Luther -vs- Johnson

CONGRATULATIONS to Swanson

2006-09-13T07:10:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Lori Swanson on her victory Tuesday evening. I look forward to supporting her during her run for Attorney General.

In this day and age it was comforting to see three formidable and qualified candidates run a primary race that was based on their own record and vision for the future. This was a clean campaign and my hat goes off to all three candidates for keeping it that way.

Flash

A Primary Eve E-Mail from Bill

2006-09-11T09:27:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend,

My campaign for Attorney General is not about fancy mailings or public endorsements. The only endorsement I seek is your vote on Tuesday.

I am abiding by Minnesota's Fair Campaign Law with its spending limits so that Minnesotans, not money, decide this election. That means if I win the primary, the Republican candidate and I will be required to follow strict spending limits instead of a race where campaign spending becomes "the sky is the limit".

Last week I traveled over 1000 miles across Minnesota to hear from Minnesotans. They feel our leaders have the wrong priorities by funding sports stadiums while shortchanging education, public safety and health care. Voters want leaders who will do the right thing, not the political thing.

As your attorney general, I will always put principle over politics. I will follow in the proud tradition of Minnesota's great Attorneys General Mondale-Humphrey-Hatch. I will bring to the Attorney General's Office:

* my values of hard work and discipline from growing up on a family dairy farm in Greater Minnesota,
* my hands-on experience as the lead attorney in winning difficult cases for the "little guy" against corporate giants, and
* my leadership as a progressive Democrat in the Minnesota Legislature and U.S. Congress working with Mike Hatch to reform the healthcare and prescription drugs industries.

I am the candidate for attorney general who has the right priorities in fighting for Minnesota's families. Out-of-control oil companies are putting profits ahead of our families, farmers and businesses and crippling our economy and way of life. Minnesota led the nation against the tobacco and healthcare industries and we can do the same with big oil.

I ask for your VOTE on Tuesday and I hope you'll also remind your family, friends and neighbors to vote. Together we can put principle over politics and have a people's attorney as Attorney General!

Sincerely,

Bill

Oil Industry Misleads the Public with TV Ads

2006-09-11T09:25:00.000-05:00

Luther: Oil Industry Misleads the Public with TV Ads

Sunday, September 10, 2006 at 11:25 PM

EDEN PRAIRIE – DFL candidate for Attorney General and former U.S. Congressman Bill Luther called the oil industry’s recent cable television ads misleading propaganda. Those ads claim that the recent spikes in gas prices are a result of foreign oil supplies. The ads, sponsored by the American Petroleum Institute, attempt to shift responsibility from oil companies to the world market.

“Minnesotans shouldn’t be fooled by the oil companies’ attempts to shift responsibility from their quest for profits to instabilities in the world market,” said Luther. “The facts show that the oil industry is simply again attempting to protect their record profits.”

Luther said oil companies are able to manipulate gas prices through their concentration in the industry. Today, five oil companies control more than half of U.S. refining capacity and the top 10 account for three-quarters. A majority are oil powerhouses like ConocoPhillips Co., Exxon Mobil Corp. and BP PLC, which influence prices from drilling to pumping gas into cars and trucks.

Luther said, “When gas prices fall after a sudden spike, consumers feel a sense of relief, which sets the public up to accept as normal unacceptably high gas prices.”

Also, according to an Associated Press analysis that looked at weekly federal pricing data since September 1999, a gallon of retail gas rose an average of 6 cents for every 10-cent rise in oil, but dropped only 4 cents for every 10-cent decline in oil. And oil companies like Exxon Mobil Corporation continue to report record profits year after year.

Luther is calling for an investigation into oil company practices that drive up the cost of gasoline at the pump. He has also called for a nationwide effort to stop consolidation and break up monopolies in the oil industry.

To view the American Petroleum Institute’s ad, visit the Web site,

http://api-ec.api.org/video_library/ads/industries-q1-2006.wmv

Luther Radio Ads Playing Statewide

2006-09-08T15:22:00.000-05:00

Have a listen HERE!

