Capitol View®

The Dirty Fingernail Coalition

Truth be told, we don't really know how "average" many of our politicians are. But we can tell a little by what they do in "real life." Call it the "Dirty Fingernail Coalition," the brainchild of someone with way too much time on his hands today, and a browser connected to the House member biographies.

First, we get rid of the lawyers (14), the educators (22), the realtors (4), doctors (including chiropractors) (4) people who list their occupation as "legislator" (16), and people who list their occupation as "business" (18), and, of course, consultants (7), and we're left with this year's Dirty Fingernail Coalition.

Bruce Anderson -- Listed as "agribusiness." I think that means farming or something having to do with farming. You're in.

Greg Blaine - Farmer

Rep. Tony Cornish - He's a retired cop. That qualifies.

Greg Davids - Farmer

David Dill - Aircraft and powerplant mechanic

Rod Hamilton -- Says "pork producer," which I think means hog farmer.

Lyle Koenen - Farmer

Doug Magnus - Farmer

Tim Mahoney - Pipefitter

Michael Nelson - Tradesman

Mark Olson - Carpenter

Mary Ellen Otremba -- Farmer (and substitute teacher. Yeah, that counts too!)

Duke Powell - Paramedic

Maria Ruud - Nurse

Steve Sviggum - Farmer

That's 9 Republicans and 6 DFLers if you're counting. And I know you are.

Now I have to come up with a logo and secret handshake. Oh and T-shirts. Gotta have T-shirts.