family and the people. I've heard many times from people and attorneys alike that, if I did not stop apologizing for what I felt I did do, I would be found guilty for what I did not do.

Regardless of requests for forgiveness, I may not receive it from some. That is well understood. People who know me, know how important honesty and a good name have always been to me, long before my political involvement.

Stop right there... Rep. Mark Olson is a politician and all politicians bend the truth... but, Rep. Mark Olson is something special when it comes to lying to his constituents. Olson promotes the PRT boondoggle which would fleece the taxpayers of millions of dollars.

Once a mistake is made, we obviously cannot change it but only strive to address it the best way possible. Sometimes that is not easy either.

... now for some denial...

It is the false and enhanced accusations that are difficult, especially when they come from other well intended honorable people and senators who never checked their facts. Please know that I persist with my need for forgiveness. I did not however throw a typewriter. I did not beat my wife nor was I convicted of it; regardless of how many senators and citizens seem to enjoy repeating it.

... like I've said before, Olson did not enter a plea at his arraignment. That was the time he should have affirmed his innocence. Too late now....

I am grateful for the benefits from these past experiences. My wife and I agree that no family should ever be treated the way we've been. With what we have been through we have a lot more to offer.

Mark Olson

Big Lake, MN

While Olson begs and whines for forgiveness for his perceived injustice, I hope that the voters of SD 16 will remember September 9th that Rep. Mark Olson has not shown compassion to other citizens caught up in the criminal justice system... EVEN INNOCENT PEOPLE ON DEATH ROW:

Was Olson's Flying Typewriter an "Urban Legend"?

Lloydletta has More on the SD 16 Impromptu Meeting With Norm Coleman.

Kumpula also said that he was in a meeting with activists talking with both Mark and Heidi Olson, and Mark Olson claimed the typewriter incident was an "urban legend." The problem with that claim, is that it was covered in the press at the time.

The typewriter incident happened in Olson's first term. Contact me if you have a clipping describing that incident. Here's another clipping sent in by a faithful DMO reader of another incident of staff abuse.

The GOP Acknowledges Olson Endorsement, But Will Not Give Olson Money

Lloydletta has the scoop:

I got a tip that the Republican Executive Committee voted to acknowledge the endorsement of Mark Olson, but also not spend resources on the race. I confirmed this with a member of the Executive Committee.

The executive committee member told me that the motion clearly was a negative statement about the Endorsement, since normally the Party Executive Committee does not do motions about spending on specific legislative races. This is normally the perogative of the Party Chair.




Rep. Mark Olson's Lawyer is Running for State Supreme Justice

Rochelle Olson reports in the Strib:

As she filed, Clark said she had decided Tuesday morning to run. "I decided this was a good opportunity to discuss some issues with the appointment process," she said.

Clark said she is well-qualified for the job. She opposes a movement that would change how judges stand for election. She also wants to raise issues with the judicial appointment process. Clark was quick to note there are many hard-working judges, but she said some view the job as "quasi-retirement."

"No institution can long survive unless it continues to reform itself," she said.

A few comments from that article:

Clark for MN Supreme Court

Jill Clark would make an excellent judge. She has worked tirelessly her entire career to protect the constitutional rights of all Minnesotans, and has been the prime mover in many positive judicial reforms. There could not be a better candidate to promote justice in Minnesota.

Jill Clark a Supreme? LOL Ludicrous

Jill Clark never met a murder or rapist that she didn't love, honor, cherish and obey. Clark is vehemently outraged by any suggestion that the conscience-free cruds who commit violent, degrading, despicable crimes should suffer ANY legal consequences for the horrific crimes they commit.

Justice is supposed to be blind. Clark, however, by her words, defense arguments, loopy criticism of certain judges and contempt for this country's justice system, apparently believes that justice should be a process that allows perps to commit crimes with impunity with no possibility that they will be convicted and punished.

There must never be a seat on the Minnesota Supreme Court bench for Jill Clark.

Judge Jill Clark?

She has to be out of her mind. She represents gang-banging thugs like Philander Jenkins. She routinely accuses judges of impropriety, and frequently runs against judges who tell her no. She also represented Rep. Mark Olson (R-Crazytown). Birds of a feather flock together.

Terrible

Jill Clark would make a terrible judge. She is so biased against the Police there would be no such thing as an unbiased ruling from her. All her decisions would be for the dirt bag types she has represented for years. She should have been disbared years ago.

More Comments About the SD 16 Convention.

Cory Ewing added this comment to his earlier comment on DMO:

I would like to add that in this special District 16 Senate election, Alison Krueger was a weak candidate from the beginning. She has just been a puppet for a powerful group in District 16 that has future aspirations of a top position in MN. She has not once made up her own mind for herself and needs to be walked through everything by this group. Having to be advised to sign a non-compete and then waffling on it because she didn't realize what she was signing is not good character of a Senate Candidate. She comes across as a very whiny individual and does not know how to handle a loss. She complained about Mark's people showing up to the nominating convention and not her's. Work harder then next time. Where were your advisors on that one Alison??? We do not need a Candidate who is running only to help out someone else's future aspirations. Dinner at the Governor's Mansion would have been nice, right Alison?

Drew Emmer left this comment at MN Publius about Kruegger:

If said “elitists” truly wanted to control the outcome in SD16 they would have made their displeasure with Mark Olson’s candidacy known BEFORE the endorsing convention. To suggest that anyone should be precluded from having an opinion about the decision of the SD16 delegates runs counter to the Constitution.

The idea that Alison Krueger was chosen by a group of aggressive party elites is patently false. The only insider that influenced Alison was Senator Betsy Wergin when she asked Alison to run. I believe much of the SD16 displeasure with Betsy’s suggestion to run Alison was that Betsy didn’t clear it with the SD16 folks first. Considering Mark Olson supporters chilly regard for Senator Wergin it’s not hard to understand why she would make her suggestion independently.

