Caucus Voters Get in at Ground Level with St. Michael, Albertville Events

As big of a winner as Rick Santorum last night in Minnesota, another winner might be the state’s political process, as many St. Michael and Albertville residents participated in caucuses for the first time Tuesday.

“I really felt it was the only opportunity I had to express how I was feeling,” Greg (who did not give his last name) of Albertville said at the GOP Caucus at . “I think, really, our party needs to be unified to stop what’s happening.”

For 17-year-old Trina Nielsen, it was a night of several firsts. The Albertville teen, who will turn 18 prior to the November election, participated in her first caucus, and was elected as one of 28 delegates from Albertville who will go to the county caucus on Saturday, March 10 in Buffalo.

“It was really interesting,” she said. “I liked hearing what people had to say about the candidate they supported. I learned a lot. And I learned a lot about the process. I really had no idea what happened here. It was exciting to see.”

In St. Michael, Rep. Joe McDonald stopped in after the straw poll was conducted to talk about the current Minnesota Legislature, and his support of the Voter ID amendment.

A bill to make photo ID required at the polls via a constitutional amendment has been proposed by McDonald’s neighbor to the north, Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer (R-Big Lake). A companion bill is in the State Senate. If they pass, and survive conference, a measure could be placed on the 2012 ballot this fall.

When asked for a show of hands in support, the vote was unanimous in favor of the amendment.

Resolutions were also passed in St. Michael showing support for a health insurance exchange (something proposed by former Gov. Tim Pawlenty) and judicial election reform.

First-timer Corey Anderson brought forth the resolution on the insurance topic.

No resolutions were brought forth in Albertville, which adjourned its caucus by 8:15 p.m.

“I was kind of surprised we didn’t discuss Voter ID,” said one caucus-goer, who asked to remain nameless. “I really think we should get our support behind the bills in the Legislature. But, maybe since they’re already on the books, we can just let the process work.”

None of the three GOP caucuses in St. Michael-Albertville discussed the so-called Gay Marriage Amendment, which will appear on the November ballot.

David Fitzsimmons, GOP chair for Wright County and director of the Albertville caucus, said extensive work was done at the 2010 caucuses to show support for that initiative.

As for state candidates, McDonald wasn’t the only official to make an appearance. Monticello resident Jean Stoppelstad at St. Michael caucus (and the Albertville caucus after it had adjourned) to stump for the District 19 Senate seat. She’s aware that redistricting may change the makeup of the Wright County Legislative districts, but wanted to introduce herself.

“Well, Feb. 21 will be a big day,” she said. “We’ll see where things go from there.”

Stoppelstad said she would be willing to for that Senate seat, if necessary.

Dave Dayon, a veteran of St. Michael politics, said he’d be interested in running for the Minnesota House of Representatives, and that he, too, is waiting to see what plays out with the redistricting process.

Dayon is a current member of the Economic Development Committee in St. Michael, and has also been involved in planning and zoning.