Luther Proposes Anti-Price Gouging Legislation

2006-09-07T15:21:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, September 05, 2006 at 9:35 PM

EDEN PRAIRIE - Citing extreme spikes in gas prices in recent months, DFL attorney general candidate Bill Luther has proposed enacting legislation to prohibit price gouging in Minnesota. Minnesota would join a majority of states which prohibit price gouging.

"It is time for Minnesota to join the rest of the country in protecting consumers during emergencies and disasters," Luther said. "Whether it is gasoline, food, or health care services, Minnesotans deserve to be protected from unscrupulous businesses who seek to take advantage of dire circumstances."

Roughly half of the states in the country have laws or regulations that prohibit price gouging. Currently Minnesota does not prohibit price gouging. Luther's legislation would be modeled after other states' statutes and proposed federal legislation endorsed by several state attorneys general.

The proposed legislation would prohibit any business from selling essential consumer goods or services, including gasoline, food and health care services at unconscionably excessive prices during an abnormal market disruption including national or state emergencies and disasters. If a business attempts to sell a product at a price 30 percent higher than the seven day average, they would be subject to civil penalties.

Luther said incidents such as the recent tornadoes in southern Minnesota, and the drought conditions in western and northwestern Minnesota might qualify as circumstances to enforce the proposed price gouging legislation.

Luther in Bemidji Pioneer

2006-08-21T09:18:00.000-05:00

Bill Luther appeared in the Bemidji Pioneer with a commentary piece entitled 'State needs tough stance on oil monopolies, price fixing' (free registration required). A snippet

In Congress, the gas and oil companies have immense influence with large campaign contributions. These companies have been allowed to create and regulate America’s energy policy. The result has left Minnesotans emptying their pocketbooks while no significant changes are being made to help them.

Minnesotans deserve leadership. It’s clear we cannot wait for Washington to solve high prices at the gas pump. Just as Minnesota led the fight against big tobacco companies who prey on our children and HMOs who mistreat patients, we must lead the fight against price gouging and monopolies in the oil industry.

First, we must investigate oil company practices that drive up gas prices. The decision by BP PLC to temporarily shutdown an Alaskan oil field because of a leak in one of the pipelines has caused a spike in gas prices. Reports indicate that corporate unwillingness to make repairs in a lax regulatory environment was the cause of the incident.

Cross posted on Centrisity

Luther Interviews Up

2006-08-11T17:43:00.000-05:00

Inside Minnespta Politics has a Podcast Interview with Bill available here.

Also, Matt with MNPublius spoke with the Congressman recently.

Luther to Abide by Spending Limits

2006-08-09T16:47:00.000-05:00

From a Luther Campaign E-Mail

I have signed the agreement to abide by the campaign spending limits. My first reason for doing this is simply that it is the right thing to do-- money is corrupting the political process. But my second reason is that
to do otherwise would allow the Republican candidate to spend an unlimited amount of money. And recent history indicates that if they are permitted, Republicans and special interest groups--both in-state and out-of-state--will target and spend virtually anything to take control of this Attorney General's office, an office that has been in Democratic hands for 40 years and has been dedicated to fighting corporate abuses.

Luther Targets High Gas Prices in Bid for Attorney General

2006-08-09T14:35:00.000-05:00

From a campaign Press Release:

Candidate Questions Oil Company Profits, Market Disruption
(ST. PAUL) – With gas prices in Minnesota reaching an all-time high, Minnesota Attorney General candidate Bill Luther served notice that he will not tolerate oil companies gouging Minnesota consumers, farmers and businesses at the pump. The former Congressman called for experienced leadership in tackling this crisis.

“In the first half of this year, oil companies made excessive profits during a time when there was relative stability in market distribution and oil supply,” said Luther. “Oil companies have shown they do not care about the pain Minnesota’s families feel in their pocketbooks. They’ve shown they only care about consolidating power and posting record profits.”

