Back from observing Ukraine election, Minneapolis resident works to preserve heritage in Northeast

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Although Luba Lewytzkyj was born in the United States, she retains close ties with Ukraine, her parents’ homeland. Her father, the Very Reverend Dr. Wolodymyr Lewytzkyj, was a priest at St. Michael’s & St. George’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Northeast, from 1955 to the mid-1960s. He represented the 10th generation in his family to serve as a priest.

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Kahn, Noor set for tight primary in University area

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The end of the divisive race between 42-year incumbent Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis, and Somali-born Mohamud Noor to represent the University of Minnesota’s area at the Capitol is on the horizon.On Tuesday, voters will decide which Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate has the most support to represent House District 60B at the state Legislature next session. While Noor says the area’s needs are changing and new representation is needed, Kahn says her long, successful career shows that she’s the right person for the position.District residents from around the University of Minnesota area will vote in the primary election Aug. 12 and choose which candidate should advance to the general election in November. Both Noor and Kahn are running to win over the historically left-leaning district without their party’s endorsement.And along the candidates’ campaign trails, Noor has ignited a new form of political activism from Somali-Americans in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, heightening pressure on Kahn, a 21-term legislator, to prove she’s fit for the role.Over the last few months, tension has stirred between the candidates and their supporters. Both Kahn and Noor have dealt with allegations of voter fraud, a neighborhood caucus that ended in chaos and other claims aiming to hinder the political process.“I think we’re seeing each side looking for an advantage,” said Humphrey School of Public Affairs professor Larry Jacobs. Continue Reading

Six reasons Minnesota students should vote this year

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Younger voters are known for their low turn-out rates, but in 2012 they showed up in record numbers and helped decide the fate of the presidential election. While the president isn’t up for re-election for another two years, there’s still plenty of reasons for younger voters, particularly colleges students, to vote this year. Here’s six reasons why young voters should practice their civic duty on Election Day. 1. You’re a target demographic this electionThis year’s election season has a few competitive races in student-heavy districts that young voters should look out for.In District 60B, which includes neighborhoods around the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, incumbent Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis, is facing a strong challenger in Mohamud Noor. Noor supporters pushed Kahn, who has represented the district since 1972, out of getting the DFL endorsement in April.Ryan Kennedy, executive director of Minnesota Public Interest Research Group said the Kahn-Noor race is particularly important because whoever wins has a lot of potential to be a strong voice in higher education policy.The 60B race also features two drastically different candidates. Continue Reading

Minnesota GOP gubernatorial candidates double up on debates as primary nears

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With less than two weeks remaining before the primary, Republican candidates for Minnesota governor are doubling up on debates. Wednesday was a “doubleheader” for the candidates with a noon debate at Minnesota Public Radio and an evening debate at a conservative talk radio station. The UpTake was at both locations and has complete video of the debates.

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