I think Franzen with a full time job did not realize how consuming running for political office can become. Politics can be an emotional and physically exhausting endevour.

Seems more sensational than actually newsworthy. Also, there must be more to the story. Regardless, there have been some really good discussions at the debates/forums that have already been held (like seven or more). Bonus is that some were recorded with content available online so people can view if they weren't able to attend. I've personally found Melisa to be very open and receptive to discussion.

I think it is important to note that Melissa has a full-time job and family, plus running for office. Mr. Downey probably has no job, so maybe he has more time to run full-time.

This story needs more details. What are the specifics around these events? I noticed you don't mention that Keith is a member of the Rotary. That might be useful to know. Does it make sense for a candidate to accept an invitation to her opponent's club? You don't lay out the proposals associated with Patch and the Sun. What did you have in mind? What exactly was Keith proposing? But here's my main question, why is this newsworthy? These candidates have already participated in all the forums that typically take place in the district. Running a story like this plays into the GOP's messaging for this race. I hope it wasn't in response to the baiting from anonymous commenters on the first Kluwe story .

Usually a first time candidate, seen as the challenger, takes any chance offered to speak to the public and especially to differentiate themselves from their opponent. Edina residents only had one forum that was advertised to the public, the League of Women Voters. Melisa did very well and was even helped by the moderator interrupting Downey's answer at one point. I can't imagine why she would not want more opportunities like that.

Only two forums in total were advertised to the public to attend. Three are available to view on videotape. All of the other ones either required a fee to attend or were specifically targeted to their memberships to attend. This is very strange that Franzen would turn down so many requests. Keith Downey has extended his offer more than once, even with "fake" debates being proposed against Mr. Downey by football players.

All six of these forums were advertised, Angela. What news sources do you look to?

Melisa clearly does not want any venues that would require her to defend her positions. These "forums" do no allow for rebuttals or cross-questioning. Usually it's the incumbent that hides from debates so this is very curious. I have seen her live and she is very vague in her answers. Just DFL boilerplate. Downey clearly is very knowledgeable about the issues and she suffers in comparison.

Hey Tom Laforce should Downey have avoided the two League of Women Voters events because he is not a woman? You are really stretching here! The Rotary is a very mainstream organization. Franzen backed out last minute. That is the fact. Your speculations are just spin.

Question for the moderator. Can the same person comment with two different handles on the same story? Just curious on the off chance it ever happens.

That's a good question, Tom. I haven't heard of it before, but I suppose it might be possible for a user to log in and comment, then log out and back in under a different username to post a different comment. I share the sentiment that it would be much better if folks would use their actual names on the site, but that's also a difficult thing to police.

If Tom Laforce you are suggesting I am Angie Berger you are incorrect. There is more than one person who dares to disagree with you. Shocking I know. Funny as soon as you feel threatened you call for the moderator. When the facts are not on your side create a distraction...

Edinamom2, I prefer to interact with people who use their names. Patch started out with that requirement in their terms of use. I see they've since changed it to more of an encouragement. As for you being Angie, that's not what I asked.

There are "binders full of women" who disagree with the Left. And I don't use my name because I don't like to be called a hater and all the other names thrown out at those that dare to disagree. Moments ago Scott Anderson just called anyone who votes "Yes" on the marriage amendment a bigot on another Patch comment thread. This type of bullying is what forces people to remain anonymous. Tom it appears you want to control the comments here. Remember you are not the moderator on this site. Save your bullying for your little Facebook forum.

I see what you mean about being attacked when you use your name.