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State Rep. John Ward, DFL-Brainerd, fired up the crowd of approximately 200 in the Brainerd High School cafeteria Tuesday night as Democratic supporters showed up to conduct a non-binding congressional preference ballot for the 8th district in addition to a presidential straw poll. Rick Nolan of rural Crosby, was the clear crowd favorite and won the congressional preference ballot with 172 votes compared to 24 for Duluth City Council member Jeff Anderson and five votes for former state lawmaker Tarryl Clark.
Nolan’s wife, Mary, emphasized her husband’s local connections before the voting.
“We’ve lived in Crow Wing County for most of our lives,” said Nolan, “We hunt, we fish, we pick wild rice and we harvest maple syrup. We are part of this community and we fully embrace it.
“Rick is often asked why he is running for Congress and he says — which I completely agree with — that we are at a tipping point and we need true leadership now. Rick is running for Congress because we need someone to fight for us. All of us. We need someone in Washington and Rick is that person.”
Nolan also earned support from Ward, the night’s featured speaker, who said Nolan “is the right man for the job.”
Coming in second to Nolan was Jeff Anderson, a Duluth City Council member who was represented by Charlie Dunemann, a Brainerd fire engineer and president of Minnesota Professional Firefighters.
“Jeff (Anderson) is a fourth generation Iron Ranger who understands northern Minnesota,” said Dunemann. “Jeff is the only candidate that can bring this northern values to Congress ... Furthermore, I support Jeff because he supports firefighters, and he supports me.”
Anderson received 24 votes in his favor.
Newly established 8th district resident, Tarryl Clark — who was not in attendance Tuesday night and did not have with a speaker on her behalf — received five votes toward the congressional seat.
Six uncommitted votes were tallied and Rep. Ward also received one vote.
JESSI PIERCE may be reached at 855-5858 or by email at jessi.pierce@brainerddispatch.com. Follow her on Twitter @jessi_pierce.
Comments (23)
Add commentTime for DFL unity
Democrats in the 8th need to unite behind Rick Nolan. I sense a big swing back to Democrats in both St Paul and D.C. as Obama leads against a weak opponent. Lets make sure the 8th is part of that trend.
I sense a big sucking sound
I sense a big sucking sound when big "O" gets the foot and takes the rest of the thugs with him. Go GOP
Crow Wing County: DFL Hotbed
Considering 25% of DFL votes cast in all of Minnesota were from Crow Wing County, Brainerd must be the state's epicenter of liberal thought.
Big O and the sucking sounds
Big O is looking looking good at this point, versus the pigmies arrayed against him.
Yes, Rolf...
You may be correct...this time. But I can name three govenors and a couple senators who would make Obloviator look like the novice he is.
BTW, you should put your money in drones. Looks like by the time 2020 rolls around, there will be thousands looking in on us.
Energizing caucus nite
I was one of many young people at the DFL caucus @ BHS. It was energizing and after seeing the GOP (video above) caucus at FVMS I can say the one I was at was energizing. Were they really talking about Iran at the GOP caucus? We were talking about jobs, health care and human rights.
marsbar
That's because the GOPis not interested in pep rallies. We want ideas on how we're going to get us out of the current mess we are in.
Like the picture above
shows, if the DFL is going to get anywhere, it needs to turn to the right.
Never underestimate
an 'energized' base.
Comparing Obama to Osama?
You have officially fallen off the deep end. I'll give you some time to seriously contemplate this statement and realize why you have absolutely zilch for credibility and tact. A man who led the effort to kill thousands of innocent people is on the same level with the President?
Did Guy Green et al give away blindfolds as a prize for subscribing to his 'show' or something?
marsbar
marsbar, if Iran gets nukes and has missiles that can reach the USA, do you think they'll care about your job, health care or human rights?
People that think like you are what will destroy America.
Sleep well and have that smartguy pass you one of His blindfolds. I am sure that the DFL has an abundance of them.
Fair n Balanced, Are you
Fair n Balanced,
Are you saying you also agree with PdNet that Osama is comparable to the President? Whata dynamic duo!
if you want more war, vote GOP
They are laser focused on Iran.
Kind of reminds me of Iraq a few years ago, Vietnam before that. Is there any way we could focus on our country for awhile? I am NOT against national defense, just over reaction.
This time let's do the homework (both parties) and work with other countries vs. run in and try to take over. I believe that's why much of the world dislikes us.
smartguy
Your biggest problem is that you try to put words in other's mouths or twist their meaning. I did NOT say "Osama is comparable to the President?" I also don't want more war.
I do say, just let Israel protect themselves and the rest of us.
This election has nothing to
This election has nothing to do about war. But everything about FREEDOM. If you want to be told how to live and be led around by your nose ring vote DFL. If not vote GOP.
Rick Nolan
Good to hear this about Rick
Looking forward to working for him
Fair n Balanced
I don't need to twist people's words when the post (now deleted) puts Obama on an equal standing with Osama. This was saif by PDnet and has mysteriously disappeared. So if you seem to have an objection to my criticizing that post (see 2/8/12 post at 7:55 pm), what does that say about your view? Hence, my simple question to confirm or deny the implication of your post. Maybe you didn't see PdNet's comment?
the GOP - interfering with my rights all over the place
This election has nothing to
By Anniejack12 | 02/09/12 - 09:19 am
This election has nothing to do about war. But everything about FREEDOM. If you want to be told how to live and be led around by your nose ring vote DFL. If not vote GOP.
Seriously - who can marry, who can vote, no ability to collectively bargain, what are those new amendments about?
The GOP - messing with my personal rights all over the place.
smartguy, Sir,
you said "Fair n Balanced,
Are you saying you also agree with PdNet that Osama is comparable to the President? Whata dynamic duo!"
Then I said, "Your biggest problem is that you try to put words in other's mouths or twist their meaning. I did NOT say "Osama is comparable to the President?" I did not agree with anything.
I did ridicule your blindfold remark, but that is all, so quit now while you can. You and your friends always personally attack people that don't agree with you, and that is getting to be boring. Don't try to put words into my mouth as I am not one of the innocent children you teach and do have the right to ask this paper to stop personal attacks. Please read your terms of service.
Seems like you are confusing
Seems like you are confusing a simple question for clarification with that of a personal attack. Nothing in the terms of service protects someone who misinterprets another's question.
simple was
right. And you can try to slip away unscathed, but you personally know better. A lot of people on here try to be very sneaky in their disdain and belittlement of others but it shows through to anyone that really looks. Just go back to attacking people that don't understand people like you and you'll do just fine. I see Mr. Obama has now exempted Minnesota from any accountability of the teachers.
Wrong bus?
Do you think T.C. should have relocated to the DFL hotbed of Brainerd instead of going North on 35? But then she has the money behind her and soon the faithful will fall in line and follow the tolling bells of the grand master and all will be well once again.
She
She would have fit right in with this bunch, except that sharks eat each other and there's too many here already.