Commentary
Running for governor? Get ready for inhuman hours, wonderful supporters, and unhelpful observations about your hair
by Rep. Marty SeifertRunning for governor is like going to heaven: Everyone seems to want to do it, but few want to do what it takes to get there.
My run for governor started officially on July 7, 2009, and officially ended on April 30, 2010.
The careful preparations of supporters, a statewide campaign road tour and financing efforts paid huge early dividends, and I was declared the front runner. Sixty- to 80-hour-work weeks followed. Hundreds of events, small and large, were organized: meet-and-greets with delegates; fundraisers with donors; media stops; forums and debates with opponents; GOP picnics and events; county fairs, community festivals and more.
After I won the straw poll at the 2009 GOP State Convention, my campaign was riding high. More work and preparations pushed me to first place with a bit over 50 percent of the Republican vote on the night of the precinct caucuses in February.
The inhuman hours took a toll. I was home about one day per week from October until my defeat at the 2010 endorsing convention on April 30. There are prison inmates who see their children more than I was seeing mine. My wife, who should be canonized for sainthood, dealt with being alone six days per week, taking care of our beautiful kids Brittany and Braxton, working full time and overtime, keeping the house together and dealing with the outside pressures of having a husband running for the state's highest office.
Regarding voter participation, something felt different this year. Many of the delegates selected at the February caucuses and later to the state convention were unusually new. Many at the meet-and-greets proudly told me, "I am not a Republican" -- which seemed odd, because they were becoming delegates to the state Republican convention. Many declared me a career politician, because I had served 14 years in the Minnesota House of Representatives, three years as the top Republican. At many meetings I heard unusual questions and statements:
"What can you do to get the United States back on the gold standard?"
"Pawlenty is a RINO [Republican in Name Only] and I think you're too close to him."
"You have terrific ideas and solutions, but are too bald to win a statewide office."
The party convention had a makeup and feel different from others I had attended. As many as 40 percent of the people were new to the convention process, and many didn't really consider themselves Republicans.
Eventually I discovered that party regulars like Bruce Coddington of Litchfield, who had been a state delegate for four decades or more, was denied a spot to the 2010 convention because he supported me. He was a World War II veteran and a very active Republican. Some of the delegates from his county were former members of the Constitution Party and voted as a block to take every single delegate slot.
It happened in other places: Marv Howatt, a former GOP chairman in Wabasha County, couldn't even land an alternate slot because he supported me. Bill Whitbeck of Minneapolis, who had been a GOP State Central Committee member for about 60 years, couldn't get a delegate slot either.
This is not a lament over losing, but rather an explanation of how the political game is played with Minnesota caucuses: The world belongs to those who show up, and in greater numbers. Organizing counts. I give Tom Emmer's supporters great credit for making use of the assets they had. Supporters of the Ron Paul/Liberty Caucus had a huge impact on the state convention, more than anyone knows, especially in Twin Cities delegations. The process was fair from all observations. The state party leadership team kept above the fray and ran a great convention.
The decision to end my campaign early, after the second ballot, was mine alone.
When I made the decision, my wife was in our hospitality room and my staff was scattered. There were 20,000 pieces of literature in my "war room" that could have been distributed across the convention (10 separate pieces, multiplied by 2,000 delegates). Some were tough on my opponent and others were complimentary of me. We never handed them out.
It was time for me to make a decision. I could hand out hit pieces, slog it out, maybe deadlock the convention and try to climb up or beat the opposition down. But that would not have been the best for the cause or for the state. Besides, I needed my total to rise by about 16 percentage points to reach the 60 percent needed to win; Tom Emmer simply needed 4 percentage points.
Math and politics collided in my head. Although I had piled up over 100,000 additional miles on my vehicles, had campaign debts to pay, had lost 17 pounds, had hundreds of diehard supporters ready to fight and had spent 60 to 80 hours per week since the previous June trying to gain the endorsement, I felt the need to concede.
The endless drives from Marshall to the Twin Cities and everywhere else ran through my mind. I live three to five hours from any major city in the state. Only someone who lives that far away can know the toll it takes on one's body and family.
