John Kolstad, legendary Minneapolis bluesman and founder of the Sorry Muthas jug band, is making Minneapolis history by becoming the only Republican-endorsed mayoral candidate ever to challenge the Democrats--from the left.

Papa John thinks Minnesota Democrats are too conservative, so he tried running for attorney general as a Green Party candidate, but he only got 2% of the vote. That taught him a lesson--major party is the only way to go. That's why he's gone out for a more heavy-duty endorsement from the Republican Party.

Remember, this is the state that picked a professional wrestler for governor and sent a comedian to Washington DC as a US senator.

Read here about what we must do to save our city:

http://www.minneapolisrepublicans.org/documents/kolstad_flyer_709.pdf

I guess the state of Minneapolis is giving him the blues, huh? What if it's irreversible - will he take to his corner office and pluck the days away, bemoaning the state of the city?

Mill City Blues

I woke up this morning, and I looked around for some booze (I want to get drunk),
Yes I woke up this morning, and I looked around for some booze,
That's when I realized I had those mean old Mill City blues.

I went to the river, I believe I'm goin' to drown (down to the Mississippi is what I mean),
Yes I went to the river, I believe I'm goin' to drown,
But then I thought about my baby, and that's what turned me back around.

Well I'm leavin', I don't know where to go,
Yes I'm leavin', I don't know where to go,
Because my good lookin' woman says she can't use me no more.

Samples, samples, samples ...

(what's surprising is how virtually identical the new and 40-year-old recordings of "Mill City Blues" sound):

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=john+kolstad&x=0&y=0

http://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Hits-Vol-Sorry-Muthas/dp/B000P5FIKC/ref=sr_1_1/191-1655566-0758569?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1252336609&sr=1-1

In anticipation of becoming the Mill City's first blue mayor, Papa John has his sleeves rolled up and is ready to take on the problems brought on by fiscal irresponsibility and urban decay:

"I accepted this challenge because my years in business, performing music and serving on dozens of boards, committees, task forces and councils have given me the vision to see and understand the problems of this city.  Through the years I have gained skills and experience that will guide me to bring desperately needed solutions to our citizens."

"I am confident.  I am prepared.  I am ready.  I will put a smile back on this city again.  I will get our financial house in order and I will make our taxes fair and equitable again.  I know it won’t be easy but I believe it can be done."

Minnesota, as we know, has a one-party political system.

The mayoral race went to the Democrats with 74% of the vote.

There were 10 other candidates.

Papa John's vast coalition of Greens, Independents, and rather odd Republicans came in 2nd with 11% of the vote.

A runoff election will not be necessary.

11% is vast only in one's mind.

If he'd had endorsements from all 10 of those other parties, he'd have had 26% of the vote.

If their endorsement had translated directly into votes from the members of the coalition, the Democrats would still have had 59% of the vote.

That's why they say Minnesota has the one-party system.