Klobuchar vs. Wetterling

[election_2004]

Who does everyone prefer to fill Mark Dayton's forthcoming vacancy in the U.S. Senate: Amy Klobuchar or Patty Wetterling? Which of these women would be the stronger candidate in 2008?

And regardless of whether Klobuchar or Wetterling wins the Democratic nomination to take on Mark Kennedy, would it be likely that the runner-up out of these two ladies in the '06 Democratic senatorial primary could go on to challenge Norm Coleman in 2008? Could Minnesota end up with both Amy and Patty in the U.S. Senate by January 2009?

[katinmn]

1. It would be wonderful to have them both by 09

They're both strong IMO.

[trotsky]

2. I prefer Wetterling at this point.

Wetterling has the lobbying experience and a known bipartisan history that would work well in the Senate. Klobuchar, a talented and smart lawyer, I think would be better as state AG or even governor.

[election_2004]

3. So if Wetterling wins the nomination in '06...

Do you think Klobuchar would be viable against Norm Coleman in '08? Or might Becky Lourey be a better choice for U.S. Senate in 2008?

[trotsky]

4. Hmmm...

I like Klobuchar better in an executive role. I think her experience and skills are more suited for that. After Democrats kick Tim from Eagan out next year, the party will definitely experience a rebirth and I'm willing to bet there will be a ton of candidates to pick from in '08.

[Demrock6]

5. At this point I am a Patty backer...

but she needs to get perspectives and issues on her website asap.

I think if Patty looses this race she will stop running. She came close to Mark Kennedy for becoming a Rep in the most red district in the state. State wide I think Patty will slay him.

[CatholicEdHead]

7. Yes she needs to get in the media

Mark Kennedy was on Fox 9 morning news this morning (saw the ad, not the interview). He is on the campaign trail. Patty has the public image to easily get local TV and radio interviews to get intrest.

She needs to get out "get to know you more" answers in those.

Also Amy needs to do the same and more since she is not as well known out of the Twin Cities.

[wellstone dem]

6. patty backer here too

I think she will do better outstate than Amy, and she learned a whole lot during that first campaign.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

8. I like both of them.

At this point I'm leaning toward Klobuchar because of her experience as a prosecutor and her political connections in the party -- I think she might have more strength as a fundraiser and therefore a better chance of winning. But I'll happily support Wetterling, too, if it turns out she's more likely to be able to kick Republican butt. We're lucky to have both of them, and I really hope there isn't a nasty fight between them in the primary.

[katinmn]

9. I'm with you, Ocelot

I like them both but I'm leaning toward Klobuchar, for the reasons you stated, plus her dad is from my hometown, granny still lives there. She has name recognition in St. Louis County, the bluest county in the entire state - even bluer than Ramsey and Hennepin.

[CatholicEdHead]

10. We just can't count on the blue counties

or mostly purple counties. To win a 2 way race (have not heard any creditable names with widespread recgonization from either the Independence or Green parties yet), a fair amount of farm country needs to be won over. You just cannot gamble on the inner metro and the northern part of the state.

[katinmn]

13. I hear that, too. Time to put the "Farmer" back in DFL along with Labor

Farm country and outer metro area, or the "exurbs," are crucial.

We need to follow the Dean Model throughout the state.

[dissent1977]

17. There is a Green Candidate

Mike Cavlan has already been campaigning for the Green nomination for nearly a year now. He does not have widespread name recognition, but given his long campaign he could potentially have an impact on the race.
He is a good man who has been very involved in political issues, he even travelled out to Ohio to help with the recount. I just hope people treat him with the respect he deserves.

[loro mi dicevano]

11. Klobuchar. I like Patty, but I just feel that she's better suited in an

activist position, rather than as a senator (sort of like Ralph Nader was better suited as an activist rather than president - okay, well, forgive me, it was the best comparison I could think of). I also don't know how Wetterling would do as the number one target of the GOP in 2006.

Either way it goes, for god's sake, let it not be Kennedy.

[CatholicEdHead]

12. Who would the GOP open up on more?

I would say Amy, as she is less well known. The GOP knows that if they slime Patty too much it WILL backfire on them.

[trotsky]

15. I agree.

Screech even refrained from attacking Patty directly, and instead beat to death the "I want to fight terrorists there, not here" thing. And she still turned in a great performance in an ultra-conservative district.

[goodhue]

14. Wetterling

I like Amy but Wetterling is a more compelling senate candidate IMHO.

[Demrock6]

16. with you on this..

[wheresthemind]

18. Klobuchar

I think Amy has the experience and knowledge to be in the United States Senate and I think she is tough enough to take on all of Kennedy's bullshit and come out swinging. Not implying Patty is not, I just think she should go back and run in the 6th and pick us up another Congressional seat.

Also as far as Republican support... Amy won her first race for Hennipen County Attorney against a well funded Republican Wellstone style and it was very close. The next time she ran she ran unopposed and with MANY Republicans supporting her. She has roots all over the state and her name recognition is helped by her father who has been criss-crossing the state for her. Amy is one tough cat and I think Republicans value her strength.

[ASIANDEMMN2006]

19. Klobuchar

Klobuchar!!! Wetterling is a good future candidate but she has little to no past of holding political office. I will agree that she will do much better in a state wise election but I think Klobuchar is a much better choice. We need to keep this seat and Amy is definitely senate material. Patty is too but she should try to run for a local or state office and then work her way up. Patty may do well against Coleman in 2008. I also hope they are both in the senate by 2009. Amy also has been a more visible member of the DFL.

[hermetic]

20. Hi!

Welcome to DU!!! :hi: We're always happy to have another Minnesotan on board.