State Senate race for Skoglund’s seat begins right now

BY ED FELIEN

People who live in the Corcoran, Standish and Bancroft neighborhoods have one more good reason to attend their precinct caucuses. State Senator Wes Skoglund has announced his intention to resign this year. [See his complete letter of resignation on page two.] This has set off a spirited race for endorsement, and DFL delegates to District 62 elected at their precinct caucuses on March 7 will suddenly find themselves more popular than this year’s prom queen.

Some of the candidates that will be soliciting delegates and promising undying love and affection are:

Earl Netwal, a former member of the Minneapolis City Council and DFL Chair of Senate District 62 until he resigned just weeks ago to run, has to know the old delegates better than anyone. He’s been around for years, and he’s paid his dues. He’s probably worked on every campaign of every DFL incumbent office holder in South Minneapolis. If they don’t support him, current officeholders probably won’t work against him.

Scott Benson is the current city council-member from the 11th Ward. Although the 11th Ward covers less than half of Senate District 62, Benson has earned a reputation as a fiscal conservative that should earn him points in the southern part of the district. That’s the same part of the district where Netwal would run strongest.

Alex Eaton announced his candidacy six months ago. He’s already knocked on a thousand doors. As one of the founders of Peace in the Precincts, he’s earned the support of most of the peace and justice community. His strong commitment to healthcare reform marks him as a genuine progressive. His campaign kick-off party at the Hexagon Bar drew over 125 supporters. He has to be considered the frontrunner at this time.

Tina Sanz announced her candidacy just last week. She’s an AFSCME member and her vote count will measure the continued effectiveness of the AFL-CIO in this once invincible South Minneapolis bastion of labor strength.
Patricia Torres Ray, a longtime children’s policy advocate, is the State Program Administrator for the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Born in Colombia, she brings 18 years experience in public service to her candidacy.
It’s also possible that the Greens and the Republicans could field strong candidates, but there has been no visible movement in those quarters up to this point.

If you live in District 62, you should go to your precinct caucuses As a delegate from any party, you’ll get a front row seat in probably the only local political drama playing out this year.