The Bargain With Betty Candidate Test

Category: Al Franken

by Dave Mindeman

We have a new litmus test for Democrats in Minnesota. It would seem that candidates now have to play the "Bargain with Betty" game in order to have a viable candidacy.

Rep. Betty McCollum "isn't picking sides " (???) in the Democratic primary, while admitting she doesn't know much about Priscilla Lord Faris. Although she does know one thing about her -- she's not Al Franken.

McCollum seems to be more worried about other state races lately, than her own. I realize that McCollum represents a pretty safe Democratic district, so maybe she has forgotten how tough it can be to run a truly competitive one. Why else would she establish herself as an obstacle rather than an asset for a fellow Democrat's campaign? She does realize that Al Franken is an endorsed Democrat doesn't she?

I'm not sure what Rep. McCollum expects to accomplish by wanting a "meeting" with Franken. Is she looking for a "rewrite" on Franken's past tomes? Is she expecting Al to come up with magic dust that prevents Republican attacks?

What we are getting from Betty McCollum, is a clearer picture of her. An elected Democrat who has little respect for the endorsement process. Who meddles in campaigns that don't meet her own arbitrary criteria. A power broker wannabe who would rather damage a Democratic candidate than allow for McCollum preceived flaws.

This isn't the first time the "Bargain with Betty" test has been used on a Democrat. In 2006, Coleen Rowley didn't meet the McCollum standard for the perfect candidate and she encouraged and supported Sharon Marko to run against her. McCollum seems to latch onto challengers (Ciresi and Marko) who think they can bypass grass roots support and simply be "coronated" as "Betty's choice".

It would seem that Rep. McCollum has little respect for the hard work involved in building a grass roots candidacy.

I guess we will all have to take that into consideration before we get any Betty McCollum for Governor bumper stickers.