Tammy Lee for Congress

2006-10-30T09:41:00.000-08:00

This is how it feels to be in the last 8 days of a campaign - for both the candidate and supporters. One wild roller coaster ride.

After months of hard work, the final sprint is always the biggest adrenaline ride.

Momentum is definitely in our camp, with strong G-force movement after this week's televised debates and a series of "standing room only" meet 'n greets to convince as many people as possible to come on over to our campaign for change.

The DFL appears to be deeply divided over Keith Ellison and Republicans are coming over in droves -- acknowledging that there are simply not enough Republican votes in this district to win this race.

In this district, which leans hard to the left with about 75% of the vote typically going DFL, voting for the Republican is a wasted vote -- because in the last three elections, the Republican candidate has topped out at 26%. So even if the DFL candidate and I split the vote, a republican still statistically cannot win.

This has now become a tight, two-person race between him and me.

I feel very good that we are going to win this race - but it may end up being a photo finish. Hopefully not as stressing a photo as pictured above.

So help us cross the finish line and come along for the final ride! We need volunteers for the last minute push. Call HQ at 612-747-3047 to sign up and be part of this winning campaign for change.

As my friend, Bill B. says, "the switch is on!" Disgusted Democrats and Rational Republicans are both rallying to my camp. That's because I have committed to caucusing with the Democrats in Congress, but will maintain my independence as a fiscal moderate.

Come on over - and be part of the change you want to see in Washington DC.

- Tammy Lee

2006-10-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

Keep spreading the news ...

Our billboards are up and the new add is on the air! Go to my website's Show 'n Tell page to see it! http://www.tammyleeforcongress.com/five.asp

Things are definitely going our way in this race and we are feeling very good about a win on November 7th.

Here's what we've got going in our favor ...

Two prominent suburban DFL Mayors are publicly endorsing and supporting me: ReNae Bowman, Mayor of Crystal, and Mike Holtz, Mayor of Robbinsdale. Key Republican leaders are also supporting me including Republican Hennepin County Commissioner, Linda Koblick.

Here's why: a lot of DFLer's are not comfortable with their nominee, including lifelong DFLer and Congressman Martin Sabo's state director, Kathleen Anderson. Republicans also know that, in this district, voting for the Republican nominee is a "wasted vote" because the numbers don't work for a Republican to win. In the last three Congressional elections in the 5th District, the Republican candidate only got 23%, 26%, and 24% of the vote. A Republican cannot win.

But a Progressive Independent can and that's why common-sense Democrats and rational Republicans are coming over to join the already Inspired Independents on my campaign.

So please do your part and help us spread the word. We're about to make history in the 5th Congressional district by sending the nation's first Independent U.S. Congresswoman to Washington D.C. (me).

Thanks for helping me win!

-Tammy

2006-10-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Where in the world are signs of Tammy Lee's support? Local businesses up and down Minneapolis' "Eat Street" (Nicollet Avenue from 13th to 15th) are displaying Tammy Lee for Congress signs in their windows.

It's great publicity, and a nice sign of the grassroots and local business support for my campaign for Congress.

Other business people are jumping on board, too! We have two downtown business lunches in Minneapolis over the next week - one on Thursday, Oct. 5 at McCormick & Schmick's co-hosted by George Soule and Peter Dorsey; the second on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at The Monte Carlo hosted by John Stanoch and Tim Penny.

In addition to the strong showing from the business community, we are also honored to have support from other leading DFL'ers. This week, Ember Reichgott Junge's campaign manager, Lori Jacobwith, came over to help me with this race along with one of Ember's key communication consultants, Heather Faulkner.

Today one of Paul Ostrow's supporters came by and picked up 10 lawnsigns and offered to do a meet 'n greet for us in his house.

We are also honored to have support from some of Mike Erlandson's key contributors signing on with a Realtor's event hosted by Barry Berg and Fran Davis on Oct. 11.

Our message to people who across the 5th district who are common-sense Democrats, rational Republicans and inspired Independents: Come On Over to Tammy Lee for Congress. I will represent the entire 5th district not just the far left or far right.

So come on over! The change starts here ...

~Tammy

2006-09-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

The Founding Father of the Independent movement, John B. Anderson, came to Minneapolis last week to raise money and awareness for my campaign.

It was an honor to have the 10-term Congressman from Illinois and Independent candidate for President here to talk about how people are finally embracing our centrist message.

