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Kelliher announces that she's running for governor
Eager to present herself as something more than a DFLer from an affluent urban district, House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher formally announced her gubernatorial candidacy Wednesday from her family's farm.
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MANKATO - Eager to present herself as something more than a DFLer from an affluent urban district, House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher formally announced her gubernatorial candidacy Wednesday from her family farm, complete with silos and tractors in the background.
Surrounded by family and friends on the land where she grew up, Kelliher recalled how during the farm crisis of the 1980s her father wept at the dinner table because their property was threatened.
"Mom said we were in real danger of losing our farm, our life, our livelihood," she recalled, adding that the family cashed in life insurance and savings to forestall foreclosure.
Kelliher, who represents part of Minneapolis, said that experience shaped her political outlook and helped her empathize with many Minnesotans now facing a new financial crisis.
She spoke of improving health care access for children, fostering statewide economic development and starting a new "Minnesota Miracle," a reference to the 1971 initiative that shifted most school funding from local property taxes to the state.
While she didn't broach the subject during her announcement, in a session later with reporters Kelliher said balancing the budget would include further spending cuts and an increase in taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans.
"We have to look at Minnesotans who have done well, who are earning over ... $500,000. They need to share in part of this," Kelliher said. She said low-income Minnesotans have been hurt by recent spending cuts.
Asked how she could spend more on education when the state faces an unprecedented long-term deficit, Kelliher replied, "Our economic competitiveness and productivity depend on us doing this."
Kelliher was first elected to her Minneapolis House seat in 1998, and has been speaker since 2007. She said she can manage the campaign and the speaker's duties.
In that role, she has been one of the most vocal legislative critics of Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican who announced in June that he would not seek a third term.
Kelliher took credit Wednesday for organizing a drive to override Pawlenty's 2008 veto of a $6.6 billion transportation bill that included the state's first gas tax increase in 20 years. Six House Republicans joined the override.
Expertise on state budget
While her positions on education, health and economic development resemble those of other DFLers running for governor, Kelliher said she has special expertise on the state budget.
Kelliher was a key player in the state budget impasse this year between Pawlenty and DFLers who control the House and Senate. She blamed the meltdown largely on Pawlenty, who in turn blamed it on DFLers and eventually made unilateral cuts.
Pawlenty's decision to step aside has set off a mad scramble among DFLers and Republicans alike to succeed him. Nearly two dozen have filed paperwork with the state allowing them to raise campaign contributions. DFLers on the list include Sen. Tom Bakk of Cook, former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton, former House Minority Leader Matt Entenza, Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner, Rep. Tom Rukavina, Rep. Paul Thissen, Sen. John Marty and former Sen. Steve Kelley.
St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, both DFLers, also have indicated they may run.
Republican potential candidates include former state Auditor Pat Anderson, Rep. Tom Emmer, Sen. Michelle Fischbach, former Rep. Bill Haas, Sen. David Hann, Sen. Mike Jungbauer, Rep. Paul Kohls, House Minority Leader Marty Seifert and Minnesota Business Partnership executive director Charlie Weaver.
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Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
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