Hahn's advisory committee includes Twins president, Senator, students

Quick joke: What do former U.S. Sen. Dean Barkley, Minnesota Twins president Dave St. Peter and a retired Duluthian on disability have in common?

Answer: Rob Hahn, an Independence Party candidate for governor.

They are a few of the members of a new advisory committee that will assist Hahn during his longshot run for the state's highest-elected office.

"These individuals were selected not to endorse my candidacy but to provide direct feedback to questions and issues related to my campaign," Hahn said in a news release. "They'll offer fresh ideas and challenge me. This group is reflective of how my administration will look – people from different walks of life, who are not afraid to offer opinions that differ from mine."

According to Hahn, here's the new committee:

Ini Augustine, entrepreneur, mother, writer, blogger and host of "Mad Businesswomen's Radio"

Senator Dean Barkley, Independence Party member and former U.S. Senator

Melody Collins, Mankato Loyola High School junior

Neal Doty, principal, Benchmark Financial Group St. Paul

Jim Eddy, retired Winona State University political science professor and DFL activist

Jack Farrell, chairman of Haskell's

Lucy Haglind, English as second language teacher in the St. Paul Public School district

Paul Kranz, Minnesota State University-Mankato student

Gregory Perleberg, a partner with Mansfield, Tanick & Cohen law firm in Minneapolis

Jennifer Plum, academic director at Face To Face Academy Charter High School in St. Paul

Dave St. Peter, president of the Minnesota Twins

Jacquie Williamson, First National Bank Bemidji employee