Anderson was the guest of honor for two events, one at George Soule and Lisa McDonald's house, and another at the Minneapolis Club, hosted by former Congressman Tim Penny.

The event at George and Lisa's was kind of an "Anderson for President" reunion, since George Soule (who is the treasurer for my campaign) served as his Minnesota state coordinator in 1980. Nearly 80 people came to that event, to pay tribute to the legendary John B. Anderson (and also write checks to my campaign).

Anderson, in his 80's, is still as sharp as ever! He remains a champion for ballot access and fair voting as well as instant run-off balloting -- a concept also strongly supported by the Independence Party of Minnesota. Vote YES for IRV (Instant Run-off Voting) on November 7th!

He highlighted this, and his support for my campaign, at both events. Anderson is truly a visionary guy. Six million people also thought so in 1980 when they cast their presidential ballots for him. He energized the electorate then, and he remains energized about electoral process still today.

In fact, he's so "jazzed" about this race that he told Tim Penny (who co-chairs my campaign) that he is planning to stay up late on November 7th to see how our Independent candidates do in Minnesota.

Let's give him something worth staying up for :)

~Tammy

2006-09-14T02:10:00.000-07:00

The Road to Victory is filled with obstacles ... and an occassional flat tire.

The first day of our general election campaign, Sept. 13, took us on a slight detour from our plan when we blew a tire on I-94.

The plan was to drive this giant 37-foot RV called "The Independence Express" all over the 5th District to rally support for my campaign the day after the primary. The morning started out well, with lots of attention and cheering from people downtown Minneapolis (including a firetruck full of Minneapolis' finest) and then hit a major bump after our visit to the State Capitol press corps when we blew out a tire at one of the busiest stretches of I-94.

Thanks to the quick thinking and excellent driving of Red Nelson, IP candidate for MN House of Representatives, we managed to get safely to the roadside to figure out what to do next.

Typical of this campaign, for every bump in the road (or blow-out that happens) three good things seem to happen as well. This time - 5 good things happened - which is fitting for this race in the 5th Congressional district.

David DeGrio, a supporter who was with us to blog about our day (can't wait to see what he writes after this fiasco), called AAA -- just as my college roommate, Tifani Reinschmidt (seriously. what are the odds of that?), serendipitously appeared on the scene. (Good thing #1)

She saw the gigantic "Tammy Lee head" on the stalled RV and pulled over within minutes of our blow-out and took me and the camera crew that was with us over to Minneapolis in time for my next media interview.

As that was happening, my sister Tricia called and said, "I've got two hours to kill, need any help? I'm at St. Thomas." (Good thing #2) So she came and rescued the rest of the campaign staff and volunteers, while Red Nelson and David DeGrio stayed behind to deal with the tire. They have their own story about all of their bonding time on the roadside!

While they were waiting for AAA, a MnDOT truck (Good thing #3) pulled up and some good public employee samaritans changed the tire. Whether it was out of the goodness of their hearts, or an urgency to remove my 37-foot immobile campaign billboard from the side of the road (which by the way, got quite a few gawkers and rubber neckers) they really came through for us.

Red Nelson, the driver and MN house candidate, was so appreciative he committed to state funding for MnDOT from him and federal funding for roads from me. I guess Red didn't hear my "no earmarks" press conference. That's okay - matching funds for 5th CD roads is still Good thing #4.

So, despite our plan to do visibility in the morning all over the district in what the campaign was billing "The Independence Express: Stampede for Change" we had to settle for four hours of a prime location roadside "billboard" display that was seen by thousands of cars crossing the Minneapolis line on Wednesday. That turned out to be the unexpected Good thing #5.

Our "Stampede for Change" turned out to be more of a "Speedbump for Change" ... but it still ended up being a great day.

I guess the team of bison (the Independence Party mascot) I was trying to get for the general election kick-off may have turned out to be more reliable than the RV after-all. (But probably not nearly as fun or memorable).

~Tammy

2006-09-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

The Alfred Hitchcock Approach to Political Events ... times two.

Q: Both of these events happened last week - one at the Independent Bar in Uptown and one at the Ramada Thunderbird in Bloomington and I am pictured in both of them. What else do they have in common?

A: My giant picture is in the background of both! (see the TV ad on the screen to the left and huge banner in the picture with Dave Banmiller and me on the right)

One of the oddest things about being a candidate for office is getting used to seeing your larger than life photo plastered up everywhere. Yes, I know it's all about branding and name ID. But when you start to see two of yourself show up in photos, that feels a little ridiculous!

