The legislative session is heating up, and campaigns for statewide office are beginning to get underway.

Saturday, February 23, 2002

The legislative session is heating up, and campaigns for statewide office are beginning to get underway. I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of local citizens participating in Minnesota’s political process by attending precinct caucuses.

Precinct caucuses are the first stage in the political process within our state. At precinct caucuses, local citizens begin the process of selecting candidates and issues to be supported by the political party you support in the upcoming elections. This year, precinct caucuses will be held on March 5, 2002, at 7 p.m. throughout the state.

These meetings provide Minnesotans the opportunity to be more informed and involved with their respective political parties. People in attendance at the precinct caucuses participate in the election of delegates and alternates (they may even be elected themselves), discussion of issues, election of local party leadership, and a straw vote for their nominee for the governor’s race. It is important that local citizens voice their opinions during the discussion of issues because many of the subjects discussed eventually lead to the platforms of Minnesota’s political parties.

To participate and vote in a political party’s caucus, you must be eligible to vote on Nov. 5, 2002. For further information on the location of caucuses or other questions, call 1(877) 600-VOTE (toll-free) or visit http://www.sos.state.mn.us/Brochures.html on the Internet.

Please make time to attend your respective political party’s precinct caucus on March 5. Remember, your voice is an essential part of our government and our political system.

Day at the Capitol

I want to let constituents know that I have set a date for my third annual Dan Dorman Day at the Capitol. It will be held on Monday, March 11, and arrangements for bus transportation to St. Paul from Albert Lea have already being made. Last year’s event was tremendous. Dozens signed up for the event which include a tour of the capitol and an opportunity to see the House in session. I’m still working on some of the details and will provide more information soon, but you can call me now at the toll-free number below to make your reservation.

Where’s the governor?

Legislators and staff had fun late this past week, wondering where the governor was hiding to avoid receiving the budget bill passed by the legislature Thursday. Early returns show that the public likes the legislative budget balancing plan better. A St. Paul Pioneer Press poll Friday showed that 56 percent of Minnesotans said they preferred the legislature’s approach to solving the projected $1.95 billion budget deficit over Gov. Jesse Ventura’s plan, which includes tax increases. The legislative plan relies on spending cuts and use of reserves.

What do you think? I welcome your input and ideas. Please call me at home at 377-9441 or at the legislature, toll-free, at 1(877) 377-9441. My legislative office address is 579 State Office Building, 100 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155. My e-mail address is: rep.dan.dorman@house.leg.state.mn.us. And be sure to sign up for my legislative update newsletter at www.house.mn/27A.

Rep. Dan Dorman (R-Albert Lea) represents Freeborn County in the Minnesota House of Representatives.