Candidate for Governor Becky Lourey filed her campaign finance report today (Friday) indicating that she has raised $443,308 since Jan. 1, 2006 .  The report indicates beginning cash on Jan. 1, 2006 of $15,749; total contributions of $268,789; miscellaneous income – (electronic donations - credit cards and Pay Pal) of $137,249; loans of $37,270; campaign expenditures of $440,580; non-campaign disbursements of $1,292 for a total expenditure of $441,372; unpaid expenditures of $113,726; unpaid non-campaign disbursements of $5,835; and cash on hand of $17,660.  The campaign report was delayed due to database difficulties and electronic transaction transcriptions requiring manual data entering into the state report.

"Naturally, we are disappointed with having a debt, but we will pay it off.  Our fundraising efforts are gaining steam, and we will get a tremendous boost from public financing with a victory in the Sept. 12 DFL primary."

Candidate for Governor Becky Lourey will report a deficit in her campaign fund when filings are due Monday.  The amount of deficit, which has been reduced since the June DFL convention, will not be known until time of state filing.

"It was challenging to raise funds to lower debt following the DFL convention, but we have been encouraged in recent weeks by growing financial and voter support.  Retiring this debt is a high priority, and we have restructured the campaign to put us on the right track.  The campaign is bolstered by an influx of tremendously talented volunteers and the willingness of committed workers to make sacrifices.  It is difficult to raise funds when my candidacy so clearly speaks for the public interest, not monied special interests."

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota .  She has 16 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

Becky Lourey: President Has Failed to Lead
Security, Energy, Health Care Require Decisive State Action
August 21, 2006

In a statement released today, Candidate for Governor Becky Lourey strongly criticized President Bush in his failure to lead the nation in meeting the needs of health care, energy and national security.

"It wasn't until today – August 21, 2006 – that President Bush publicly recognized the Iraq War has strained the nation's psyche.  Yet, the damage done by his national security policy failures goes so much further than a strain on the American people.  It reaches the very fabric of our democracy and national economic welfare.  The Bush energy policy is muddled, weakening our national security and draining the pocketbooks of every Minnesota family.  His visit here -- apparently to speak about health care -- only shines a glaring light on his failure to offer any solutions to the health care crisis that exists in Minnesota and across the nation.  Today, in response to his lack of leadership and inaction, Republicans and Democrats in states across the nation are setting forward-looking policies on security, energy and health care.  Minnesota needs new leadership with a vision that is clear, decisive and inclusive."                     

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota .  She has 16 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.  Her plan is available at www.BeckyLourey.org.

Becky Lourey Welcomes Vigorous Health Care Debate  
Hatch, Pawlenty Offer Disappointing, Half-baked Plans
August 10, 2006

Candidate for Governor Becky Lourey today expressed disappointment with partial health care plans offered recently by Mike Hatch and Tim Pawlenty.  Lourey offered her reaction to the two differing proposals:

"At a time when hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans have lost health care coverage, Mike Hatch is talking about 'inching along' with reform.  We have a very costly, inefficient health care system, and his plan of inching along will not keep up with growing health care crisis. In fact, his timid approach will have Minnesota inching backward from higher costs and coverage losses.  We now know that fixing the health care system requires far more effort than simply attacking its excesses.

"Tim Pawlenty deserves slightly higher marks for coming forward with something tangible - QCare - aimed at quality care for Minnesotans who rely on public plans.  It is unfortunate that the Pawlenty plan was announced by Executive Order, excluding the participation of patients and enrollees who will be most affected by the program.  Setting high health care expectations should be done by consensus of everyone involved.
 
"Neither Mike Hatch nor Tim Pawlenty appear interested in true health care system reform aimed at a healthier Minnesota .  My step-by-step comprehensive Health Care Security Plan can achieve universal coverage within four years while controlling costs."             

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota .  She has 16 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee. 

Read Senator Lourey's Healthcare Plan.

