After 40 years of continuous control by one party, the Office of Attorney General is stagnant, troubled and in need of reform. As a private citizen with deep-rooted affection for Minnesota and its citizens, Chris Barden is concerned about the partisan, anti-business and dysfunctional climate within the AG’s office. “These ongoing problems have been perpetuated by the lack of a cleansing transition of power which has far reaching consequences for every citizen of Minnesota,” explains Barden. “And it is why I have decided to run for the Office of Attorney General.”

Barden’s Top Priorities as Minnesota’s First Republican Attorney General in 40 Years
Improving Minnesota’s Business Climate – The current AG’s office is viewed as unfriendly to Minnesota business. The AG’s office should represent all of Minnesota’s citizens, from the poor and afflicted to small business owners and employers. This will help bring new jobs to Minnesota.

Challenging Health Care Reform Legislation – This improperly constructed law must be challenged as unconstitutional. Minnesota should join the growing list of Attorneys General around the country who have filed suit to overturn this law.

Improving Public Safety – Too many dangerous criminals and predators have been improperly released onto our streets. The AG’s office should lead the effort against crime in the state of Minnesota.

Election Reform – Errors, deficiencies and problems in Minnesota’s election laws were exposed during the 2008 U.S. Senate election. The AG’s office will work with the legislature and the Secretary of State to institute photo IDs as a step toward improving the integrity of future elections in Minnesota.

About Chris Barden
Barden grew up in Minnesota, attended the University of Minnesota and received his BA and PhD there. He taught in Texas, Utah and at Gustavus Adolphus College. He worked as a teacher, scientist and health care professional before attending Harvard Law School. He returned to Minnesota to raise his family and start his practice of law. He and his wife Robin are raising their four children close to the home where Barden spent his childhood. Barden’s unique, combined talents in law and health care provide the citizens of Minnesota a strong advocate.