The Marko Record

For the past 5+ weeks, there have been two candidates vying to be John Kline's DFL challenger: Coleen Rowley and Sharon Marko. Today Sharon Marko announced her decision to withdraw from the race.

Now, I make no secret about the fact that I support Coleen Rowley's bid to unseat Kline; any readers who aren't aware of this haven't read my disclaimer closely enough. So although I never would have said so before today, Sharon Marko is a hard-working Senator who has served the state well for 10 years, and I'm sure she would have continued to do so in Congress.

In fact, just last week she introduced a bill to protect vulnerable Minnesotans because Kline has failed to do so:

A new bill introduced by state Sen. Sharon Marko, DFL-Cottage Grove, would use almost a third of the state's tax relief fund to make up for $90 million in federal reductions to Medicaid-sponsored case management programs. Marko called the request a one-time appropriation to offset the effects of the Deficit Reduction Act, signed into law last month by President Bush.

"Without state help to address the loss of federal funds, counties will likely have to raise the funds through property taxes," Marko said. The alternative would mean laying off dozens of county caseworkers and sharply reducing programs for developmentally delayed adults and children, among other vulnerable groups.

To any of Marko's supporters who might be reading, I extend my condolences, and ask that you consider joining Coleen's campaign. While she may not have been your first choice, she is now our clear best hope to send Kline packing in November. Check out Coleen's site and sign up, or, if you're not yet ready to do that, feel free to drop me a line so we can discuss my reasons for choosing to support her.

Breaking: Marko has endorsed Rowley. Link when available.