Before they can turn to taking on Republicans, Minnesota DFLers face more than two months of infighting in the high-stakes races for governor and other top political posts.
Minnesota’s Aug. 14 DFL primary now features a three-way contest for governor with no clear front-runner, a five-way race for attorney general, and a mob of candidates vying for the newly open seat in the Fifth Congressional District.
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Dan McGrath, executive director of TakeAction Minnesota, a progressive group that helped secure Murphy’s endorsement, believes Murphy represents “the future of the party” in a way the other candidates do not. He dismisses the idea that voters in other parts of the state will look for a governor ticket with more geographic balance.
“I don’t buy it,” he said. “I think that the only people that it helps to talk about the divisions between greater Minnesota and urban areas is the GOP, who has made all of their politics around dividing people around race and place.”
At the end of filings Tuesday, Minnesota Democrats were facing a six-way primary for attorney general in August, a sudden eight-way intraparty battle for U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison’s seat, and an unexpected, three-way primary for the open governor’s seat.
It was all part of what was described by some Democrats and Republicans as a “dumpster fire” day for Minnesota’s DFL Party.
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For Dan McGrath, the executive director of TakeAction Minnesota, a progressive campaign group, the divisions in the DFL now are part of a bigger change happening in the DNA of the party. He thinks candidates like Swanson, a moderate who has been attorney general for more than a decade, represent a fading wing of the DFL party
“This is the old guard making an end run around the future of the party,” said McGrath, whose organization endorsed Murphy for governor. “For the DFL party 20 or 30 years ago, the political landscape in our state was very different. The candidates that are rising to the top right now are the ones who really understand how our state has changed demographically, racially, and they are carving out a vision for what that will look like.”
And plenty of Democrats think the glut of candidates filing for office is simply a direct result of enthusiasm across the party, voters and candidates alike.… Continue reading »
Instead, she asked me how my health is doing, if I’m getting the care I need, and if I’m taking care of myself. This is the type of governor we need. Someone who is clear that their own self-interest is dependent on the healing of their community.
St. Paul, MN—Tonight, Rep. Erin Murphy, former MN House Majority Leader and DFL candidate for governor, and was endorsed by TakeAction Minnesota, one of the state’s largest independent, multiracial political organizations. The Board of Directors ratified the endorsement recommendation made by TakeAction Minnesota members on Thursday night.
“Erin is winning people over by being her authentic self and it’s downright inspiring. She has grassroots energy behind her and it’s growing,” said Dan McGrath, executive director of TakeAction Minnesota. “Erin clearly shares our values and people can tell she genuinely cares about them. She has everything she needs to win statewide.”
Murphy distinguished herself with TakeAction Minnesota members as a state legislator. She fought tirelessly beside grassroots leaders to save health care for tens of thousands of low-income Minnesotans and led the progressive caucus to pass marriage equality, ban the box legislation, and progressive economic policy.
“Erin Murphy is incredibly passionate and authentic,” said Bahieh Hartshorn, a St. Paul resident, Political Healer, and co-chair of TakeAction Minnesota’s political committee. “It doesn’t matter who you are, Erin Murphy cares about every Minnesotan and sees each of us as whole human beings.… Continue reading »
The Public Leadership Institute is a powerful two-day training offering an opportunity to discern their path to leadership, get concrete skills needed to organize and win campaigns, and deepen their understanding of our political landscape.
This is an ideal launching point for activists, emerging leaders, and people interested in exploring elected office. This training is not only about building our own skills and clarity, but also forming a cohort of people in deep relationship with each other as take bold steps in the public realm. If you are already part of a campaign or activist group, we encourage you to come as part of a small group in order to strengthen your team. Content will be especially relevant for people looking to take on powerful roles in the 2018 elections and beyond.
We’ll learn more about how power and self-interest help to build a strong team for winning campaigns. And we will learn the tools to build a people-powered movement through fundraising, communications, and field work. Different from other skills trainings such as Camp Wellstone (which we also recommend), the Public Leadership Institute uses an agitational style to invite participants to deeply reflect on how they show up in the world and what is challenging for them to become more powerful.… Continue reading »
Its time we face the truth, that power in this country, in this state and even in our own towns is not in the hands of the people.
