We Have a Race

The 3rd Congressional District is fortunate to have three intelligent and serious candidates for Jim Ramstad's House seat. Republican Erik Paulsen of Eden Prairie, Democrat Ashwin Madia of Maple Grove, and Independent David Dillon of Shorewood are all putting their best feet forward in this race. While Dillon's status as a 3rd party candidate severely hampers his ability to raise funds, all indications are that he is in this to win, just like Paulsen and Madia.

While this blog may endorse a candidate at a later date, for now the objective will be to get the right information into voters' hands. With that, here are a few links that you might want to check out in an effort to better educate you on this major race.

Paulsen's website
Madia's website
Dillon's website
WCCO recent interview with Madia and Paulsen (here and here)
MPR coverage (best balanced local politics coverage available, in my opinion)
Info on upcoming debate by the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Of course, there are numerous blogs covering this race as well. I hesitate to link to them because of the skewed coverage you would receive on the candidates. However, if you are willing to spend some time researching and understand that most blog authors are strongly biased, I'd encourage you to Google many of the local politics blogs.

Erik Paulsen Endorsed by Jim Ramstad

Erik Paulsen, State Representative from Eden Prairie, had a big weekend. First he was endorsed by the Republican Party. Then he was endorsed by Jim Ramstad.

“We have the right person to represent the Third District at this critical time in our nation’s history. Today, friends, it is my distinct privilege to pass the torch of leadership to a new generation… To a leader who has the integrity, energy, vision, experience and character… A leader who will serve the people of our district with distinction at this critical time in our nation’s history,” Ramstad said.

Paulsen definately has the endorsements that matter, with Ramstad giving the wholehearted endorsement and Ramstad's predecessor, Bill Frenzel, having already endorsed him. One had to wonder if Ramstad, who has grown disenchanted with the GOP in recent years, was going to hold anything back on the endorsement of his old aide, Paulsen. He didn't.

Paulsen is running against DFLer Ashwin Madia of Plymouth and Independent Dave Dillion of Shorewood.