The MNGOP had nothing to do with Alison Krueger’s candidacy. Ron Carey did show up and address the endorsing convention. But the state party organization did not recruit Alison nor did they promote her candidacy.

The best possible outcome for all of us would be if Mark Olson could clear his name legally and have the whole domestic flap removed from his record. Short of that, the left will use it against him evermore.

And everyone is welcome to their opinion.

Speaking of... Michael Brodkorb and his professor sidekick had a wild radio show last week about Olson... here's a piece of it:

MN 5CD Candidate's Campaign Complains About Lack of Support from the MN GOP

Andy Birkey in the Minnesota Independent:

The campaign of Barb Davis White went after the Republican National Committee and the Republican Party of Minnesota on Tuesday, criticizing the RNC’s failure to invite any African-American congressional candidates to speak at the Republican National Convention and complaining that the Minnesota GOP has been lax in supporting Davis White’s campaign. Davis White is the Republican Party’s endorsed candidate for the 5th Congressional District, which encompasses Minneapolis and several inner-ring suburbs.

And the MN GOP supports Rep. Mark Olson... watch this video and see if you can spot any reason the MN GOP would not want to support Barb White:

Cory Ewing Comments on Chris Kumpula's Assertion That Olson is Innocent

Chris Kumpula wrote the following on his What the Republic Can Do blog :

"No, they chose Mark Olson with the greatest regard for Mark Olson's legal history. It's just that everyone knew that he was an innocent man. Mark Olson's legal history was in the forefront of the convention, there is no way a soul voted without regard to that history. People support Mark Olson 
because he is an innocent man with extraordinary integrity. People inside the district here have tremendous respect for his integrity. Frankly, I 
think his integrity was proven to folks in SD16 as he never tried to hide anything during his case. He was open and honest, and still is."

Cory Ewing has a left a comment that questions Kumpula's assertion:




Mark was not innocent. My mother knows he was not innocent. The court did not find him to be innocent. Mark himself, has never claimed to be innocent. Why are you making these outlandish statements Chris? You
need to get your facts straight before you go publically speaking for someone else. Figure it out.

Instead of all this 5th Grade drama, the real issue that the folks of District 16 need to worry about is:

Who is the more qualified candidate based on Credentials?

Credentials = Knowledge, Background (Politics, Personal, and
Business), Passion and Integrity

-Cory Ewing (son of Heidi Olson)

The facts support Cory Ewing... when Rep. Mark Olson was arraigned, Olson refused to plead not guilty:

"A court appointed attorney said Olson preferred not to enter a plea to the charges."

NOTE: Cory Ewing is the son of the late snowmobile racing champion Darcy Ewing who died tragically in 2002. Read a tribute to Darcy Ewing here.

Is Norm Coleman Backing Down From His Condemnation of Rep. Mark Olson?

Lloydletta has the scoop:

Chris noted that Senator Norm Coleman had met with Senate District 16 leadership, and was considering backing down on his position, after hearing the full story. Chris said that Coleman told Senate District 16 Leadership that he was unaware of the full story about Mark Olson when he took the public position he did.

There is no confirmation of this from the Coleman campaign. If it's true, it would be a major flip-flop.

Lawrence Schumacher: "The Mark Olson Saga: It's Getting Ugly"

Scumacher gives a good summary on his SC Times blog:

The Mark Olson saga: It's getting ugly

Senate District 16 Republican Party members' endorsement of Rep. Mark Olson earlier this month in a senate special election is causing some strife within the party and among Republicans statewide.

Go to Larry's blog for the rest and all the links.

Letter: "The Job Doesn't Need Mark, Mark Needs the Job"

Funny how these private-sector loving guys like Rep. Mark Olson just can't do without that government paycheck and all the bennies....

Sherburne County Citizen:

To the editor:

The Aug. 2 letter from Mark Olson displays no remorse for his past behavior. He blames others by saying that he is the victim of "misinformation and politically malicious lies".

He judges others but is incapable of self judgment. He wants to convince us, as he has convinced his wife, that his re-election is "so important" that he must run. He sees his "eight victorious elections" as a sign of God's support. History proves that political success is not a sign of righteousness. Marks self love has led to the false pride, arrogance and ambition that will eventually undo his political career. He needs private, not public redemption.

Mark is a carpenter who, as a legislator, has participated in creating an economy in which it is difficult for a carpenter to find enough work to support a family. This, I believe, is the real driver behind Mark's need to run.

A legislator receives excellent pay for the hours worked and high quality health care and retirement benefits all paid for by the taxes that Mark claims he doesn't like. The job doesn't need Mark, Mark needs the job.

There are other good people running for this position that are more deserving.

Ron Thiessen

Becker, Mn

Anonymous Rep. Mark Olson Supporter Threatens to Shame GOP Senators With Their "Personal Behavior"

An anonymous email to members of the MN GOP Senate Caucus, GOP Leadership, Senate Caucus, and "anyone else working against the SD16 endorsed candidate"fowarded to and posted on Chris Kumpala's What the Republic Can Do blog:

Senator Senjem, and Mr. Carey,

For the party of local control (at least the Republican Party once was, but it seems much of the 'Platform' gets thrown under the bus at election time) you seem to be sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. No matter Mark Olson's past - he is the endorsed candidate of SD16. He was legitimately selected by the seated Delegates and Alternates of SD16. These delegates and ONLY these delegates were selected by their neighbors to represent the areas interests in SD16. Please respect the process and SD16's wishes by graciously and cheerfully accepting Mark Olson into the Republican caucus come next year. I believe that it is the Party's responsibility to support the endorsed candidate, lest one can be REMOVED from the party. Please note your recent actions are easily deemed - not supporting the endorsed candidate Mark Olson. If you didn't notice there is some 'ire' against the Party and RINOs demonstrated at the State Convention. You may think you can get the candidates elected while ignoring the conservative base - I'm afraid you will be sorely mistaken come November. Just so we're clear here... bud out of Senate District 16. Those of us who have lived in the area know both candidates very well. We chose the best candidate and we will stand behind him. If you continue to meddle in our district, look for us in your district when you are up for re-election. We'll be watching your votes and your personal behavior for information for letters to the editor in your local papers.

