Norm Coleman's world: big oil and nuclear energy = alternative energy

Now that the Senate is on its August holiday, Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) is touring southwestern Minnesota. He stopped in New Ulm to talk with farmers about the farm bill that needs to be renewed by the end of September. Among several topics he discussed, he seems to think that alternative energy will be a part of the farm bill. But not just any kind of alternative energy like solar or wind.

Coleman said all forms of alternative energy are needed and that energy is a big part of the Farm Bill.
“We need more oil refineries, nuclear plants and everything else that works. I believe in American ingenuity,” Coleman said.
(New Ulm Journal)

This is classic Norm Coleman. He speaks in Norm-speak. In Norm's world coal and nuclear power are somehow considered alternative energy. Of course, large campaign donations from the coal and nuclear industry PACs have a way of swaying Norm. Here's what the electric utilities and big oil donated between 2001-2006.

• Electric Utilities gave $184,791
• Oil & Gas gave $155,350

(opensecrets.org)

Norm has all but admitted that access to him is open to the highest bidders. Consider this fundraising letter he sent out at the beginning of 2007:

(Sunlight Foundation, see PDF here.)
Excerpt:
As you know, raising money is the first step to winning, and money matters. But early money and support make an even bigger difference in my quest for victory. I am writing to ask you for your full support of my '08 Senate race. ...
We're launching the Coleman for Senate '08 Max Out Package that we are offering through June 30, 2007. Our goal with this program is to make sure my early and strongest supporters participate in all we're doing this year and I'm hoping you can join me in these beginning stages of my re-election campaign. ...
PAC contributions to Coleman for Senate '08 Max Out Package in the amount of $10,000 will be entitled to the following:
MAXOUT PACKAGE--Coleman for Senate '08
Checks must be postmarked no later than 6/30/07 to qualify for benefits listed below:
--Participation in one of the annual tirps listed below each year:
Napa Valley Wine Tour Napa, CA
Brainerd Retreat Brainerd Lakes area, MN
Tour of Twin Cities and XCEL Energy Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
--Attendance at five DC events honoring Senator Coleman
--Private event with up to five guests of your choosing