Mayor Kelly a longtime conservative - Letter to Star Trib., online only

[Eric J in MN]

From the Star Tribune "NetLets" of Aug. 9, 2004:
http://www.startribune.com/stories/563/4918777.html

It was really no surprise that St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly endorsed Bush for president.

Kelly has been acting like a Republican, even before he was elected mayor a few years ago, after being endorsed by another line crosser, Norm Coleman. Kelly's election under the Democratic banner was almost a political fraud. His conservative policies, support for business interests over helping neighborhoods, cuts in services and grudgingly supporting a smoking ban in restaurants, while under pressure, add to the evidence.

Then, after saying it was not a big thing and that he wanted to avoid the issue, Kelly jumped right into the middle of the situation and went on a Republican campaign tour with Norm Coleman and Tim Pawlenty. I do not know whether to call his behavior flip-flopping, deceiving, or actually lying. The citizens of St. Paul should not be fooled again.

Gary Thompson, St. Paul.