Follow Ken during his campaign

Join me Sunday, November 5, on the Minneapolis swing:
10:30am-Walking Uptown and Lyndale for the Brunch-time crowd
3:30pm-the Hugfest at Hennepin and Franklin
6:15-Flyering the Superstars of Belly-dancing at the Pantages Theater, on Hennepin in Downtown
Then, into the night.

9/25/06-10/17/06

Last time we left off I was in Thief River Falls off to the college. I visited Northland Community And Technical College and had a spontaneous meeting with a group of students and faculty. It worked out great-handing out action kits-getting interviewed on the Pioneer radio with Earl the dj.

The next day a quick interview with the Thief River Falls Times then to Moorhead where I joined in with Take Back the Night at Minnesota College-Moorhead. We joined in with three other Colleges and 300 people in a parking ramp with music and speaking.

Then Wade drove me to a sit-down at the (no-nukes on-site) Atomic Cafe. We gathered with Kevin, Laura, Frankie, others. (Thanks Wade for the hospitality)

The next day I was off to the Fergus Falls Daily for an Interview with Amy. (Note attachment) A quick run to cable access-then off to a gathering with
Elizabeth, Joe, Bob and delicious Mexican food.

Walking and talking in Dinky Town was great-meeting many until 12:30am ending-up dancing to hip hop at Williams.

Then I had a chance to join folks at the Merchants of Death gathering - "Iraq for Sale" -Erin and I then ate a little and worked the crowd at Davanni's and the Coffee Bene.

My old college friend Abby helped me learn about co-housing -ecological planning in Fridley. Follow the link: www.islandparkmn.com

Off to shoot a 10 minute spot on Roseville Cable (See it on MySpace: Ken Pentel for Governor in Minnesota)

On a beautiful Sunday morning the core campaign team ate at the Egg and I-after, we went to the work the farmers market in a bustle and the beauty of fall fruits, veggies, gourds and squash.

The day continued with a Gathering of candidates and campaigners in Wildwood Park in Mahtomedi. It was a beautiful day with the Native America drum, tasty food and inspirational words . Thanks to Kristen, Mahi,
Suzanne and other.

The Anoka County Greens had a gathering; LeRoy laid out his plans for the St. Francis City Council, Papa John was thoughtful as ever-ready as Attorney General-the whole crew was ready to organize.

I put my marching shoes on for the Impeach Bush rally at Loring Park. Among the many speakers, Farheen and Jay did the Greens proud. The People had their say, unfortunately shrub was still president by the end of
the day.

Finally, I got on Midday with Leslie Davis, we had a chance to say our say. (Link to the hour long show at: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/10/06 /midday1/

As Papa John rested in the back Mark set us on the track to the Cannon Falls League of  Women Voters walkabout.  Basically it was candidates talking to themselves so I took a walkabout to the farmers market and to the shops in town. (I met a woman at, Fit on 4th, who was at the 1st Green national convention in Denver 20 years ago. Very cool.)

Then it was a drive to meet the Duluth Greens. When we arrived Dave Berger was speaking eloquently-we ate pie and ice cream nourishing our political spirits. After, we went down to Canal Park with Amber and Jay we
worked the crowd-Then ate Vietnamese with Virgil, Nancy and Mary-Ending the night with a walk along the boardwalk and a chance meeting with Debby from the cities.

Ely was the next stop-where I had dinner with Richard. The next day was breakfast at the Front Porch with Dave and Gil. Brett interviewed me on "End of the Road Radio"-WELY . (Charles Kuralt's old station. Now owed
by the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa.)

Before leaving town I made a quick stop at Vermillion Community College leaving Carol and others with action kits. After driving in a ditch while talking on the phone looking for the Northland Research Center I finally found Lynn. We had a good talk about wildlife, politics, bears and Steven Colbert. http://www.bearstudy.org/

Down the range I went, with a stop in Tower and a interview with Jodi of the Timber Jay-Virginia at Mesabi Range College interviewed by Keri-meeting
students and Faculty.

The final stop was at the Brewed Awakening in Grand Rapids, meeting with Greens and an interview with the Herald.

The next day I was introduced by Jason Lewis  and was followed by Mark Kennedy at the Citizens' Council on Health Care. Followed by a speaking engagement with CEO Women at St. Thomas then off to Southwest State U Greens gathering.

