Speed Gibson

Normally, you would expect the Minneapolis Star Tribune to be torn having to pick one of two "moderate" DFL candidates with that "centrist vision" that no Republican ever has. But in the race for Mayor of St. Paul, the endorsement was easily given to challenger Chris Coleman, for the incumbent had committed an unpardonable sin. Randy Kelly had endorsed George W. Bush for President last year.

Personally, I agree that this was politically foolish and overstepped his authority as Mayor, as I wrote then. But what is the basis of the Star Tribune's objection?

"... it made no sense for an urban mayor to support a federal administration that did so little for cities."

Then there was this knee-slapper:

In the interest of full disclosure, Coleman is the brother of Nick Coleman, a Star Tribune metro columnist. As our editorial page nameplate indicates, the editorial department and newsroom are separate operations and do not influence each other's decisions. [Emphasis mine. -SG]

This editorial acknowledges but slights what Kelly has done. Then it gives Coleman full credit to what the more "sensitive" Chris Coleman will do with his consensus-building skills alone. Reality? No problem, just as when they endorsed John Kerry.