Tim Walz, Gil Gutknecht update

by Leigh Pomeroy

Tim Walz has segued in the last two years from laid-back school teacher to frenetic campaigner and now equally frenetic congressman-elect. It's quite a transition. Though official announcements will be forthcoming, here's what's happening on the QT:

A congressional office location has been found for Mankato; another is being planned for Rochester and possibly a third in Worthington.

He has selected a chief of staff, but the official announcement won't come for a few days. Hint: It's someone familiar to the district and from my point-of-view a terrific choice. The future congressman has received over 3,500 resumes for various positions!

Already there have been mentions of possible GOP contenders for '08, including State Senator Dick Day of Owatonna, Rochester Chamber of Commerce President John Wade, and State Senator Julie Rosen of Fairmont.

As for Gil Gutknecht attempting to gain back his seat, odds are it is highly unlikely. First of all, in his heart he believes in the 12-year limit he signed onto when he first ran in '94. That's why he wanted to run for Senate in '06. But the powers-that-be in Washington put the kibosh on his plans, opting instead for Mark Kennedy — which turned out to be a horrendous error in judgment. Whether Gil could have done better than Mark against Amy is anyone's guess, but no doubt he too would have gone down in this year of change.

As I have written before, Gil is gifted with a fabulous voice and would do well in broadcast or perhaps even on the lecture circuit. Though he would be the first to admit that his debating skills are not the strongest, from a prepared script he is an excellent presenter.

Then too he may also find some line of work that has to do with his affinity for Germany and its culture. A consulship perhaps if one opens up in the next two years? Or a position in international business or cultural exchange?

One thing Gil could do is look at the health care delivery and financing systems in both Germany and the U.S. and find out which aspects of each works best. The U.S. system is under fire for its high costs, lack of universality and built-in inefficiencies. The German system is also being questioned because of growing costs and its relationship to the entire German welfare system.

Too many opportunities exist for a retired congressman in the prime of his life. There is no reason for him to go through the stress of a campaign again, especially as a challenger to a popular moderate incumbent. Suggestion for Gil: Talk to Tim Penny. He seems to be doing just fine.

'Nuff said.