Can a foe steal the word yes? He says she did

If yes causes problems, how about "you bet'cha"?

On Tuesday, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Paul Thissen's campaign complained that DFL rival Margaret Anderson Kelliher was lifting his lines.

At issue, the word "yes."

Thissen has long used the word "yes" in his campaign -- as in "Minnesota needs a governor who will stand up and say 'Yes' to Minnesota and its extraordinary promise" and "I am running for governor because we need a leader who is going to ... say 'Yes' to Minnesota and its extraordinary promise." A recent Kelliher mailing said, "Together, we can say yes. Yes to opportunity, yes to ideas, and the future."

Kelliher appears unimpressed by the accusation. She said she called Thissen to discuss it. She said she's also devised a mock solution: "I will swear off using 'yes' and start using 'you bet'cha,'" she said.

RACHEL E. STASSEN-BERGER

Bachmann bails on Tea Party speech

The Minnesota Republican, who has become something of a heroine in the Tea Party movement, late last week canceled her appearance at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, where she was to have given a breakfast address to the convention on Friday.

Bachmann's office cited concerns other Tea Party activists have voiced about for-profit nature of the convention, organized by Judson Phillips.

Phillips, a self-described "small town lawyer" who has a history of financial problems, has said the $549-a-head convention featuring Sarah Palin is sold out. But Tea Party critics and allies alike are wondering what Phillips plans to do with the money. Concrete answers have been in short supply. In the end, it became too big a risk for any public officeholder.

"We're out," said Bachmann spokesman Dave Dziok. "It comes down to conflicting advice as to how these profits are going to be used after the fact. We'd rather err on the side of caution than do it and find out it's improper ... with somebody saying 'they're using the money from an event you were at to support this and this,' which comes as a direct conflict with what you're doing as a member of Congress."

One of the only other elected officials scheduled to appear, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., also has backed out, citing similar concerns.

That was enough to put on the brakes.

No word yet on Palin's plans, but as a former government official, she may not face the same legal questions.

Unlike Palin, who is reportedly getting a $100,000 speaking fee, Dziok said Bachmann was not getting any money for her speech.

Update: In a formal statement, Bachmann's office noted that her decision doesn't mean Bachmann has turned her back on Tea Party supporters:

"Some will want to portray her withdrawal as a repudiation of the Tea Party Movement, but that couldn't be further from the truth," the statement said. "Congresswoman Bachmann remains encouraged by all Americans, regardless of political party, who are concerned about this nation's future and dwindling prosperity, and continues to be inspired [by] their passion."