WoMN Focus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 22, 2009

For more information contact:
Jaime Tincher, 651-357-4359

Anderson Kelliher campaign gains momentum

with statewide support

Leaders around the state sign on as supporters

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN) – In just over one month since announcing her campaign for governor, Margaret Anderson Kelliher has gathered endorsements from people all over Minnesota.

“It’s really important to me that Minnesotans from all over the state, from all different walks of life, and all different backgrounds are involved in my campaign for Governor,” Kelliher said. “It’s not just my campaign for Governor. It’s our campaign for Governor.”

Last week, Margaret was honored to earn the endorsement of womenwinning: Minnesota Women’s Campaign Fund. womenwinning is an organization committed to increasing the number of women in elected office by providing important financial support to its endorsed candidates.

For a full list of public endorsers, go to http://www.margaretforgovernor.com/grassroots.

Representative Karla Bigham

“I am supporting Margaret for Governor because she can bring people together to solve problems facing Minnesotans. She has a genuine passion for making Minnesota stronger.”

Representative Kathy Brynaert

“Margaret Anderson Kelliher is a strong leader and a great communicator. She has the capacity to refocus the political dialogue on the well being of our state. She has the skills to bring us together as we rebuild our economy in these difficult times.”

Representative Lyndon Carlson

“She’s very experienced. Probably one of the most qualified candidates that we’ve had in recent years. I say this with all confidence, there is probably no one who knows the intricacies of the state budget better than Margaret.”

Representative Frank Hornstein

“I can tell you first-hand we would never have overridden the Governor’s repeated vetoes of the transportation bill without Margaret’s leadership. She brought people together; from the business community, from labor; rural and urban.”

Former State Senator Becky Lourey

“Margaret’s experience is vast – she understands the importance of the countryside and the value it brings to urban and suburban Minnesota. Margaret’s communication skills will help to unite all of Minnesota.”

Representative Paul Marquart

“As the leader of the Minnesota House of Representatives, Speaker Kelliher has focused on the “bread and butter” issues facing rural Minnesota and delivered results that benefit our senior citizens, families, farmers, students and veterans.”

Former State Rep. Frank Moe

“As a Northern Minnesota Legislator it was important that we had a leader who listened to and cared about what we needed up here. As Speaker, Margaret has been that leader.”

Representative Terry Morrow

“Minnesota needs a leader with a heartfelt commitment to Minnesota, our people, and our future. I am confident that Margaret—my leader, my colleague, and my friend—is the right choice for Minnesota.”

Representative John Persell

“I am supporting Margaret because she has the intelligence and common sense to carry out the duties of Governor and move Minnesota forward to a sustainable economy in these changing times.”

Representative Nora Slawik

“She understands if you start educating kids young, and work with their families that you are going to save the state a ton of money.”

Representative Ryan Winkler

“One leader stands out from all the candidates running for governor in 2010: Margaret Anderson Kelliher. Margaret’s remarkable leadership qualities, her integrity, experience and hard work, make her the best choice for governor, and I am proud to support her campaign. I am also excited to support her campaign, because Margaret’s track record of winning elections shows what a strong candidate she will be to lead the DFL to victory in 2010.”

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(It’s an endorsement we all saw coming, although maybe not quite so soon with Gaertner still in the race. But it does show how serious both Anderson Kelliher and her supporters are going to be about raising money, something womenwinning is VERY good at.)

SAINT PAUL, MN – Today, womenwinning: Minnesota Women’s Campaign Fund, endorsed Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher in her race for Governor of Minnesota.

Speaker Kelliher says this endorsement is an important step to earning the DFL nomination and winning the general election in 2010. “I am honored to receive the support of an organization so committed to political equality for women across Minnesota,” Kelliher said. “From city councils and county boards to the halls of Congress, the work of womenwinning has helped these offices to more fully reflect the faces of Minnesota.”

For 27 years womenwinning: Minnesota Women’s Campaign Fund has been giving its financial support to pro-choice women candidates from all parties and at all levels of government. Over the last quarter century, the percentage of women representing the citizens of Minnesota has increased from 8 percent to 28 percent of the total offices on the state level. During the same period of time the number of women elected to the US Congress has nearly quadrupled from 23 to 87. Since 1982, womenwinning: Minnesota Women’s Campaign Fund has directed nearly $2 million to pro-choice women candidates from all parties and all levels of office.

