This week, Tarryl and I are celebrating my 49th birthday. It is my first 49th birthday, and I haven’t completely decided whether it will be my last 49th birthday. I may decide to have a few more before I’m ready to admit to being fifty. You know, try it on and see if it fits.

By coincidence, it is also the anniversary of starting my first full-time job after graduating from law school and passing the bar exam. That job marked the first time we had family health insurance.

Like far too many working families today, we did not have family health insurance coverage before that time. And while Tarryl had an individual policy through her work, it offered no maternity coverage. We went through our first pregnancy, Colin’s birth, and his first 3 months of life without health insurance. During that time, we struggled to pay for the cost of doctor visits, hospital stays, and routine tests – we even had to pre-pay for Colin’s birth.

We lived with the fear of unexpected illness or injury. Without family insurance, a car accident or injury while playing a pick-up basketball game could have spiraled us into massive debt. God blessed Colin with good health, as even minor health problems for him would have been far beyond our ability to pay. Any major accident or illness would have driven us into bankruptcy, and possibly destroyed our family. We lived through that time on faith and prayer and hard work.

I have thought about that part of our lives many times over the years as I have watched Tarryl fight for working families, senior citizens, children, and veterans. In her years as an advocate at the Capitol, and as a State Senator, Tarryl has been a strong voice for extending health care coverage. I am proud to see the fruit of her efforts, and many others, help tens of thousands of Minnesotans get decent health care insurance, and maintain that insurance through difficult economic times.

We need Tarryl’s energy and commitment at the national level. As our representative in Congress, Tarryl will continue her work to extend health care coverage to those who need it and help make health care more affordable and stable for those who have it. No one should have to worry about how to provide basic care for their family, like we did.

With your help, Tarryl can take her passion and commitment all the way to Congress, where she can continue to speak out for meaningful health care reform, and work to make sure it works for every Minnesota family.

But it will take a commitment from you, too: a commitment to fighting for the issues we share, a commitment to getting the message out, and a commitment to being a part of this campaign.

You can show your commitment today by making a donation of $20.10 to our campaign. Your support is all I’m asking for this birthday.

With your help, Tarryl can take this critically important fight for affordable, accessible health care all the way to Congress.

Sincerely,
Doug Clark

Dear Friend,

I’m proud to support my friend, Senator Tarryl Clark, in her campaign for Congress.

Tarryl is a seasoned, experienced legislator. She knows her district, and she knows central Minnesota. She knows the needs of the people of this area — their economic needs, their transportation needs, and their community service needs. She knows how to work in a legislative environment, to work across party lines and to bring people together for a consensus to build a better future for us in Minnesota.

Tarryl is a winner—she’s already won in this district. With your support, she will win this campaign and serve the people of Minnesota effectively.

We need Tarryl in Congress – and you can make sure she gets there. Please join me in supporting Tarryl Clark by sending a contribution of $25, $50, $100 or whatever you can today.

With your help, Tarryl will join me in working for you in Congress.

Sincerely,

Congressman Jim Oberstar

p.s. you can view my video endorsement (and contribute today) at www.tarrylclark.com

Gubernatorial candidate Margaret Anderson Kelliher received her third union endorsement last week, this time from the Greater MN AFSCME Council 65. She then capped off last week by winning the DFL side of the gubernatorial straw poll at the Minnesota Farmer’s Union’s yearly meeting.

MnpACT has an interview with Dr. Maureen Hackett, DFL Candidate in CD 3. Among the standard questions, they delve into the controversy surrounding her previous donations to non-DFL candidates. Hackett addresses the scandal, stating, “I’m a Democrat and have overwhelmingly given to Democrats and Democratic causes, both locally, other state races, and nationally. On some occasions I have given to promote ideas. I have also given money to have access to events.”

Smart Politics takes note of the percentage of female donors contributing to the two women vying for the DFL endorsement in the 6th CD congressional race, with both State Senator Tarryl Clark and former IP Lt. Gov. candidate Maureen Reed receiving almost 50% of their campaign contributions from women.

And, speaking of Smart Politics, a post I have been meaning to link to for weeks now, “When Will Minnesota (or Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota…) Elect a Woman as Governor?” The summary? In Minnesota and/or Wisconsin, 2010 may finally be the year.

