Posted on 01/29/2005 10:44:13 AM PST by Rakkasan1
WASHINGTON — Minnesota state Rep. Steve Simon, a St. Louis Park Democrat, doesn't consider himself a "Wellstone Democrat." But he used the lessons he learned from Camp Wellstone to help win election last year.
Simon said the techniques taught at the camp, established to train activists in the tradition of the late Sen. Paul Wellstone, transcend ideology.
"A conservative Republican could get as much from the program," said Simon, who was one of 20 Camp Wellstone graduates who won elected office last year, according to the group's tabulation. "The principles are ideologically neutral — energizing people."
As it happens, most people who do sign up for the camps are left-of-center, said Jeff Blodgett, executive director of Wellstone Action, which runs the weekend camps. Most of the rest are independents.
"The training is focused on skill-building," said Blodgett, who had been Wellstone's campaign manager. "It can be applied to any ideology. We don't restrict by party or ideology, but we guess it's mostly people who share Paul Wellstone's progressive philosophy."
Wellstone, a Minnesota Democrat who was killed in a plane crash in 2002, was known as one of the most passionate and energetic campaigners in the country. He was able to parlay his outreach skills honed from years as a community organizer and college professor.
(Excerpt) Read more at twincities.com ...
oh well, I'm no DFU.
Why do I keep picturing the John Denver Experience from South Park?
"Camp Wellstone"? I sure could have some fun with that... Nah. I'd get into trouble with the AMs, for sure. Pass.
Yes, I know I'm going to hell.
LOL. Nominated for the coveted FR Classic Comeback Award.
"Camp WellSTONE": A must do for the dumb as a ROCK aspiring politician.
I understand Rep. Simon's parents originally named him Simple, and he later changed it to Steve.
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