I have said many times before, “In order to become effective in government, one must become a realist. In order to remain effective in government, one must remain an idealist.” I have spent a life-time in public service. I have worked with legislators on
both sides of the aisle, with interest groups, and hundreds of individual citizens to accomplish our shared objectives. I truly believe in government and believe that it’s a place of tremendous opportunity and responsibility to serve the public good.
Those that believe that they have all the answers and others have none, or who believe that our government is inherently destructive and hopelessly corrupt, usually flame out or bail out by either their own or the voters’ decision. I’m in this for the
long haul, or until the voters of Minnesota haul me permanently away. I seek public office, because I believe in public service. When given the chance, I do my best and I do what I believe in. Only then, whatever the outcome, can I believe in myself.
Source: Minnesota Newspaper Association Election Questionnaire
Jul 2, 2000
Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice.
Vote on the Nomination -- a YES vote would to confirm Samuel A. Alito, Jr., of New Jersey, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Reference: Alito Nomination;
Bill PN 1059
; vote number 2006-002
on Jan 31, 2006
Voted NO on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Vote on the Nomination (Confirmation John G. Roberts, Jr., of Maryland, to be Chief Justice of the United States )
Reference: Supreme Court Nomination of John Roberts;
Bill PN 801
; vote number 2005-245
on Sep 27, 2005