“The womenwinning committee was very impressed with Margaret’s commitment to the issues most important to Minnesotans during these difficult economic times. We believe Margaret to be the best candidate for the job and look forward to working with her campaign,” said womenwinning Board chair, Courtney Cushing Kiernat.

In this time of big challenges, Speaker Kelliher not only has the focus and leadership skills to move this state into prosperity, she has the capacity to bring people together to create a positive vision for all Minnesotans.

The 6th District is full of women candidates, from sitting congresswoman Michele Bachmann to challengers Tarryl Clark and Maureen Reed. Rumors abound that Terri Bonoff might be considering taking on Congressman Erik Paulsen in the 3rd. And Congresswoman Betty McCollum looks like she’ll be once again holding the 4th easily.

Now, according to some, it looks like Congressman Tim Walz may soon be facing a female challenger as well.

According to Sally Jo, state Senator Julie Rosen (R – Fairmont) has been approached numerous times about serving as a challenger to Rep. Walz.

Rosen said that when she returned from a recent vacation, she was approached again about running, but for now her plans are to “stay here” since she believes that there’s much work to do in the state senate. However, she hasn’t ruled out throwing her hat into the congressional ring if she determines that Walz hasn’t been listening to people in his district about health care and energy issues.

“I’d consider running if I thought I could do a better job,” she said. “It wouldn’t be because I’m a Republican. Thinking that I could do a better job [than the incumbent] is what first motivated me to run in 2002.” Rosen defeated incumbent DFL Senator Chuck Fowler in 2002.

So will another woman be entering the ring? I guess only time will tell.

Video here

St. Paul – Today Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner announced that child safety advocate and former congressional candidate Patty Wetterling is supporting her campaign for governor of Minnesota. Gaertner’s campaign released the following letter from Wetterling this morning, outlining Wetterling’s reasons for endorsing Gaertner:

“Dear Friend,

Like many of you, I have refrained from making an early decision about who to support in the race for governor of Minnesota. With so many DFL candidates in the field, it has been no small challenge to determine which candidate I believe will be the best choice to lead our state through this difficult time.

Yet after sifting through information on the values, views, and priorities of all the candidates, one stands out from the rest. The person I am supporting has the executive leadership ability of a manager of a large public office, the community commitment of a local elected official, and the moral integrity of a prosecutor who does what is right rather than what is popular. With strong Democratic values and a pragmatic approach, this candidate will bring together progressives, moderates, and independents in a coalition that can win next November. This candidate is Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner, and I am proud to support her campaign for governor of Minnesota in 2010.

Throughout her career, Susan has demonstrated a passionate commitment to the families and communities of her jurisdiction. In addition to successfully prosecuting many dangerous offenders, she has led innovative projects that have made significant long-term impacts on the youth and families of Ramsey County.

With the Truancy Intervention Program, Susan has substantially increased school attendance and increased graduation rates in St. Paul and in the suburbs. She has dramatically improved coordination across jurisdictions for the prosecution of domestic violence cases through the Joint Domestic Abuse Prosecution Unit. She is also the only county attorney in Minnesota fully in charge of the county’s child support collection program; Ramsey County now brings in more than $62 million in child support annually, ensuring food, clothing, and health care for thousands of children in need.

For these reasons and more, I wholeheartedly support Susan’s candidacy. I am proud to get to share some of Susan’s accomplishments with you, and I am very hopeful that Susan will have the opportunity to extend her commitment to Ramsey County families to families across Minnesota, as our next governor.

We need Susan Gaertner’s principled and compassionate leadership to help give our state a fresh start. I hope you will join me by making a contribution or signing up to volunteer with her campaign today.

Sincerely,

Patty Wetterling”

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St. Paul, MN (September 29, 2009) Citing her support for working families as a Minnesota legislator, and her leadership as the Assistant Majority Leader in the State Senate, SEIU Minnesota State Council today announced its endorsement of Tarryl Clark to represent Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District in the United States Congress. The Service Employees International Union is the fastest-growing union in the country with 2.1 million members nationwide and 30,000 members in Minnesota.