Have a Great Day!

Ron, please extend my apologies to the unfortunate MNGOP fund raiser who called earlier today... I did not mean to take out my disgust at the party on him - but I must insist on directing my financial support directly to the truly 'conservative' candidates.

Signed --------

Chris Kumpala put that sentence in bold face, so I assume he's okay with snooping into elected officials "personal behavior" and shaming GOP senators and other politicians during an election. If not, Chris can correct me.

Is Rep. Mark Olson Really "an Honest Conservative With a Stellar Record"?

Chris Kumpala fisks Drew Emmer's account of SD16 convention over at Chris Kumpula's What the Republic Can Do blog. This paragraph jumped out at me:

No, they chose Mark Olson with the greatest regard for Mark Olson’s legal history. It’s just that everyone knew that he was an innocent man. Mark Olson’s legal history was in the forefront of the convention, there is no way a soul voted without regard to that history. People support Mark Olson because he is an innocent man with extraordinary integrity. People inside the district here have tremendous respect for his integrity. Frankly, I think his integrity was proven to folks in SD16 as he never tried to hide anything during his case. He was open and honest, and still is.

Wow, does this remind me of similar claims by the supporters of Rep. Mark Olson's PRT pod pal Dean Zimmermann that he was innocent.

Both Olson and Zimmermann received a jury trial. Both were convicted by a juries. In both cases the juries did not convict on all charges, showing careful consideration of the evidence and a lack of bias toward the defendants. Zimmermann appealed his case to the U.S 8th Circuit Court of Appeals... the appeal was rejected unanimously. Dean Zimmermann did not appeal that ruling to the U.S Supreme Court.

Is Rep. Mark Olson appealing his conviction? I haven't heard of it. Perhaps Chris Kumapala can correct me if I'm wrong in the comments.

I want to point out that if there was a shred of evidence that Olson was innocent, I would defend him... However, Olson's supporters should be aware that concern for people wrongfully convicted is NOT part of Olson's record. Rep. Mark Olson told the Star Tribune that it was no big deal for the State of Minnesota to put innocent people to death... comparing wrongful executions to "friendly fire":



Kumpala also claims Rep. Mark Olson is...

"an honest conservative with a stellar record".

I have a question for Chris Kumpaua and other Olson supporters who claim that they and Olson want to debate his legislative record instead of his marital difficulties.... is Rep. Mark Olson's legislation and tireless work on behalf of the now moribund Taxi 2000 Corporation with convicted felon Dean Zimmermann a part of Olson's "stellar record"? Are Olson's bills to allow and encourage millions of taxpayers taxpayers dollars to be wasted on Taxi 2000's PRT boondoggle an example of fiscal conservatism?

What does David Strom think about Olson's PRT boondoggle?



Does Chris Kumpala agree with Rep. Mark Olson that the Taxi 2000 Corp. is "the Microsoft of public transit"?



I am willing to debate Rep. Mark Olson about PRT in a public forum or broadcast facility anytime before the election.

H/T Lloydletta.

Olson's Endorsement in 16 SD Exposes Rift in the Republican Party

Good posts at Liberal in the Land of Conservative and MN Publius:

Gary Gross, blogger at Let Freedom Ring left this comment at MN Publius:

As a GOP activist, I recognize the endorsing convention’s right to endorse the candidate of their choice. What Michael & I did, however, was voice an opinion that this endorsing convention made a poor decision, one which we vehemently disagree with.

As for Jason Lewis, he doesn’t speak for my type of conservatism. He’s a neanderthal.

As for Michael, I’ll trust him because I’ve dealt with him over the past several years. He’s hard-hitting but he’s accurate. When he writes something, it’s accurate.

My thoughts on Mr. Landry? Methinx he’d better do better research before jumping in the ring with Michael.

Finally, Lewis talks about the elitists having it in for Rep. Olson. What’s interesting is that I’ve heard from lots of low-profile activists from across the state. They agree with Michael & I. They think that the endorsing convention got it wrong.

Are these low-profile activists elitists too? They are by Mr. Lewis’ standards. Forgive me if I’m not presuaded.

Jason Lewis is a "Neanderthal"?

Wow!

UPDATE: Lloydletta has an interesting post titled "Sen. David Senjem Disputes Kumpula's Account".

Rep. Mark Olson is the Endorsed GOP MN 16 Candidate and the GOP Supports Olson

For a few days, Brodkorb hoodwinked the media and even liberal bloggers into believing that the Minnesota GOP may not support Rep. Mark Olson. Now some folks are beginning to tell us it aint so.

Hal Kimball:

No one condones domestic violence. No one. There is never an excuse, even if one's tossing a Bible.

But how can Senator Coleman play standard bearer and cheer on the Senate Republican Caucus when Coleman himself has an "unconventional marriage"?

It's more likely that all of this faux outrage is coming from Norm Coleman's campaign. It may not have originated with Senate GOP Caucus... more on that later....

A comment on Hal Kimball's post sums it up:

What’s also amazing about Norm’s position is that he knows nothing about the other candidate the republicans put up. Nobody does.

She has never run for an office before or held any kind of public position.

She is listed as an “activist” but nobody knows what she was being an activist for.

So for all Norm knows she could be a complete wacko. Whatever she stands for is good enough for Norm because he knows better than the local 150 people who took the time to attend the convention.

Think of how bad she must have been for the 150 people to say “We’ll take the wife beater”.

I thought Norm’s pitch was that you should have some record of public service before you ran for a Senate seat. I guess that only applies to people running against him.

For 18 years Olson has been the laughing stock of the house. Now all of the sudden the Republicans are shocked at the idea of him running. MDE suddenly is offended by Olson. The Senate caucus is shocked!

Where the hell have these enablers been the last 18 years?

Where was the outrage the 1st time Olson assaulted a staffer? Or the 2nd time?

