Representative Diane Loeffler Endorses Anderson Kelliher for Governor
(Loeffler is my personal Rep, and wonderful…)
Next year we elect a new governor (it can’t come fast enough). I’ve had the privilege of working with many of the DFL gubernatorial candidates. We are lucky to have so many talented Democrats serving our state and its communities. Many of them are great idea people, some are inspiring speakers or are really fun to be around and they all contribute in impressive ways.
I started my career long ago working as a state policy and budget analyst and debated education options in the Governor’s office and with our state agency leaders. Throughout my career and in my elected service I’ve interacted with a variety of governors and learned a bit about what makes them successful, not just in getting elected, but in moving forward a strong vision.
Here’s what I’m looking for in selecting a Governor who will not only win but make a needed difference:
· Someone who’s demonstrated an ability to unite a variety of people behind tough goals and achieve them.
· An ability to bring a large group of people together across our diverse party and motivate them consistently and enthusiastically for political success. (It’s been over two decades since we’ve had a Democrat in the Gov’s office – time to be serious about the challenges of running and winning statewide).
· A demonstrated ability to get down and dirty on the state budget and stretch every dollar, cut where needed, and speak honestly that new revenue needs to be put on the table. We are predicted to again face a massive budget deficit – as much as 17-20% of our total General Fund. Resolving that will be job number one. While other times may allow for those new to state level challenges, this budget will be too daunting for that. The new Governor will have a very short time to assemble a biennial budget proposal due weeks after the swearing in. We need someone who will inspire Minnesotans with a cohesive plan that reflects democratic values for working together in tough times. Decisions made on the next budget will have long term implications for our future.
· An ability to not only develop new ideas on how to approach tough issues but who reaches out for and welcomes the ideas of others into shaping those ideas into practical programs.
· An ability to be “administrator in chief”. The Governor is the CEO of a $32 billion a year operation and must recruit and select people able to manage huge state agencies, oversee the performance of those agencies, set a tone that motivates the best from our employees, and manage any unexpected crisis that arises.
· A demonstrated compassion for the “little people” – the less powerful, the less sophisticated, and those challenged by illness or disability.
· A person whose heart is more imbedded in making a positive difference than achieving fame and fortune. (You have to be ambitious to win- this is a judgement call but an important one).
· A demonstrated ability to effectively work through and with others – an ability to not only lead but be an effective team member and who acknowledges that little happens by the action of one person alone.
· An ability to bridge the geographic divides. I’ve been disappointed at how often geographical regionalism has thwarted our progress on key issues confronting our state. I look for a person whose definition of “fairness” means no part of the state is ignored or overly favored.
While most of the candidates meet most of these tests, I’ve carefully weighed their attributes and one clearly stands out and has earned my endorsement – Speaker Margaret Anderson-Kelliher.
Her results and accomplishments are impressive – from orchestrating the historic override of the Governor’s transportation veto to growing the number of Democrats elected to the House. (While we lead now with 87 Democrats to 47 Republicans, it was just three years ago that Republicans were in charge of the House). We’ve adopted nation leading environmental and energy positions and models in health care reform that now are routinely cited as Congress and the President step up to this tough task.
Margaret’s commitment to education as a key component of our future success is unquestioned. I appreciate her leadership in moving early childhood education as a priority even in tough times. We were able to moderate the huge tuition increases in higher education. You know I cherish our libraries as resources for the many children who don’t have books or computers at home. Margaret was the chief author of the first increase in state library funding in twenty years.
Margaret’s style and personal attributes have been tested in the fire of tough times and tough negotiations and are the attributes that most impress me. It isn’t easy to keep 87 strong personalities working together. She’s proven she’s tough and effective in negotiations. Yet her leadership style is open and takes into account the ideas, needs and opinions of all. Margaret is ready to step up and engage Minnesotans behind a compelling vision and to manage their affairs so that progress is achieved.
I invite you to let me know if you agree (or disagree) at diane@dianeloeffler.com. Your insights and perspectives have always been appreciated. Thanks for being an active part of democracy in our area and join me in supporting Margaret by visiting www.margaretforgovernor.com.
Warm regards,
Diane