In July, five of the world’s largest oil companies - BP PLC, Chevron Corp., ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil Corp. and Royal Dutch Shell PLC - said their combined income in the second quarter was $34.6 billion, up 36 percent from a year earlier.

Luther cited past reports and memos that highlight the decisions of oil companies to lower supply to increase the price of gasoline. An internal 1995 Chevron memo recommended the company reduce refinery capacity to substantially increase profit margins. The 2002 Minnesota Attorney General Office’s report on Minnesota’s Gasoline Market indicated that action can be taken in a number of areas to re-establish competition in order to lower gas prices.

“Minnesotans are tired of waiting for honest answers from oil company executives,” Luther continued. “As attorney general, I will put our families ahead of oil company profits by cracking down on price gouging and breaking up monopolies in the oil industry.”

When President Bush took office, the average price of gasoline was about $1.22 per gallon. Then big oil companies were allowed to regulate the market and the result has been staggering. Minnesota’s families have seen a 175 percent increase in the cost of gasoline in the last six years.

“Minnesotans deserve leadership,” explained Luther.

“They deserve someone who will fight to make sure oil companies are not gouging consumers, farmers, and businesses. They deserve someone who will make sure oil companies are not driving up the price of ethanol at the expense of our rural economy. They deserve someone who will make sure oil refineries are not violating safety and environmental requirements that put our communities and families at risk.”

For eight years, Bill Luther served the people of Anoka, Washington, and Dakota Counties in the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition, he was a prosecutor, private attorney and a state legislator representing northern Hennepin County.

Luther to Not Seek Endorsement

2006-08-09T12:03:00.000-05:00

It comes as no surprise that Bill Luther has decided not to attend this weekend's Central Committee meeting and has further requested that they not endorse.

The reality here is that regardless of whether they endorse or not, all three candidates will appear on the ballot. There is no way any of them could realistically abide, so why not let the voters decide. Bill states:

"I just think under the unique circumstances this year that going back to the rank-and-file Democratic voters and including them in the process, and asking them for their decision in the primary is the way to go."

Polinaut has the audio.

From Ted Thompson

2006-08-03T16:27:00.000-05:00

Ted is Bill's former chief of staff. He sent out the following to supporters today:

Hi

As I’m sure you know by now, my old boss and friend Bill Luther has entered the race for Minnesota Attorney General. With Bill as our candidate, I’m certain we will be victorious in November – keeping the attorney general’s office, regaining the governorship and other constitutional offices, and re-taking the Minnesota House.

I’m writing to ask for your support of Bill’s campaign. He’s quickly putting together his operation and I’m doing what I can to help with fundraising and other duties. Right now, building up the bank account is critical given the short time frame in which this race needs to be run. Your contribution will certainly help that effort. The pertinent information is below:

Luther for Attorney General
P.O. Box 600457
St. Paul, MN 55106

I believe the maximum contribution is $500 per person so any amount up to that would be terrific. Bill’s campaign website is www.lutherforattorneygeneral.com – it’s still being worked on, but it provides contact info, etc.

Thanks for your consideration! You may also want to check out the Luther v. Johnson blogspot at http://luthervjohnson.blogspot.com/ - there is no affiliation with the campaign, but it is providing some up to date information you may find interesting.

AG Forum Update

2006-08-02T17:30:00.000-05:00

I have just been informed that AG Candidate Bill Luther will be unable to attend this evening's AG Forum. Bill is out of town on a previously scheduled visit with his daughter.

AG Forum, Wednesday, Aug 2; 7:00pm

2006-07-29T19:50:00.000-05:00

In an E-Mail from the Co Vice Chair of the DFL Feminist Caucus:

The DFL Feminist Caucus is hosting a candidate forum for the AG's
race on Wednesday, August 2nd at 7pm at the Hennepin County
Government Center on the lower level in the Jury Assembly room - all
three campaigns have confirmed they will be in attendance.

What: DFL Feminist Caucus Attorney General Candidate Forum
Where: Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S 6th St, Minneapolis, MN
Lower Level, Jury Assembly Room
When: Wednesday, August 2nd at 7pm

Please come and hear our DFL candidates for Attorney General - the
event is open to all who would like to join us!

