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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
"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."
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)
"A court appointed attorney said Olson preferred not to enter a plea to the charges."
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.
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.
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
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 --------
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.
"an honest conservative with a stellar record".
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.
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"?
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.
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.
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?
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
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"!
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Staff writer Jennifer Edwards did attempt to reach Mr. Olson regarding the July 19 story. He did not return calls.)
This was not reported on. Nor was I interviewed for the article that was written on July 19th about my not seeking re-election.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
