Political Clips

This morning's Roll Call (requires subscription) has two items that Dr. Potomac would like to highlight.

The first relates to Senator John Kerry's announcement of "Keep America's Promise" the new political organization that takes the place of his presidential campaign. The apparent objective of this new entity is to keep the torch burning until 2008 when Senator Kerry, apparently, plans to make another run for the White House. An interesting notion that. Kerry seems to be under the misimpression that Democrats supported him because of his terrific ideas. They didn't. They made Kerry their nominee because, to use a term often invoked during the primaries, he was "electable," a notion he decisively refuted by losing in November. Even Dr. Potomac doubts Democrats are silly enough to go for Dukakis III in 2008.

To follow up on yesterday's retirement announcement by Senator Mark Dayton, I note the first opening moves of the likely Republican candidates, Congressman Gil Gutknecht and Mark Kennedy. As predicted, Kennedy indicates he will announce for the Senate this week. Gutknecht, true to form, appears to be holding back, saying that in light of Dayton's announcement, he wants to take more time to make his decision. The apparent illogic of the decision leads Dr. Potomac to conclude this is stage one in Gutknecht's decision not to run in the primary at all. Roll Call also mentions Governor Tim Pawlenty as a potential candidate and Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer. Dr. Potomac is skeptical of both. He's a sitting governor who is a strong candidate for a second term; she's a liberal Republican who would have great trouble in a primary. Keep an eye on Kennedy.