I hope to attend, you should too!!

Bill in Fergus Falls Daily Journal

2006-07-27T08:18:00.000-05:00

1963 grad returns to political scene after four-year absence

Bill Luther, a 1963 graduate of Fergus Falls High School and former U.S. Congressman who represented the Twin Cities suburbs, is back in a political race after a four-year absence. Luther is one of three DFL contenders for Minnesota Attorney General.

Read the rest here.

DFL Central Committee Meeting

2006-07-26T16:29:00.000-05:00

From a DFL Press Release:
DFL PARTY TO VOTE ON ENDORSEMENT FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL

Who: DFL State Central Committee
What: Votes on endorsement for Attorney General
When: 2pm, Saturday, August 12
Where: Sauk Rapids-Rice High School
1835 Osauka Road NE,
Sauk Rapids, MN

Luther Attended National Down Syndrome Congress

2006-07-25T07:30:00.000-05:00

Bill Luther missed the Almanac debate on Friday, and all they stated was that he declined the invitation. Johnson v TBA has the reason:

A commenter reported that Bill Luther was attending the National Down Syndrome Congress in Atlanta over the weekend, which was why he wasn't on Almanac with Steve Kelley and Lori Swanson last Friday. It's public knowledge that Bill Luther has an adult Down Syndrome son. He is also a widower. But the people at Almanac just said "Bill Luther turned down our invitation to appear." I think it shows a lot of class for Luther to not make a big deal about this part of his life.

Bill Luther, Family first. That is the Bill Luther I know!

Flash

Mini Banners

2006-07-23T18:19:00.000-05:00

A couple of Mini Banners for those who would like to spice up their Sidebar.

Campaign Contact Info

2006-07-22T09:19:00.000-05:00

Here is the mailing address for the campaign:

Luther for Attorney General
P.O. Box 600457
St. Paul, MN 55106

The campaign website will be launched very soon.

Bill's 2002 Campaign Bio

2006-07-21T07:18:00.000-05:00

From Bill's 2002 Campaign Site:

About Bill Luther...

Bringing Minnesota's Values...

Growing up on his family's dairy farm in Fergus Falls, Bill learned the values of hard work and family. His parents made sacrifices so that he, his brothers and sister could have a better life than they had.

Bill credits his parents with his interest in politics. They'd listen to the debates and discuss issues with their kids. They were well aware of the impact politicians could have on their country and community. They sent Bill to college in the early 1960's with a feeling of hope and of awe at what was going on in the world. John F. Kennedy had just been elected President, we were racing the Soviets to the moon, and it seemed like anything was possible.

Graduating from high school in 1963, he went on to earn electrical engineering and law degrees with honors from the University of Minnesota. NASA, our nation's space program, asked Bill to join their engineering division. Knowing where his true passion was, Bill declined NASA's offer and continued to pursue his true love- the law.

In 1967, Bill married his wife Darlene and they had two children, Alex and Alicia.
Darlene served in the Minnesota House of Representative from 1993-2002. In January 2002, Darlene lost her battle with stomach cancer. She will be remembered for her generosity and her passionate advocacy of school bus safety, the interests of the physically and mentally challenged, and organ donation.

First elected to the Minnesota Legislature in 1974, Bill served in both the House and Senate rising to the position of Assistant Senate Majority Leader while also practicing business law in Minneapolis. In the Legislature, he was a leader in reforming Minnesota's campaign finance laws.

To Washington

In 1994, Congressman Luther was one of only thirteen new Democrats elected to the House of Representatives. Because of his leadership skills and knowledge of public policy, Bill serves as a Regional Democratic Whip. This position gives him access to the House leadership to be an advocate for the needs of Minnesota. Bill also is a founding member of the New Democrat Coalition, a group of moderate, independent Democrats who are committed to fiscally responsible, common sense approaches to addressing the nation's problems.