We know this because communities like St Cloud have high poverty rates and low unemployment rates. We know that our community is working hard, that we are trying to make our voices heard, and that we are trying to keep afloat, even when things feel stacked against us.
Here in Minnesota, we work hard. We fight to keep ourselves above water all too often. We fight to keep our healthcare, our safety nets, our jobs and our communities safe. We often find ourselves in uphill battles in what feels like a fight against an invisible enemy. We fight for scraps while those in power manipulate and control our communities, our politicians and our leaders. But now is the time for us to unmask the powerful and the rich and hold them accountable for the struggles they have forced on Minnesota.
It is time for Minnesotans everywhere to start to name, claim and unmask the powerful who are all too happy to stay hidden and in control of our lives.
Join us to unmask the dirty dozen, the power holders in Minnesota.… Continue reading »
Join us to kick off a three-part leadership trainings series by unpacking and wrestling with a topic that challenges many of us: Power. How do we get it? How do we use it? What does it look like to wield power in a just, collective way that leaves no one behind?
Rather than bouncing from campaign to campaign, quickly burning out the same activists over and over again, we will come together to transform ourselves and our relationships with each other. At this interactive webinar, we will unpack our current relationship with power and chart a new course of working together in a powerful way. … Continue reading »
Minnesotans are gathering across the state to share concerns, as well as the dreams we have for our communities, state and beyond. At TakeAction MN we are telling the truth about what is at stake in our own lives and we are taking meaningful action together to build the power we need to elect people who share our values and win progressive changes in our local communities. Share your own experiences, learn about our recent wins, and learn how you, or your group, can be part of this dynamic, diverse and powerful force for change in Minnesota.
Come join us for Take Action on Campus’s first meeting ever at the U! Our goal is to function as a hub of all things student activism. A place where students and student groups can come to get training, leadership development, and organizing help for campaigns and movements in order to create a more active, effective, and progressive U. But also working to connect students and groups in recognition that each individual barrier and issue is connected. By creating that climate of collaboration and vision, the liberation of one is tied to the liberation of all – Join us on Thursday April 12th to learn more about what this organization will bring to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and for some empowering and educational activities!
Saint Mary’s and Winona State students and faculty members will come together for the very first meeting of the TakeAction Winona Squad. Join us at Saint Mary’s University for an introduction to TakeAction and the brand new squad program, as well as training on building power through relationships, effective organizing, and a long-term vision for systemic change.
Join us at our office in Duluth for a delegate training! In this training, you’ll learn how to have powerful conversations with your community, understand the process and what will happen the day of the convention.
“For this area will it not only pick delegates for the mid–term election this year, but those folks will then continue to be delegates into 2019 for the municipal elections as well,” said Take Action MN Duluth Program Manager Shawnu Ksicinski.
TakeAction Minnesota is Proud to Endorse Community Leader Grant Stevensen
St. Paul–TakeAction Minnesota released the following statement announcing its endorsement for Grant Stevensen, a long-time TakeAction leader running for the Minnesota House of Representatives in St. Paul’s East Side.
TakeAction Minnesota is proud to endorse Grant Stevensen for the Minnesota House of Representatives. Grant is a relentless champion for racial, social, and economic justice in our state and a long-time leader of TakeAction Minnesota. As a faith leader, Grant clearly holds the values of dignity and justice and brings them to the most pressing issues affecting the people of our state. Whether it was in the fight for the freedom to marry or for a fair economy, Grant has proven to be a spirited, affirming, and effective ally in our movement. He will be a strong voice for equity and progress in the Legislature, and a true partner with his neighbors in St. Paul’s East Side.
TakeAction will support Grant Stevensen at the DFL endorsing convention on March 10, 2018.
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TakeAction Minnesota is a statewide, multiracial people’s organization working to advance democracy and equity through organizing, political action, and campaigns.… Continue reading »
Over the last year and 3 months, thousands of Minnnesotans have mobilized in resistance. Fortunately, as an organization that has been leading in the movement for racial, economic and social justice for over a decade, we have seen mass mobilizations before, but this time around was different. Join us for a conversation with TakeAction MN Training Director, Sabrina Mauritz, to learn what we have seen work well over the last year, the opportunities in MN over the next year, and be here for the launch of an exciting way for community volunteers to come together, get the support they need to keep going, and create the Blue Wave everybody is talking about.
