In two weeks, progressives from across Minnesota will gather in St. Paul for a day and a half of panels, trainings, networking opportunities and keynotes--all in an effort to strategize and organize around progressive change.

Netroots Minnesota will be the premier kickoff to the critical conversations progressives will be having as we approach 2010, and today, Denise Cardinal, ABM's Executive Director announced a forum for Netroots Minnesota attendees to start the conversation with the candidates running for governor.

The Minnesota 2010 gubernatorial race will be one of the most-watched in the nation.

What should the race be about? How can a progressive win? What role will the Netroots play in the campaign?

These vital questions will be answered by some of the gubernatorial candidates themselves at Netroots Minnesota.

On Friday evening, November 20, DFL candidates for governor will join us at Netroots Minnesota to take questions directly from you. Get all the details and register at:

http://allianceminnesota.org/NetrootsForum

During a discussion moderated by Star Tribune writer Lori Sturdevant, the candidates will be asked questions solicited online via Twitter (using the hashtag #nmn09gov), Facebook, email, and in person.

This forum, sponsored by Alliance for a Better Minnesota Action Fund, is going to be one of the most interactive and engaging forums for the candidates to date -- be sure to register for Netroots Minnesota to get a front-row seat at this must-see-for-yourself political event.

We just released an updated conference agenda this morning, so take a minute to check out the sessions we have on tap and click here to reserve your spot at Netroots Minnesota.

Yesterday, House Minority Leader and GOP gubernatorial candidate Marty Seifert released his "Leadership Plan for Minnesota," in which he layed out his plan to address the "economic tstunami" that the next governor will have to deal with.... all in less than a page.

Well, Jeff Rosenberg at MN Publius took a look at Marty's plans and offers a helpful translation:

I could quote Seifert’s plan, but it can’t be taken at face value, anyway. Instead, I thought I’d translate the conservative code words and give you and idea of Seifert’s real plan:

1. Slash regulations and oversight of businesses, even after deregulation led to a massive economic crisis.
2. Following in Tim Pawlenty’s footsteps, throw even more low- and middle-income families off of public health care plans.
3. Reduce funding for public schools.
4. End state investment in infrastructure, continuing the decay of our roads and bridges.
5. Intrude in local control over law enforcement.
6. Throw Minnesotans off welfare and reduce benefits.
7. Use state resources to conduct a witchhunt against DFL “enemies.”

We are going to need more than just conservative talking points from our next Governor. Tim Pawlenty made the same promises as Marty Seifert when he was a candidate, and they were promises he didn't keep.