Becky Lourey on Appropriate National Guard Use
May 15, 2006

President Bush is expected to announce tonight that he is deploying state National Guard troops to supplement the Border Patrol along the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

“Although this questionable deployment does not directly impact the Minnesota National Guard, it does raise yet another concern about appropriate state militia use. Beyond any doubt National Guard troops have the talent to assist the U.S. Border Patrol in its duties, but the federal government alone should take responsibility for securing our national borders,” Lourey said. “As Minnesotans, we appreciate the tremendous personal and financial sacrifices made by our National Guard and their families as they have willingly served repeated tours of duty overseas. Serving on the Senate’s veterans affairs policy committee and attending forums in our communities, I have listened closely to the testimony regarding our returning Guardsmen and women. It is my duty to speak out on their behalf, communicating to federal authorities that the National Guard’s role should be reserved to responding to real and immediate threats to state and federal security.”

Senator Becky Lourey is endorsed for Governor by the DFL Veterans Caucus. A nationally recognized health care public policy expert, Lourey resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 16 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

Becky Lourey on DFL Veterans’ Endorsement
May 15, 2006

The Minnesota DFL Veterans Caucus this month announced a strong endorsement of Becky Lourey for Governor. In part, the endorsement states: “State Senator Lourey has demonstrated ample knowledge of and concern for the vital interests of veterans, active military personnel, and their families. She has been active as a member of the Senate Agriculture, Veterans Affairs and Gaming Committee in serving those interests. She offers a proven record of veterans’ advocacy to back up her commitment to continue addressing their needs. And she understands the demands that will be felt by state agencies and resources as numbers of Iraq and Afghanistan vets return home to Minnesota… We don't see how Minnesota veterans could do better than to have a friend like Becky Lourey in the highest position in state government.”

“Returning soldiers, military personnel stationed in Minnesota and the National Guard must have a strong advocate not only within state government, but speaking out on their behalf in Washington, D.C. Returning veterans face tremendous health care and employment challenges in the months and years ahead, and meeting their needs will require our utmost commitment,” Lourey said. “It is a great honor to have the DFL veterans’ endorsement as the next commander-in-chief of the Minnesota National Guard.”

The full Minnesota DFL Veterans Caucus endorsement statement and Becky Lourey’s responses to the group’s screening questionnaire are posted at http://mndflvets.org. Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 16 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee. Her son, Matt, died in combat while piloting a U.S. Army Kiowa Warrior helicopter on May 27, 2005, over Buhriz, Iraq.

Minnesota NOW Endorses Becky Lourey
May 9 , 2006

Minnesota NOW (National Organization for Women) this week announced an “A” rating and endorsement of Becky Lourey for Governor. The Lourey campaign will receive a political action committee donation and in-kind assistance from the group. No other candidate for Governor has received the Minnesota NOW endorsement or an A rating.

“The Minnesota NOW endorsement is a tremendous personal honor, and a significant boost to our growing campaign success. I share the principles of fairness and justice held high by NOW, and will be working hard to implement them as Governor of Minnesota,” Lourey said.

Affiliated with national NOW, Minnesota NOW has approximately 2,400 members from throughout the state with six affiliated local chapters. The group actively works to change the political, social, economic and cultural landscape for women in Minnesota with an emphasis on: ratification of an unamended Equal Rights Amendment; repeal of all laws restricting safe, legal abortion; protection of lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender civil rights; eliminating racism; freedom from violence; and opposition to punitive welfare reform.

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 16 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

St. Paul Newspaper Deal Doesn’t Pass the Smell Test
April 26, 2006

Candidate for Governor Becky Lourey is calling for an immediate anti-trust investigation into the apparently non-competitive deal between Star Tribune owner McClatchy Co. and Denver-based MediaNews Group for the purchase of the Pioneer Press and three other major daily newspapers. She joins newspaper union leaders in California who are calling for government regulatory intervention investigating the proposed deal.

“We have no evidence that this was a competitive arms-length transaction entered into with the best interests of preserving the high quality of Minnesota journalism,” Lourey said. “We know of at least two serious, well-funded potential bidders who were willing to participate in an open, competitive process, but they were intentionally kept out. An immediate anti-trust investigation is warranted.

“In fact, the appropriate authorities should have joined me in raising their concerns well before this questionable deal was struck. This is another instance when the public interest should have been held high above corporate interests much sooner -- before the damage was done.”

