Senator’s son will run for Becky Lourey seat

03/14/2006

Becky Lourey now in governor’s race

Duluth News Tribune
March 14, 2006

Tony Lourey, the 38-year-old son of state Sen. Becky Lourey, announced Monday that he is seeking the seat currently held by his mother, a Kerrick DFLer who is running for governor.

“We grew up living and breathing the DFL platform,’’ said Tony Lourey. “I’ve been to caucuses since I was a little kid. She’s my mom — you don’t have a choice but to learn from your mom.’’

Lourey, who with his wife and three children owns a 200-acre chicken farm in Kerrick, has for eight years been a township supervisor. He’s also part of Copeland, Glenn — a private company that works with states, counties and public hospitals in securing federal money for health care, foster care, mental health and juvenile justice programs.

In addition to promoting basic DFL Party issues, Lourey says the east-central Minnesota region needs to rebuild highways, build technology base and foster partnerships between colleges and banks to help grow business. Sustainable growth and environmental protection are also needed, he said.

“My mother’s first reaction was, ‘My Lord, it’s going to be a big life change — you have to change a lot of things,’ ‘’ Lourey said. “The reason I decided to do it was a profound sense of public duty. If you have something to add to the public debate, I think you should stand up and do so.’’

Lourey becomes the seventh announced candidate for the Senate District 8 seat. Others are Bruce Ahlgren, Bruce Chaffe, Dan Reed, Kelly Riihiluoma, Tom Skare and John Westmoreland.

“It’s not unusual for an open seat,’’ Laurie Hilty, 8th District Senate DFL associate chair, said of the large field. “It’s a really big area, so there are a lot of diverse interests.’’

The district includes all of Pine, Carlton and Kanabec counties along with five townships in St. Louis County and three in Isanti County.

The 8th District Senate endorsing convention is April 8.