A Better Metaphor than Yellow Elephant

Candidate Seeks Student Voter Action

U.S. Senate contender Mark Kennedy visits Minnesota's Mankato State University, promotes political involvement. [Great photo with President George W. Bush!] by Benjamin Marti - March 28, 2006

The role they take on will be just as pivotal as the part played by Minnesota’s 1st Regiment to hold the line at the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. [OYE comment: Really? See p. 19 of the Minnesota National Guard's Annual Report for 2004. Despite their service in Iraq, are they now reduced to a mere political metaphor? Hel-lo!]

As Congressman Gil Gutknecht, R-Minn. introduced U.S. Senate Candidate Mark Kennedy, R-Minn. to a small crowd of MSU College Republicans and other students Thursday, he used those words to describe their stake in this year’s mid-term elections.

“We’re asked to stand in that gap and there are big stakes in this election,” Gutknecht said. “I’m not asking you to make the kind of sacrifices that were made on July 2, 1863 by those brave Minnesotans, but I am going to ask you to give your best effort.”

Gutknecht said Minnesota’s 1st Regiment suffered 78 percent casualties in the first 15 minutes and were outnumbered 10:1, but still held the line.

“There’s going to be a lot of folks like you that are going to make the difference as to whether or not we win or lose this battle,” Gutknecht said. “And remember, had we lost the Battle of Gettysburg, we might have lost the war.”

Civil War aside, he was alluding to the constant contest for control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. At present, Republicans control both houses of congress and the presidency.

“If the Democrats take control of the house or the senate, it will change a lot of things,” Gutknecht said.

Kennedy advised the crowd to get away from the television to do some work at the grassroots level. He said it was important for them to get out the vote on election night by standing along busy roads with campaign signs and pushing people to the voting booths. His campaign staff also dropped off a few boxes of campaign stickers and lawn ornaments, displaying “Mark Kennedy, U.S. Senate.”

“With your hard work, we’ll have reason to celebrate on November 7 by having a senator we can all be proud of,” Kennedy said, concluding his speech.

Michael Bruner, a member of the College Republicans, appreciated the visit from Congressmen Kennedy and Gutknecht.

“It’s always nice to meet them,” Bruner said. “The best part is that they’re real, down-to-earth people.”

OYE Comment: According to their official biographies, Reps. Gutknecht and Kennedy have not served in the military. Both of them appear to have kids of military age. Further details are welcome in the Comments.

Update: The loyal opposition responds. Further Update: Counter-response.