State of Minnesota Archives: on Principles & Values
Tim Walz:
Coaching HS football taught grit, resilience, teamwork
The third reason I am giving my speech from this high school is a lesson I learned while coaching football. We were halfway through our season and had lost our first four games. To the astonishment of everyone who had watched us at the beginning of
the season, we qualified for the state playoffs. We went on to win to claim the state championship. I don't think we would've won if we hadn't lost at the beginning of the season. It taught us grit, resilience, and the true meaning of teamwork.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Minnesota legislature
Mar 28, 2021
Tim Walz:
Nonviolence the only way to move hearts and create change
So how do we usher in equality and dignity today? One way, which Dr. King spoke about at length in his speech, is nonviolent protest. As the trial of Derek Chauvin is underway, tensions and emotions will understandably run high.
Please, Minnesotans, make your voices heard. Practice your First Amendment right--but please heed Dr. King's advice that nonviolence is the only way to truly move hearts and create change.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Minnesota legislature
Mar 28, 2021
Mike Murphy:
Campaign about inclusion; everyone has a seat at this table
[Candidacy announcement]: "I am not running for power, popularity or financial gain. This campaign will be one of transparency and inclusion. It's not about being a Republican, a Democrat, a libertarian, a conservative, an independent or a grassroots
supporter. Everyone will have a seat at this table. All of us have the right to be passionate and to defend our principles. Embracing our differences is the key to a quality & understanding. I am a conservative, but that does not make me a bad person."
Source: PressPubs blog on 2022 Minnesota gubernatorial race
Feb 6, 2021
Mike Murphy:
I'm just mad at the political system in Minnesota right now
In announcing his campaign, Murphy said he has grown frustrated by the direction of politics in the state. He wants lawmakers to do more to work together. "I'm not necessarily mad at
Gov. Walz and about what he's doing," Murphy said. "I'm just mad at the whole entire political system in Minnesota right now."
Source: MPR News on 2022 Minnesota gubernatorial race
Feb 4, 2021
Jason Lewis:
Founders weren't trying to ban religion; it was the opposite
Q: Do you promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles?A: Yes.
Q: What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
A: People often interpret the meaning of "separation of church and
state" incorrectly. Our founders were not trying to ban religion. In fact it was the opposite. They believed we should be welcoming to every person of faith, not antagonistic to all people of faith. I believe the proper relationship between church and
state ought to be simple: a particular religion should never become the policy of state and the state must never interfere with the free exercise of religion.
Q: Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values?
A: The most important
value, the one that undergirds our society, is that our liberty comes from God and not another man. That is at the basis of everything I believe. I was raised Roman Catholic and have a strong belief in the Almighty.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Minnesota Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Jason Lewis:
Appoint Constitutional conservatives to the courts
Lewis released the following statement on the Supreme Court's ruling blocking President Donald Trump's rollback of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. "Liberal activist judges on the Supreme Court ruled that Trump may
not reverse what Obama himself admitted he had no power to do. This is judicial activism, plain and simple, and something I look forward to tackling when I'm in the Senate by appointing Constitutional conservatives to the courts."
Source: 2020 Minnesota Senate campaign website LewisForMN.com
Jul 8, 2020
Steve Carlson:
Models are Jesus Christ, Christmas, and the Holy Bible
Q: Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?A: Jesus Christ.
Q: What is your favorite holiday? Why?
A: Christmas.
Birth of hope and peace on earth.
Q: What is your favorite book? Why?
A: Holy Bible. Speaks of God's plan for humankind and all of his Creation, and of the Gospel.
Source: Ballotpedia.org Connection: 2020 Minnesota Senate race
Sep 9, 2019
Steve Carlson:
Fake news exists; as a journalist I know real news
Fake news exists. I am a journalist and worked as an editor and reporter for seven years at the Asian American Press and Asian Business and Community News and with the
Minnesota Minority Media Coalition. I know what real news is because I've created and edited it. It doesn't matter if it's "negative." What matters is the fair coverage that meets our information needs.
Source: CBS-4 Minnesota on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Jul 24, 2018
Paula Overby:
Don't empower human institutions with authority of God
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Keep God in the public sphere"?
A: Oppose--I do not wish to empower human institutions with the authority of God. People should have the liberty of expressing their individual beliefs in the public sphere.
The first amendment right to free speech is the most important guardian of freedom and democracy. We also should not have laws and elected officials respecting any establishment of religion as provided in the constitution.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Minnesota Senate candidate
May 13, 2018
Jim Newberger:
Keep God in the public sphere
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Keep God in the public sphere"?
