True North

Michael Brodkorb should be applauded for reporting from the pits of hell, aka the DFL state convention. Here's a couple posts that I found noteworthy:

9:40 a.m.: Nominations have closed. Mike Ciresi's name was not placed into nomination.

11:07 a.m.: According to a press release, Al Franken has been endorsed by the DFL Feminist Caucus. I haven't seen any signs that DFL activists at the convention are concerned about Franken's jokes about drugging and raping a woman.

11:14 a.m.: Representatives of Team Franken are pushing the idea that the endorsement for U.S. Senate could take four to six ballots. I think this is hogwash. Some liberal bloggers are playing along and pushing this story. I think Franken will be endorsed on the 1st ballot.

Think of the message that endorsing Franken on the first ballot would send to the state. If this happens, which I think is possible, it'll send a horrible signal to independents and devout Catholic Democrats. This isn't the image that vulnerable freshmen legislators want to fight while they're out doorknocking.

If the Coleman campaign is smart, which I think it is, they'll ridicule Franken's endorsement from the DFL Feminist Caucus mercilessly.

I just talked with the Lady Logician awhile ago and we agreed that not putting Ciresi's name into nomination was smart. LL said that Ciresi probably wouldn't mount a primary challenge unless the endorsement goes 3-5 ballots. Only then would Franken be seen as a weak challenger.

Make sure you check MDE frequently for the latest from the DFL Convention. If anyone will get the goods, it's Michael.

Comments welcome at LFR.