What did they say when he wore a gun on the house floor?

Where was the outrage when he was the only member of both bodies to vote against bills containing things like a task force to catch child pornographers?

The list goes on and on. He for ships being able to dump bilge water in Lake Superior, He stands alone against early childhood education. Hell he’s against public education period.

No matter to these guardians of republican purity, they don’t care how he votes or how many lives he destroys with his nonsensical bills and rhetoric. Now they are offended because he finally got arrested and convicted for what he was well known for.

Your reap what you sow, and for 18 years the Republican party has stood shoulder to shoulder with Olson.

Olson better that anyone else including Norm, represents the Republican Party in SD 16 and the Republicans here aren’t going to let a bunch of RINO’s tell them who they can endorse.

Lloydletta links to Olson supporter Chris Kumpula's account of the SD 16 convention.

Chris Kumpala's blog has the pledge signed by Olson and Krueger and a link to an interesting Polinaut post about Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem's flip-flp on Olson:

The miracles of audio tape gives us some detail into Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem's thoughts on Mark Olson.

When asked about Olson's candidacy on July 22nd, Senjem said this:

"Well, we welcome Mark. I mean democracy is a wonderful thing. If people want to run for office, they have that opportunity. Mark will go through the process now, through the endorsement process. We'll see where that leads. Certainly if he emerges he's our candidate and certainly we're riding with him."

After MinnesotaDemocratsExposed raised concerns about Olson's candidacy on Wednesday, Senjem said this:

"Character and integrity in this case rise above party and process. And we felt that Mark, given his circumstances in life, specifically his conviction for spousal abuse, really didn't pass the test if you will for the kind of candidate we wanted."

Update:

Senjem just told Tim Pugmire that he hadn't thought much about Olson's candidacy at the time. He said upon further reflection, looking back at the court records and thinking through the implications of Olson actually winning led the caucus to come to the conclusion to exclude Olson.

If there's any doubt that the MN GOP stands by Rep. Mark Olson, listen to "Chris" and MN CD6 Chair Mark "Swannie" Swanson on the Jason Lewis radio show Friday:

Strib, Brodkorb, Coleman and Swiftee Tell Olson to Quit

The Star Tribune's money quote:

Whatever their reasons, the GOP delegates of District 16 have put their state party -- and particularly the Norm Coleman reelection campaign -- in an awkward spot. How can Republicans fault DFL Senate candidate Al Franken for writing jokes they deem antifemale when they have put their official arms around a candidate convicted of assaulting his wife?

Brodkorb breathlessly delivers the judgement of Norm Coleman:

ST. PAUL – The following is a statement from U.S. Senator Norm Coleman regarding the Minnesota state Senate Republican Caucus’ decision not to support disgraced state Rep. Mark Olson.
“I stand firmly with the members of the Senate Republican Caucus who today announced that they will not support Mark Olson for the open Senate seat of Betsy Wergin. His endorsement by the party is a matter that is of great concern to me. In particular, given the circumstances behind Mr. Olson’s decision to not seek re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives – a decision that I believe was the right decision – I believe the fact that he is our party’s endorsed candidate for Senate District 16 is simply unacceptable and unsupportable.

“The Senate Republican Caucus has made the appropriate decision in rejecting the candidacy of Mark Olson. I understand there are other candidates who may remain eligible to run in the September Primary, and I would hope that they continue their efforts to become our party’s standard bearer.
“In the unfortunate event that Mr. Olson succeeds in the September Primary, I would ask that our party refuse to offer any type of assistance to his campaign. While the loss of a State Senate seat is unfortunate, I join Senators Senjem, Fischbach, Gimse, Hann, Koch and Michel in the strong belief that we must maintain and uphold our beliefs that violence of any kind, whether it is in word or in deed, should not be rewarded with our party’s

Even right-wing GOP blogger Swiftee piles on in the MDE comments:

We’re Rebublicans. We expect our leadership to maintain the highest standards in their professional and personal lives.
If Olson has gotten his life together, great. He has my firm wish for success as a private citizen…but he has proved that he hasn’t learned a frickin’ thing.

If he wants to continue a career in politics, he’s going to have to go Democrat, ’cause we won’t have him.

You know this is all just a show of mock outrage when Swiftee (who actually wears a wife-beater) shares in the mock outrage (that's Swiftee giving the finger on the left.) Good 'ol GOP "Family Values"!

Comment on Rep. Mark Olson and Brodkorb's Anxious Blog Post

Chris Kupala left this comment:

Mark Olson won a hefty 2 to 1 victory at the August 7th convention. His endorsement was the decision of the delegates and alternates at that convention, and no one else’s. He enjoyed very strong and encouraging support.

These continued attacks on Olson’s family issues from so long ago are most unfortunate. I think most couples go through tough times where both partners need to work hard to fix things that aren’t working. Those who don’t work at it will likely get divorced. It is certainly bad enough when it happens to us privately, but to have it made so public and have both your names dragged by a liberal-biased media through the mud would be too terrible for me to imagine. Mark and Heidi Olson have survived a great challenge to their faith and to their marriage. They have worked hard to put things back together and reconcile themselves with each other and God. I find that admirable, especially when so many viciously encouraged a bitter divorce.

What’s more, his entire case has been grossly mischaracterized by the main-line liberal media and evidently continued by blogs such as yours. The law in these “domestic assault” cases seems very much to ensure bitter confrontation and divorce. Mark Olson was lied to and mistreated by a system which currently seeks to shred families to ribbons in court proceedings designed to do just that. As was noted, Olson was acquitted of charges to inflict death or even harm to a charge of “intent to cause fear.” My understanding is that it was intent to cause fear in double jeopardy (I’ll find out) which if challenged and brought to higher courts would no-doubt be thrown-out. Olson decided not to pursue such a course. I cannot speak as to his motivations, but the shear cost of clearing his name would have been great and the restoration of his marriage was at the top of the list of priorities.

