A Reader Comments on the Luke Hellier Imbroglio

A while back, I asked whether Bachmann had anything to do with the Hellier affair. A reader sent me the following message: Bachmann's involvement is possible although I have not heard it coming through the student channels.  What I see as very plausible is that Pawlenty is using these positions to groom future conservative politicians.  His appointments to the 4 year student position have aspirations for office and have been active in political campaigns the past cycles.  Tyler Despins from 03-05, Michael Boulton 05-07, and possibly Hellier.  The fact that Hellier worked for Bachmann would endear himself to Pawlenty, who is doing everything he can to impress his handlers in Washington. The Despins appointment raised similar concerns as the Hellier candidacy: WINONA, Minn., Oct. 8, 2003 -- The appointment of Winona State University senior Tyler Despins to the state colleges board of trustees was a slap in face at students, leaders of the Minnesota State University Student Association said. In an article by Paul Sloth in the Winonan student newspaper, the association's president, Rhys Gaffer, said that Gov. Tim Pawlenty passed over MSUSA's two recommendations for the board seat: grad students Linda Palmer of Metro State and Becky Rothmeier of St. Cloud State. By law, the governor is required to seek recommendations from MSUSA for trustee vacancies. Said Gaffer: "You just don't snub your nose at a recognized organization." Although Despins had expressed interest in a trustee slot to MSUSA, the association did not include him on its list for the governor. Despins then went directly to the governor's staff with his statement of interest. Now, after a 3-1 vote, MSUSA's leadership group has called on Gov. Pawlenty to explain himself. Becky Rothmeier, one of the two MSUSA-endorsed candidates for the position, said the students specifically did not recommend Despins: "He applied but they said no." .... a comment: GOVERNOR JUST DOESN'T CARE As if more evidence of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's contempt for higher-ed is needed, we now have the Tyler Despins episode. The governor is so unconcerned about the state colleges, except to drain our budgets for other purposes, that he didn't even screen Despins' credentials before appointing him to the state board that runs the state college system. Had Despins been a card-carrying al-Qaeda member, Pawlenty wouldn't haven't known. It seems too that he wouldn't have cared. Even after learning that Despins was thrown out as student president at Rochester Community and Technical College and hadn't mentioned it on his resume, Pawlenty has done nothing. Lesson to Minnesota students: Forget that Boy Scout stuff about following the rules and collecting your merit badges... if you're a loyal Bushie and Bachmannite, Governor Pawlenty will reserve your place at the front of the line. Advice to Minnesota students: Get your picture taken with Michele Bachmann.