Norm’s Election Year Conversion to an “Independent” Senator

Norm Coleman is a typical politician and part of the mess in Washington. From being the lead cheerleader for Bush & Cheney or failing to investigate companies like Halliburton for war profiteering, Norm Coleman is an embarrassment. In 2002, Norm depended on George Bush to get elected. Today, Norm is doing everything possible to run away from his embarrassing record of supporting Bush's failed policies.

Coleman Owed Bush, Used Senate to Defend Bush Buddy Karl Rove

Coleman Proud of Voting with Bush 98 Percent of the Time. On voting with Bush 98 percent of the time in 2003: “I’m not apologetic about that record. That 98 percent record means that I voted for things that passed, because the president did pass his agenda last year.” [ Star Tribune, 1/25/04]

Coleman said He Wouldn’t be a U.S. Senator without Bush’s Support. At his swearing in as a U.S. Senator: “I wouldn’t be here without the support of the president of the United States.” [ Star Tribune, 1/8/03]

Coleman Designated As One of Karl Rove’s “Principal Defenders” in Congress. The Hill reported that Coleman was one of several congressmen the Republican National Committee designated as “Rove’s principal defenders in Congress,” an assertion that both the RNC and Coleman later downplayed. [ Pioneer Press, 7/15/05]

Coleman Changed his Voting Record to Help Reelection Campaign

Coleman Trying to Appear “Independent.” Coleman was more conservative than 76 percent of U.S. Senators in 2003. In 2006, he was more conservative than 53.8 percent of Senators. [National Journal]

An Opportunist: Norm is in it for Norm

Norm “Will Jump to Whatever Side is Willing to Advance Him.” According to the Star Tribune, Coleman’s detractors “see a darker side: an opportunist seemingly without deeply held political principles, who will jump to whatever side is willing to advance him.” [Star Tribune, 10/16/02]

Career-Long Habit of Switching Sides When it’s Politically Convenient. We all know the story of Norm Coleman’s political party switch from Minnesota Democratic Chair of the 1996 Clinton Presidential Campaign to Republican Lapdog of the Bush Administration. But, as a Senator, Norm Coleman has continued his bad habit of switching his positions when it’s politically convenient.