Wake up, Minnesota! Primary Elections are Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Too many people think primary elections don't matter. But this year, the choices are varied and the stakes are high. In Minnesota the results of tomorrow's primaries will determine who our candidates for Governor and Attorney General (among others) will be. 

Gubernatorial Candidates

On the Democratic side, gubernatorial candidates include Attorney General Mike Hatch and State Senator Becky Lourey. Hatch makes his third bid for governor this year with the endorsement of the DFL. Lourey is a senator from Kerrick, Minnesota who brings her expertise on public health care policy and a fresh voice to the race.

Republicans offer Tim Pawlenty, the incumbent who previously won under the support of George W. Bush and Sue Jeffers, owner of the Minneapolis restaurant Stub & Herb's who resides in New Brighton.

Also on the ballot are Independents Peter Hutchinson, a former Dayton Hudson executive who now owns his own business, The Public Strategies Group, and Pam Ellison, library assistant and St. Paul community activist.

Candidates for Attorney General

Steve Kelley, an attorney with a wealth of experience who has served in the state senate and on the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, is the DFL-endorsed candidate. He faces Lori Swanson, an attorney in St. Paul, and Bill Luther, attorney and former Minnesota congressman.

In the Republican corner there are two candidates - State Representative Jeff Johnson and Sharon Andersen, who won the primary in 1994 against former State Senator Tom Neuville.

Independent John James, an attorney, CPA and executive is Team Minnesota's candidate. He is opposed by Dick Bullock, Juan Carlos Carlson and Dale Nathan.

Minnesotans who find themselves apathetic or uninformed about the races coming up in their district can find more information at The League of Women Voters website or the Minnesota Secretary of State's website. In fact, everyone in the country can find out about their own local races at LWV. If you like blogs, try MNPublius or Minnesota Campaign Report where you will find local election information and opinion.