politics
With an insider’s eye, Hot Dish tracks the tastiest bits of Minnesota’s political scene and keep you up-to-date on those elected to serve you.
Contributors in Minnesota: Jennifer Brooks, Baird Helgeson, Patricia Lopez, Jim Ragsdale, Rachel E. Stassen-Berger and Glen Stubbe. Contributors in D.C.: Kevin Diaz and Corey Mitchell.
Contributors in Minnesota: Jennifer Brooks, Baird Helgeson, Patricia Lopez, Jim Ragsdale, Rachel E. Stassen-Berger and Glen Stubbe. Contributors in D.C.: Kevin Diaz and Corey Mitchell.
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Bemidji sweater vest maker sticks with Santorum
Posted by: Kevin Diaz under 2012 Presidential election, Republicans Updated: August 28, 2012 - 9:04 PM
“As he was climbing up to the plane he turned around and said, ‘Bill, I hope you never forget me, and I hope you never forget this day,’” Batchelder recounted. “I said, ‘Rick, I’ve made a new friend, and I will never forget you. But in addition to making the sweater vests, what can I do for you?’
“He said, ‘Get yourself elected a national delegate.’”
Batchelder did just that, and provided the Minnesota delegation’s single vote for Santorum, whose victory in the Minnesota caucuses kept his bid for the presidency alive a little while longer.
Batchelder found himself in the minority of a state delegation that cast 33 votes for Ron Paul and six for Mitt Romney.
“I was totally committed to Rick Santorum” said Batchelder, 52. “The only reason I’m here today, the only reason, is because of Rick Santorum.”
But with Santorum out of the race, Batchelder came to Tampa prepared to back Romney. “I support Mitt Romney 100 percent,” he said.
That was until he saw that it was clear Romney had secured the nomination. Bactchelder decided that left room to honor his old friend.
With just 10 minutes before Minnesota’s turn in the roll call of states, Batchelder informed delegation leaders that he was voting for Santorum.
He got a hug and a “That’s okay, Bill.”
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