Norm Coleman Says Republican Party Represents "Highest Ideals"

The UpTake

He may be trying to distance himself from President George Bush, but in front of conservative audiences,U.S. Senator Norm Coleman is re-affirming that he is a "proud Republican".

Coleman toured outstate Minnesota after he launched his re-election campaign last week.

Speaking in St. Cloud where there was no coverage from the major Twin Cities media, Coleman stressed his loyalty to Republican party ideals. That was in contrast to his St. Paul announcement where Coleman tried to stress his independence and non-partisanship while not bringing up his role as the Republican attack dog in during the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

"I really do believe our (Republican) party represents the highest ideals of what America is about". Coleman told an appreciative St. Cloud coffee shop audience. "We believe in quality jobs for the working men and women".

Coleman acknowledged that some problems are too large for one party to solve. This was just weeks after he helped filibuster a bill that would have provided relief for homeowners facing foreclosure. Since then more Americans have lost their jobs and their ability to keep their homes.