I can't explain why I conceded when I did. The tellers told me that they would have been able to count the third ballot and privately tell me the results before I needed to make any decision or announcement. Nonetheless, I marched to the stage and conceded before the third ballot was collected.
No one in politics is ever called classy unless he loses and/or leaves. I decided to do both. I quickly endorsed Tom Emmer and asked my supporters to do the same. My endorsement was not fake or half-hearted, but genuine and hearty.
Taking the stage and looking over the crowd, I saw diehard Seifert supporters in tears, which made me melt. I couldn't spot my wife, kids, mom or the loyal staffers who labored so hard on my behalf. That probably was a blessing in disguise to help me keep composure after a grueling campaign.
Two days later, after mass on Sunday, my wife Traci and I took Brittany and Braxton to Sioux Falls -- the closest "big town" to where we live -- and played games at Chuck E. Cheese's, saw a movie and had a great buffet dinner.
When I snuggled with Braxton, our 5 year old, that night, he said, "Daddy, this was the best day ever. I am so glad you lost."
I now realize that I'd had my worst and best days, rolled into one weekend.
Since my loss, colleagues of both parties in the Legislature have said they haven't seen me so carefree or smiling so much since my first term, 14 years ago. There's a reason for everything, and I think there is a reason this race turned out the way it did.
For Marty Seifert the person, the dad and the husband, the best days are yet to come.
---
Marty Seifert, R- Marshall, is a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Comments (20)
It sounds to me like you are on your way to having the real priorities in life back where they belong. Good luck to you and your family as you open a new chapter of your life!
I was not a fan of Marty Seifert the candidate (or even sometimes as the Minority Leader) but Mary Seifert the person seems like he is a pretty good guy. I hope you enjoy some well deserved time with your family.
I was a brand new (Seifert) delegate to the state convention and I am the spouse of one of Marty's colleagues in the MN legislature, so I can attest to Marty's hard work and empathize with the mixed emotions that a campaign brings. I tend to cringe at the label of "career politician" because my husband and I have to seriously discern with each campaign if we can balance a public office with family life and his "real" job in St. Cloud. The sacrifices are huge, as Marty has outlined: lots of time on the road, endless meetings that preclude a normal daily schedule, and many missed family events.
We're fortunate that good people, like Marty, have been willing to serve and take the big risk of running a large campaign like the one for governor. When he conceded to Tom Emmer so graciously, I know many delegates left the convention floor in wonder and admiration. Marty is a true gentleman, and we need more people like him to serve the state of Minnesota.
Marty will always be my governor.
Marty Seifert is a good man that has shown Minnesota genuine leadership. I had the opportunity to volunteer for him occasionally, and don't regret a moment of it -- even if he did end up losing.
When Marty conceded, I left the convention hall in anger. A couple of days later I got a email from him telling me about his joyful day in Sioux Falls with his family. Out of all the candidates that ran for governor, Marty was the true winner. I wish the best to Marty and his family.
Marty is honestly one of the greatest men I have had the privilege if meeting. I didn't begin helping his campaign until late in the game but it gave me the opportunity to see what a truly great man he is. It is not every day you meet someone in politics who really and truly care about people first. Marty will always be my governor and sets the standard for class and commitment for all who are involved in politics.
Wow, after reading this article, I am even more excited for the REAL changes to come. Bye bye politics as usual here comes true conservative, common sense values. Sad to say, Marty - you sound very jaded about losing control and your "career".
Dear Marion O'Neill,
You should not be chairwoman of Wright County. You are a disgrace to Republicans. Marty is a class act, and would actually win in November. Your immature behavior, especially from some one of your age, shows that I was right in supporting Marty Seifert instead of Tom Emmer.
People like you ruin this party, you should be ashamed.
Marty is honestly one of the greatest men I have had the privilege if meeting. I didn't begin helping his campaign until late in the game but it gave me the opportunity to see what a truly great man he is. It is not every day you meet someone in politics who really and truly care about people first. Marty will always be my governor and sets the standard for class and commitment for all who are involved in politics.