The next day the Senior Federation heard from Mike Cavlan and I about Single Payer and were very receptive.

An interview with Matt at Mac Weekly-Then off to the Seabury Senior Living.

And the ride just keeps on going.

I had a debate with all four Candidates on CW-Hutchinson was there live, Pawlwenty and Hatch seemed bored and non-responsive. It was a very
energized event, reaching young voters.

The next day was a an Interview with Gordy on KDHL in Faribault.(The largest farm radio in Minnesota.)

Then Tori and I picked-up the bike. Thanks to Dave, Larry and Terry at the Sibley Bike Depot.

Allan, as road assistance, helped launch the bicycle from New Ulm. (look to attached picture.)

After an interview with KNUJ radio and the New Ulm Journal we caught a 40 mph tailwind and big sky into St. Peter. Then a interview at the Gustavian.

The next day I met Jim at the farmer market and we biked to Mankato by the quarry and on the Sakatah trail. We hooked-up with the Mankato Greens forum and all the Statewide candidates. It was a beautiful, thoughtful, passionate discussion. Dave Berger was on fire. What a great slate this year. Thanks to the crew in Mankato.

Back to the cities and a gathering at Ginny and Steve's house.

After a interview with the Pi Press I was off to our regular Monday Night meeting-seeing new faces ready to do a the metro-area college circuit.

The next day I met Aaron at the Mpls Tech and Community College-then Ryan later in front of the Wedge. Great stuff.

Jamie and I connected in the rain and worked the lunch crowd at Hamline.

Whoow! What-a run.  The movement is alive all-over the state. Let's keep connecting and the change we desire will flower.

KEN's CAMPAIGN DIARY

September 25

The Campaign continued when I was part of a reading circle on the North Shore, where Bob read lyrically about North Dakota . That evening at the Grand Marais Community Center about fifteen of us ate pizza, watermelon, then I presented my case/recipe to be governor.

The next day I walked the town handing-out Sunflowers to people on the street, in the co-op, the bike store, and Molly at the local "save the harbor community group" working to protect the harbor from a Marina. Looking over the harbor I had a quick, delicious bite at the ecological Angry Trout Restaurant. I didn't want to leave the majesty of GM but, it was time to move on.

Off to the my traditional walk along the Temperance River and the rushing falls filling me with a sense of purpose.

The next day was a beautiful Fall day at the Bayfront in Duluth, joining Liz, Mary, Deb and others from the Duluth Area Greens. The place was packed for the sustainable agriculture and energy fair. I left with much produce and inspiration.

Meeting-up with Danene we made our way to Cologne for a star-gazing party. Unfortunately the clouds blocked the view of the stars but, Martha and Dale hosted a shining event with many people , good food, conversation and relaxation around a big bonfire.

We then filmed two shows at White Bear Cable; The The Suzanne Linton Show (With new engineer William Oldfather), and the Diana Longrie Show (Mayor of Maplewood). Both shows are available on DVD (Contact
John at: johnsclark@hotmail.com ,

On Thursday I had a screening with Clean Water Action Alliance ( I haven't heard back), Then walked across the street to meet our new campaign intern Tina. That evening it was a meeting with Andrew and the U of M Greens and a walk around Dinky Town engaging the sane and not-so-sober.

An Apple Valley stop had me listening to Michael Monroe's musical magic and Deb introducing me to friends and supporters.

The Next day I went to St. Cloud for a interview on KVSC with Terry Lee and worked the town.

We were in one of the last Parades of the year in LaCresent south of inona. In the mist; Jasper, Randy, Dori, Tom, Polly David, Danene and I celebrated among many Parade goers from Lacrosse , IA, and MN. It was great outreach.

A half hour north was Winona, where I met people at the Acoustic Café  and went to the college and talked with students.  That evening Polly hosted a gathering with; Joe, Lorraine, Tom, and Pat. We had lively and insightful conversation.

In the morning I spoke to a social policy class of awakening students , followed by a meeting in Mugby Junction with Jonathan, Julie, Vic, Becca and Polly. Then a meeting with the editor of the Daily.

That afternoon I spent eating and schmoozing at the Winona Country Co-op with Erik, Liz, Ginger and others. The wheels were in motion to the cities to
meet with professor Colin to school me in computer maze.

