Strategery Redux

It's been reported that one of the reasons that the DFL was supporting Keith Ellison so strongly in the 5th District primary is that they expect him to improve turnout at the polls among their urban base who otherwise might not be all that excited by the headliners at the top of the DFL ticket such as Mike Hatch and Amy Klobuchar. While there is some logic to this argument, you have to believe that Ellison, who, as Saint Paul pointed out on the radio show Saturday, is a divisive figure in the mold of Paul Wellstone, being on the ballot may also increase turnout for the GOP, especially among disaffected conservatives who have been threatening to stay home this November over issues like immigration and spending. This could especially be true if the "Party of Ellison" tagline gains momentum outside of the Twin Cities.