I found it interesting how the State Party (specifically the House caucus folks) threw him under the bus way before a verdict was ever found. He was and has continued to be neglected by the party (perhaps that will now change since he is endorsed) when there was little reason to do so save that it looked bad. The lack of party support may have had more to do with Olson’s refusal to march lock-step with the party “high command.” I think they had had it with one of the most conservative and competent public servants in the entire state. One thing is for certain: he is in no way the “establishment candidate.” The GOP St Paul folks no doubt dreaded to hear that he won the endorsement. They don’t seem to be too terribly fond of conservatives you know.

Mark Olson has the support of all conservatives and citizens who want to see less corruption of the system and more focus on the issues. His family issues should have never been brought to court, and he should have been acquitted of all charges. He reconciled his marriage. He apologized humbly to his district, party, and citizens. He did all of this while being constantly painted in malice as an abusive wife beater. He is no such thing. Instead, he is a man of gentle humility, patience, and servanthood, dedicated to God and his family above all. There is no better representative a district could ask for, and a great many are thrilled that he will now be going to the senate to bat for them and the issues we all care about so much.
I am surprised so many are still hung-up on what should no longer be an issue. Mark Olson is ready to run, Heidi supports him 110%, and he is as qualified as possible to do the job. If you are concerned about having him punished for the distraction the issues created, I can assure you his situation has caused more than enough pain as is. The deceptive people working his case through the legal system, the state party, and the media are as much to blame for the distraction as Mark Olson himself. This man deserves a second chance, and the people of SD16 seem to be enthusiastic to give him that chance. What better candidate could we ask for to fill Betsy Wergin’s vacant seat in SD16?

For many years, Rep. Mark Olson has lectured legislators about ethics, character and morality. Rep. Mark Olson has hoisted himself on his own petard.

I don't give a rat's ass about other people's marital problems. It's their business unless they stick their noses in other people's business... Need I point out that Olson was a a sponsor of the so-called "Marriage Amendment"?

Rather than argue the issue further, I present two pieces of evidence; Olson's campaign literature on the issue of holding legislators to a high standard and Heidi Olson's own words at Rep. Mark Olson's sentencing:

Michael Brodkorb Says Senate GOP Won't Support Olson

Brodkorb is hyperventilating again on his blog about how responsible the MN GOP is for pretending to recoil in horror at the prospect of Rep. Mark Olson becoming a member of the august Minnesota Senate:

According to the statement, the Senate Republican Caucus will be not be supporting the Republican-endorsed candidate, Representative Mark Olson, in the primary election in SD 16. The Senate Republican Caucus will instead be supporting Allison Krueger. Should Olson win the election, Olson will “not be welcomed as a member” of the Senate Republican Caucus.

Total crap.

The GOP has always supported Rep. Mark Olson's one-man-wrecking-crew and they continued to do so in the House last year even as they claimed they had shunned him. This is what the politicos call "plausible deniability.

Over the last few years, too many Republican office holders, especially in Washington, were given a free pass for personal misconduct because they “voted right.” We could all recite the names. Well, it’s time we go back to holding people accountable.

But, Brodkorb won't be holding Olson accountable... not really. Brodkorb will only hold Rep. Mark Olson accountable for what has been reported in the media. Even though he doesn't support Olson's PRT boondoggle, Brodkorb doesn't include it in his list of Rep. Mark Olson's misdeeds.

Brodkorb has criticized Democrats for promoting bicycling as a mode of transportation (an efficient and popular mode of transportation), but remains mum about the totally phony concept that Rep. Mark Olson and other Republicans continue to support. There is very likely that Olson (and other GOP Pod People) were aware how bogus the Pods were even as he lobbied for the passage of his legislation back in 2004-05... legislation that would have permitted millions of taxpayer dollars to be wasted on a test track for an infeasible concept with a thirty year record of failure.

Note to Michael Brodkorb; Conspiring to rip off the goverment is a crime.

MIchael Brodkorb and Drew Emmer Are Ashamed of Rep. Mark Olson

Michael Brodkorb posts about how Rep. Mark Olson has brought shame on the MN GOP.

Former Rep. Mark Olson supporter Drew Emmer provides a report on the MN GOP 16b convention:

I was at the endorsing convention. I had the privilege of nominating Alison. She’s a fine person with everything any conservative could want in a candidate. Her willingness to run on such short notice is typical of her servant attitude. She’s better off for the experience and will certainly stay engaged in the local grassroots political process.

The characterization that the Minnesota GOP endorsed Mark Olson is indeed what the left will gravitate toward. In reality SD16 endorsed Olson. More specifically, the folks in SD16 who bothered to show up for the special endorsing convention. Mark & Heidi deserve credit for winning at the endorsing game. A game they know well and executed deftly last Thursday. They rallied support from within their network of friends in and out of the district and they won.

Alison signed a pledge to not actively campaign against the endorsement. So did Mark. That’s a pretty significant commitment and definitely shows respect for the will of the delegates. I do not expect Alison to waffle on that pledge. Her integrity is far more precious to her than a senate seat. In the unlikely event that she passively wins the primary, since her name is indeed still on the ballot, well, then she has a whole new situation to deal with.

Your concerns about the ammunition provided the left because of this unusual development are credible. No doubt Mark will be attacked. The shrapnel will possibly impact the House candidates. I guess if there’s going to be a food fight there aren’t better equipped candidates than Sondra Erickson and Mary Kiffmeyer to weather the storm.

Mark Olson unfortunately did not qualify for public subsidy. In the rush to assemble delegates for the endorsing convention, he failed to raise the minimum required to activate the share of public money. That’s $15-20K he will not have in his coffers to wage battle against Democrat Lisa Fobbe.

My personal regret about the endorsing convention is not so much the outcome as the way it was conducted. Senator Betsy Wergin served SD16 honorably. She was not allowed to address the convention. She was not even allowed to be seated as a delegate even though she was a delegate! Her family and friends were not allowed to attend as guests. That’s just bush-league. Betsy deserves an apology and local leaders need to raise the bar of behavior in their ranks.

