Dennis McGrath

The Star Tribune launched "Politically Connected," its new political web site last week with a bang, publishing poll numbers online the day before they appeared in the print-published version. Kudos to everyone involved, but in particular, to Dennis McGrath, the guy in charge of the site and the state politics and government editor. Long-time Capitol habitués will recognize that name. McGrath has covered Minnesota politics for more than 20 years (he co-wrote the book, "Professor Wellstone Goes to Washington" with former Strib reporter Dane Smith) and has also been the national and international news editor at the paper.

My first impression, after using the site for a week, is that it's extremely ambitious. For example, for each presidential candidate, the site provides campaign finance information, a biography, links to stories from other news sources, links to recent blog posts, links to candidate-generated material, "what he's said," "how he's voted," and "prominent Minnesota supporters." The last item is the kind of information that gives me great pause...for many of the candidates, there isn't a list, for some candidates, some names are listed and others are not. On the U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) page we learn that auto dealer Denny Hecker supports Obama, as do "Members of the Dayton, Pohlad and Cowles families." Hmmm. The point is that the lists are incomplete, and there's something weird about the Star Tribune "officially" naming some names and not others.

In my mind, this flags a larger issue and a massive problem that Politics In Minnesota is glad it doesn't have: Once you've made the decision to build a Cadillac political site, how far can you and should you go? As anyone who's done it knows, building a web site is a monumental task and always a work in progress. In an era of so many media choices, it will be fascinating to see if "Politically Connected" becomes a one-stop everything reliable shop. It could well be that such a thing can no longer be done. We'd love to know what our readers think, so please send your thoughts to staff@politicsinminnesota.com.

Finally, I've done more than my share of Star Tribune owner Avista Capital bashing. "Politically Connected" was and will continue to be an enormous investment of people and resources (including the building of a new soundproof booth for podcasts). Several months ago, we lamented the demise of the Minnesota Poll, and look what the paper delivered this week: Tons of numbers to crunch and chew on. All of this bodes extremely well for the state of Minnesota public affairs. Way to go, Avista.

For help in how best to use "Politically Connected," check out "McMemo," McGrath's blog.

Meanwhile, what do readers think about the site?