Ward Seven: Despite Full Campaign Coffers, Lawsuit Clouds Goodman's Prospects

The Minnesota Independent ^ | September 21, 2009 | Paul Demko

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Jeffrey Alan Wagner, doesn’t have a traditional resume for a politician. He works as a baggage handler for Delta Airlines at the airport and runs a video-production company. The Loring Park resident attended his first city council meeting last Friday and says he initially jumped into the race on a lark after drinking too much alcohol on the day of the filing deadline. “Do you have to be able to spell Minneapolis to be a city council member?” he laughs.

Wagner has not raised any money or sought any political endorsements. But the 42-year old insists he is running a credible campaign and argues that the taint from the Hoyt lawsuit has rendered Goodman unelectable.

“You know what dude? Sometimes you need a lunatic in office,” says Wagner.

At the least he will bring some unique ideas to the contest. Wagner plans to lobby for a 10-percent reduction in city council salaries. Wagner wants to expand bar operating hours to 4 a.m. in the downtown district.

He also intends to keep a keg of beer in his office at all times so that constituents can drop by for a cold one and discuss issues. “I can’t drink all the time, obviously, but they can,” he says.

[PBRCat]

The next Obama cabinet secretary? Why wasn't this guy invited to attend the Beer Summit at the White House?