The second Chili & Chat was another evening filled with great food, friends and conversation June 19th in New Hope. Over 50 showed during a busy summer season, helping to make it another successful event. Folks enjoyed an indoor picnic with hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, beans, slaw and incredible cookies baked by SD-45's Anita Collins. Because of the warm weather, the chili was there to top hot dogs.

After David Jones led a group-sing of "Battle Hymn of the Republic," Derek Brigham emceed the chat portion. New Hope City Council member Karen Nolte started off the evening with a preview and insight into issues in her city. Popular bloggers and Northern Alliance Radio Show hosts, Michael Brodkorb (Minnesota Democrats Exposed) and King Banaian (SCSU Scholars) created a mock radio show, interviewing Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Delano). Emmer discussed the play-by-play of this year's session, most importantly how he teamed with Minority Leader Marty Seifert (R-Marshall) and Governor Tim Pawlenty to defeat the DFL's plan to increase the budget by over $4 billion — and increase taxes.

Emmer's humor was appreciated, and shared his three silliest DFL bills offered up this past session: The  "freedom to poop act", granting illegal aliens the right to vote, and outlawing glass bottles in boats. To the audience's relief, Emmer also predicted that a special legislative session is not needed and will not occur this year.

The audience gave several questions and comments to the speakers, and appreciated the forum to discuss concerns. One concerned resident spoke of multiple violations she witnessed in 2006 as an election judge. Rep. Emmer and King Banaian urged residents to get involved as a judges and challengers to confront those suspected of voter fraud. The key message was to speak up to elected officials and support talk radio (even starting a blog). It's important to keep up the fight against outrageous bills and tax increases, and we saw how it worked to defeat the Democrat agenda this year.

Thanks to SD-43's Matt Abe of North Star Liberty who loaned us his camera when ours died, and for his fine write-up here.Read more at King Banaian's SCSU Scholars , and at Freedom Dogs.

The next Chili & Chat will be held in October, with the timely topic of education. See you then! 

> Read about our very successful March 6th Chili & Chat.