A: Support.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Minnesota Senate candidate
Mar 15, 2018
Karin Housley:
Traditional homespun values keep her honest and guilt free
My dad would every day, tell us 3 girls: 'Work hard, play fair and do the right thing.' Every day I keep that with me. But my mom would say, 'And you make sure to put God first.' So that's my core values, it's really always doing the right
thing and putting everything in perspective. And even at the State Capitol, I'm not going to lose sleep over the way I voted. I want to make sure I did the right thing for my district and at the end of the day that's all you can do.
Source: Hutchinson Leader on 2017-8 Minnesota special election
Feb 18, 2018
Tim Walz:
Got political when students were turned away from Bush event
To be honest, I did not pay a lot of attention to politics. Things changed in 2004. Former President George Bush came to speak in a Mankato quarry. I accompanied two students who wanted to hear the speech. When we arrived, one of my students was turned
away because of a John Kerry sticker on his wallet. We were ordered to board a bus to take us away from the quarry. Though I was allowed to stay--after offensive questioning by a campaigner--the boys were told to leave.
This was a teachable moment for them and for me. I decided that, if a command sergeant major could be harassed for wishing to hear his commander-in-chief, the political process was deeply broken.
That night, I became committed to working to help repair our nation's political system.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website WalzForGovernor.org
May 2, 2017
Chris Coleman:
Vision of Cooperation, Responsibility and Respect
In my over ten years as Mayor, I have had many opportunities to think about three words that anchored my first inaugural address: Cooperation, Responsibility and Respect.
I have seen how cooperation across many sectors of our community has made fundamental changes in the work we have done. I could not have envisioned the work of the Central Corridor Funders Collaborative in the form that it took.
But I knew that the Green Line had to be built in a way that brought people together. Nearly two years after opening the line, that work has paid off. Businesses in the Little Mekong District near Western are thriving,
Project for Pride in Living has completed a critical affordable housing project at the Hamline stop, and artists continue their work at Raymond.
Source: 2016 State of the City address: St. Paul Minnesota
Apr 19, 2016
Jim Newberger:
I stand for traditional values
Two of the biggest issues facing us today:- Our nation is on the verge of bankruptcy.
- Our state has an out-of-control tax and spending problem.
The solutions are easy. The process is not. The best years are ahead of us.
We can build a better economic future for our children and grandchildren.Jim stands for:- Our 2nd Amendment Rights
-
Traditional values
- Less Government
- Less spending
- Clean Coal power
- Keeping your own insurance, not being forced into "Obama Care"
-
Good Schools
- Keeping Minnesota competitive--So we can keep our jobs!
Source: 2014 MN State House campaign website JimForMinnesota.com
Nov 1, 2014
Tom Emmer:
Served on two city councils and in State Legislature
As a college hockey player, he received his BA in Political Science from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks in 1984. He received his Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law in 1988. But his life really changed when he met a girl from Arden
Hills named Jacquie Samuel. It was true love and they married in 1986. Today they are blessed with seven children--six boys and one girl. After practicing law for several years, Tom followed the Emmer entrepreneurial spirit and founded his own law firm.
The next 20 years were spent building his business, raising his family, coaching hockey, and serving on the city councils in Independence and Delano. In 2004, he was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives and re-elected by
overwhelming majorities in 2006 and 2008. Tom relinquished his seat in the State Legislature to run for Governor in 2010. Tom's bid ultimately came up less than one half of one percent short of victory.
Source: 2014 Minnesota House campaign website, EmmerForCongress.com
Oct 10, 2014
Tom Emmer:
Hosts conservative radio talk show on Twin Cities News Talk
After the 2010 election cycle, Tom entered the radio business as a conservative radio host on Twin Cities News Talk AM1130,
quickly becoming a force for political commentary in the Twin Cities metro area. His show has become a favorite for conservatives across Minnesota.
Source: 2014 Minnesota House campaign website, EmmerForCongress.com
Oct 10, 2014
Steve Carlson:
Member of Tea Party; but won Independence Party primary
Leaders of the Independence Party of Minnesota are disowning their own nominee for U.S. Senate. Self-proclaimed tea party member
Steve Carlson won the primary with slightly more than 2,100 votes, defeating Kevin Terrell, the candidate party leaders had chosen to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Al Franken. Terrell received just 1,376 votes.
Source: MPR News on 2020 Minnesota Senate race endorsements
Aug 18, 2014
Jim Abeler:
Judeo-Christian values established our government framework
Question topic: Efforts to bring Islamic law (shariah) to America do not pose a threat to our country and its Constitution.Abeler: Strongly Disagree
Question topic: Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted
our system of limited government.
Abeler: Strongly Agree.
Question topic: Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
Abeler: Christian. My faith is the foundation for my life and values.
