The Post-Bulletin reports Democrat incumbents are unwilling to engage their constituents in Rochester later this month:

All of Rochester’s DFL incumbents signed a letter declining to participating in a candidate forum sponsored by the Rochester Tea Party Patriots. In the letter, the lawmakers thank the group for hosting the forum but add that they hope their members will take advantage of one of the “neutral forums” being held. The lawmakers declining to participate are: Sen. Ann Lynch, Rep. Tina Liebling, Rep. Kim Norton and Rep. Andy Welti. Also choosing not to go is the District 29A DFL candidate Doug Wunderlich.

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One DFL candidate is going to participate. Senate District 29 candidate Greg French, of Byron, has said he plans to attend…

Several Republican candidates are scheduled to attend.

Rochester Tea Party Patriots Chair Cindy Maves said the group does not endorse [any] candidate or party “but endeavors to educate the voters and provide opportunities for them to make the own informed decisions.” The group does urge its members in its e-mail news updates to help elect conservative candidates.

The event starts at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23 with a buffet dinner at Godfather’s Pizaa, 1611 16th St. N.W. in Rochester. The forum runs from 7 p.m.t o 8:30 p.m. All candidates will have five minutes to introduce themselves and they will then answer questions from the audience.

In the letter from the DFL incumbents to Maves, they state,  “we are pleased to discuss issues with constituents of all political views.” It is unfortunate such willingness does not extend to all forums. The Tea Party movement is inclusive of Democrats and elevates principle above party affiliation. An ongoing dialogue with Democratic candidates and public servants is as valued as dialogue with members of any other party.

Cross-posted at North Star Tea Party Patriots, where comments are welcome.