After a brief break, the Tinklenberg campaign blog is back in action! As Mother Nature finally delivered on her annual promise of a hot Minnesota summer, the campaign trail has heated up as well.

Read a review of some recent stories from the 6th District after the jump!

• We had a great 4th of July in Forest Lake, where a massive crowd enjoyed the sunny weather and festive parade. El and his supporters were able to connect with voters and had a great time. To view photos from this parade, and the other parades we’ve been in thus far this summer, visit the campaign website.

El was endorsed by the Minnesota Nurses’ Association. This is a key endorsement, and the Nurses join the 27 other unions of hardworking men and women that have endorsed El’s candidacy. Read the press release.

• Team Tinklenberg also issued an official challenge: we’ve urged Rep. Bachmann to accept invitations from several local Chambers of Commerce that want to host public candidate forums this summer and fall. El is excited about the opportunity to meet Rep. Bachmann and go in-depth on the issues at several locations around the Sixth District. We will keep you updated on Rep. Bachmann’s response. Read the letter sent to Rep. Bachmann’s office.

• We have a number of parades, door-knocks, and other events coming up. If you want to help spread El’s optimistic message and meet a lot of new people, you should contact one of our field directors. If you have questions about Sherburne, Anoka or Washington County events, please contact Nick Conti-Masanz at nick@tinklenberg08.com. If you have questions about events in Wright, Stearns, or Benton County, contact Rick Miller at rick@tinklenberg08.com.

• And finally, in case you missed it, this morning President George W. Bush recognized the over-whelming evidence against Rep. Michele Bachmann’s false promises for a 50% cut in gas prices in four years. Talking about offshore oil drilling, President Bush said: “I readily concede that it's not going to produce a barrel of oil tomorrow, but it will change psychology" (USA Today, 7/15/2008). Meanwhile, El Tinklenberg continues his push for an all-of-the-above energy policy that will increase use of renewable sources and promote greater efficiency to reduce consumption.