First, the in the governor’s race, Margaret Anderson Kelliher has announced a new hire.

[Anderson Kelliher's] campaign says it hired Allison Myhre as camp. spokeswoman. Myhre worked for DFL Rep. Collin Peterson.

And in the race for the party nomination, Attorney Susan Gaertner has stated she is no longer abiding by the endorsement, choosing to run in the primary regardless.

In the 6th CD, Tarryl Clark has been endorsed by Emily’s List.

EMILY’s List doesn’t lend its imprimatur to all pro-choice women candidates and the endorsement indicates that they take Clark’s chances seriously.

In the press release announcing the endorsement, EMILY’s List President Ellen Malcolm called Clark (who is also assistant majority leader of the state Senate) “a proven vote getter in what is traditionally rough territory for Democrats,” and asserted that “her candidacy puts this district in play and gives Democrats the best shot at picking up this swing-seat in November.”

But the 6th isn’t the only race with action. Former State Legislator Shelly Madore is challenging Dan Powers for the DFL endorsement in the 2nd district. The winner of that race will go on to face sitting congressman Republican John Kline. According to mnpACT:

Democrat Madore broke a long standing Republican stranglehold of the District 37A legislative seat in 2006. In fact, she broke a lot of barriers for Democrats in the South Metro, finding a way to win in a perceived conservative district. She lost her bid for re-election in 2008, by a narrow margin, to a heavily financed challenger, Tara Mack.

When she was elected in 2006, she quickly became a driving force for transportation issues in the south metro area….something that may run as a strong campaign theme in her 2010 bid.

And Maureen Hackett, one of the candidates running to unseat first term Congressman Erik Paulsen, has made a radio ad buy.

Maureen Hackett, a DFLer running in Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District, started running a radio ad on Air America. The ad is a basic introductory ad detailing Hackett’s profile.

Hackett’s spokesman said the ad will run 70 times over the next two weeks at the cost of $674.80.

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.

As if Michele Bachmann’s 2010 re-election battle wasn’t already going to be a doozy, it’s begun shaping up as a proxy war between the forces of U.S. Sen. Al Franken and the man he bested in Minnesota’s recount, former Sen. Norm Coleman. “The eyes of the nation — and Michele Bachmann’s right-wing allies — will be on this race,” Franken wrote in an email today on behalf of Bachmann rival Tarryl Clark. ”I have no doubt [Bachmann] is going to get re-elected by her constituents,” Coleman told an audience at Harvard University Tuesday night.

Regardless of the outcome, I’m sure we can all agree on one thing — please don’t let this race drag on into 2011.

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 has been a proven leader for Minnesota’s working families,” said Kyle Makarios, Political Director for the Council. “It is important to have someone in Washington who is advocating for workers, especially in this time of economic hardship.”

This early endorsement jumpstarts the Carpenters involvement in the 2010 campaign for Congress. The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters represents 13,000 members in Minnesota, including 2,447 in the 6th Congressional District.

North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters
Serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota
700 Olive Street, Saint Paul, MN 55130

www.northcountrycarpenter.org