Capitol View: May 6, 2009 Archive

DFL legislative leaders on Midday

Posted at 8:54 AM on May 6, 2009 by Tom Scheck

DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and DFL Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller are scheduled to be on MPR's Midday today at 11 AM.

Reed confirms she's a candidate for Congress

Posted at 9:44 AM on May 6, 2009 by Tim Pugmire

Dr. Maureen Reed made it official today, announcing her candidacy for the 6th District seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn. Reed made her intentions known in the following news release:

Dr. Maureen Reed, doctor of internal medicine, civic volunteer and former 2006 candidate for Lieutenant Governor, will file papers today with the Federal Election Commission to run for Congress in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. Dr. Reed will file as a DFL candidate and seek the endorsement of the DFL and the Independence Party.

"We are living through the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, with staggering numbers of people unemployed, health care out of the reach of many folks, and thousands of Minnesotans losing their businesses and homes," said Dr. Reed. "While these problems are tough, I'm running for Congress because I know two things are true. First, Americans can solve tough problems. Second, a bright future is not accidental. We create a bright future when we put rhetoric aside, focus on the real problems, and work hard together. This is exactly what I've done all my life. The future I see is one of business expansion, job growth, home ownership and lower health care costs."

Maureen Reed was born and raised in Minnesota. Her early years were spent in beautiful Redwood Falls, and later she moved to the Twin Cities to attend the University of Minnesota. She enrolled at University of Minnesota's Medical School once her undergraduate studies were completed.

After graduation from medical school, Maureen spent the next 20 years practicing internal medicine. She became president of Aspen Medical Group and later served as vice-president and medical director of HealthPartners health plan. As a member of the Medical Reserve Corps, Dr. Reed was deployed to help after the I35 bridge collapse and also in 2005 to help in the aftermath of the Louisiana hurricanes.

Civic engagement is also a great part of Maureen's life. In 1997 the Minnesota Legislature elected Dr. Reed to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents where she served for eight years, including a two year term as Board Chair. Maureen serves as Vice President of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, co-chair of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, and previously was interim Executive Director of the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota.

Maureen and her husband Dr. Jim Hart have resided in the city of Grant, just west of Stillwater, ever since their marriage twenty-eight years ago.

A more formal announcement and campaign kick-off event will be scheduled this summer.

Elwyn Tinklenberg, who ran unsuccessfully against Bachmann in 2008, is also reportedly interested in another try.

Democrats in the 6th prepare for 2010

Posted at 12:56 PM on May 6, 2009 by Tom Scheck (4 Comments)

Two DFLers in Minnesota's 6th Congressional District say they intend to challenge GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann in 2010. Maureen Reed, who ran for Lt. Gov. as an Independence Party member in 2006, said she intends to run as a DFLer. Elwyn Tinklenberg, who Bachmann defeated in 2008, said he's also making another run. You can read my story here.

If you're interested, I also recorded brief interviews with Reed, Tinklenberg and Bachmann's campaign manager Michelle Marston.

Here's Reed's interview:
Listen

Here's Tinklenberg's interview:
Listen

Here's Marston's interview:
Listen

By the way, Bachmann is scheduled to appear on Fox News with Neil Cavuto this afternoon at 3:30. I'm told the focus will be on taxpayer funding for ACORN.

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