"We have nobody as yet to step forward to take on Amy in 2018. Say what you want about how nice it would be to take this seat back from the Democrats, Amy Klobuchar is very popular in this state."
It just seems like yesterday she ran for re-election. The Republicans decided to run a very nice man (Kurt Bills) against her. Kurt only had two problems - no money and no time. Other than that, he ran a fine campaign. Consequently, in the 2012 election, Amy Klobuchar smoked Kurt Bills like a cheap cigar. She ended up with over 65% of the vote and took just about every county in Minnesota. The fact that Kurt was a nice guy did not help much.
Because the senate terms are six years long, Amy's last term is coming to an end. She has recently declared she is running for re-election in 2018. In political terms, that is like the day after tomorrow. She had been rumored to be running for Governor, but with her announcement to stay in the senate, the Governor's spot went out the window. And who is lined up so far to run against Amy in 2018? The silence in deafening. That would be nobody.
Two years ago the very beatable Al Franken ran for re-election. For those who can't remember, Al was the guy who won a very suspicious recount in 2008. By about 300 votes or so. And by beating Norm Coleman (with the help of suspected voter fraud), Franken became the 60th vote in the Senate which thereby gave us ObamaCare, warts and all.
Anyhow, in 2014 the Republicans ran Mike McFadden against Al. Mike is a successful business man who lives in Minnesota. Before the state convention (where Mike won the endorsement), he promised many (including me) that if we gave him the nomination, he would beat Al like a drum. In fact, Mike was convinced he was the only person in the state who could give Al the kind of thrashing he needed. The election was held and Al beat Mike by over 10 points. So much for the trashing. And we got stuck with Al for another six years.
Why bring up all this ancient (and painful) history. Because we have nobody as yet to step forward to take on Amy in 2018. Say what you want about how nice it would be to take this seat back from the Democrats, Amy Klobuchar is very popular in this state. And that is despite the fact she voted almost lock step with our socialist President.
I have recently said (half joking) the Republicans should just let Amy run unopposed. I have talked to a great many smart Republicans of late, and not one could come up with a name who would be a serious contender for Amy. And it is not that Republicans don't want the seat back - it is just they don't know how to get it.
I am very bullish that we will do well in the Governor's race. Our bench is very strong and we already have some who are hinting at running. Amy's seat however - different story. Until Republicans come up with a very strong champion, Amy can stay in that seat (should she decide to) until she is a very old woman. And that is the name of that tune.
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