A beacon of hope in the North Star State

Anyone who has lived here can tell you Minnesota is just a little bit different from most states. It has a fantastic mix of urban and rural, metro culture with greater Minnesota salt of the earth values. There's a mix of cows and cabarets, hot dishes and highways, which sets Minnesota apart. The weather is much colder. The people, maybe a little bit nicer, and the political atmosphere is charged with energy, spunk and pride.

Minnesota traditionally has been a politically active state. In 2004 we led the nation in voter turnout, with 79 percent of Minnesotans going to the polls. We take pride in our politics. We take pride in candidates who put the people and the public good first. The good name of Minnesota politics, however, has been blackened by the self-interested and irresponsible Pawlenty administration. Instead of taking pride in our government, we've had its doors shut in our faces after Gov. Tim Pawlenty shut it down for the first time in Minnesota history. We've watched University tuition increase 50 percent in the four years Pawlenty has been in office. We have not been able to make the progress the public wants on renewable energy, responsible economics, comprehensive education and universal health care.

With the 2006 gubernatorial election coming up, it is the duty of Minnesotans to elect someone better than Pawlenty. Minnesota needs a governor who can lead the people in areas of health care, education, transportation and the environment. We need someone who understands the challenges of the metro while still being able to relate to business owners and farmers. We need someone people can believe in, someone with not only a plan but a vision for the state of Minnesota. We need someone with Wellstone spirit and Minnesota pride. Minnesota needs Sen. Becky Lourey.

Lourey is exactly who the state of Minnesota has been waiting for. She has 16 years of legislative experience in the Minnesota House and Senate. She is the chair of the Senate Health and Family Security Committee and has done great things for the environment, education, the economy, transportation and social justice. She has been a farmer, a small-business owner, a legislator and has raised 12 children. She is an experienced activist, particularly against the war in Iraq. Although she does not support the war, she supports our troops, including her son Matt Lourey, who died during his second tour of Iraq last May. She is the embodiment of the diverse, well-rounded character of Minnesota. All these things make her a sharp contrast to our floundering governor.

To get Minnesota back on track, we need to look at who will lead the way. I urge all of you to support Lourey in her quest for a better Minnesota. She has the experience, the confidence and the drive. She has common sense and uncommon leadership. Pay attention, Minnesota - with your support, Lourey is going to return our state to greatness.

Ani Loizzo is a Lourey for Governor staff member and a University student. Please send comments to letters@mndaily.com.