There was a strong wind and ominous clouds during the check-in for our premier summer event, but as the Bella Vista launched from Mound, the weather turned glorious.  Al & Alma’s website does not do their new yacht justice: it is more spacious and stunning than imagined.  The 103 attendees had the option of sitting inside or out on the deck and if one had blinders on, you’d hardly know you were moving. The video equipment was state of the art and the food plentiful. Kathy Pearce created an excellent power point highlighting the candidates for which they were grateful. Manuel and Carmen, our featured entertainers, showed class and patience in their salsa instructions but some us conceded that we need remedial classes before going public. Each candidate gave a brief presentation, all emphasizing the need to return Minnesota to its progressive roots while being fiscally responsible.  They were also able to have in-depth personal conversation with CD3 activists in beautiful, relaxing surroundings. A couple of newbies to CD3 events said how fortunate they were to sit at the same table as Jackie Stevenson: they were able to meet and greet without leaving their seats!

 The candidates deserve our thanks for committing the time and expense to this event, some brought family and/or staff. We were impressed that they were all on time: no small feat given the location and time of day.  Those in attendance were (in reverse alphabetical order) Representative Paul Thissen, Mayor R.T. Ryback, Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher,  Former Senator Steve Kelley, Susan Gaetner, Former State Representative Matt Entenza, Mayor Chris Coleman, and Senator Tom Bakk.  We also had Senator Terri Bonoff and Representative John Benson, both from SD 43 along with our former congressional candidate Ashwin Madia and recent candidates for State Representatives Lee Carlson and Grace Baltich from SD 32.