In Congress, he has established a solid reputation for fiscal responsibility and preserving Minnesota's quality of life. Bill serves on one of Congress' most powerful committees, the Energy & Commerce Committee, as well as the subcommittees on Telecommunications and the Internet, Energy and Air Quality, and Environment and Hazardous Materials.

Bill doesn't get the chance to watch the sun rise over the dairy farm much these days, but he still tries to live the values he learned there and appreciate everything this state and country has to offer.

Bill Luther Simply Cares

2006-07-21T07:10:00.000-05:00

Cross posted from Centrisity:

I can't let these two comments fall off the page. It says so much about our future Attorney General:

Luther is the one man who could make this Republican vote Democrat. I have exchanged letters with Mr. Luther a couple of times when he was a congressman, and the replies were always respectful, intelligent, and actually addressed the concerns in my letter. Now I'm sure they were written by a staffer, but they were worlds better then the talking points crap that I got from the Wellstone staffers.

So why do I like Luther, just because of a staffers letter. Because as a long time retail manager I know how much of that flows from the people Luther selected to run his office and I wouldn't be surprised to learn he had a hand in hiring most of them. You select the kind of people you like to be around and respect. That he has that kind of person on staff says he is more then likely that kind of person himself.
shawn | 07.18.06 - 4:44 pm

And a surprising response from the Congressman's Former Chief of Staff:

I want to respond to Shawn's comments - they are greatly appreciated. As Bill Luther's chief of staff for his first 6 years, I can assure you that constituent mail was a huge priority for Bill and it is rewarding to hear that it was appreciated. He actually signed all letters himself (unless we had 1000 going out in response to a postcard campaign or something) and edited it as well.

This attention to detail stems from his training as an attorney. As an attorney myself, I understood that and also wanted the best product going out the door. (Believe me, it drove other staff nuts at times).

We did our best to hire well qualified people in the Congressional office and I am proud of those folks I worked with.

Finally, to explain why Bill paid close attention to the constituent mail and casework - it's simple. The one letter Bill sent to Shawn in response to Shawn's letter may well be the ONLY chance Bill will have to 'talk' with Shawn and Bill was determined to be sure we addressed the issues raised so that Shawn was left with the impression he described. The other reason, which is frankly even more important, is that the constituent deserved the respect of a solid response.

Thanks Shawn for those positive comments both about Bill and his staff - it's refreshing and I really appreciate it!
Ted Thompson | 07.19.06 - 5:44 pm

How can you NOT appreciate and support a candidate for Attorney General who already has a track record like that!

Flash

MPR Reports on AG race

2006-07-21T07:08:00.000-05:00

MPR:

Hatch says he wants a successor who will continue his work on health care and other issues. But he's not picking a favorite

SNIP

Hatch calls Bill Luther "a very close friend over the years, a great congressman, a great senator, a great attorney. We just need to see how it develops. Minnesota does well with these candidates."

KARE Reports on Luther

2006-07-21T07:06:00.000-05:00

KARE:

The Democratic heavy hitters - Luther, Kelley and Swanson - all said they would refocus the race back on issues, and they all pointed to extensive resumes as proof they're up to the job.

SNIP

Luther stressed Hatch's encouragement for him to get into the race and emphasized his long career in public service, which spans three decades and includes stints in the Minnesota Legislature and Congress. Luther said he has kept his law license current, but has mostly done consulting since leaving Congress after a losing re-election campaign in 2002.

PiPress on Luther

2006-07-21T06:30:00.000-05:00

PiPress:

• Luther, who was born in Fergus Falls, served 20 years in the Minnesota House and Senate, representing the Brooklyn Park area. In four terms in Congress, he represented a swing district that forced him to devote lots of time to fundraising.

He survived two close re-election battles with John Kline in the old 6th Congressional District in the northern suburbs. After redistricting, Luther moved to the new 2nd District in the south suburbs and lost to Kline in 2002.

Bill Luther files for Attorney General

2006-07-20T17:39:00.000-05:00

Bill Luther files! (Photo courtesy of MNPublius)