Norina had me meeting her customers at the Minnetonka Mud coffee house where I was challenged by, an open-minded, friendly crowd meeting Jimmie, Melissa and others.

That evening I was honored to be a guest on Beth Brody's cable show hosted by the Mary Hanson. Since 1980 Mary has hosted the longest running cable show in the country.

Tori joined me on the swing to Mankato where we did some interviews. During one of our stops Tori asked me calmly to open the car door so she could remove her smashed finger. A call to her friend Ross, a quick
stop a Urgent Care and the hairline fracture had a splint.

Without missing a beat we were at the Coffee Hag and meeting with the Mankato Area Greens, with lots of good conversation and organizing going on and a rousing closer by Emmitt. It was good to be there for
Jim's first meeting as the chair of the local. Thanks to Richard and Georgeanne and all for the hospitality.

The next day I was at the Student Achievement Alliance gathering where our Governor was a no-show for another debate/panel.

Tori and I were out early the next day to  the 7th annual Cornhusker Days in Oak Center. It was a visit to the traditions-past, talking with farmers about the politics of the present and future. The green message resonates with rural MN.

From there we drove 6 hours to Ponsford to join Bruce, Cheryl and friends for, food, politics and music by the fire. The beauty of the land and the solar living was a wonderful refresher and a model of hope. Thanks Bruce and Cheryl.

Now I'm in Thief River Falls off to the college.

Last time I was going to the State Fair, and as usual it was a great first two days at the fair. The greens at the booth and all the conversation make the days exciting.

Thanks to Kristen and all who created a beautiful and effective booth.

On Saturday Tori and I were invited to a beautiful Jackie Starbird Party. Good food and drink, and we talked to everyone about the campaign.

On Wednesday I was invited to the ISAIAH gathering at Grace Lutheran Church. We broke-up into small groups and discussed democracy and healthcare. I had the chance to sit between a Michelle Bachman and a Rush Limbaugh type. Needless to say it was a challenging group. Afterwards Pam Ellison and I worked the crowd and commiserated on how we are being excluded from the debates and media.

Then I was off to the Southwest corner of MN where the Southwest State Greens hosted a lunchtime gathering. The professors and Students who showed were challenging, engaging and ready to organize. Thanks to Sam and the Campus Greens. (Look to website: www.kenpentel.org under 'links' for article in The Independent.)

After the Marshall stop it was a quick stop at Java River Coffee House and the 'Buy Local' farmers market, where I dropped lit and picked-up some tomatoes, cukes and cookies.

That evening there was a big picnic at the Morris Eastside Park, I worked the crowd then went to Morris Campus and a great group of thirty showed. Colin was the catalyst. Katrina, Paul and others left ready to organize.

The next day on my way back to the cities I stopped in Benson for coffee , and stayed, going business to business engaging the town in our campaign. It was a great energizer.

The Brainerd Greens Progressive Picnic at Lum Park was the next stop. Tori navigated through a heavy storm, and when we arrived we were treated to good food, music, organizing and great sunshine. Thanks to Theresa, Joel, Larry, Gayle, and all, for a beautiful day.

On the 4th I was sad that it was the final day of the Fair. I arrived to see Jasper and Carol filling the booth. Papa Johns' rap was on fire. I then received the call about the 7-person bike arriving. I joined the single-payer bike ride in progress. Before we started they had me stand on a ladder to call-out to the passers-by about what single-payer is, and why it's needed. (Old-time politicking)

We jumped on the bike past Como Park and onto the Capital. It was a great-fun. Thanks to Dave, Jay, Ian, Claire, Jesse and Paul for peddling.

This last Tuesday I walked Uptown late at night and had a great time talking to Barb at the bus stop, Sherrel and JC in front of Chicago Pizza and Haas, Kevin and Nate at Uncommon Grounds Coffee House.

Now I'm up in Grand Marais. I came in for the forum on Homeland Security. The people here are worried about a new 42,000 sq/ft building going-in with more border patrol and surveillance. We had a chance to hear the authorities in the area tell us "we'll listen to your concerns but it's a done deal".

Tonight I will be part of a full moon poetry reading and then we will be having a organizing gathering for the campaign at the Community Center.

Grand Marias is soo gorgeous It's hard to put into words. Thanks to Deb and Micael for the hospitality.

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