While not appropriate for mass consumption (I would never use these shots in a lit piece or in other marketing materials) it is kind of funny to blog about the overexposure of me, according to me.

Alfred Hitchcock's cameos have nothing on this candidate!

Plus, it's about the only thing I can blog about today since we are in the countdown to tomorrow's primary. After Tuesday, we will know who we are running against on the DFL side, so then things kick into high gear.

After Thursday, seeing double of me will no longer be the norm ... expect to see me in triplicate as we count down the last 55 days until our win in the 5th CD on November 7. Come join the fun! Our best campaign days are yet to come ... (maybe I can even work my way into a Hitchcock remake).

~Tammy

2006-09-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Biker (candidates) for change ... okay, so maybe that's false advertising.

I have never driven a motorcycle (since I can am probably enough of a threat in a car) but I did pose on a few this past week with some new friends I met at the Statewide ABATE motorcycle rally in Litchfield.

From seniors to bikers (and everything in between at the Minnesota State Fair), this past week was quite a ride (no pun intended with the biker shot). I was the only candidate for the 5th Congressional District campaigning to win the biker vote.

I was also the only candidate in the 5th CD that had an ad in the Outdoor News paper -- 20,000 copies were given to hunting and fishing enthusiasts -- at the Minnesota State Fair, so you can see I'm putting together a unique constituency.

In one of the photos above I'm standing between Mack Backlund, State President of ABATE (in the sun glasses) and Ron Lischeid, IP candidate for State House District 59B. Bikers are very politically active and informed, so I learned a lot from my trek to Litchfield for the state rally.

This is the last week leading up to the Sept. 12 primary and while I don't have a primary opponent, we want to be able to hit the ground running for the general election campaign that begins on Sept. 13.

Wait till you see the photos then ...

-Tammy

2006-08-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

From business suits to disposable fair clothes ... this has been my transition over the last 5 days of my campaign to be the next U.S. Congresswoman in the 5th District.

Last Wednesday, we had a very successful business luncheon in downtown Minneapolis in the Newsroom. About 50 people attended the event co-hosted by Tim Penny (my campaign co-chair) and George Soule (my campaign treasurer).

Tim and George explained to business leaders that my campaign is the best choice for business people to support, because of my experience working in business as a marketing executive for the past 7 years and my pragmatic, fiscally-responsible approach to politics. I enjoyed answering questions on how we are going to balance the budget and invest in the priorities that matter: funding our schools, fixing healthcare and investing in clean energy.

The next day, Thursday, was the opening day of the State Fair - so I went from a business suit to my disposable State Fair clothes overnight. The Independence Party booth is right next to the Cheese Curd stand (on Dan Patch Avenue, just west of Underwood). The State Fair is a great place to meet people, but I feel like I've taken a Deep Fat shower by the end of each day at the fair. But that's okay - it's all worth it for the great people we meet everyday.

As Robert Fitzgerald, our U.S. Senate candidate tells people standing in line for their cheese curds, "Nothing goes better with cheese curds than condiments and good political discourse!" So come get your curds, and stop by to say hello.

Robert Fitzgerad, John Binkowski (our IP candidate for Congress in the 6th) and I are all usually there for most of the day - except when we have candidate forums or other events.

Where else can you get load up on empty calories and get a good filling of healthy political talk with actual candidates? No where but the IP booth.

We look forward to seeing you at the Fair ...

- Tammy

2006-08-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

What drives me to keep up this pace and run for U.S. Congress? My daughter, Lissa.

With 77 days until the election, I have to say the hardest thing about campaigning is not the fundraising, or the jam-packed schedule -- it's the time away from family.

But then I remind myself of why I got into this race - because someone has to stand up to the reckless, irresponsible decision making inWashington and vote for what's right for our kids and families. And I also remind myself that this is a very short window of time in our lives. (Did I mention only 77 days to go?)

Lissa is a fantastic, well-adjusted 2 1/2 year old. (You can tell I'm a very proud mom.)

I make it a priority to make it home at night in time to spend a couple of hours with Lissa and wind down the day with her. My favorite part of the day the nighttime ritual of bath time and bed time stories. Her favorite story is "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." Every night after we read some other book, we have to close with that reciting that one. I can literally recite it on the verge of sleep - since I have to do so every night. Some nights I have her tell it to me -- which, believe me, is much funnier than my version.

