Meet the new Senate majority, vol. 4

Posted at 9:55 AM on December 16, 2010 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: 2011 Freshman class, MN Legislature

Senator-elect Ted Lillie, R-Lake Elmo, District 56
Election: Defeated incumbent Sen. Kathy Saltzman, DFL-Woodbury
Family: married, two children
Occupation: publisher
Education: BA, Gustavus Adolphus

Lillie owns a small publishing company, Lillie Suburban Newspapers. He said voters wanted experienced business people in the Legislature to help grow new jobs.

"The people that I spoke with at the doors were basically more concerned about their personal family's budget than the state budget," Lillie said. "We need to find a way to help families survive and succeed in this trying time."

Senator-elect Doug Magnus, R-Slayton, District 22
Election: Defeated DFL candidate Kevin Vickerman for seat vacated by incumbent Sen. Jim Vickerman, DFL-Tracy
Family: Married, two children
Occupation: Farmer
Education: BS, South Dakota State University

Magnus served in the Minnesota House for eight years. He's already been picked to lead the Senate agriculture committee. Magnus said he's someone trying to do what's good for the state.

"I think I've earned a lot or respect from both the Senate and the House, and both parties," Magnus said. "You earn that by the work you do. I think that's my reputation."

Senator-elect Jeremy R. Miller, R-Winona, District 31
Election: Defeated incumbent Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes, DFL-Winona
Family: Married
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Education: AAS, Minnesota State College Southeast Technical

Miller runs his family's scrap and recycling business. At age 27, the political newcomer is one of the youngest people ever elected to the Minnesota Senate. Miller said he'll bring a fresh perspective to the State Capitol.

"Age really doesn't matter," Miller said. "I'm ready to get to work with my fellow legislators, the new governor, whoever that might be, and the people of Southeastern Minnesota."

Senator-elect Carla J. Nelson, R-Rochester, District 30
Election: Defeated incumbent Sen. Ann Lynch, DFL-Rochester
Family: Married, three children
Occupation: Insurance, financial services
Education: BE, Drake University; ME, University of Minnesota

Nelson is a former teacher who served one term in the Minnesota House. She now works for her family's financial planning business. As a state Senator, Nelson said she wants to work on education issues.

"The economic security of our state, and our future, depends on what happens in the classroom," Nelson said. "We absolutely have to do a better job of educating our kids."

(Photos courtesy of the Minnesota Senate)

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