Good Article on DFL's Dean Johnson

[displacedyankeedem]

Doug Grow: DFL Leader Dean Johnson's most important job
Doug Grow, Star Tribune
May 23, 2004

Thursday night, Dean and Avonelle Johnson held a celebration in their home.

"You must always celebrate the joys in life," Dean Johnson said.

Avonelle smiled and patted her husband's arm.

This wasn't a celebration over some small thing like a political triumph for the leader of the DFL majority in the state Senate. No, nothing so trivial as that. This was something of substance.


http://www.startribune.com/stories/465/4790153.html

[trotsky]

1. Great article - does anyone know the story of Johnson's conversion?

I knew he had been GOP, but are there any details as to why he crossed the aisle?

He's been a great addition to the party, though. Excellent choice for senate majority leader.

[no name no slogan]

2. He made a speech at the convention

...about how he hasn't really changed in 20 years, but the Republican party in MN has taken a severe turn to the right.

I'd have to agree with him too, although it's actually a little more moderate than it was in, say, the late 80s/early 90s.

I mean, this was the same party who refused to endorse a very popular incumbent Republican governor (Arne Carlson) over theologue/demogogue Alan Quist. Talk about slitting your own throat.

Johnson is definately an asset to the DFL. He's been doing a great job in the Senate.

[displacedyankeedem]

3. He's the anti-Coleman

Maybe if we're lucky that'll be the race in '08.