Lissa is certainly not lacking for love or attention and has taken this campaign in stride. I am very fortunate to have my mom (who is a home healthcare nurse) and my sister, Tricia (who is a junior at the University of St. Thomas) both living with me, so Lissa gets to do special things with Grandma and Auntie and just loves it! Sometimes, my aunt Ginny even comes down for the weekend to spend time with us.

Thank goodness for family! Once upon a time there were three Lee's ... who all lived in a house in Golden Valley with their own little "Goldilocks," Lissa ...

2006-08-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

Whoever said campaigning for Congress is glamorous has never been in a parade in 108 degree heat (Crystal Frolics) or spent National Night Out in the pouring rain!

Campaigning is filled with memorable moments ... and not so glamorous photo ops. This post is dedicated to the wet and gritty side of the campaign trail. The Crystal Frolics parade was by far the hottest parade of the season. It was such a scorcher that the crowd was pretty thin in some places -- but those that were there were definitely worth meeting.

After the parade, some volunteers dumped the container of ice water (that typically holds the water bottles for volunteers) on my head as George Soule, campaign treasurer, looked on and laughed. This is probably the closest I will ever get to a "winning NFL coach Gatorade" moment!

I easily survived the 100+ degree temps and the ice water shower - only to be soaked by rain showers two days later at National Night Out in Robbinsdale. Many neighborhoods canceled their block parties because of the rain but not the dedicated neighbors in Robbinsdale! Thanks to Dave and Barb Bipes for the invite. The rain didn't put a damper on any of our fun.

Cheers to the unedited, un-photoshopped side of campaign Kodak moments.

-Tammy

2006-08-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

Open for business and on the air!

Last Thursday night we had more than 80 people attend the open house at our new headquarters -- to drink home-brewed beer at Vine Park Brewing Company (by me, and Allan - one of our volunteers) and see the nine new TV ads of the season!

Starting today, we are on the air with the first four ads. You'll see them in select cable shows, including Comedy Central's Daily Show and The Colbert Report; ESPN Sportscenter; HGTV Design on a Dime; and CNN Sunday News at 6 pm.

To see the ads, go to www.TammyLeeforCongress.com and click on the Show 'n Tell tab.

Let us know what you think! Then, vote with your credit card and help us keep them on the air!

As you can see, this is a very different kind of campaign. But that's what's needed to cut through the clutter and get me elected as the nation's first Independent U.S. Congresswoman in November. After Thursday's open house, we're on our way there!

-Tammy

2006-07-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

"Lit"-ing Up St. Louis Park ...

On Friday we hit the ground with a 2,000 piece lit drop in St. Louis Park. Up on top, you see the preparations being made near the Team Minnesota Van. Up close, meet Gabe Skelly and Allan Chiodo who both work on my campaign.

Together, we had more than a dozen people out distributing literature about my campaign and the Independence Party's Team MN. (You can learn more about our great slate of candidates at www.TeamMN.com).

This Thursday, July 27th, the action is at our new campaign headquarters: 9 West 14th Street, Minneapolis. We are having an open house starting at 5:55 p.m. (I'm running in the 5th CD).

Come for the free keg beer, stay for the candidate (me) and the commercials! We are going to be previewing the first 9 TV ads for the campaign. At 7:00 p.m., Tim Penny and I will both speak then show the TV spots.

So come join us ... the keg beer will be COLD and the commercials will be HOT!

See you there!

Tammy

2006-07-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

We're Moving on Up!

Meet Eric Petersen, campaign manager and Angela Goins, campaign scheduler and volunteer coordinator! These pictures were taken in our new campaign headquarters between downtown Minneapolis and Loring Park. We have storefront offices in the 14th Street Place office building - located at 9 W. 14th Street, Minneapolis (between LaSalle and Nicollet on 14th Street).

After raising the first $50,000 for the campaign (an unprecedented amount for an Independence Party candidate this early on in the race), we bumped up to the major leagues with a great campaign HQ downtown.

Things may look a little sparse now, but that's life on a campaign! We are getting a bunch of office furniture donated (if you have any office furniture or supplies - check out the website at www.TammyLeeforCongress.com, click on the "Get Active" tab for a list of things we need).

By next Thursday July 27th, the grand opening of the campaign headquarters, things will be looking good!

