Good people all, this Christmas time

Made in the Shade

It's a balmy 40 so these snowmen are hiding out.

Pawlenty Distinguishes Himself

Getting play in Politico:

He’s received the most attention this year for fighting the new health care law. He refused an early expansion of Medicaid and issued an executive order in August that barred Minnesota state agencies from pursuing federal money, even for cost studies, without his approval. Earlier this month, Pawlenty signed onto the lawsuit challenging the law’s constitutionality.

This issue, more than others he talks about, helps Pawlenty differentiate himself from another blue-state governor, Mitt Romney, who worked with his Democratic legislature to create a mandate on individuals to purchase insurance.

Gets good marks from Cato but did fall for the eco-Kool-Aid on cap and tax in the states, initially.

I still remember the frozen windmills.

Related post: Lutefisking The One in Minnesota

On the way to the Messiah

Time to Make History in MN

Smart Politics: History Gives Klobuchar a 2 in 3 Chance to Win Reelection in 2012:

And while Klobuchar has enjoyed approval ratings in the high 50s to low 60s for most of her first four years in office, the 2010 election cycle demonstrated the vulnerability of moderately popular incumbents in her backyard (e.g. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin).

So what are the odds of Senator Klobuchar winning a second term in 2012?

PPP is going to do a poll this weekend. Who will challenge Amy.

I still remember her stupidity on the bridge.

Missouri's Claire McCaskill Under 50%:)

Via KC Prime Buzz, the Dem PPP poll says she's doing pretty well considering how unpopular Obama is. Hahaha. It's a dead heat already.

I'd say damning with faint praise.

The last time she ran she got in with the help of ACORN and her spouse was a big AH (slum landlord) beneficiary. She might have a little trouble with that this time.

More. Her GOP opponent Sarah Steelman is a former state legislator and state Treasurer. Steelman on the right:) She's a Club for Growth supporter and TEA party favorite.

McCaskill was a big surrogate spokesman for Obama. Lately she's been on FoxNews distancing herself and touting her independence.

Will she run ads bashing Obama as Dems did this last election with House Speaker Pelosi?

Claire will have a lot to answer for to the Show Me state.

More. The Fix. The Hill.