Minnesota's Big Gay Voter Guide

GLBT issues aren't the only thing to look at when picking a candidate, but for many of us it is an important factor. I've compiled a brief look at the ballot tomorrow to give folks an idea of what to expect. It would be a good idea to write you choices down before you get to the polls, because there are a lot of people on the ballot!

But first of all, where do you vote? The current Secretary of State, Mary Kiffmeyer, has come under some scrutiny recently with accusations that the polling place finder on the SoS website isn't accurate. Her opponent, Mark Ritchie (DFL) has a polling place finder on his campaign website. I'd recommend checking both to get a good idea where you vote tomorrow.

Who is on your ballot? The League of Women Voters has a great service that will tell you who is on your ballot.

US Senate: DFL Amy Klobuchar does not support amending the US Constitution banning gay and lesbian relationships from federal recognition. She also supports equal rights for same-sex couples. Republican Mark Kennedy supports an amendment and does not support equal rights for same-sex couples. And polls show he is likely to lose.

1st Congressional District: Southern Minnesota, Mankato, Rochester. The DFL candidate is Tim Walz who has spoken in favor of same-sex marriage. The Republican candidate is Gil Gutknecht who has voted against GLBT issues, and in 1994 called for an investigation of HIV/AIDS funding because he questioned that HIV causes AIDS.

4th Congressional District: St. Paul and surrounding areas. DFL Betty McCollum has been a great supporter of GLBT issues. She will win the district.

5th Congressional District: Minneapolis, Golden Valley, New Hope, Fridley, St. Louis Park and areas between. About 10% of voters in this district are GLBT people. DFL candidate is Keith Ellison, a strong supporter of GLBT issues. Polls show he will likely win. Independence Party candidate is Tammy Lee, also a strong supporter of GLBT issues. Green Party candidate is openly gay, HIV positive Jay Pond. Republican candidate is Alan Fine who has not responded to questions about GLBT issues. You can read my interviews with Keith Ellison, Tammy Lee, and Jay Pond by clicking on their name. You can read GLBT candidate questionnaires for Keith Ellison and Tammy Lee by clicking on their name. Lavender Magazine has endorsed Tammy Lee.

6th Congressional District: Stillwater, Maplewood, St. Cloud. Most northeastern suburbs. DFL candidate is Patty Wetterling. GOP is Michele Bachmann. Independence Party is John Binkowski. Any vote against Michele Bachmann is a positive step for GLBT people. Polls indicate that Binkowski is drawing votes from Wetterling and could tip the scale toward Bachmann.

Governor: Republican Tim Pawlenty has voted against GLBT issues and will sign an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution banning benefits for same-sex couples. DFL candidate Mike Hatch has shaky record on GLBT issues, but is a better vote than Pawlenty. Independence Hutchinson has downplayed GLBT issues as wedge issues, but in general is a supporter. The close race here means Hutchinson could draw votes away from Hatch and keep Pawlenty in office.

Secretary of State: Republican Mary Kiffmeyer has come under fire for inaccurate voter information on the Minnesota Secreatry of State's Office. DFL candidate Mark Ritchie has a polling place finder on his website. Mary Kiffmeyer appeared in a video urging voters to support the Marriage Amendment. GLBT issues aren't all that pertinent to the SoS race, except that we are voters, the SoS is responsible for fair elections, and the GLBT vote counts too!

Attorney General: There's not a lot of information out on GLBT issues and the Attorney General race. DFL Lori Swanson has been a staunch opponent of discrimination of any kind, while Republican Jeff Johnson is endorsed by the Minnesota GOP who have a dreadful platform on gay and lesbian issues.

State Auditor: Who knows. DFL Rebecca Otto voted for the Marriage Amendment. Her opponent, GOP Patricia Anderson appeared in a video to voters urging them to vote for the Marriage Amendment.

Transportation Amendment: It would dedicate vehicle sales taxes to transportation improvements, including mass transit such as light rail. My only problem with it is legislating via amendment. That's what social conservatives continue to try and do with the 'Marriage Amendment." But transit is extremely important, and this would dedicate funds specifically for non-highway projects. Good for Minneapolis-St. Paul and good for the environment. It's a toss-up for me.

Instant Runoff Voting: Minneapolis. A question is on the ballot in Minneapolis to change the way we vote. If it passes, you will be able to rank candidates, instead of just voting for one. You would pick you're preferred candidate, but in the event that no one reaches 50% of the vote, the tally would look at the other choices. Kind of complicated, but would provide voters with more options.

Minnesota House and Senate: OutFront Minnesota Action has candidate questionnaires and endorsements for all the Minnesota House and Senate races. Check them out for your district.

Here are a few I would like to highlight.

SD41: Edina, western Bloomington. Green Party candidate Julie Risser is the best GLBT pick for this district. The DFL candidate, Andrew Borene, dropped out a while back. The Republican candidate is Geoff Michel who signed the misnamed "Marriage Protection Pledge" which pretty much means he's anti-gay. The district is getting more progressive every day. Risser has OutFront Minnesota Action's endorsement.

SD42: Eden Prairie, southern Minnetonka. DFL Carol Bomben has received the endorsement by OutFront Action. Her opponent, Republican David Hann is on the Judiciary committee and voted for the anti-gay couple Marriage Amendment.

SD48: Anoka, Bethel, Oak Grove. Republican Senator Mike Jungbauer believes the separation of church and state is a lie, and he was found guilty of an ethics violation for sending out anti-gay marriage literature from his Senate office. This fall, he was fined for campaign finance violations twice. His opponent, DFL Mike Starr has indicated that he will support GLBT issues, and has received OutFront Minnesota Action's endorsement.

SD 58: North Minneapolis, northern edge of downtown. DFL Linda Higgins is facing a challenge by Republican Jim Lilly who has gotten a lot of yard signs out there. He was also the guy who sued the City of Minneapolis to end domestic partnerships for city employees. He's bad. Linda Higgins is good, and has been a supporter during her time as Senator.

Openly gay candidates: Karen Clark DFL Minneapolis 61A (northern South Minneapolis), Scott Dibble DFL Minneapolis 60 (Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun), Alex Whitney GOP Minneapolis 60A (Uptown, Kenwood, read interview with Whitney), Paul Koering GOP 12 Brainerd area.

Hennepin County Commissioner: Mark Stenglein has a shaky history with the GLBT community. If you have the chance to vote for or against him, against might be the wisest choice.

Hennepin County Sheriff: Several police officers I've spoken to say Juan Lopez is the wisest choice. Rich Stanek has had some controversy over racism remarks in the past.

Hennepin County Attorney: Andy Luger

Ramsey County Attorney: Susan Gaertner

Judges: OutFront Minnesota Action has some background on whether they are acceptable or not acceptable.