Please come join us for the event, starting at 5:55 p.m. We will be showing off the new space; tap a couple of kegs of homebrewed beer served up in 5.5 ounce glasses to celebrate our fundraising accomplishments so far and thank volunteers for their help; have more than 55 silent auction items to bid on; and offer a sneak preview of the first 5 campaign commercials.

Get the theme? All the 5's are obviously because I'm running for Congress in the 5th Congressional district!

Yes, it's a different kind of campaign -- but if you're reading this blog, you already knew that.

Stay tuned - and please stop by for a beer (and some bidding)next Thursday!

~Tammy

2006-07-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

Tatooed for Tammy!
At the Robbinsdale "Whiz Bang Days" parade (yes - that's the real name for those of you who read this blog from areas outside of the Minneapolis area), we had a large group of marchers who doubled as "tatoo artists" for the campaign. Above, you can see me putting a "Tammy Lee" tatoo on Dave Bipes, who lives in Robbinsdale.

The removable tatoos were a big hit! They are mini versions of the "Old boys' club, meet the new girl" banner in the photo above. We handed out thousands of them to both kids and adults along the Whiz Bang Days parade route.

Speaking of Whiz Bang ... here's where the name came from. See the magazine at the top of the blog? After returning from World War 1, a Robbinsdale soldier started a publication called Captain Billy’s Whiz Bang (named after land-to-land bombs that were being used during the war. ) When they flew overhead they made a “Whiz” sound and when they landed it went “Bang”. Get it?

About 60 years ago, the war was still going on when Robbinsdale started their city celebration, so the organizers decided to name the festival after the magazine.

So for those of you who thought this festival had some sort of salicious meaning ... sorry ... this is a "family" site. And Tatooing for Tammy is guaranteed to be good, clean, removable campaign fun -- safe for the whole family.

2006-06-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

I Love A Parade!

Parades and candidates go hand in hand for summer campaigning, because you never know what kind of support you'll pick up by talking to people.

You also never know who might literally pick you up as a sign of their support - as is the case at last weekend's PRIDE parade in Minneapolis. A very enthusiastic supporter decided to carry me down the street for awhile. It goes to show - you never know what you might encounter when running the parade route.

The weekend before, 15 supporters and I marched in the St. Louis Park-tacular parade so over the past two weeks, I've seen (and shaken hands with) thousands of people in the 5th district. As you know by reading this blog, I'm not the traditional candidate, and this is not a traditional campaign.

I don't like to ride in a vehicle. I like to run the entire route - shaking hands with supporters. But I do have my Ford Escape Hybrid driven by a supporter in all of the parades. This is handy for showcasing my support for alternative and renewable energies -- and also renewing the energies of the volunteers who like to have the water close-by for these scorching days.

Seeing a candidate run in a parade, instead of ride in a fancy convertible, gets a very enthusiastic and warm response from people.

But warm also describes Minnesota's summer heat for these parades! The last two weekends have been in 80's (but it feels like 110 degrees when you're the one running!)

Our next parade is the Richfield 4th of July parade. Send me an email at getactive@TammyLeeforCongress.com if you'd like to join us for the fun!

2006-06-15T16:55:00.001-07:00

Bowling for Fun(ds) at AlleyGators on June 14

(Above) The Goins family - smelly candle champs. Carol, Cheryl, Brenton, Bill, Bill

The Center Lane (middle photo from L to R) - Nick, Justin, Tammy Lee, Sara, Travis, Mara

Striking for Change! (bottom photo from L to R) - Chrissy, Butch, Dillon, Ron, Anna

More than 60 people came to AlleyGators in Plymouth to bowl and raise money for my campaign for Congress.

As part of a "Strike a Victory in the 5th" contest (I'm running in the 5th District), bowlers who rolled a strike in the 5th frame won a "Vote for Tammy Lee" Napolean Dynamite-style shirt. Those who threw a gutter ball in the 10th had to take home a smelly candle!

We had a wide range of bowling talent, but we ran out of smelly candles after the first game (more gutter balls in the 10th than we expected). Three smelly candles were "won" by Angela Goins' family of bowlers. (Angela is working on my campaign. She's a fantastic asset and comes from a great family - maybe bowling just isn't their strong suit!)

A couple of bowlers, Paul and Murry Moe, also pledged 25-cents a pin to my campaign. Fortunately for me, they are very good bowlers! A special thanks to them for their creative way of contributing to my cause for Congress.

