[benfranklin]

Mark Dayton of Minnesota is a total nut-case. He is nearly incoherent when on TV or at public hearings, and he closed down his Washington offices during the recent recess due to fear of terrorist attacks. No other Senator or Representative took any steps in response to the same security briefings that set Dayton off.

Dayton has been buying himself political jobs in Minnesota with his family money for many years. (The department store company started by his family, Dayton's, has been renamed to reflect its biggest cash cow, Target.) The state has been moving from solid Democrat to a more centrist political position. The Governor and the other Senator are Republicans. I think that the current electorate is going to have a big shock when they really see their senior Senator up close and personal, running for reelection. I'd bet against him if the Republicans can come up with a decent candidate.