Marty is honestly one of the greatest men I have had the privilege if meeting. I didn't begin helping his campaign until late in the game but it gave me the opportunity to see what a truly great man he is. It is not every day you meet someone in politics who really and truly care about people first. Marty will always be my governor and sets the standard for class and commitment for all who are involved in politics.
Marty, you are nothing short of amazing. It killed me to see us lose, and I still tear up when I think about all the hard work we put into the endorsement process, but it is what it is. I'm glad you ended your campaign with a resounding endorsement for Emmer; It softened the blow to me and made it easier for me to transition into the Emmer camp. All your supporters and I love you very much and we wish you well as you catch up with your family. If you ever run for office again, you can count on me for support.
This is a Seifert Kid for life.
Really Marion? As a college student, I am a new face to this party and find your comments disappointing. Marty's actions showed me what it means not to be a sore loser. Your comments illustrate what being a poor winner can consist of; they seem quite unnecessary, especially from a party leader.
The article shows the difficulties of campaign life meshed with the realities of grassroots politics, that put a human face on everything that goes into campaigning.
Unfortunately, you sound more jaded than anything I've heard Marty say. Is it really necessary to dance on his political grave?
He gave a big push for unity in this party, and all you've got is a knife for the back of a fellow man?
...That says a lot about your leadership :(
I met Marty outside of politics but helped his campaign early on with the RV trip around the state. It was the best days of my summer and I saw true leadership in Marty. I also saw true leadership when Marty stepped aside to unite our party. Marion, I would encourage you to reread this article and find out about Marty (the person), because you have clearly read this with a jaded opinion of Marty. Our party cannot move forward and take back control from the Democrats if we continue to do litmus test after litmus test of everyone in our party, because there will always be someone more conservative than the next. You need to realize that not every conservative will be a carbon copy of every other conservative; that's not how people are. Marty is a conservative plain and simple; he may not be as conservative as you, but that doesn't make him not a conservative.
Marty still has by vote in November!
Marty has the freedom to say what even a newer activist to the republican partly like myself saw at debates, making phone calls, and talking to other delegates this year. There is a new breed of talk radio republicans and tea party pundits who are applying their new found anger and activism to slay their own with the only reason being...I'm angry about where we're at and so you must be to blame. Marty was a stalwart we could count on. Did he have a votes I don't agree with, sure...and so does Emmer. I've met Emmer several times and he's a great affable person. Fortunately I find him to be a bigger man than some of his supporters I've debated and indeed find in the comment section here. Arguing national issues where a governor has no influence, yet projecting the answers they want to those questions into their candidate. By his body language I knew Marty was glad to concede and could see the weight lifting off his shoulders. I'm not commenting here to praise a politician, but to appreciate his accomplishments and congratulate him on the more important job of being a father.
Marty, thank you for your conservative leadership in this state, the fantastic campaign you ran and your honesty, humility and grace. You will always be a winner and a role model. Best wishes to you and your family.
Dear Marion, if that is the message you got from this piece of graceful concession, I have serious doubts regarding your capacity for literacy and context. Please attend one of the many fine night schools in your area.
Interesting article- here in our Senate District- our slate was old guard and new guard- there are a ton of the old guard activists who support Tom Emmer. Our caucus was lightly attended, very few new faces, and I was actually shocked at how neither Gov campaign organized well to get delegates here.
I could not be more proud of how Marty has shared with us the grueling realities of statewide campaigning -- having campaigned for a House District seat (4 times), I can only imagine what he and his family gave up for our state, and I am grateful.
Beyond what was written here, I was also humbled to hear his retirement speech given on the House Floor earlier this week... this is truly a man with his "house" in order, and I am sincerely happy for him that he can concentrate on his "home"... with his family.
Marty may have said one only gets the mantle of "classy" by losing or leaving... not so. Class is something you're born with - - and he's got it. Period.
Best wishes to you always, Marty! And many more days/evenings with your family -- be they at Chuck E. Cheese or wherever!!!
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