Supporters that wanted to "win" off the lanes could also bid on silent auction baskets as a donation to the campaign.

It was a great night for Independence Party members, friends and family. It was great to see some of the other candidates as well. Robert Fitzgerald, Independence Party candidate for the U.S. Senate came to my event in his big red bus. John Binkowski, IP candidate for Congress in the 6th district also bowled a few frames. Red Nelson, IP candidate for the Minnesota state legislature, was also there having fun until the very end of the evening!

We have a great party, with great candidates and fantastic supporters. There is definitely a buzz in the air and many people are looking for a positive change in government. If last night is any indication of support, I predict a striking victory in November!

2006-06-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a very successful fundraising trip to Washington DC and have to say -- I was very surprised by how the most political and divided town in America is to change! The people that I talk to are more open and excited than ever about the possibilities of this election and my Independent campaign for Congress.

About 50 people showed up for my "Candidate Meet and Greet." After the CEO of Aloha Airlines, Dave Banmiller, introduced me I outlined my positive agenda for change -- starting with a focus on balancing the budget and eliminating the nearly $10 trillion federal debt.

I showed them the cartoon above, drawn by Jamie Penny (son of former U.S. Congressman Tim Penny, who is co-chairing my campaign). The cartoon shows the hospital bill for every child born ($7,000) and their share of the national debt ($27,000) - which I call the birth tax.

The people who came to hear my message agreed we need to have a return to fiscal responsibility in Congress -- doing what's right for future generations and making sure we have enough left in the budget to pay for our other priorities. I call this governing from the sensible center. They also were very excited about the possibility making history by electing the first Independent Congresswoman in the U.S.

The most interesting part of the evening was talking to a visiting attorney from Finland. He said he came to my reception because he wanted to see what "American politics was all about and how it worked."

Someone at the reception (who has asked to remain anonymous) said, "This is it. You invite people to a nice party. Feed them good food and give them some decent wine. After the guests have had enough wine, the candidate gives a speech convincing them to give money."

Funny - but kind of true. I wonder how the visiting attorney will tell the story when he returns to Finland?

2006-06-01T18:19:00.000-07:00

Last night we had the "Tammy Lee for Congress" campaign kick-off and organizing event, at the VFW in Golden Valley, and it was a tremendous success!

More than 50 people came to the event to volunteer their ideas and time for the campaign, give input on policy issues, and many also contributed generously to my campaign.

Unlike most campaigns, this campaign is not just about me - Tammy Lee - it's about a whole movement of people coming together to make a positive change in goverment. This starts with getting input from the real people who are actually impacted by Washington policies -- and asking them to help come up with fresh, innovative and common-sense solutions.

I opened the organizing meeting with a few remarks -- mostly to set the stage for what we hoped to accomplish at the meeting and in this campaign.

Instead of a typical politicians' speech rattling off all the things that I am about - I emphasized that I wanted to hear from them. They will have plenty of time to hear from me over the next six months. Last night was their turn to talk and debate the issues so I can learn from the experts in these areas.

The 50+ volunteers divided into issue areas and gave recommendations on in a variety of areas. Teachers, nurses, environmental consultants, business people, tax experts, corporate executives, retirees, accountants, moms, dads, grandparents, college students and so many others came together to share their ideas. This is how democracy is supposed to work!

Here's what we talked about ...

* "Fiscal Responsibility" - Balancing the Budget and Simplifying Taxes. In the area of fiscal responsibility, we talked about the need to eliminate the "Birth Tax." The Birth Tax is what we are calling every newborn baby in America's share of the federal debt -- and right now that number is around $27,000! A return to fiscal sanity, and a balanced budget, must be a top priority.

* "Get Smart" - Ways to Improve our Public Education System. This group of teachers and parents talked about solutions ranging from improved pre-K investments and early childhood education to new ways to get the public and private sectors both more engaged to improve our schools.

* "Green Power" - Renewable and Alternative Energy Solutions to Reduce our Dependence on Foreign Oil. Starting with a reallocation of the $10 billion in tax credits for Big Oil companies, there is much we can do to encourage the development of new jobs in this area. That's not only good for the environment - it's good for workers because it creates new technologies and new jobs - and it's good for the pocketbook, by lowering gas costs over time.

