Rukavina invokes Wellstone, U.S.-made underwear

Rep. Tom Rukavina invoked the spirit of the late Paul Wellstone, running a video that ended with lingering shot of a letter from the late U.S.senator encouraging Rukavina years ago to run for office. Comparing himself physically and emotionally to Wellstone, Rukavina told the delegates: "The time is right again for a little guy with a lot of passion." In emphasizing his support of unions, said: "You bet my underwear are union made." Rukavina also took the day's most pointed aim (so far) of the two perceived front-runners, telling delegates to vote for him and not "for a big city mayor" [Rybak], or for someone chosen by "the insiders", a reference to Kelliher. In an adroit bit of hands-on campaigning, Rukavina stood alongside the main stage, shaking the hands of campaign-sign-holding supporters of Thissen, as they ended their rally and filed past.