4/24/2002 Looking like a winner: Women vie for the top spot
Jennifer Thaney
For a state that has never sent a woman to the governor's office, Minnesota is sitting in a pretty progressive spot right now. Two of the three Democratic candidates are women: State Senator Becky Lourey and State Auditor Judi Dutcher. Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe is also in the race.
Whether or not the DFL party will actually endorse one of these women at its convention May 2-5 is another question. All three candidates have agreed to abide by the endorsement process, which means there will be no primary. And with the DFL's endorsement convention just around the corner, Lourey, Dutcher and Moe are shifting their persuasive powers into high gear.
At first glance, delegates may discover more similarities than differences between Lourey and Dutcher. Both candidates have experience in public office. Lourey has represented rural Minnesota in the state Legislature since 1990 and Dutcher serving as a watchdog for Minnesota taxpayers for the past eight years. Both are mothers—Lourey has raised 12 children, eight adopted, and Dutcher has two sons. Both tout long lists of endorsements that include feminist organizations, and both claim to have statewide support.
A quick tour of their official websites uncovers similarities in their campaign issues as well. Both women list the environment, public education, reproductive and human rights, farming and the economy as specific priorities, and promise as governor to make Minnesota healthier on all these fronts.
But dig a little deeper by talking with the candidates themselves and with individual supporters, and the differences become more discernable.
Dutcher believes she stands out because of her executive experience as state auditor, a position that puts her in charge of 160 employees and local and state budgets totaling $17 billion. Being re-elected illustrates the public's faith in her capabilities, Dutcher added, and is proof that she possesses the "electability" quality delegates are looking for.
"It's time for my style of leadership. I understand finances and budget issues and I have proven leadership in solving problems. ... I am the candidate who is talking about the future of the state."
Dutcher also believes that her campaign, which she said has attracted many new voters and volunteers, goes to show that with her, it's not politics as usual. "There is a difference in how campaigns are being run," she explained. While Moe's is an example of "old style politics," she said, "we're focusing on a new style of politics that is grassroots and energized. It's not just those who've had to work side by side with me, but everyone who is interested has a voice and a place at the table. ... They have meaningful participation in [my] campaign."
Lourey claims that her voting record as a state legislator speaks for itself. As an author of the state's groundbreaking MinnesotaCare legislation, Lourey has expanded access to health insurance for thousands of Minnesotans. Her other achievements include preserving funding for early childhood education programs, helping seniors meet their prescription drug needs and establishing safer drinking water standards.
"I offer myself to the delegates and hope they look at that record because they can trust that," Lourey said. "I've been there, I've been in the fight and I won't waver."
As for the electability component, Lourey believes she possesses it as well. "I really believe I have the best chance to win" in November, she said, pointing to her broad support. Her appeal to such a diverse population comes out of diversity within her own life and record of service, she explained.
"No one can put me in a box," Lourey stated. "I'm a farmer and an environmentalist. I'm strongly pro-choice but I've adopted eight kids. I've got a strong labor record but am the owner of a small business and know about living wages, benefits and meeting payroll. I voted against conceal and carry [gun] legislation, but am a hunter and have a history of being a marksman."
Lourey supporter Lyn Crosby has managed to find a box for her favorite candidate, however. "She's unapologetically progressive," Crosby declared.
"She's the only [candidate] who is right on all the issues closest to my heart," continued Crosby, an activist for the National Organization for Women (NOW). NOW's political action committee has endorsed both Lourey and Dutcher.
"She's always been very clear on her positions and I never doubt her sincerity," Crosby continued. "She is very, very dedicated, as evidenced by her years in the legislature and her personal life ... and she really wants to bring people together."
Lourey's passion also separates her from the other candidates, Crosby said. "I like it when I feel excited by someone who is running for office."
There are many who share that excitement for Dutcher, including the political action committee of the Minnesota Women's Campaign Fund (MWCF). In a statement issued last December, Executive Director Emma Cheuse said, "In addition to her commitment to protect women's rights, State Auditor Dutcher holds the credentials and statewide government experience required to win and successfully lead as governor."
Beth Lareau and Jeanne Thomas are impressed enough with Dutcher to volunteer on her campaign. Lareau considers persuasion her specialty and will work the delegate crowds at the convention, and Thomas serves in an advisory role, particularly on education issues.
"Judi has great vision for what it takes to run a state and has the skills to do it," Lareau maintained. "I also just genuinely like her as a person and as a politician."
While she agrees with Lareau on all counts, Thomas is also backing Dutcher for a different reason. "I think it's high time we had a woman serve as governor of this state," she announced.
Lourey supporters like Crosby feel the same way. Although she credits Moe's strong leadership on several feminist fronts, Crosby admitted she was disappointed to hear he would be running for governor. "It just seems like the old boys can't stand to have just women running."
Arvonne Fraser, a Lourey supporter, agreed. "I don't think one sex ought to dominate public office," she said. "I think it's wonderful that we have two women candidates."
As wonderful as having two women candidates is, it could also split the gender vote at the convention and leave the door open for Moe. Although she acknowledges this possibility, Dutcher supporter and former Minnesota Secretary of State Joan Growe downplays the notion that delegates will vote along gender lines.
"They are looking for a candidate who can win," Growe explained. "For those who are undecided, the question doesn't appear to be which woman will I support. I think they will be making the decision based on other things."
And so Dutcher and Lourey supporters remain optimistic as they cheer on their favorite candidate. For Steve Miles, who ran for the U.S. Senate in 2000 but withdrew after not receiving the party's endorsement, that means rooting for Lourey. His decision to support Lourey grew in part out of his distrust of Dutcher's switch from the Republican party over two years ago. "The fact is that she carried water for the Republican Party apparatus ... but she hasn't offered a satisfactory account of switching," Miles said. Lourey's political values go way back, he countered. "Plus," he said of Lourey, "I just think she walks on water."
Walking on water may be a requirement no matter who the endorsed candidate is, considering that Democrats haven't occupied the governor's office in 12 years. Every little miracle helps.
Sidebar: DFL primary candidates at a glance
State Auditor Judi Dutcher, Minnetonka
Age: 39
Political history: elected state auditor in 1994, re-elected in 1998
Campaign priorities: clean environment, expanding opportunity and human rights, farm economy, promoting public education, the economy and job growth
Official website: www.judidutcher.com
Sen. Becky Lourey, DFL-Kerrick
Age: 58
Political history: elected to the state House in 1990, elected to the state Senate in 1996
Term: 2 nd
Campaign priorities: health care, education, environment, our workers, agriculture and farming, reproductive and human rights, firearms and gun control
Official website: www.beckyloureyforgovernor.com
Sen. Roger Moe, DFL-Erskine
Age: 57
Political history: elected to the state Senate in 1970, Majority Leader since 1981
Term: 10th
Campaign priorities: environment, housing, health care, transportation, public education