* "Health Kick" - Innovative Solutions to Expand Healthcare Access. This is one of the toughest issues facing America. How do we get Universal Access to healthcare, without increasing costs dramatically? We are still researching more creative solutions in this area to deal with the fact that Americans are living longer and drawing more on our healthcare system.

After the lively discussions, we enjoyed several hours of socializing and a fantastic DJ at the Golden Valley VFW. Thanks to everyone who came to launch this campaign in the right direction.

The turn-out, for a May campaign event, beat all expectations and affirms that so many people - some not previously involved in political campaigns, others who are disillusioned by the two entrenched parties, and people of diverse interests and backgrounds - are all coming together to be part of the change we all believe can happen in Washington.

The change is starting here in the 5th Congressional District - and I am honored to be part of such an exciting movement -- driven by the people of Minnesota.

Thanks to all of you who have already committed to helping me win this race and make the change -- and to all of you who are just beginning to come on board.

Together, we are going to make this happen and win in November.

~Tammy

2006-05-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

The campaign season is off to a brisk start! This weekend was the first of many neighborhood summer festivals around the 5th Congressional District. It was a little cool this weekend, but that didn't keep us Minnesotans inside.

I walked around Golden Valley Days on Saturday and met some great people. On Sunday, I went to the Linden Hills Festival with some volunteers and we handed out more than 150 "Tammy Lee for Congress" helium balloons to kids. It was a great opportunity to meet their parents, too!

I talked to hundreds of people over the weekend. My voice is almost gone -- partially due to talking non-stop, and also to campaigning in a short-sleeved t-shirt in temps that didn't reach 60 degrees.

I know that global warming is a serious threat, but we sure didn't feel it here this weekend. I'm now investing in a "Tammy Lee for Congress" long-sleeve shirt and jacket!

For those who have asked what you can do to help - send money (for warmer campaign clothes) and mittens.

At least the voters were "warm" to my campaign - and that's what counts!

2006-05-10T13:47:00.000-07:00

ENDORSED! Thank you delegates!

I am now officially off to the race, with the endorsement of the Independence Party. Last night, at the 5th Congressional District convention, I was honored to win the nomination and endorsement to be the party's candidate for the 5th Congressional District, U.S. House of Representatives.

Thank you, to the delegates and volunteers, who have helped me officially launch this campaign with their support.

Sincerely,
Tammy

P.S. - Here is the press release prepared by the Independence Party announcing the news ....

May 10th, 2006
Release from Independence 5th CD Organization
Contact: Peter Tharaldson, 5th CD Chair 612-879-8712 or ipmannounce@visi.com

Tammy Lee endorsed by 5th Congressional District Independence Party

Tammy Lee was endorsed by the 5th Congressional District Independence Party Tuesday night for the 5th District US House race. Sixty congressional district level delegates voted by acclimation to endorse Lee. A crowd of eighty participated in the convention at the Kenwood School gymnasium Tuesday night.

Jack Uldrich, Lee’s campaign co-chair with Tim Penny, nominated her for the endorsement saying she was “the most credible, qualified and positioned-to-win candidate the party has ever had for Congress.” He added, “She can and will win this race if we all get behind her campaign.”

IP State Chair Jim Moore stated afterward, "Tammy is going to be the challenger to the DFL endorsee, no question. She is in tune with the issues of the 5th andwill provide voters with solutions, not partisan bickering."

Tammy Lee is Vice-President for Corporate Affairs at Mark Travel and has served in similar roles for Sun Country and US Airways. She has prior political experience as a spokeswoman for US Senator Byron Dorgan (D- ND), and 1998 gubernatorial candidate Skip Humphrey.

Lee told the crowd that she will bring fiscal responsibility back toWashington politics while focusing on needed improvements in education,environment, and healthcare policy.

Tammy Lee's website can be found at www.tammyleeforcongress.org.

-30-

Prepared and Paid for by the Independence Party CD5 Committee, PO Box 52016,Minneapolis, MN 55402

2006-04-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

I'm Tammy Lee, candidate for the Congress in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District. I'm running for the U.S. House of Representatives as an Independent because I believe we need a "third way" in solving the challenges facing our country today.

Please watch this site for frequent posts on the campaign and the issues we are discussing. You don't have to live in the 5th Congressional District to get involved. This campaign is about bringing people everywhere together to create a progressive, Independent movement that can start in the 5th CD but then spread everywhere else.

All people are welcome to be part of the positive change we believe can happen in our government and in our country.

The change starts here!