Lourey originally expressed her concerns about the pending resale of the Pioneer Press on April 5, shortly after the McClatchy-Knight Ridder transaction was announced.

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 16 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

Becky Lourey on the Sharp Rise in Uninsured Minnesota Children
April 19, 2006

Background: The number of children lacking health insurance coverage was estimated at 68,000 in 2004 (most recent reported data), a 21 percent estimated increase compared to 2001. Loss of health care coverage for children under 6 years old was especially dramatic -- up by an estimated 11,000, according to a report released today (Wednesday) by the Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota. The statistical data is based on surveys conducted by the Minnesota Department of Health.

“We are losing ground on health care coverage in Minnesota, and the current leadership has our state headed in the wrong direction. Tim Pawlenty’s deep health care cuts in 2003 and his relentless raids on dedicated health care funds are moving us further from our goal of universal health care. The future of our state is all about our children. Providing our children with health care coverage is essential to their success.

“It is unacceptable that 68,000 children in our state lack health care coverage, and it is frustrating to learn that our youngest Minnesotans have been hardest hit by the health care cuts and budget shifts. Comparing Minnesota to the struggles facing other states does nothing to fix a deteriorating situation. My campaign is the first to offer a comprehensive health care solution to cover all children – and all Minnesotans – by 2010. We cannot separate children from their families to achieve the goal of universal coverage.”

Becky Lourey on St. Paul Ford Plant Announcement
April 13, 2006

“The announcement from Ford Motor Co. is tremendously disappointing for the workers, their families and our entire state. This auto plant is among the most efficient in the nation thanks to its dedicated workforce, so announcement of its closing by 2008 is extremely frustrating.

“Frankly, short-sighted policies at both the federal and state levels are partially responsible for this result. Ford management shares blame for not responding quickly enough to market trends. We should not give up hope on the possibility of transforming this plant to production of energy-efficient vehicles utilizing hybrid technology or biofuels such as E-85.

“The State of Minnesota should focus greater attention on keeping and growing high-paying jobs in our key sectors. Under Tim Pawlenty, we have failed miserably at growing the economy and job losses at the Ford Plant underscore this significant failure. Our immediate focus should be on retraining displaced workers and securing transitional benefits for them.”

Becky Lourey on Minneapolis Public Safety Concerns
April 5, 2006

“Tim Pawlenty employs textbook Republican Swift Boat tactics. He is attacking on the same public safety failures that are making him so vulnerable. In Minneapolis and across the state, Pawlenty's local aid budget slashing has greatly compromised public safety. He wrongly points the finger of blame elsewhere and brazenly interferes with local budgeting decisions he does not understand. Rather than tear down the state and local government partnership for personal gain, we should be reaching out for greater cooperation and enhanced public safety.”

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has more than 15 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

Becky Lourey on Pending Sale of the Pioneer Press
April 5, 2006

“Newspaper journalism in the Twin Cities faces an important crossroads with the pending sale of the Pioneer Press. Nationally, we have seen competition sacrificed and journalistic integrity compromised, so a major ownership change naturally raises concern. Minnesotans take their tradition of high-quality news standards seriously, and we will stand proudly with the award-winning Pioneer Press staff in the effort to preserve those standards. As a strong believer in worker ownership of businesses, I think it would be wonderful if newspaper employees could gain a stake in their company.”

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has more than 15 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

Becky Lourey on Early Childhood Penalty
March 30, 2006

Candidate for Governor Becky Lourey objects to state Early Childhood Reserve penalties against 82 school districts announced recently by the Minnesota Department of Education. “This penalty ultimately hurts our youngest learners, and shows a failure of leadership by Gov. Pawlenty. This is another of his budget gimmicks that enriches the state’s bottom line by taking back general fund revenues owed to schools. These 82 school districts throughout Minnesota were already reeling from the state’s early childhood cuts in 2005,” Lourey said.

In many instances, school districts were trapped with excessive budget reserves triggered by state funding fluctuations. In 2005, state early childhood funding was cut from $120 to $96 per child. Penalties total $632,305, with $272,323 in state aid taken away, coupled with $369,982 lost in local levies. Examples of total school district aid and levy penalties include $137,118 for Minneapolis, and $38,078 for Anoka-Hennepin.

