Governor Pawlenty has responded to the fight over Education Commissioner Yecke's confirmation thus:

Not liking somebody's policy direction isn't a good reason to tube a confirmation. If they don't like the policy direction, they should maybe win an election. That might be a new idea for them.

Sounds right to me. He should start by getting fully behind the social science standards; the battle over No Child Left Behind was fought in the U.S. Congress, not Minnesota, and those against NCLB lost. Taking it out on Yecke is sheer spite; Borking is the last refuge of an ideology that has spent its raison d'etre. I've covered this issue plenty, and if you read this and are in agreement you need to do something. Sen. Steve Kelley (DFL-Declaration of Independence) is the chairman of the education committee that will hear her confirmation.

[H]e described her confirmation as "problematic" because many other senators, as well as members of the public, have expressed opposition. "I get e-mails and phone calls every day saying: 'Don't confirm her,' " Kelley said. "Her supporters have not contacted me."

Time to let him know that we will not have her held hostage by misEducation Minne$ota. Be brief, polite and pointed in saying to him you want her confirmed.

Call: 651-297-8065 or send email. If you would rather use paper,
Senator Steve Kelley
321 State Capitol Building
75 Constitution Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55155
Fax: 651-296-6511

Other members of the committee can be reached through this page.