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| Republican Elected Officials Representing 3rd CD |
| Governor Tim Pawlenty U.S. Senator Norm Coleman U.S. Representative Jim Ramstad |
| 3rd CD Republican Legislators |
| Senators SD32: Warren Limmer SD33: Gen Olson SD41: Geoff Michel SD42: David Hann SD49: Debbie Johnson House of Representatives 32A: Joyce Peppin 32B: Kurt Zellers 33A: Steve Smith 33B: John Berns 41A: Ron Erhardt 41B: Neil Peterson 42B: Erik Paulsen 43A: Sarah Anderson 49A: Chris DeLaForest 49B: Kathy Tingelstad |
| Hennepin Co. Sheriff Rich Stanek Hennepin Co. Commissioners Randy Johnson Penny Steele Linda Koblick |
Click here for 2008 RNC information
State Convention Held May 30 – May 31
The 2008 State Republican Party began with a rousing rally headlined by Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, brought to Minnesota by our own Senator Norm Coleman. Senator Coburn is the ranking member of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information and International Security and ranking member of the Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Human Right and the Law. The Senator was very well received.
(Photo from Minnesota Democrats Exposed)
The convention itself was convened on Friday morning after the opening ceremonies. Many committee reports were given including constitution, nominating, contest and judicial election. The convention passed 7 of the 10 constitution changes submitted, elected 14 National Delegates, 14 National Alternates and 2 State At Large Presidential Electors. The 8 Congressional District Electors were ratified. The convention unanimously endorsed Senator Norm Coleman for re-election and voted on 66 changes to the platform. The convention was contentious at times and not everyone was content with the outcome.
On Saturday morning, a number Republican endorsed Congressional candidates spoke and the entire convention was wrapped up with a speech by former presidential political advisor, Karl Rove. Delegates thought his speech was motivating and energizing. Rove mentioned that although he was a Texan, he is also a Norwegian like most of us.
The convention adjourned around 1 PM and State Central was then convened to elect National Committee people. Brian Sullivan and Evie Axdahl were unopposed for re-election. A few by-law changes were considered.
Mr. Michael Toner, former chairman of the Federal Election Commission provided an update on the situation regarding the amendments the party was required to file with the FEC. Several errors were made in 2001, and since the party must file a report every month, all subsequent reports had to be amended as well. This is very complicated and if anyone desires additional details, please contact Tony Sutton at the Republican Party of Minnesota. At this time all corrections have been filed.
A very tired, but hopefully energetic group left Rochester for home on Saturday afternoon.
Third Congressional District Endorses Erik Paulsen by Acclamation!
(Photo from Minnesota Democrats Exposed)
The day began at the Ramada, Mall of America at 7:00AM, April 19th with a breakfast highlighted by a keynote address from Michael A. Baumann, Lt. Col, U.S.Army, Retired. This true American hero received a standing ovation form all attending. Later in the morning he received another standing ovation upon addressing the full Convention after it convened.
Rep. Erik Paulsen was endorsed as the candidate for Congress from the Third District by acclamation. National Committeeman, Brian Sullivan placed Erik’s name in nomination. Congressman Jim Ramstad spoke on Erik’s behalf at the convention.
“We have the right person to represent the Third District at this critical time in our nation’s history. Today friends, it is my distinct privilege to pass the torch of leadership to a new generation… To a leader who had the integrity, energy, vision, experience, and character…A leader who will serve the people of our district with distinction at this critical time in our nation’s history,” said Ramstad.
The Convention was convened by Jerry Paar and Margaret Cavanaugh and Chaired by State Party Secretary/ Treasurer, Tony Sutton. Convention attendees were addressed by Governor Tim Pawlenty, Senator Norm Coleman, Sheriff Rich Stanek, State Chairman Ron Carey, and a number of endorsed Republican Candidates for the Minnesota Legislature from the Third Congressional District.
In other convention business, Congressman Jim Ramstad awarded both Jean Van Gerpen and Lavonne Sjoberg Volunteer of the Year Awards. Margaret Cavanaugh and Jerry Paar on behalf of the Third Congressional District presented Congressman Ramstad a plaque recognizing his many years of service as our Congressman.
The following were elected Delegates to the National Republican Convention: Margaret Cavanaugh, Angela Erhardt, and Katie Nadeau. National Convention Alternate Delegates elected were: Linda Presthus, Alex Plechash, and Brion Finlay.
The Third Congressional Executive Committee wishes to thank all the volunteers who served on the Convention Committees for their time and talents and to all of our Delegates and Alternates who made this convention a huge success in every respect.
CD3 Quarterly eNewsletter Released
The CD3 quarterly eNewsletter has been send to the Third Congressional email list. If you would like to receive the eNewsletter and other CD3 email updates please send an email to: thirdcdrpm@hotmail.com indicating you would like to be added to our email list. The eNewsletter is produced in .pdf format and is only available electronically. To open the file you will need the free adobe acrobat reader that can be downloaded here.
Hennepin County Commissioner District 6 Delegates endorse John Cooney
Delegates from precincts in Hennepin County Commissioner District 6 endorsed John Cooney on the first ballot at the South View Middle School in Edina on Thursday, April 3rd. The Hennepin County Commissioner seat is an open seat due to the retirement of Republican Commissioner Linda Koblick. For more information on John Cooney, visit his website at www.johncooney.org.
Paulsen Launches
New Campaign Website
Erik Paulsen has launched a brand new campaign website at www.PaulsenForCongress.com
We encourage you to visit often, as it will change frequently and will always contain new information. Sign-up on www.PaulsenForCongress.com to receive email updates and to stay connected with the Erik Paulsen for Congress campaign.
