Thousands gathered Saturday at high noon at the steps of the State Capitol building for the annual tax cut rally. Click on the attached sound file to hear Rep. Michele Bachmann speak and radio talk host Chris Baker wish she could be cloned.

Vince Beaudette, Victoria, a member of the Carver County Republican Party, said this was one of several tax cut rallies he has attended at the capitol over the years. Click on the attached sound file to hear his thoughts about becoming politically active.

He suggested the crowd was larger this year than last and more passionate, too. Representative Paul Kohls from Victoria also attended the rally. Watch for photos and a story in this week's edition of the Chanhassen Villager.

Vince Beaudette: Carver County Republican Party Resident of Victoria

From the ground level: Access to the stage was difficult. The message was loud and clear, broadcasted over loud speakers. "Stop raising our taxes!"

Stop taxing us: We pay your wages

Cold day for global warming: As might be expected, the idea of man-made global warming was the punchline for many jokes on a snowy, windy, Minnesota mid-April day.

Cold on the idea of man-induced climate change