| 1. John Harrington. He's the current St. Paul Chief of Police. He's African-American. He's very well known and generally liked, though for some the handling of RNC protests is a mark against him. He also appears to have donated to GW Bush's 2004 reelection, something he will have to explain to DFLers... Has not been involved in partisan politics before now, so his views are largely unknown. But he will certainly be a major player in this race, just because of name recognition. (no website I've been able to find yet)
2. Avi Vishwanathan (http://www.eastsidersforavi.com). Until declaring for the race, he was a top staffer to Al Franken. Married into a prominent Eastside family. Has been heavily involved in DFL politics since moving here. Seems to have lots of connections to lots of progressive groups, and knows a lot of the "insiders." He was one of the first to jump in. It will be interesting to see how he develops as a candidate-- the couple of times I've heard him speak to the SD 67 Central Committee, I found him to be in need of some polish in terms of public speaking skills. But he seems earnest and if he's learned anything about leadership from Sen. Franken, he could be a great senator.
3. Trayshana Thomas (http://trayshanaforsenate.org) (website as of now is registered but has no content) She apparently worked for Keith Ellison until declaring for this race. I know nothing else about her, but that fact alone suggests she could be a factor in this race.
4. Chai Lee. Worked for Mayor Chris Coleman until declaring. I know nothing else about him, except that a news story said that he is one of two Hmong people running.
5. Vang Lor. Has worked for TakeAction. Also Hmong according to news reports.
6. Jim McGowan (http://www.mcgowan.mn/McGowan_for_Senate/Home.html) Described in news accounts as a "diabetes activist."
7. Tom Hilber. Described in news accounts as a banjo player!
UPDATED 6/1 Two new candidates filed before the deadline....
8. Foung Hawj. I know nothing, and the listed website goes nowhere...
9. Cha Yang (http://chaforsenate.org). Don't know anything except what is on the website, which says that Yang works for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs....
So-- any other candidates you've heard will be filing on Tuesday? Or know anything about any of these? I am very excited to get to know these candidates better, and eventually to decide to help one of them get elected. It's going to be an interesting few months! |