“Tarryl has worked hard in the Senate representing working people in her District and now finally the 6th Congressional District has an opportunity to have a Congresswoman who works for the District and not for cable TV,” said Carol Nieters, a resident of St. Cloud and Secretary Treasurer of the SEIU Minnesota State Council. “I volunteered for Tarryl in her Senate race. When I went door to door in the District for Tarryl, one thing was clear: voters really like her. She’s proven she can win in a Republican leaning district.”

“Whenever Minnesota’s workers have needed her, Tarryl has been there,” said Julie Schnell, President of the SEIU Minnesota State Council. “Whether inside the Capitol or alongside workers in the field, Tarryl has always stood up for the best interests of hard-working Minnesotans. We’re proud to stand with her, and ready to get to work to win this election.”

SEIU unites 30,000 healthcare workers, public school employees, and property service workers across Minnesota, and as the state’s fourth largest union is a powerful voice for Minnesota’s working families. The State Council coordinates organizing, political, and legislative campaigns between SEIU’s four local unions in Minnesota.

BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES ENDORSE CLARK FOR CONGRESS
Join growing list of Clark supporters

The Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council announced today they have endorsed Tarryl Clark in her campaign for Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District seat.

“In the Senate, Tarryl Clark has been a strong voice for Minnesota’s working families,” said Harry Melander, President of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council. “From fair wages to job creation, Tarryl has stood with us. We’ve worked together on legislation including bills which would create ‘vertical’ construction jobs, bringing Labor together with other community partners to stimulate job creation. We know she’ll continue to stand up for hard-working Minnesotans in Congress, and we’re proud to endorse her.”

The Minnesota Building and Construction Trades represent more than 45,000 construction workers across Minnesota, including thousands in the 6th Congressional District. The Council has provided leadership and advocacy for construction workers in Minnesota for 60 years.

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(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

(This was everywhere as well, but the official press release follows.)

(Mankato, Minn) – Today, Minnesota Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher announced her campaign for Governor at her family farm near Mankato.

Highlighting her career in public service, Anderson Kelliher discussed her days growing up on a dairy farm and the challenges of the 80’s farm crisis.

“My family faced difficult times, but we were determined to face that crisis and succeed. Those difficult days shaped the person I am today.

“Minnesotans are hungry for a leader who not only understands our challenges but will work with them to solve the problems we face,” she said.

Anderson Kelliher was introduced by former Secretary of State Joan Growe who said, “I am supporting Margaret because I know no one will work harder for Minnesota. I want a governor who understands the problems we face, has ideas on how to correct them, has the vision for the future of our state, and the passion to get the job done.”

A graduate of Mankato West High School and Gustavus Adolphus College, Anderson Kelliher was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1998, and was elected Speaker by her colleagues after leading her caucus to the majority in the 2006 election.

As Speaker, she guided the passage of a nation-leading renewable energy standard. And when the safety of the state’s roads and bridges was at stake, she built a coalition of Democrats and Republicans, business leaders, farmers and environmentalists to override Governor Pawlenty’s veto of the transportation bill.

“In order to rebuild Minnesota, we need an economic plan that touches every corner of the state,” Anderson Kelliher said. “We cannot afford to have an opportunity gap in this state between rural and metropolitan Minnesota.”

Campaign Kickoff Video at www.margaretforgovernor.com.

Via Press Release:

Laborers Endorse Tarryl Clark for Congress

Join growing list of endorsements for Clark campaign

Delegates to the Laborers District Council have voted unanimously to endorse Tarryl Clark for Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District seat in Congress.

“We are very enthusiastic about Tarryl’s campaign,” said President and Business Manager Jim Brady. “We believe her knowledge, energy and enthusiasm for the working people of Minnesota make Tarryl the best candidate to represent us in Congress. While our current Representative has focused on partisanship and pandering to

her right-wing special interests, she’s all but ignored the working people of her district. They deserve better. We’re proud to support Tarryl Clark for Congress.”

The Laborers District Council of Minnesota and North Dakota, LIUNA represents approximately 12,000 members in the states of Minnesota , North Dakota and Northwestern Wisconsin, including more than 2,000 in Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District. These members are Construction Laborers working in the commercial building and highway construction sectors, as well as public employees, manufacturing workers, workers in environmental remediation, and other industrial workers.

More information on the Laborers District Council of Minnesota and North Dakota can be found on their website at www.minnesotalaborers.org.

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