Minnesotans are getting together to support each other through the political convention process. We will boldly share our dreams and challenges, pushing each other and candidates to create a new kind of democracy in our state, one marked by compassion, everybody in, and deep relationships that make more possible in our communities.
Join the training via computer or phone… Continue reading »
Minnesotans are getting together to support each other through the political convention process. We will boldly share our dreams and challenges, pushing each other and candidates to create a new kind of democracy in our state, one marked by compassion, everybody in, and deep relationships that make more possible in our communities.
Join the training via computer or phone… Continue reading »
Join TakeAction Minnesota and partners from Our Minnesota Future organizations and learn and strategize how to show up powerfully in upcoming political conventions. Together, we’ll prepare for conventions by unpacking our roles as delegates, naming opportunities and challenges together, and practice building the political system we want and need.
TakeAction wants to add some fun to the convention process! We also want to build powerful relationships with our neighbors. Join us to share some food and drinks with fellow members, work on our convention speeches and build relationships based on what we want to see here in Central Minnesota. We will have convention speech training, getting to know each other activites and some walking caucus training. You don’t want to miss it!
Come join us at the TakeAction office to learn about the convention process, Robert’s rules and how to build support within your party. Make the conventions a more powerful experience this year!
TakeAction Minnesota released the following statement regarding comments made by Jeff Johnson, the leading GOP gubernatorial candidate, and state Reps. Cindy Pugh and Kathy Lohmer regarding participation by Muslim families in Minnesota’s precinct caucuses.
“Minnesotans know we are strong when we’re united. As we approach precinct caucuses, people from all walks of life are showing up together because they want to contribute to our democracy. Any elected official who lacks respect for Muslim families, or tries to divide us is wrong for our state. We’re not weak and divided.
We stand behind ISAIAH, the Center on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), and the Muslim American Society of Minnesota as they train individuals on our caucus system and strengthen democracy in our state.” Read more.… Continue reading »
Do you have a vision for Brooklyn Park? Do you want to share with candidates and elected officials the issues that are important to you, your family and your community? The Brooklyns Political Forum was created to have these conversations and create pathways to demand the kind of representation that we want and deserves. Click here to sign up!… Continue reading »
You care about social, economic and racial justice. Maybe you’re already involved as a volunteer, an advocate or through your day job. Maybe not yet! Please join us to learn more about how you can bring your values and commitments into the Minnesota political caucus process in 2018 and into the campaign and election season beyond, and how thousands of other Minnesotans across our state are also preparing to do so through one of the 22 affiliated organizations with Our Minnesota Future. You’ll walk away with your questions answered, and ready for the caucuses which will be held on Feb. 6th!
Planning to caucus? Go every year? Never been before? We’ve got your back! Sign-up here to commit to caucus with TakeAction Minnesota, and we’ll make sure you’ve got the tools and support you need to have a powerful caucus experience. Support includes training opportunities, bold resolutions, strategies to invite others along with you, and more. We’ll also make sure you know where and when to show up! Sign-up here and we’ll follow-up.
We believe in a future for Minnesota where everyone is in and no one is out. We believe in a Minnesota where every person is able to live joyful, fulfilling lives, regardless of where they live, what they look like, or what their background is. At TakeAction Minnesota, we believe in a future worth fighting for.
In our year of resistance, thousands of Minnesotans took action with us. TakeAction Minnesota members didn’t stop dreaming about what is possible or imagining how we could do politics differently. Doing this work out of love, compassion, and a shared knowledge that we are interconnected made all the difference.
In 2018, the stakes are only getting higher. For the first time in recent history, every statewide office is up for election, including the governor’s seat. This year’s election will shape Minnesota’s future for generations.
With precinct caucuses coming up on February 6th, now is the time to get organized, get training, and get ready for the fight ahead.
