Nobody loves you, Ras.
We (that would be the MPR "we," I'm a team guy, you know.) have been periodically kicking around what polling firm -- if any -- to use in this campaign season. I lobbied for Rasmussen Reports because of the frequency of their polling in Minnesota (monthly) and the price (not outrageous).
I think we can now conclude, however, that no self-respecting political wonk gives a rip about Rasmussen, confirming the belief of several media organizations (Associated Press for one) that refuse to acknowledge its existence. Apparently the firm uses automatic dialers, which in political polling circles is the equivalent of forgetting to zip up.
Rasmussen has made its polling on Minnesota available since late last year, but this month's was put in the "premium" category; nobody could see it without paying. Apparently nobody is paying. I just Googled Kennedy, Klobuchar, Rasmussen and nobody has picked it up. I've checked the blogs around here and double-checked the press releases in the last week (fortunately, the recycling person hadn't come yet) and... nothing.
Without this crutch, what will we use to measure this horse race (and the governor's)? Zogby is too easily dismissed. And the media folks aren't polling yet and, if you believe them, at least one big-city newspaper around here has suggested it may cut back on polling this year.
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Maybe we should take up a collection.
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There was some outstanding writing among the political bloggers who went to the district conventions, none better than Minvolved.com's description of Mike Erlandson's (pick one depending on whom you believe) "sudden temper tantrum"/"wisened political calculation" at the 5th District convention.
Anywho, immediately following the speech, you could hear folks in the audience yell some pretty interesting things at Mike. I won