The opportunities we have to engage new people in the political process are easily wasted when well-intentioned people in positions of real or perceived power act like kindergartners fighting over paste. We all deserve better in our quest to elect effective conservatives.

...Drew adds some more detail....

Senator Wergin was not seated as a delegate. It is my understanding that she was elected a delegate at her precinct caucus. And she has been seated as a delegate at all other conventions. I’ve never heard of a delegate showing up and not being seated. I do not know why she was not seated. Perhaps someone running the show will clarify that.

There was a motion to change the rules to preclude anyone not a delegate/alternate or resident of the district or candidate family member from delivering an endorsement speech. The gal that read the motion said they wanted to “prevent party elites and politicians from unduly influencing the outcome”. It was so cool to almost be banned from this convention as I am none of the above. Unfortunately the motion failed after Mark Swanson spoke up and straightened the joint out. Would have been an honor to be banned but it just wasn’t my day I guess.

The rationale behind barring Betsy Wergin’s family and friends from attending as guests so as to see/hear her farewell address is a mystery to me. They were turned away at the door. Every “VIP” in the room was allowed to speak except Betsy.

The first ballot took about 1/2 hour to count. The second ballot was counted within 10 minutes as we were up against a mandatory 9:30pm adjournment. In fact, there was a motion to adjourn before the vote tally was rushed to the podium. But the chair decided not to recognize the motion to adjourn even though he reiterated it over the sound system. And the vote totals weren’t close to the total from the first ballot. I guess there may have been folks who left. But it didn’t look like anyone left.

Rep. Tom Hackbarth nominated Mark Olson his friend and colleague of many years. It was seconded by another guy (bearded)I couldn’t hear at all. Heidi concluded the nomination speeches by exhorting everyone to vote for Mark because he is cute. It was really charming. It’s all on tape somewhere. There were 2-3 cameras rolling. Phil Krinkie was also on stage in support. You have to give Mark credit. He rallied his people and they showed up.

But the way they treated Betsy was awful.

Olson will win the election unless someone bothers to ask some serious questions about Olson's pod scam.

Speaking of the pod scam, I found this hilarious pod parody animated GIFs on the Alameda Daily Noose blog:

Star Tribune Headline Changes on Rep. Mark Olson Article

Google captures the headline change from "Shunned lawmaker Mark Olson gets GOP endorsement" to "Endorsement puts Olson back in GOP's good graces"

Why the change?

MN GOP Endorses Rep Mark Olson for MN Senate 16

SC Times:

PRINCETON — Republicans in Senate District 16 on Thursday endorsed Rep. Mark Olson to be their candidate in a special election this fall to replace Sen. Betsy Wergin, R-Princeton.

Olson won the endorsement against Big Lake Republican activist Alison Krueger on the second ballot, Krueger said.

“The people who liked Mark showed up,” she said afterward. “If people in the district don’t like what happened, that can still change at the primary voting booth.”

Krueger’s name will remain on a Sept. 9 primary ballot, but she said she signed a pledge at the convention not to actively campaign for the seat.

I've said it before, Olson is going to win unless the opposition exposes Olson's PRT boondoggle.

New Policy: Comments Open on Dump Mark Olson

Liberal in the Land of Conservative reported on the Olsons' letters to the SC Citizen on Sunday. He's got some interesting comments from Republicans:

Anonymous said...

As a former republican BPOU chair (and a current conservative) I certify that not all conservatives are drinking the punch when it comes to politicians dressed in conservative clothing. 

I wholly support Mark in his efforts to heal his family. 

But in light of his transgression, he has no business in a representative role in government. 

Dear fellow republicans (if you happen to be reading the liberal blogs), if you opposed Clinton when his moral indiscretions came to light, you are obligated to oppose your own side for the same. Otherwise the party of 'family values' is just talk and you are a sellout for 'fiscal values' (not that we haven't fallen down on that job too, huh?).
August 4, 2008 10:10 AM

Gary Gross said...

Betsy Wergin threw her support & organization behind Alison Krueger, which will make a significant difference. 

I've met Ms. Krueger. She's an impressive candidate.

It's good that Republicans joining the effort keep Olson out of the Senate.

Dump Mark Olson has a new policy; comments are once again open. Republicans and Democrats and anyone else fed up with Olson's antics are welcome. I will, however remove all comments by the two PRT trolls Mr_Grant and ATE if they return.

Rep. Mark Olson Accuses Critics of telling "Malicious Lies"

Olson's has a letter in the Sherburne County Citizen that starts with a disclaimer from the editor:

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Staff writer Jennifer Edwards did attempt to reach Mr. Olson regarding the July 19 story. He did not return calls.)

... Apparently Rep. Mark Olson is peaved that the reporter failed to mention his perceived accomplishments...

This was not reported on. Nor was I interviewed for the article that was written on July 19th about my not seeking re-election.

... Olson also fires a shot at his critics...

No other candidates have had substantive interaction with me on the issues to know why my running is so important. My wife and I feel confident that when the truth is known after all the misinformation and politically malicious lies our efforts will be appreciated.

Olson gets some help from his wife Heidi in another LTE:

To The Editor:

Let's clear the air. The unexplained, questionable "fears" expressed in last week's paper by Ms. Krueger came as a surprise. I, as a woman, and Mark Olson's wife, requested that Mark run for the Senate.

I encouraged him to run because I am concerned about the times we are in as a country and trust Mark to represent me. I know where he stands and believe he can help restore fiscal stability. I don't believe that a legislator should spin like a leaf blowing in the wind, changing directions by what the polls say. I believe we need people who don't fear standing on convictions, and are able to "course correct" when necessary.

Encouraging Mark to run opens up the potential for other candidates to exploit the problems that Mark and I had two years ago. This will obviously be very painful for us. No family should have to go through what we did. The decision was not made in haste, but enough is enough.