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Minnesota Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Tina Smith:
Employed as marketing professional at General Mills
Tina Smith's personal and professional experiences have uniquely prepared her to be a strong and effective Lieutenant Governor. From her time as a marketing professional at General Mills, to owning her own small business,
to managing non-profit organizations, to more than a decade of accomplished service in the public sector, Tina has consistently demonstrated her unique ability to solve problems, develop consensus, and deliver results.
Source: 2014 Minnesota gubernatorial campaign website MarkDayton.org
Jul 2, 2014
Jim Abeler:
Former investment banker; outsider with no voting record
Led by former Minnesota U.S. Sens. Norm Coleman and Rudy Boschwitz, a dozen past and present Republican senators hosted a fundraiser Wednesday for Mike McFadden, one of Sen. Al Franken's leading GOP challengers.Held at the National Republican
Senatorial Committee's Capitol Hill headquarters, the private fundraiser may be the clearest indication yet that McFadden, a former investment banker, has piqued the interest of the GOP establishment in D.C.
"Republicans are impressed with his fundraising and the fact that he is the only candidate to put together a campaign worthy of a statewide race," said an analyst for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. "It also doesn't hurt that
McFadden is an outsider with no voting record."
With Franken rated as one of the Congress' most liberal lawmakers, his seat has long been a target for Republicans angling to recapture control of the Senate.
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune on 2014 Minnesota Senate race
Mar 9, 2014
Mark Dayton:
Five-Point Plan for Future Prosperity: Invest, & invest more
To progress, we have to invest. We have to invest in jobs; in education; in transportation; in the health of our people, communities, & environment; and in the transformation of government.My Five-Point Plan for Future Prosperity: Invest in more jobs.
Invest in better education. Invest in improved transportation. Invest in the health of our citizens, our communities, and our environment. Invest in the transformation of government services.
Investments require faith and trust. People invest in the
future, only if they believe in that future. They invest, only if they trust their investing partners. To create together a successful Minnesota, we need to believe once again in each other and in our collective talents, abilities, and wisdom. We need to
believe that our fellow Minnesotans are acting in good faith, and that they want the best for their children, and their communities. So let us believe again in Minnesota. Let us believe again in one another. Let us invest together in our better future.
Source: 2011 Minnesota State of the State Address
Feb 9, 2011
Amy Klobuchar:
This election is about change; crowd in charge won’t do it
Whoever I talk to, they say the same thing. They’re tired of these gas prices. They’re tired of health care premiums up 60% in just the last 6 years. They want fiscal responsibility in Washington. And they want a change of course in Iraq.
That’s not going to happen with this crowd in charge. I believe this election is about change, and together we can do it.
Source: Minnesota 2006 3-way Senate Debate, sponsored by LWV
Oct 30, 2006
Robert Fitzgerald:
Millionaire 60-year-olds cannot legislate for young families
The average age in the US Senate is 60 years old. Forty of the 100 US Senators are multi-millionaires. The ability of this body to recognize the challenges that are unique to young people and young families is not there. And the legislation proves it.
Burdens on families far surmount anything ever before. We need to return fairness and equitability to the US Senate.
Source: Minnesota 2006 3-way Senate Debate, sponsored by LWV
Oct 30, 2006
Norm Coleman:
Switched parties, but didn’t switch his opinions on issues
Delegates booed Coleman. Six months later the mayor announced he had become a Republican.
“When I switched parties, I didn’t switch my position on a single issue. The public agreed with what I was doing and they re-elected me as a Republican,” Coleman said.
Source: Minnesota Public Radio, Election 2002 coverage
Feb 11, 2002
Mark Dayton:
Truly believes in government
I have said many times before, “In order to become effective in government, one must become a realist. In order to remain effective in government, one must remain an idealist.” I have spent a life-time in public service. I have worked with legislators on
both sides of the aisle, with interest groups, and hundreds of individual citizens to accomplish our shared objectives. I truly believe in government and believe that it’s a place of tremendous opportunity and responsibility to serve the public good.
Those that believe that they have all the answers and others have none, or who believe that our government is inherently destructive and hopelessly corrupt, usually flame out or bail out by either their own or the voters’ decision. I’m in this for the
long haul, or until the voters of Minnesota haul me permanently away. I seek public office, because I believe in public service. When given the chance, I do my best and I do what I believe in. Only then, whatever the outcome, can I believe in myself.
Source: Minnesota Newspaper Association Election Questionnaire
Jul 2, 2000
Jesse Ventura:
Government's role is to do what people can't do themselves
I brought to the job three fundamental beliefs that are very, very important to understanding how I will govern:- First, said best by Abraham Lincoln -- the role for government is to do only what the people cannot do for themselves.
- Second,
I believe in personal responsibility and self-sufficiency.
- And finally, I believe that greatness in this state can only continue with an active, involved citizenry.
Source: 1999 State of the State Address to Minnesota Legislature
Mar 2, 1999
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021