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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.