Al headed up to northeastern Minnesota for Labor Day weekend after a busy couple weeks at the State Fair. On Sunday, Al visited the Iron Range for a Day Before Labor Day Celebration in Virginia and to shake some hands with workers at the Minntac Plant in Mountain Iron.

On Labor Day, we started the day at a parade in Cloquet and then headed to Duluth where Al spoke at a news conference with Congressman Jim Oberstar to lay out a new stimulus proposal to rebuild our infrastructure and create new jobs in Minnesota.

From MPR:

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken launched his proposal before a friendly crowd at Duluth’s annual Labor Day picnic.

Democratic 8th District Rep. Jim Oberstar was at his side, and Franken says the proposal was inspired by Oberstar. In fact, the plan mirrors one now before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which Oberstar chairs.

“I’m calling for a new stimulus package,” Franken said. “One that is specifically designed to create jobs and bolster the middle class economy, while at the same time doing something that our economy badly needs; rebuilding our infrastructure and investing in new transportation options.”

The plan calls for $2 billion for projects that could get underway within 90 days, including deferred maintenance on infrastructure like roads and bridges.

…

Franken says he intends to pay for his proposal by tapping $7 billion now dedicated to rebuilding infrastructure in Iraq. That’s something Franken first proposed last month.

The government in Iraq, he says, is running an $80 billion surplus and doesn’t need the money.

“So, I proposed last week that we not send that $7 billion to Iraq,” he said. “They have over $30 billion sitting in our banks gathering interest. So I would pay that $7 billion would more than pay for my stimulus package.”

Watch the Duluth TV news coverage from Northland’s NewsCenter.

After spending some time at Duluth’s annual AFL-CIO Labor Day picnic, TeamFranken wrapped up our Labor Day trip with a stop at the Brainerd Trades and Labor Union’s annual picnic.

From the Brainerd Dispatch:

Despite Monday’s heat and wind, more than 150 people came to the park for the picnic and to hear Franken and other politicians speak.

Franken’s arrival at the picnic was greeted with fanfare from those attending, especially when he jogged through the crowd giving high-fives and shaking hands. Though the picnic itself was nonpartisan, a majority of those attending wore shirts or stickers of support for Democratic candidates ranging from Rep. John Ward, DFL-Brainerd, to presidential candidate Barack Obama.

In a brief speech, Franken touched on several campaign issues: health care for all citizens, the need for renewable energy, the need for better funding for education, improving the economy and cutting taxes for the middle class.

“What really creates prosperity here in America is when the middle class is doing well,” said Franken, who is challenging Sen. Norm Coleman in November’s election.

“We’ve dug ourselves a hole the last eight years, but you know what, there’s nothing wrong with America that can’t be fixed with what’s right with Americans. But first we’ve got to stop digging.”

…

Barb Anderson, husband Reggie Anderson and a friend, Carol Rose, were among those who attended. All three said they liked what they heard from Franken.

“I think for me, the best thing I heard from him was about taking back working class,” Barb Anderson said. “I think that’s been forgotten about the last few years.”

“Looking at words he said, it’s about the people. That’s the biggest thing,” added Rose, who celebrated her 60th birthday at the picnic.

For more from Al’s Labor Day weekend, check out:

• Duluth News Tribune: Franken, Oberstar debut plan for rebuilding infrastructure
• Mesabi Daily News: Range picnic honors American workers
• ECM: Eighth District Congressman Jim Oberstar, DFL-endorsed candidate Franken end 2-day swing

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008 at 2:39 pm and is filed under From the Trail, News Clips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.