State Fair a venue no politician can resist

It's not the Fair if the fare doesn't include politics, and you'll see more politicians than you can shake a stick at this year.

In fact if you wave something on a stick at a candidate he or she may be tempted to take a bite. Senator Amy Klobuchar told KARE 11 she actually recommends those campaigning at the fair to sample voters' food as a way of bonding with them.

"You've definitely got to eat the food at the State Fair, and if you get to share with someone that's even better."

Klobuchar appeared at the Barack Obama booth on opening day, to urge voters to pay attention to the issues and get involved. But she wouldn't miss the opportunity to connect with fairgoers.

"You really get to hear what's on people's mind, and that's really important," Klobuchar said, "Too many people hide their heads in the sand and they're not in touch with people, what they need and what they want."

Senate candidate Al Franken, who met the first visitors at the gates at dawn Thursday, appeared ready to take Klobuchar's advice to heart.

"It's great to be out here," the Demcorat told KARE, "We got a booth and this year we're featuring my wife Franni's apple pie recipe. But, I do plan to eat a lot of fried food myself."

Those political junkies anxious for a senate debate at the state fair will probably leave empty-handed. Senator Norm Coleman has made it clear he would rather wait until after the September primary to share a stage again with Franken and Independence Party's nominee.

Coleman did launch a web site Thursday, which will allow visitors to his booth record anti-Franken web videos while at the Fair.

For candidates who can't afford TV ads, the State Fair is a chance to be a primetime player. Republican Barb White, who is running against Congressman Kieth Ellison in the 5th District, said it's a great place to do basic outreach.

"This is a good venue because you meet all kinds of people," White said, "We've had some conversions today from Democrat s to Republicans!"

One thing you won't find on a stick this year at the Fair are those classic "Pawlenty on a Stick" fans his campaign produced for past fairs. That's because he's not running for anything, at least not yet.

And while he's no longer "engaging in discussions" about at the Vice Presidential speculation, it was definitely on the minds of many Minnesotans at the fair.

The appearance of Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau, who helped unveil a sesquicentennial mosaic quilt at the fair, served as a fresh reminder that she's in line to become Governor should Pawlenty join the McCain ticket and then be elected.

Some self-described "undecided" voters told us they're waiting until the V.P. decisions are announced before they make up their minds.

If this Great Get-Together holds true to history, they may get to see the candidates and their running mates by the time the fair ends on Labor Day.

By John Croman, KARE 11 News

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