Kelley Campaign Launches Movement to Replace Pawlenty

07/24/2005

Dear Fellow DFLers:

I am running for Governor of Minnesota because Tim Pawlenty is harming our state and undermining our values. Over the next sixteen months, we will be creating a statewide movement to bring progressive and pragmatic values back to the statehouse. I will be a governor who unites Minnesotans and recommits us to our common values of opportunity, hard work, fairness, and solving problems together. I hope you will join this vital campaign to get Minnesota back on the right track.

Please join our statewide movement to replace Tim Pawlenty.

I have devoted my political career to making sure that the people of my district and of our state have opportunities for success in life. I have served four years as a DFL State Representative and nine years as a DFL State Senator. For the last three years, I have chaired the Senate Education Committee, fighting consistently to ensure that education is a statewide priority. My vision is one I believe you and the other citizens of our state share: a premier education system; universal, affordable, high-quality health care; a vibrant and healthy economy; and a clean environment. We all want our children to succeed, to know that our hard work will provide opportunity, and to feel confident that when our family members are ill, they will receive excellent care.

“Minnesota’s current governor wants us to believe that we as citizens have to choose between good public schools and affordable health care. Between transportation and economic growth. That’s not the Minnesota way. We don’t go for good enough. We go for great. We don’t follow other states. We lead them. That means great schools AND outstanding health care. Safe roads AND clean water. Successful farms AND investment in alternative energy.”

These are the words I used when, standing before friends and supporters, I made my announcement to the public. My belief in our state’s unique greatness has guided me throughout my career and will carry me forward as I work to earn your support to be the DFL candidate for governor. We will demonstrate Minnesota’s “can do” attitude that was a hallmark of state pride for so long--and has been so battered by the man who now sits in the governor’s chair.

We’re in jeopardy of losing something here as a state. Pawlenty uses a politics that divides us; he uses doublespeak to conceal unfair tax increases; and he flaunts his disregard for the idea that government works for citizens. You know better. Minnesota is, and always has been, a place where a central value is that we must all contribute to our society—that we are all responsible for making sure that all Minnesotans have a real opportunity for a brighter future.

I will not let divisiveness prevent the great state of Minnesota from leading the nation. I will be a positive and effective leader. We will have schools that enable all kids to achieve; we will ensure health care coverage for all; we will work together to continue our tradition of a clean and accessible environment; and we will dramatically improve our transportation system.

I am writing to you today because I want you by my side as we take on this endeavor to reclaim a great tradition of leadership for our state. I want you by my side as we fight for real Minnesota values, like hard work, education, and community.

I will abide by the DFL endorsement at the state convention next year.

Join fellow DFLers in this effort to restore values and leadership to our state government. Your contribution will make a difference.

Join me, and together we will do great things.

Steve

Please visit http://www.kelleyforminnesota.org to learn more about our campaign and to share your thoughts with us.