Join us at A Future Worth Fighting For: TakeAction Minnesota’s 2018 Annual Meeting on Saturday January 20th from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud and from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. in Duluth. … Continue reading »
Too many of us have experienced politics as hostile, inaccessible, dirty, or confusing. As we work together to dismantle corporate power, gender oppression, and structural racism, we will work close to home.
Caucuses are local meetings in every district in Minnesota that kicks off and holds up our party political system. Join with other TakeAction activists and leaders from across the state to fight for the state our families and communities need to live lives of joy. We’ll cover the details of what happens at a caucus and how to show up powerfully, as well as ways to create new opportunities to take power for our communities.
Too many of us have experienced politics as hostile, inaccessible, dirty, or confusing. As we work together to dismantle corporate power, gender oppression, and structural racism, we will work close to home.
Caucuses are local meetings in every district in Minnesota that kicks off and holds up our party political system. Join with other TakeAction activists and leaders from across the state to fight for the state our families and communities need to live lives of joy. We’ll cover the details of what happens at a caucus and how to show up powerfully, as well as ways to create new opportunities to take power for our communities.
As the culture of silence around sexual harassment is broken, it’s time to create a truly equitable and democratic Minnesota
St. Paul—TakeAction Minnesota released the following statement today in response to Senator Franken’s resignation announcement after allegations of sexual misconduct:
We believe in a Minnesota where every person has the freedom to live a full, joyful, and authentic life. For too long, our culture has silenced and shamed women for their experiences of sexual harassment, assault, and trauma. We stand with women who bravely came forward to share their stories. With the resignation of Senator Franken and state legislators accused of sexual misconduct, it’s time to create a new political reality in Minnesota—one that reflects the best of all of us.
True equity will require us to dissolve systemic gender oppression. We can imagine a world free from sexism—a future where all of us reap the benefits of a more egalitarian society. This is what we’re fighting for.
On Saturday, December 9th, TakeAction Minnesota will host our annual People’s Celebration, attended by 900 progressives from every corner of the state. As the culture of silence around sexism is disrupted, we are honored to lift up the voices and stories of women of color who are embarking on the work of political healing while creating a new standard of equity and democracy in Minnesota politics.… Continue reading »
“The bedrock of Minnesota’s Democratic voter base will head to the polls next week. As voters in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth prepare to cast ballots in their local elections, we’ve seen a progressive arms race break out.
Candidates with all sorts of different policy positions and political ideologies are vying to be “the progressive.” Even Minneapolis Works, a right-wing political action committee of downtown business leaders, promotes its candidates as progressive. The silly season has arrived.” Read more… Continue reading »
Election Day will be here before we know it and this election matters. I want to make sure you have everything you need to vote: early voting information, TakeAction Minnesota endorsed candidates, and an awesome playlist.
Find out how to vote early.Early voting has already started. Visit our resource page to learn more, then make your plan to vote. Whether you vote this week or on Tuesday, November 7th, your progressive vote matters.
See our list of endorsed candidates.Hidden money is flooding into municipal races through corporate interest groups like ‘Minneapolis Works!’. Be sure to review and vote for candidates endorsed by TakeAction members.
Checkout our 2017 Elections Playlist. Music gets us going over here. Hear what our staff and members are listening to on days full of doorknocking and phonebanking. Send me a couple songs you’re listening to and we’ll add it to the list. (Email me at jaime@takeactionminnesota.org.)
We believe in a government by and for the people. Changing politics takes all of us, and it starts at the city level. This is hard work, but it’s worth it. The possibilities for our future are endless, when we take action together. I’m excited and I hope you are too. … Continue reading »
Please Join us Friday, Oct. 20th for our At-Large MPRB Commissioner Candidate Forum. This is for candidates running for the 3 At-Large seats on the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB) Board of Commissioners.
The MPRB is a 9 person elected body that governs the Minneapolis park system – the largest property holder in the city with a budget upwards of $100 Million per year and its own police force. All 9 seats are up for election on November 7th. Parks and Power is collaborating with community orgs across the city to host 4 forums for community members to hear where candidates seeking election to the Park Board stand on issues of Racial and Economic Justice.
Spanish, Somali and Hmong interpretation will be provided.… Continue reading »
