Ellison Campaign Changes

Checks and Balances has another CD-5 update.

The Keith Ellison for Congress (D) campaign is shifting from endorsement mode into primary mode with recent staff changes.  Ellison is utilizing his connections from the Minnesota House as well as calling on another kid from Detroit to manage his campaign.  House DFL Executive Assistant to the Minority Leader Dave Colling is coming aboard to head the Ellison effort.

Colling oversaw the 2004 elections for the DFL House Caucus, which resulted in a pick-up of 13 new DFL seats. We are unclear whether Colling will be taking a leave from the House caucus until the September 12th primary or whether he will be quitting his job altogether.  He has been involved in the strategic decision-making throughout the length of the Ellison campaign.

This move changes the role of Michael Guest, who will be remaining with the campaign.  Guest’s future responsibilities are still being defined.

Colling is expected to join the campaign in his new role late next week.