Kick-Off Event for Re-election
Jul 18, 2008 News
On Sunday, July 13th, I launched my bid for re-election as representative of the people in Minnesota House district 25B. About 50 people attended my kick-off event hosted by Bob and Suzannah Ciernia of Northfield in their beautiful, backyard garden. Supporters were treated to lemonade and root beer, cheese and crackers, an assortment of olives, and of course my signature trademark – freshly baked pies.
The highlight of the three-hour event was the appearance of Senator Amy Klobuchar. After just arriving from Washington, she treated us with amusing stories of her early days in Washington. Sen. Klobuchar, who voted for the passage of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, told how exciting it was when Ted Kennedy returned to the Senate for the first time since being diagnosed with a brain tumor, to vote in favor of the Act. Once again his booming voice echoed within the halls of the chamber and his presence caused nine Republican Senators to switch their vote in favor of passage.
Representatives Patti Fritz (26B), Carolyn Laine (50A), Shelley Madore (37A) and Paul Thissen (63A) were some of the invitees that attended along with our own Senator Kevin Dahle. Later in the evening, after several people had left unfortunately, Franni Franken, wife of DFL candidate Al Franken, dropped
by and offered her support. She is an engaging woman who reminisced about her and Al’s days in New York writing for SNL and confirming what we already know, Al’s commitment to all Minnesotans.
As I start my campaign for re-election I continue to meet more and more people who are concerned about the state of our environment. They see their way of life slipping through their hands because of the rising costs of gas and health care. These two factors have a devastating effect on our farmers and small business owners as well as all Minnesotans. We in the Legislature will address these problems, along with a host of other issues, in the upcoming 2009 Legislative session. As Bob Ciernia reiterated, “Paul Wellstone said that we all do better when we all do better. That means a great deal to me and it means a great deal to David. That’s why I support David Bly.”
My sincere appreciation goes to Bob and Suzannah for their warmth and hospitality in hosting this event. I offer my gratitude to Sen. Klobuchar and Franni Franken and all the other representatives that attended for their support and I look forward to working with them in the future. And finally, I extend my appreciation to my campaign staff who are working so hard in organizing my bid for re-election.
