Republicans hear from Pawlenty

Local Republicans convened Tuesday night at Century School for the biennial precinct caucuses.

The weather likely prevented many from attending, said Nancy Bogaard, whose husband, Dick, is chairman of the Hubbard County Republican Party.

Approximately 34 people were present, she said, about half the number in 2004. Seven of the 11 precincts were represented.

Although no contenders or incumbents were present, those attending listened to a speech from Gov. Tim Pawlenty and were read letters from US Senate hopefuls Mark Kennedy and Harold Shudlick, state auditor Patricia Anderson, US Sen. Norm Coleman and Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer.

A handout from House contender Doug Lindgren's March 4 visit was also read.

"If we want to defeat (Rep. Brita) Sailer, this is the time to do it," said party member John Firehammer, who explained Sailer has only served one term, so she is not very established in the area. He also mentioned that Sailer defeated Lindgren by a narrow margin last election.

Chuck Fuller, caucus organizer and Hubbard County chairman for Kennedy's 2006 campaign, said, "We have the opportunity of a lifetime to elect two red Senate candidates in Minnesota," referring to Kennedy and Coleman.

Fuller said Kennedy was named best "pick-up" candidate in the country for US Senate.

Among resolutions passed, Bogaard said, were:

* Financing to support education;

* Using English as the official national language for legal, financial and other matters;

* Eliminating smoking in all public places;

* Passing a Constitutional amendment stating only a union between a man and a women should be recognized as a marriage in Minnesota;

* Prohibit homosexual promotion in schools;

* The state legislature pass legislation to grant parental control over minor children's medical treatment, without requiring child's consent;

* Legislation be passed expanding eligibility for state education tax credit for parents to spend on children's public, private or home school education-related expenses and include coverage of school tuition;

* Make the legal gambling age in Minnesota 21;

* Require public schools to obtain parental consent for contraceptive distribution in schools;

* Require a two-year waiting period before finalizing a divorce with minor children in the home;

* Protect property rights of families and individuals from eminent domain when the property taken is transferred to private parties rather than for public use;

* Protect children in public libraries and schools from Internet pornography through the use of filters;

* Working out "bugs" in Medicare Part D; and

* Eliminating the state military retired pay tax.

Twenty-five states do not tax this pay, said Fuller.

"This year it is one of Pawlenty's first items on his agenda," he added.

The Hubbard County Republican convention will be held Saturday, March 25 at the American Legion in Park Rapids.