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What we’re about to say will be read by the GOP and DFL as a knock against their respective candidates for the U.S. Senate, but that’s not what this about. In fact, what we’re about to say has little to do with partisan politics.
So here goes: We wonder why the DFL seems to locked into running a guy who is nominally Minnesotan. Sure, Al Franken has property here; Franken is a native. But gosh darn it, he just doesn’t feel like us. The word carpetbagger comes to mind.
Then, there’s current GOP Sen. Norm Coleman, another transplant from out-of-state. In addition to switching parties back a decade ago, Coleman represents Minnesota, but doesn’t necessarily feel connected to the North Star State. The word opportunist comes to mind.
That leads us to wonder: What about homegrown talent? Has it become too hard for Minnesotans to run for office in Minnesota? Do we really have to recruit from out of state for our representation?
While Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer is still running against Franken, Franken’s novelty, name recognition and support make him an odds-on favorite.
It’s not xenophobia — you don’t have to be from Minnesota, born in Minnesota, to live here or share our values. It’s not a knock on the candidates running, rather more a question for those here. Do we have to resort to letting those from out-of-state run for office here? Has the pool evaporated?
Whether it’s just a fluke or something deeper, it’s important that we stress the role of public service. In a state known for being nice and great living, public service should be an ethic we talk about and more importantly, something we do.
Although this may sound particularly old-school, is it time that we re-emphasize public servanthood in the classroom? Do we need more civics lessons? While it’s easy to become disillusioned or disengaged from the political arena, it is sometimes probably even harder and more intimidating to become active.
While politics was once considered taboo around the dinner table, we hope that’s changed. We hope that parents talk about world events, talk about issues that matter and continue to model responsible engagement. We also urge people of any political stripe to get involved, be a part of the process.
After all, as one politician’s slogan suggests, “We are the change we’ve been waiting for.”
By Darrell Ehrlick, editor, on behalf of the Winona Daily News editorial board, which also includes publisher Rusty Cunningham and online editor Jerome Christenson. To comment, call (507) 453-3507 or send e-mail to letters@winonadailynews.com.
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