Labor’s efforts helped stir wave of change for Minnesota, nation

We still will need to contend with Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who eked out a narrow victory over Labor-endorsed Mike Hatch in the biggest disappointment of a long election night. If Pawlenty wants his second term to be a success, however, he’s going to need to work with the DFL-controlled legislature and find common ground.

Three election night surprises were the early wins for Labor-endorsed candidates: Mark Ritchie for Secretary of State, Rebecca Otto for State Auditor and Lori Swanson for Attorney General. These candidates represent a new generation of state leadership. They’re each highly competent individuals who will serve the state well and will advance the common good.

Races for U.S. Congress brought expected but still exciting wins for Labor-endorsed Amy Klobuchar for U.S. Senate and Keith Ellison for 5th District Congress. We face a new foe, however, in Michele Bachmann, who defeated Labor-endorsed Patty Wetterling for 6th District Congress. The night’s big surprise: an upset win for Labor-endorsed Tim Walz for 1st District Congress in southeast Minnesota.

Our Minnesota delegation will go to Washington, D.C. to be part of a new Congress with the Democrats in control of both the House and Senate for the first time since 1994. We now can push for Congressional action to raise the minimum wage, to address the health care crisis, and to support workers’ rights.

Something historic happened November 7. But it didn’t just happen. We created the change. We doorknocked. We made phone calls. We targeted our resources. We got out the vote. Together with our allies, Labor can be proud. Thank you for your part in making history.

This story originally appeared in the Minneapolis Labor Review, published by the Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council.