Hennepin County Endorsing Convention, February 23rd
The Hennepin County Endorsing Convention at Medina on Saturday, February 23rd drew over 1000 delegates from Hennepin County Commissioner Districts 5, 6, and 7. The crowd was very patient and understanding as the volunteers working registration and credentials tried to accommodate everyone as efficiently as possible. It was fantastic to see so many new delegates who had just attended their first caucus!
In the order of business conducted, Linda Koblick, Commissioner District 6 announced she would not be seeking re-election for Hennepin County Commissioner. To give those who are interested in seeking the endorsement for this seat time to meet the delegates, the convention voted to not endorse at the convention and to hold another endorsing convention for Commissioner District 6 at a date that would be determined by the Hennepin County Executive Committee. Delegates and alternates who reside in Hennepin County Commissioner District 6 will receive a call (invitation) in the mail announcing the new convention
Delegates from Commissioner District 5 unanimously endorsed incumbent Randy Johnson for Hennepin County Commissioner.
Delegates from Hennepin County Commissioner District 7 endorsed former state representative Jeff Johnson on the third ballot over State Senator Warren Limmer for Hennepin County Commissioner. Senator Limmer addressed the convention delegates and asked for Jeff Johnson to be endorsed by a unanimous ballot. We were fortunate to have two outstanding individuals seeking the endorsement for this office. Thank you Senator Limmer and thank you Jeff Johnson.
In other convention business, Hennepin County Commissioner Penny Steele was honored with a plaque for her outstanding service representing Republicans on the Hennepin County Commissioner Board.
Frank Weir, Chair of Senate District 43 was also honored with an award from the Third Congressional District Executive Committee in “Appreciation of Service”. Frank received a rousing applause from the audience and a standing ovation from his Senate District.
Many thanks to all the volunteers who pitched in to help with this convention and thanks for your patience to all attendees.
Rep. Erik Paulsen Declares Candidacy
Erik Paulsen formally announced his candidacy for the 3rd District Congressional seat being vacated by retiring U. S. Rep. Jim Ramstad Sunday at Scenic Heights Elementary School in Minnetonka. Rep. Paulsen is the only Republican seeking the endorsement for the 3rd District. Over 200 enthusiastic cheering activists were present to support Erik and to send a message that he is OUR candidate.
Paulsen said he would be guided by his "common-sense values… of fiscal responsibility, a strong national defense, a government that is both small and accountable, a belief in pro-growth economic policies and a deep conviction that results matter". His platform includes reforming a do-nothing Congress. "Congress as an institution is broken, and if elected I intend to help fix it."
Read Erik Paulsen's announcement speech here
http://paulsenforcongress.com for more information on Rep. Erik Paulsen
Thank you Jim!
Rep. Jim Ramstad’s Retirement Statement – September 17, 2007
Bill Frenzel, my predecessor and mentor, told me when he retired from Congress that he “knew it was time to do something else.” Now it’s time for me to do something else!
Therefore, I am announcing my retirement from Congress at the completion of my present term in 2008.
For the past 27 years, it’s been a great privilege to represent the best people in the world – 10 years in the Minnesota Senate and 17 years in the U.S. Congress. I love the people of our district, and I’m deeply grateful for the honor of serving them 3 terms in the State Senate and 9 terms in Congress.
My passion for serving people remains as strong as ever. But after 17 years of commuting every week to Washington – 17 years of being gone all week – it’s time to be home with the people I love and miss.
It’s time to spend more time with Kathryn, our family and friends. Time to spend more time helping people suffering from chemical addiction. Time to pursue other interests.
Time to see more of my beloved Golden Gophers, Vikings, T-Wolves and Twins. Time to start living life after Congress.
Before I leave Congress, I expect the mental health and addiction treatment parity bill will become law. This landmark bill to provide greater access to treatment is the legacy I want to leave to millions of Americans suffering from mental illness and addiction. A legacy of access to treatment and recovery. A legacy of hope for a healthy and sober life.
Patrick Kennedy and I look forward to dedicating this landmark parity law to the memory of its original author and our friend, Paul Wellstone.
Much more than the countless bills I’ve worked on during my 27-year legislative career, I treasure the people I’ve been privileged to work with and work for.
My dedicated staff led by our great Chief, Dean Peterson, and ever-loyal District Director Lance Olson. My talented political and finance director, John Magnuson.
My heartfelt thanks to all my great staff for your outstanding work and the compassion and commitment you bring to serving the people of our district. I cherish your friendship, and you are a great blessing in my life.
And to the thousands of supporters and volunteers – the Ramstad Team – who wore the orange to help me win 12 elections. Thank you for your loyal and active support over the years.
I’m also very grateful to the only 3 finance chairmen the RVC has had in 27 years – Wayne Jimmerson, Charlie Jackson and John Berg, as well as our treasurer Neil Lapidus.
Many thanks to you and all my other generous friends who contributed the financial support for our 12 winning campaigns.
I want to especially thank my constituents who have given me the privilege of public service. You are the best people in the land, and I will miss you when my term expires next year.
And believe it or not, I will miss the press. You are good people, you work hard and you do your jobs well.
Most of all, I thank my loving family for always being there for me – my wonderful wife Kathryn, daughter Christen, parents Della Mae and Marv, sister Sheryl and Lee, and nieces and nephews Sarah, Christina, Charlie and Karl. I love you with all my heart!
Thank you all for a great run. Thank you for your love, friendship and support for 3 decades. I feel like I’m the luckiest guy alive to have all of you in my life!