Mark has complied with all the court requirements and more. He has repeatedly made clear his need for forgiveness, even from the Minnesota House (televised), and we both attend counseling together. There is hope for marriages.

If anyone else is tired of negative and personal attacks, please join me in support of Mark. He does not do that. Look at his voting record and ideas, and then decide. We can be controlled by those who use untrue, fear tactics without substantive evidence, or we can refuse insulting campaigns. Vote based on good ideas with a strong record to back it. Please call with support, questions or concerns. (763) 263-3500.

Heidi Olson

Big Lake, MN

Another letter writer forgives Rep. Mark Olson and urges readers to move beyond his criminal record and challenges reporters and voters to focus on Olson's legislative record:

From your article I compared the incumbent Rep. Mark Olson, and the two hopefuls, Alison Krueger and Lisa Fobbe. Based on the article, it appeared all candidates are friends of Sen. Betsy Wergin, but only one was a co-legislator, Rep. Mark Olson. All candidates want to cut costs and taxes, but only one has done so, Rep. Mark Olson. Krueger has no proposal for the high cost of gas "has yet to determine how best to represent the people when it comes to transportation policy." Rep. Mark Olson has a policy, proposed bills, and has fought for a fiscally sound transportation omnibus.

Really! Does the author of that letter think that Rep. Mark Olson's incessant promotion of the PRT boondoggle was "fiscally sound transportation"?

More Republican PRT Snake OIl

From the Seattle PRT web site Get There Fast about Åke Åredal, a PRT promoter in Sweden:

In the longer term, he sees SkyCab as a Swedish green export industry. For ten years these ideas were dismissed as science fiction, but now the wind is blowing more favourably for SkyCab and other cleantech companies. In particular if they are Swedish. Michael Wood, U.S. Ambassador to Sweden as well as George W. Bush's childhood friend, sees as his major task to locate Swedish green innovators and introduce them to American venture capital. SkyCab is one of currently 48 companies on the ambassador's list.

There's no doubt that Ambassador Wood knows what Skycab is; he participated in a panel discussion with Åke Åreda.

From Åke Åreda's bio:

Dr. Åke Åredal, Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, is the Swedish initiator of a unique, new method for urban travel, Personal Rapid Transit. Åredal is founder and owner of SkyCab AB, recently named one of WWF/GlobalFOCUS 12 foremost Climate Entrepreneurs for 2008. US Ambassador M. Wood has listed SkyCab as one of 30 "hottest" clean tech companies in Sweden. The Swedish Enterprise Federation has also listed SkyCab as one of 20 best examples of products good for the environment.

Being a doctor of philosophy gives this guy the expertise to invent a transportation system?... right. Skycab is just one of over 100 wacky concepts listed on Jerry Schneider's "gadgetbahn" website. Skycab is so loony, it even has its own musical theme and childrens' comic book (PDF)

As the Bush Administration attempts to steal scarce transit funds to pay for highways, they want Americans to invest in a bogus Swedish PRT boondoggle. At a time when the demand for transit alternatives to automobiles is at record levels, the Bush administration is tinkering with a Nixon-era concept with over thirty years of failure.

It's part of Ambassador Wood's effort to greenwash Bush:

In the past few weeks, I've been telling people in Sweden about this initiative. I tell them that I'm concerned about global warming and that we need to find clean alternatives to fossil fuels. And Swedes sometimes say to me, "Have you checked with Washington on this? Are you sure this is OK with that Texas oilman in the White House?" I can confirm that this is 100% OK with George W. Bush. Contrary to popular perceptions, the President does recognize the problem of global warming and our responsibility to act to solve it.

Nice try, Ambassador. Here's a touching story that supposed to show how close Michael Wood is to his old pal George:

Even before formally appointing Wood to serve as ambassador, Bush had tapped his friend for help in a very public way.

Wood and his wife, Judy, went to dinner in Arlington, Va. with the president and first lady Laura Bush in the week after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. (They ate Mexican, one of Bush's favorites.)

It was an important symbolic event. The nation was still in shock as people worried about the economy and their safety.

That dinner was a way to tell the American people to "get back to business as usual," Wood said.

Afterward at the White House, Bush went outside to walk the dog, and Wood had a moment to ask how he was holding up.

Bush's response, according to Wood: "I realize now what my job is. My job is to make sure this never happens again."

Wood is perhaps most famous for breaking his collarbone while mountain biking with Bush at a Secret Service compound in the Washington, D.C., area.

Mountain biking

Both former runners, Bush introduced Wood to mountain biking.

"It actually took me almost a year to get in the shape he's in," said Wood, who said even Lance Armstrong was impressed with the president's ability.
After getting in shape, Wood and the president would go for "these great, grueling mountain biking rides."

On one of them, Wood failed to notice a hole in the bottom of a drainage ditch. He hit it straight on and went headlong over the handlebars.

He landed on his shoulder, breaking his collar bone.

It got attention because the White House didn't immediately release details of the accident - and it came just a few months after intense criticism over Vice President Dick Cheney's accidental shooting of a friend while hunting.

For more laughs, here's a selection from the pod-promoting Ambasssador's observations on George W. Bush back in 2006:

The Democrats are hoping that the President is so unpopular that even if his name is not on the ballot, voters will vent their unhappiness on the Republican candidates.

I don't see if happening that way. First of all, George Bush is very good at winning elections. He is more than happy to have the Democrats run against him. Remember, in 1994 he was not supposed to beat Ann Richards, who was the incumbent, to become Governor of Texas. In 2000, he won the Republican nomination over John McCain, and then defeated Al Gore. It isn't easy to defeat an incumbent candidate, in this case, the Vice President, when the economy is relatively strong. George W. Bush did it. Then the Republicans gained seats in Congress in 2002, and in 2004, the President won against John Kerry. I don't think this year is going to be an exception. He is out there campaigning and raising funds and talking to the American people. He does those things well.

The President also has an advantage when it comes to political strategy. I think most of you have heard of Karl Rove. He's the man behind the President's victories. He did for George W. Bush what James Carville did for Bill Clinton. Carville's retired from campaigning, and the Democrats don't have anyone to match Karl Rove.

