I am not sure where in the post I was whining, but I guess there is reality and then there is the place where Gary Gross lives. So Gary, do YOU believe that Barack Obama is a Muslim or do you just like trying to fuzzy the line to confuse people into thinking these things?

This moment of Steve Gottwalt arrogance reminds me of another moment of Gottwalt arrogance...

[youtube OSKJrqK1kpo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSKJrqK1kpo youtube]

I don't really see a violation of church/state separation here because that principle is meant to keep the government from endorsing a particular religion. While Mr. Tingelstad is clearly a Christian, the event is not government related but rather politics related which is an important distinction.

My concern is more about the very blurry line that this church has gotten itself into by hosting a political fundraiser and having an official church function on the same evening. Even if the fundraiser itself is not sponsored or endorsed by the church it has opened itself up so that it may never deny any other candidate the use of its facilities for political activity without being guilty of violating its tax exempt status.

"Their Facebook advertisement for this event, and their provision of music and funds cross the line in my opinion, and seem to violate the law if not the spirit of it. When they say "all proceeeds will be donated to the Tingelstad campaign," that doesn't really leave much room for interpretation. And then, what about the pies? "

To be clear, that facebook advertisement was created and put out by Tingelstad (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tim-Tingelstad-for-MN-Supreme-Court/127946077240222) and not the church itself.

No, it doesn't mean the event is a church event. However, I think it may pose a problem regardless given that it is a fundraiser at the church facility. At least that is how I read the IRS rules on this.

I have been wrong before, however, and would welcome an expert to speak to the issue. Also, I would love for the church itself or Tingelstad to return my email.

I couldn't agree more bluecollardaughter. Regardless of party, churches ought to be used as places of worship and not tools in a partisan battle.

You are so right, Leo. You and Gary spreading around a completely false story is TOTALLY the same as me going to the official SD15 Republican Party website and using the information posted there about who is an officer. Completely the same. no difference whatsoever. ;)

Leo ~ I love these little talks we have.

Hey, Leo. I updated the post to reflect the fact that the official website for the SD15 Republican Party is an unreliable and untrustworthy source of information. I hope this got me with the program! You guys should put some sort of warning on that site like "DO NOT TRUST INFORMATION FOUND HERE"

Paint Mr. Newman in an "evil light?" No, I am trying to demonstrate how far out of the mainstream this candidate is when he questions whether or not to actually educate children with special needs. I don't think for a minute that he is "evil." Just wrong. Very very wrong.