Minnesota
| Minnesota Legislature | ||
Democrats |
Republicans |
|
| Senate | ||
| 2004 | 35 |
31 |
| 2006 | 38 |
29 |
| Today | 44 |
23 |
| House | ||
| 2004 | 53 |
81 |
| 2006 | 66 |
68 |
| Today | 85 |
49 |
Minnesota is home to many of the 20th century's most progressive leaders and most civic-minded citizens. Progressives from diverse backgrounds such as Hubert Humphrey, Eugene McCarty, Walter Mondale, Paul Wellstone, Betty McCollum, and Keith Ellison have represented Minnesota. Yet, counter to that progressive tradition, there has been a long standing conservative movement, augmented in the last several decades by suburban population booms. In electing Rudy Boschwitz (U.S. Senate 1978-1990), Arne Carlson (Governor 1990-1998), and Jesse Ventura (Governor 1998-2002), to Norm Coleman (US Senate 2002-present), and Tim Pawlenty (Governor 2002-present), Minnesota voters demonstrated their willingness to choose conservatives when they are not given a strong progressive choice.
Recent elections have reflected a progressive trend, but a continued effort is necessary to nurture and sustain the strong and deeply-rooted progressive movement in the state. Progressive Majority is uniquely suited to the task of finding, training, and supporting progressive candidates who appeal to the state's rich progressive history. After all, we see our job to bring more "Paul Wellstones" into office.
Click here to view Progressive Majority in Minnesota's state House targets for the 2008 election. A Twin Cities metro map is located here. The blue districts are currently held by Democrats. The red districts are currently held by Republicans. The green districts are where future Progressive Majority candidates are running (all are currently held by Republicans except one open seat currently held by a Democrat).
Melvin Carter III
Candidate for St. Paul City Council - Ward 1 (Challenger)
Melvin Carter is a 28 year old, African American, lifetime resident of Saint Paul with a background in community and electoral organizing; most recently, he worked on the Policy Outreach Team in the office of Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. Melvin won his 2007 election against a Chamber of Commerce-endorsed one-term incumbent, Debbie Montgomery. Melvin's election has shifted the St. Paul City Council from a moderate Council to a progressive Council. Melvin is a dynamic leader with the potential to make a difference in St. Paul.
John Nephew
Candidate for Maplewood City Council - At Large (Challenger)
John Nephew is a small business owner and member of the Maplewood City Council. John is a lifetime resident of Minnesota and has lived in Maplewood for six years. John has participated in Maplewoodvoices.com (a local blog that addresses the city of Maplewood's problems) and before his election, frequently attended City Council meetings as a citizen to voice his concerns over the mismanagement of the city. John's election shifts the Maplewood City Council from a conservative to a progressive Council. John is committed to returning pride to the city of Maplewood, delivering on promises of fiscal responsibility and restoring good government to the city.
Kim Ross
Candidate for Eden Prairie School Board - At Large (Open Seat)
Kim Ross is a member of the Eden Prairie School Board. She is a lifetime resident of Minnesota, has lived in Eden Prairie for 13 years, and has a six year old daughter. Kim is a marketing consultant, with a background in information technology and communications. Kim serves on the Citizens for Eden Prairie Schools and has been a tireless advocate for K-12 Education, lobbying at the legislature on behalf of her community. Kim's election to the Eden Prairie School Board maintains a strong progressive majority, and prevents a shift to a conservative board. Eden Prairie is located in Western Hennepin County and is a conservative-leaning area, but local electoral successes like Kim's will help bolster the district's progressive base and build a bench of future leaders.
Janet Glover
Candidate for Monticello School Board - At Large (Open Seat)
Janet Glover is a union member and school board representative in Monticello (Wright County), MN. Janet has lived in Monticello for six years and in Minnesota for over 30. She is a former AFSCME Council 65 member, former president of her local chapter, a current member of MAPE (Minnesota Association of Professional Employees), and very active on the Wright County Labor Council.
Pam Rykken
Candidate for St. Louis Park School Board - At Large (Open Seat)
Pam Rykken is a lifetime resident of Minnesota, has lived in St. Louis Park for 41 years, and was a first time candidate for St. Louis Park School Board before her 2007 victory. Pam is a fitness instructor and has been very involved in the Democratic Party serving on the Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) Education Foundation and as a volunteer on a variety of political campaigns. Most recently Pam joined Secretary of State Mark Ritchie's campaign staff. While St. Louis Park is a strong Democratic district, Republicans are often elected to the non-partisan city council and school board. Winning this race helps to strengthen the progressives in this suburb and build the bench for future legislative races. In addition, Pam is a strong, confident candidate with deep connections in her community. With enrollment declining and talks of additional school closings in the St. Louis Park School District, Pam is committed to addressing the tough problems in her community with creative and realistic solutions.
