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We Will Fight On!

by Jack Uldrich

One of my favorite Monty Python skits is the infamous encounter between King Arthur and the Black Knight. What makes the scene so funny is that after first losing one arm – and then a second – the Black Knight keeps on fighting as though nothing has changed. I was reminded of this scene yesterday after Governor Pawlenty disclosed he was eliminating the Political Contribution Refund program effective July 1, 2009.

On principle, the Independence Party of Minnesota has always agreed to fight its Republican and DFL opponents with one arm tied behind its back because of our refusal to accept special interest and lobbyist money, and now the Governor is slicing off our other arm by eliminating the PCR program which rebated donations on a dollar-for-dollar basis up to $50 for individuals (and $100 per couple).

Like the noble Black Knight, though, the Independence Party will proceed on its noble quest. As the only political party truly dedicated to fiscal responsibility, I am of the opinion that during these difficult economics it is only fair that political parties and candidates share in the burden of balancing the state budget. As such, I have no qualms with Pawlenty’s decision.

What this means, however, is that all of us must rise to the occasion and embrace the IP’s other time-honored principle of personal responsibility. In other words, we must now fund the party and its candidates without the benefit of this program.

The fact that the Republican governor and the DFL-controlled legislature couldn’t come up with a budget-balancing agreement this past session tells us that the common-sense wisdom of the Independence Party is needed in Minnesota now more than ever.

If you feel the same way and believe in the party and its bedrock principles, help the party by making a contribution today!

Jack Uldrich
Chair

P.S. If you prefer to fight with at least one hand, make your contribution today – while you can still qualify for the rebate!

Comments (3)

So, what now?
written by Tom Klas , June 20, 2009

Jack,

You write of the virtue of not taking any "special interest" money, however I have never heard you, or anyone else, be able to effectively articulate as to what constitutes a "special interest." I also do not know of anyone who has been able to identify how much is lost in potential funding to the party in the refusal of taking "special interest" money.

I strongly question whether the party would actually see any notable increase in its coffers if it were to even decide to accept "special interest" donations. The reality, I feel, is that individuals and organizations of any significant wealth bypass the Independence Party because they think that it is a non-player in Minnesota politics, and that any contributions on its behalf would be a useless gesture because they see the likelihood of success come election time extremely unlikely.

It now appears that the Political Contribution Refund program is to be eliminated. That certainly doesn't help us. However, to be honest, we have never worked it to our full benefit. Despite the fact that an individual could receive a full refund in return for a modest contribution, many members of the party - including those elected as state delegates – have rarely or even never bothered to write out the checks that are so critically necessary in keeping this party alive, let alone vibrant.

The truth is, even if we were to allow ourselves to take "special interest" money, for however that is interpreted, and were to have a greater number in those who would donate in coordination with the PCR program, we still wouldn't have nearly enough of the money that is necessary to keep the party active, strong, and healthy.

What the party needs, and needs very soon, is a director of development and a development team that can design the template that would be able to not only give response to present financial concerns but also give remedy to future financial ones. The lack of never having had such a template is the ultimate reason we have struggled so long financially.

I have heard that the party has become desperately low for funds. If that is true, then we should immediately be working to improving our financial condition. And if in doing so means that we must change the way - or ways - we have traditionally worked in raising money for the party, we must not only do so quickly but also without reluctance.

‘Tom Klas



The Paypal program (monthly) worked for me
written by Tim Nelson , June 24, 2009

When I was employed, I signed up for a $10 a month contribution. This may not sound like much, but my take home pay has never been much to brag about. I have discontinued Paypal only for the period of unemployment.

Though if unemployment is permanent, I will have the dubious distinction of having predicted the trend turned way of life.

It is interesting that Jack wrote this the middle of last week, some of us talked about it since then on the Minnesota Politics forum, but it has taken the major parties until today to echo Jack's inducements.

Tim Nelson




Gearing Up For Governor
written by Gordon Hanson , July 02, 2009

I hope we see some action in the area of candidates gearing up for a run for governor. The DFL and GOP are very active and getting all the news headlines.

I'm really intrigued with the idea of Jim Ramstad running for governor. I think he is too thoughtful and moderate to get the Republican endorsement. I think he could do really well as an IP candidate. I hope he would consider it.



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...here's the operative quote: 'When underdogs choose not to play by Goliath's rules, they win.'

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