“Minnesota should be a national leader in early childhood education, but we’re headed in the wrong direction with these excessive bureaucratic penalties and funding cuts. School districts were trapped by state funding uncertainties, and our Early Childhood Family Education programs are unfairly paying the price,” Lourey said.

“We should provide amnesty from the penalties this year, and as Governor I will be working hard to replace the ‘gotcha’ mentality with a stronger partnership between the State of Minnesota and our local public schools.”

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has more than 15 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

Note to Editors and News Directors: You can localize this story by checking on the status of penalties for local school districts by clicking on the ECFE tab after downloading the state spreadsheet here.

Becky Lourey Places Ad Blasting Radical Republicans For Using Politics of Personal Destruction
New Website Created to Track Tactics
March 23, 2006

State Senator Becky Lourey, candidate for Minnesota Governor, announced today that her campaign placed an advertisement in the Star Tribune for publication on Thursday, March 23, 2006, that calls on the radical right wing of the Republican party and Republican leadership to stop the politics of personal destruction directed at Majority Leader Dean Johnson.

“The Minnesota Republican leadership and the radical right wing of the Republican party have taken a page right out of Karl Rove’s playbook,” Lourey said.“They want their radical agenda passed into law and are willing to go to great lengths to accomplish their goals. Be assured, in this instance, these people are not acting out of concern for the integrity of the judiciary--it’s all about political advantage.”

The ¼-page ad points out the hypocritical tactics that the Republican leadership uses to advance its radical political agenda. In addition to the advertisement, the Lourey campaign has launched a website, www.LoureyRepublicanWatch.org, to track the attacks of the radical right wing of the Republican party.

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 15 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee. Her campaign website is www.beckylourey.org.

Becky Lourey on Funeral Protest Vote
March 16, 2006

Candidate for Governor Becky Lourey cast the lone dissenting legislative vote today (March 16) on H.F. 2985, making it unlawful to voice protest at funerals.

“As Americans, we stand proudly for freedom of expression; the right is unconditional. The behavior of Fred Phelps’ followers is indefensible. We must not give their actions the power to take away our rights. Our country was built on a foundation of constitutional rights – and one of the most important is the freedom of speech. I will never compromise my convictions for political expediency. I will always stand for freedom.

“The hardest time to stand for freedom is in the face of overwhelming sentiment. This is when the defense of freedom is most important. I will never back down from a vote of conscience. We appear to be losing our ability to respect differences of opinion or have a civil dialogue. Legislating respectful behavior is not likely to help. In fact, more likely it will hurt.”

Becky Lourey on Pawlenty Campaign Finance Violations
March 15, 2006

“How can we trust Tim Pawlenty with the Minnesota state budget when he repeatedly fails to keep his campaign finances straight? Three times in four years he has broken faith with Minnesotans by breaking campaign rules and violating the law. His campaign violations put well-heeled interests ahead of the common interest of Minnesotans.”

In 2002, the Tim Pawlenty campaign amassed the largest Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure fine in state history -- $100,000 – for improperly claiming that $800,000 in television ads were “independent expenditures” outside of the campaign. In 2004 and today (March 14), the Pawlenty campaign was fined smaller amounts for receiving excessive contributions.

Becky Lourey on State of the State Address
March 9, 2006

Minnesotans are still searching for candid leadership and vision. Once again, Governor Tim Pawlenty doesn't begin to get us there.

The damage done to our schools and accessible health care can not be repaired by the empty proposals put forward by this Governor. Timid best describes his plans. His agenda of division and fear remain a destructive focus that threatens Minnesota’s cultural diversity, economic vibrancy and quality of life.

Let’s be very clear: Tim Pawlenty has not balanced the budget. And his proposals outlined today are more of the same empty rhetoric that has become the hallmark of his administration. The defeat of his phony “health impact fee that is not a tax” will likely put the state in the red again. His refusal to recognize budget inflation is another gimmick. Schools with 40 students in their classrooms are deficit-ridden. For the first time ever, we are borrowing against our children’s future to pave roads. And this governor is still raiding reserved health care funds while refusing to restore MinnesotaCare benefits to tens of thousands who have lost their coverage due to his uncaring actions.

