That Darn Arne -- The Arne Carlson Blog

A few months ago, this station inquired about my willingness to participate on their website by producing an occasional blog commenting on political events and my thoughts relative to questions that seem to be overlooked by the broad media.  The more I thought about the idea, the more delightful the challenge became.

The column is named after a rather cute ad ran by Senator John Marty when he ran against me in 1994.  The title implies a sense of outrage and that is entirely appropriate considering the current political climate.   After 30 years in public office, I have deep respect for elected officials, but firmly believe in accountability and high expectation.  Incompetence, corruption, deceit represent assaults against democracy and significantly contribute to the growing cynicism of the public.  For partisans to defend their mischief on the grounds that the other party does it represents an insult to intelligence and contributes to the growing notion that public service and self service are intertwined.

Finally, I very much respect the media and bureaucracies, but again believe they should be held to high standards. 

During the past 7 years, we have witnessed a national tragedy in the handling of our economy.  Business greed, the sub-prime mortgage scandal, trade deficits, a declining dollar, along with ballooning government deficits, wasteful spending, and bi-partisan opposition to any form of fiscal discipline is moving us toward a recession and placing our financial future in jeopardy.

My next blog will go into more detail on these matters.

Right now we are all focused on the Presidential race.  Frankly, I was delighted that no candidate won both Iowa and New Hampshire because this gives more of the nation the opportunity to participate and ultimately, take ownership of the final decision.

Some believe that February 5th will leave one or maybe two candidates standing in each party.  That could very well be the case, but there is an increasing possibility that at least one party will have to make that decision at their national convention.  What a delightful prospect.

My view is that on the GOP side, Romney, Thompson and Huckabee will struggle for the more right-wing vote of the party while McCain and Guiliani vie for the more moderate slot.  At this point, I would not place any bets.

The Democrats for all practical purposes are down to a two person race with both sides increasingly sharpening their elbows.  This one promises to come down to the wire unless February 5th gives a solid bump for one candidate.  Right now I would give Obama the edge but would suggest that Hillary’s focus on the economy will strengthen her position.

Having said that let me raise the issue of vetting.  This is a process that is usually divided unevenly and could ultimately provide the tipping point.  Right now, we all know pretty much everything about McCain and Clinton.  But it is a fundamental law of politics that with success comes more vetting and tougher questions.  As long as this process is accurate and non-personal, we all benefit.  Rest assured, if a thorough vetting of all candidates does not take place before the convention, it will inevitably be raised during the general election.

Again, that is as it should be.

Stay tuned – next issue – Congressional pork.