Minnesota Nurses Association backing Greta Bergstrom

The Minnesota Nurses Association, the union that helped launch DFL House minority leader Erin Murphy's political career in 2006, is endorsing DFLer Greta Bergstrom this morning in the race for the 64B endorsement.

Here's the release they just put out:

MNA Nurses Endorse Greta Bergstrom to Represent St. Paul's District 64B in Legislature

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Rick Fuentes

(o) 651-414-2863
(c) 612-741-0662
rick.fuentes@mnnurses.org

Jan Rabbers
(o) 651-414-2861
(c) 612-860-6658
jan.rabbers@mnnurses.org

(St Paul) - February 4, 2014.   Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association have decided to endorse Greta Bergstrom to represent Saint Paul's District 64b seat in the legislature.  Nurses feel Bergstrom's attention to health care, understanding of the complex world of insurance coverage, and her watchdog attitude toward HMOs make her the best fit among many good candidates to look out for the best interests of patients.

Bergstrom shines as the most capable candidate over a very qualified field to represent Highland Park, Mac-Groveland, and West 7th neighborhoods of Saint Paul.  Bergstrom's experience in public affairs at TakeAction Minnesota gives her the connections and knowledge of the issues needed at the Capitol.  Bergstrom has fought to ensure HMOs are accountable during the long-running debate over the effects of the Affordable Care Act.  Bergstrom has staunchly advocated for universal health care to guarantee all Minnesotans have the health care they need when they need it.

Bergstrom has demonstrated her commitment to protecting all Minnesotans with her work in defeating the Voter ID amendment and in her work to bring economic equity to all Minnesotans.  Bergstrom worked to ensure the legislature passed a tax plan that brings fairness back to the state's taxpayers and takes the state's revenue out of the roller coaster ride that has resulted in cuts to services and hikes to local taxes. 

Bergstrom also grew up in the 64B district and continues to live there with her husband, raising their two children.  Her dedication to her community and to ensuring economic opportunity for everyone has shaped her career. She also brings a breadth of communications experience from the private sector, through her time with Best Buy Advertising.

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St. Paul Republicans get their mojo going

St. Paul Republicans are bringing in some big hitters to 64B this Friday.

Headlining the bill are GOP Sen. David Hann, of Eden Prairie, and the Senate minority leader. Republican Party of Minnesota chair and former legislator Keith Downey will also be on hand.

Here's the invite:

A Precinct Caucus Letter from Greta Bergstrom

Greta Bergstrom had a piece of lit in this weekend's mail. It includes a letter making her pitch for the DFL endorsement, and a copy of a Highland Villager letter from former City Council member, one-time mayoral contender and one-time judicial contender Jay Benanav (who won't actually be caucusing for Greta because he doesn't live in the district, by the way.) It also has a handy-dandy Highland Junior High map for caucus goers:

Bergstrom Letter by theracefor64b

Beth Fraser's big pre-caucus post card

The direct mail barrage is starting in earnest in 64B. Here's a postcard from Beth Fraser that came in the mail this weekend, ahead of tomorrow's precinct caucuses.

Fraser Card by theracefor64b

TakeAction backing Greta Bergstrom

Greta Bergstrom has picked up her employer's endorsement at TakeAction Minnesota. Here's the release they put out this afternoon:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 3, 2014

Contact:

Steve Rogness, Political Director, 651-379-0753

steve@takeactionminnesota.org

Greta Bergstrom Endorsed by TakeAction Minnesota for State House District 64B

Progressive champion will be a powerful force to advance social, racial, and economic justice at the Capitol

St. Paul, MN (February 3, 2014) –  Statewide progressive people’s network TakeAction Minnesota announced its endorsement of Greta Bergstrom in the highly competitive race to replace outgoing State Representative Michael Paymar.  Bergstrom was screened along with all five other candidates by TakeAction Minnesota’s membership on Saturday.

Political Committee Chair Gene Nichols noted that Greta brings a unique combination of skills, knowledge, and experience to her candidacy. “Greta Bergstrom has what it takes to be an unstoppable force for positive change at the Capitol: she has been fighting – and winning – underdog progressive campaigns for decades. She will be a determined champion and passionate advocate for the common good.”

Bergstrom said she was proud to receive the organization’s endorsement. “Having worked with TakeAction Minnesota for years, I am proud to have the organization join my campaign and help me add another powerful voice for progressive change to the Capitol. TakeAction fights day-in and day-out to win policies that will improve our lives in Minnesota – and that’s exactly what I will do as a legislator.”

TakeAction Minnesota has a track record of success in supporting progressive candidates, and will be working hard in the coming weeks to support Bergstrom in securing the DFL endorsement at the Party’s convention on March 23^rd.

# # #

TakeAction Minnesota is a statewide people’s network of individual and organizational members working collaboratively to raise the voices of Minnesotans in their own communities to advance social, racial and economic justice. The organization has offices in St. Paul and Duluth.

Endorsement: Pinto picks up nods from four St. Paul School Board members

Dave Pinto is rolling out more endorsements ahead of tomorrow's precinct caucuses. Here's the letter he has out from past and present school board members, including chair Mary Doran:

Pinto Letter by theracefor64b

In money race, Pinto leads with Freeman close behind

Dave Pinto leads the money race

Legislative candidates for 2013 had to file their paperwork, and it was made public by the state's Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.

The reporting period only covers 2013, so it isn't the whole picture. But it tells a lot. Dave Pinto lead the pack with nearly $20k, and a ton of cash on hand. Matt Freeman was just a handful of big contributors behind him, and Beth Fraser in third. 

The numbers dropped off pretty substantially after that. Melanie McMahon, in fourth, had less than half of Pinto's war chest. Gloria Zaiger's fortunes were boosted in no small part by a $500 personal loan.

Here's the chart:

Not much too surprising here, although Greta Bergstrom ran when this seat was open last, and has the longest standing ties to the district. As communications director for TakeAction Minnesota, she's also got a ready network of contacts in hand. It's a little surprising to see her in 5th place in the money race.

Fraser

Also, despite a comparatively short stint in the district, and without the kind of family and local political ties that Pinto and Freeman have, Fraser was pretty clearly punching above her weight in fundraising last year. And remember, she didn't officially get into the race until more than three weeks after incumbent Michael Paymar announced he wasn't running again, and his would-be successors first took the field. (UPDATE: Her third place, it should be noted, does include a $5,000 self-financed contribution, which isn't listed as a loan in her finance report.)

But again, this is 2013 money, and a lot can change in a race this short. The precinct caucuses are Tuesday.

Here's the details of their finances. Click on the link to see their CFPDB report:

Dave Pinto
Matt Freeman
Beth Fraser
Melanie McMahon
Greta Bergstrom
Gloria Zaiger
Matthew Bergeron

(Note also that Matthew Bergeron has dropped out, but still had to disclose his fundraising.)