Minnesotans are ready for a change. They no longer want the status quo and are looking for leadership that is open and honest and brings people together. As governor, I will make the commitment to do what is right for all Minnesotans not privileged special interest groups.

Lourey on DFL Straw Poll results
March 8, 2006

We are pleased with the results of the straw poll tonight. This race is wide open.

Although I was the last candidate to enter the race, my second place caucus finish strongly demonstrates that Minnesotans are responding to my positive message of hope and vision.  One thing is clear: Minnesotans are ready for a change in leadership and not a continuation of the status quo. They want a leader who will bring people together, find common ground and focus on doing what is right for all Minnesotans. Every day, more people are finding that leadership in me.

We still have a lot of work left to do to secure the DFL endorsement, claim the primary nomination, and reject Tim Pawlenty and the Republican agenda in November. With energy and enthusiasm, we look forward to the race ahead.

Statement by Senator Becky Lourey on the death of Kirby Puckett
March 7, 2006

Today all Minnesotans mourn the loss of Kirby Puckett.  Kirby touched us in many ways through his exuberant play on the filed, his joyful personality and his many years of community service.  One didn’t have to be a baseball fan to appreciate all that he meant to our state. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kirby’s family and friends. His untimely death is a great loss for Minnesota and the entire baseball world. 

I believe in reasonable gun laws based on protecting public safety and preserving personal rights. With that in mind, my position on “Conceal and Carry” legislation has remained consistent with the expert advice of law enforcement authorities I represent.

My vote against the fast-track, never-negotiated 2004 "conceal and carry" legislation which changed the way gun carry permits are processed in the State of Minnesota was based on significant, unanswered safety concerns raised by law enforcement personnel and others. One year after the Minnesota Supreme Court declared the 2004 law invalid, a thoroughly negotiated “Conceal and Carry” compromise bill emerged with substantial support from my local sheriffs and other law enforcement officials. With their concerns addressed, I voted for the 2005 legislation. In addition, it became clear that initial concerns about increased gun violence attributed to changes in the permit system had not materialized.

We must cut through the partisan rhetoric and polarizing hot button issues to focus on what really works in reducing violent crime: Quick and appropriate sentencing; prison programs providing education opportunities; job skills and substance abuse counseling; and community-based initiatives to reintegrate people into the community after they have served their time.

The current Governor has shown no leadership and he has badly misplaced priorities when it comes to safeguarding the public. His irresponsible fiscal policies have reduced the number of police on our streets, and he has stood idly by as crime in our communities has increased. As Governor, I will be fully commit to investing in public safety and reducing crime.

"Candidate for Governor Becky Lourey today (March 2, 2006) announced her support for changing laws that fail to protect citizens from privacy intrusions for political pitches.

"As was reported today, it is clear the Republican Party is violating the trust of Minnesota citizens by sending out data-mining CDs. This method of collecting information from home computers is already illegal for any business in Minnesota. It should be illegal for political organizations too," Lourey said. "It's time to close the loophole. Politicians and political organizations should be held to the same standards as everyone else."

"We all applaud the participation of socially aware businesses and foundations such as Frey for striving to end homelessness in Minnesota as was announced today by Governor Pawlenty. Today's announcement is ironic, however, because Governor Pawlenty has a failing record when it comes to addressing the root causes that prevent homelessness and its high costs. Standing at a news conference does not change that poor record.

"For four years, the Pawlenty administration has pursued policies that limit health care coverage and create hurdles to receive mental health benefits for those who are most at risk. Both are key contributors to the cause of chronic homelessness.

"Instead of showing up at press conferences, Governor Pawlenty should help me and my colleagues pass my proposed Runaway and Homeless Youth Act which will directly address the root causes of homelessness by providing support services and critical health care for those most susceptible."

The “Progress for America” ad starts out emphasizing the heroic service of our soldiers, and certainly we want to honor their service to our state and nation. But the message is manipulative, leading to a false conclusion about the true reasons for going to war in Iraq. Blaming the media for reporting the truth won’t change the facts.