CLARK TO OPEN ST. CLOUD CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS
Welcomes supporters and public to join the campaign for Congress

St. Cloud, MN – State Senator Tarryl Clark will officially open her St. Cloud Campaign Headquarters this Saturday, November 7, 2009. Clark will welcome supporters and public to the new office with a celebration and opportunities to become part of her campaign for Congress.

WHO: Tarryl Clark and her supporters

WHEN: Saturday, November 7, 2009, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

WHERE: Clark Campaign HQ, 3335 West St. Germain St, Suite 109, St. Cloud, MN

The Clark campaign is off to a strong start, having already received support from thousands across the district. In her first quarter, Clark raised more than $308,000 from more than 2,400 individuals. Clark’s campaign has also earned numerous endorsements and the support of elected officials and individuals from all corners of the 6th Congressional District.

To learn more about the campaign, visit www.tarrylclark.com

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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WOMENWINNING IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE OUR ENDORSEMENT OF
Senator Tarryl Clark for the 6th District Seat in Congress

Senator Tarryl Clark has proven that she can win in this district. womenwinning has determined that this is the year in which Minnesota will finally defeat Michele Bachmann. Senator Clark is positioned and prepared to win this race with your help.

*Please look for forthcoming information regarding a fundraiser in late September. Details to follow.

Tarryl Clark had this to say about Tinklenberg’s departure from the race:

“From day one, El and I have shared the common goal of changing the 6th District’s representation in Congress. El knows first-hand from his work just how much is at stake for the working families and small businesses across Minnesota. I thank El for his dedication and public service, and know he will continue to be a leader in our community.”

And Maureen Reed has gave this statement:

“First and foremost, I want to thank El Tinklenberg for his dedication to public service. He has worked hard on behalf of the citizens of the sixth district and this state as Mayor of Blaine, State Transportation Commissioner and as a Congressional Candidate. El is a tremendous public servant. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

In the meantime, Clark has already been racking up endorsements, from the SCSU Young Dems to today’s announcement from AFSCME.

Will these early endorsements translate to big fund raising numbers? Time will only tell.

I’m excited by this news, as I think Clark will be an excellent challenger to Rep. Bachmann. I will admit I’m slightly surprised — the 6th CD probably has the greatest chance of any district of disappearing if Minnesota does lose a congressional seat after the census, and running for an office that may only exist for such a short time. Then again, should she defeat Bachmann there would be no greater hero within the DFL party.

The race now consists of three women, Bachmann, the GOP incumbent, and now Clark and former Independence Party candidate Maureen Reed vying against Elwyn Tinklenberg for the DFL endorsement. Such a crowded DFL field means a large amount of money to be spent before we even reach the actual primary. Reed has already shown some promise in the last quarter in fundraising, and Tinklenberg was able to raise great amounts near the end of 2008, albeit more out of Bachmann’s publicity than his own efforts. It will be interesting to see what sort of momentum Clark’s entry in the race brings for all three potential DFL candidates’ fundraising numbers.

Additional note: The website is odd. The straight url for tarrylclark.com redirects. I wish they had fixed that before the launch.

Edited to add: Well good, the url appears to be fixed. Much better.

Don’t worry if you haven’t heard much of Clark. She hardly ranks with the semi-household names like Sviggum and Moe of recent Capitol eras of the past, or even her contemporaries like long-timers Rep. Phyllis Kahn or Sen. Dick Day. Clark has only been in office since late 2005, when she won in a special election and was re-elected in 2006.

But increasingly, Clark is the face of the DFL at the Capitol. Though the party controls both chambers, and House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and House Majority Leader Tony Sertich are high-profile, Clark often soaks up her share of the spotlight.

Part of that is by design, especially in regard to Senate politics. There, Sen. Larry Pogemiller is the majority leader, but Clark shares many caucus duties in her assistant leader role. And Pogemiller has a reputation for, to put it charitably, an obstinacy that in the past infuriated GOP leaders, Capitol insiders and Pawlenty. And it doesn’t hurt that Clark is a politician from outside the metro area who happens to be a woman. From that perspective, her rising role makes political sense.

But Clark also possesses what many consider an ambition that is notable even by Capitol standards, and a gift for laying down spin with the best of them.

So is she eyeing higher office? All signs point to yes. The question, still, is which one is she running for?