Part of what Karl Rove does is get out the money and get out the votes. I know that the amount of money that goes into elections in the U.S. strikes many people as obscene. However, our candidates rely heavily on ads placed on commercial TV and radio stations, and those are expensive. Direct mailings, polling, hiring strategists - unfortunately, it takes a lot to win an election, and it all costs money. We also view campaign contributions as one way that individuals can have an impact on the system.

Karl Rove also brings out the voters. We saw it in the last two Presidential races. This is sometimes called the "72-hour machine," the ability of the Republican Party to mobilize its supporters at the very end of the campaign and actually get them to the voting booths on Election Day.

Yeah, and we all know how that turned out. I'd say Ambassador Wood is as good at predicting the outcome of elections as he is at picking "green" technologies.

...and if there are still any questions about the political bent of most of these PRT promoters, take a look at the sticker on this PRT JPod:

Who Will Stop Rep. Mark Olson?

Pam Spaulding at Pam's House Blend:

Look at the career aspirations of convicted GOP wife-beater Rep. Mark Olson -- he has quit the Minnesota House to run for state senator. Olson called his conviction for domestic assault (for shoving his wife to the ground several times) a "personal failure." He begged his House colleagues for forgiveness; no word on whether he apologized to his family.

I don't think Olson's conviction for domestic abuse will be a significant negative factor in the campaign... neither does one of the two other GOP candidates Alison Krueger.

T. W. Budig on the ECM Publications website :

I think I am the electable conservative,” said Krueger. “And the reason why, there’s an elephant in the room,” she said.

The “elephant” as Krueger sees it is the single domestic abuse charge Olson was found guilty of and one Krueger believes will dodge him through a campaign. “I think that’s what makes me more electable,” said Krueger.

“I think people will take, perhaps insensitively, take potshots at that,” she said of Olson’s criminal record. “That’s really unfortunate,” said Krueger.

He was tried, convicted, paid his debt to society etc... if you make Olson's conduct an issue, you are "insensitive".

So what else is left to stop Rep. Mark Olson from becoming Senator Mark Olson?

How about Olson's scheme with convicted felon Dean Zimmermann to scam MInnesota taxpayers for millions of dollars with an infeasible boondoggle?

Rep. Mark Olson Un-Dumps Himself and Runs for Senate

Crap... and I thought I could put this blog in mothballs.... Rep. Mark Olson is running for Senate seat 16.

Olson's campaign website has the following statement:

July 17th, 2008 - Thank you for visiting RepMarkOlson.com. This webpage is undergoing redesign. Please check back later for more information.

Rep. Mark Olson, PRT Promoter, Right-Wing Hypocrite Dumps Himself

MN Publius:

Mark Olson is not running for reelection. Just subtracting the total time wasted on his pointless amendments and floor speeches, the 2009 legislative session should be roughly six weeks shorter. Even better, House staffers will no longer have to wear helmets while passing Olson’s office. His 16 year reign of terror is over.

Strib:

Olson said his involvement in the criminal justice system and a desire to change the process was actually one of the factors that tempted him to stay in elected office.

The Star Tribune fails to mention Rep. Mark Olson's work promoting Personal Rapid Transit (PRT).

There was a time when The pod people were very proud of Rep. Mark Olson as this Advanced Transit Association newsletter Transit Pulse (PDF) item titled "PRT HATERS" attests:

There’s a real Avid guy named Ken in Minneapolis. He can whip off some pretty wild cartoons. Check out www.roadkill.com. That’s seems to be his main occupation, but he devotes inordinate amounts of time to belittling PRT designers and promoters in the wildest of ways. (One wonders how this pays him, or is he wealthy enough to bash PRT in his leisure?) Ken Avidor thinks that all PRT promoters start with a hate-LRT premise. He sees the PRT community, including ATRA, as an anti-LRT conspiracy. That’s fine: he has a right to his opinions.

Yet he attacks people more than ideas and is ready to condemn with guilt by association. He conducts political crusades to defeat Minnesota politicians who are receptive to the benefits of PRT. Seattle-based ATRA member David Gow, having sparred with Ken on-line many times, concludes that it is pointless to debate this Minnesota activist and blogger. Gow finds Ken’s typical conversations a series of false claims about PRT, none of which he can back up, including ad hominem smears and wild conspiracy theories. Ed Anderson simply describes Avidor a madman.

Your editor called him in early July to offer a copy of the recent EU report summarizing the multi-faceted, multi-year PRT research program, with urgent recommendation for a pilot program. His first reaction was, “No, don’t send it.” Later he called my offer desperation! Under the delusion that PRT is a well-moneyed monolith, he blurted out, “You guys buy those reports.” After a further step in this very unpleasant exchange, he screamed “F#@& you!” and hung up. Nice guy, this New York transplant to Minnesota!

His original name is apparently Ken Weiner, born in Brooklyn in 1955. Check out his political thinking at dumpmarkolson.blogspot.com. The website seeks to unseat a Minnesota legislator who per Ed Anderson (who ought to know) says is currently the strongest, most articulate PRT supporter there. Many think it is best just to ignore Avidor. Others say he craves attention.

... a few issues later the editor of Transit Pulse admitted that Rep. Mark Olson may not have been the best pick to advocate for PRT at the Capitol.

According to Dick Gronning of the Minnesota group, activities are dwindling and membership is down. The Minnesota Sierra Club and other environmental groups are pro-LRT, judging their Hiawatha Line as a great success and often dismissing PRT as a right-wing conspiracy. Jeral Poskey has left Taxi 2000 and relocated back to the Silicon Valley. Taxi 2000 is busy but quite. Ed Anderson also remains quiet these days. A pro-PRT Republican legislator who bucked the Democrat landslide last month is in trouble over charges of domestic abuse.

Learn more about Rep. Mark Olson's boondoggle at the PRT is a Joke web site.