The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy issued a report Thursday indicating that at least 3,000 acres of wetlands have been destroyed in the past 15 years due to exceptions and inadequate enforcement of the state Wetland Conservation Act. In addition, the state has lost lower court rulings for failure to comply with the 1972 federal Clean Water Act.

“By any tangible measure, the Pawlenty administration has failed to protect our lakes and streams, and critical habitat. For good reason, thousands of hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts have rallied at the state capitol demanding habitat restoration. What we want are clean waters so that fish and waterfowl will be more plentiful. Rather than riding ATVs into tree stumps or holding press conferences to claim he’s green, we need real leadership to clean up our precious state surface waters. Despite executive inaction on the long-overdue Clean Water Legacy Act, I intend to fight for a fair funding solution so Minnesota can come into compliance with federal clean water requirements.”

As a 15-year legislative veteran, Senator Becky Lourey has been a consistent champion for the environmental preservation and the interests of outdoor sporting groups. The Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance has honored Lourey “in recognition and appreciation for your help in preserving Minnesota's valuable outdoor heritage for future generations.” Lourey ranks highest in League of Conservation Voters scorecard ratings among greater Minnesota state senators over the past five years.

Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

A new nonpartisan fiscal report from the Minnesota Senate shows conclusively that numerous state fees have ratcheted upward sharply in the three years since Tim Pawlenty took office. Candidate for Governor Becky Lourey opposes the game-playing and gimmicks used by the current administration, and she will offer an honest approach to state budgeting.

“Tax fairness is the key to this debate. We now know that fees have gone up $893 million under this governor, and that does not even count the 50% in state college tuition hikes (from fall 2002 to fall 2006). Most of these fee hikes hit middle-income and modest-income Minnesotans hardest. This state needs a different kind of leadership. I believe we should have a frank and honest tax debate, and fix the system so that highest-income taxpayers aren’t paying lower tax rates than everyone else. As a fiscally disciplined governor, I will not make false promises or play accounting games with Minnesotans’ tax dollars.”

In addition, this week the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the Economic Policy Institute released a report indicating that the rich-poor gap has widened over the past two decades specifically in Minnesota, as well as most other states. (The report measures the gap by comparing the 20 percent richest incomes against the 20 percent poorest incomes.)

Peter Hutchinson’s entry into the governor’s race further highlights the differences between Sen. Becky Lourey and the other candidates. “While Peter writes well about changing the tone of state government from the outside, among the candidates I alone have a 16-year legislative record of bringing diverse -- and  often divisive -- groups together to achieve real, common sense solutions like MinnesotaCare.  My ability to build coalitions inside the Capitol and beyond draws on the strengths required of every skilled governor – working well with the legislature.”

The Lourey campaign strategy focuses on providing Minnesotans a clear contrast with her opponents. “People want solutions on the real issues: double digit property tax increases, the high cost of health care, and a quality educational system for all.  The values, priorities and progressive principles of the DFL are exactly what Minnesota needs right now. These are my values and issues, I am proud of them, and I will campaign on them.”

Patty Wetterling has had a tremendous impact on the issues raised in the United States Senate race. Patty brought the critical issues of concern for children and families to the forefront of the debate. She courageously spoke out against the Iraq war. This leadership adds to her work that triggered milestone law enforcement and child protection changes both nationally and in Minnesota. I look forward to her continued dedicated public service in these areas.

This is another divide and conquer election-year ploy – not an effective immigration policy. Clearly, the Governor is trying to frighten people rather than dealing fully with this complicated issue. People are sick of this kind of electioneering.

Local law enforcement has been cut to the bone by this Governor; police are already seriously hampered in tracking sex offenders, arresting human traffickers and responding to emergency calls. And now, he wants to pile an unfunded mandate onto police officers requiring them to carry out the time-consuming federal job of immigration enforcement. We already know that turning local law enforcement into INS officials simply results in more unreported domestic abuse and hinders community policing efforts.

This is another distraction from the real, challenging issues of the day. Our schools are struggling to offer a globally competitive education; our transportation system is crumbling; and health care burdens are overwhelming. We will continue addressing the issues that champion Minnesota values.