LETTER: Delegate to DFL convention learned from process

From Jill Rezac
Hutchinson

I had the honor of representing McLeod County Democrats at the DFL convention in Rochester as an elected delegate. As a Hutchinson resident I would love to share my experience.

As an original Ciresi supporter (Ciresi subsequently dropped out), I was an undecided delegate throughout the process which gave me a unique opportunity to step back and really challenge the candidates on their respective positions on the issues. Each candidate more than willingly offered me one-on-one time to discuss the issues that are important to me and my family: the economy, education, renewable energy, and of course the war in Iraq.

I had lunch with Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer and he offered me almost an hour (I was the one pressed for time and could not stay to hear more from him.) He responded to all of my questions on his positions and plans. He is by far one of the most honorable and intellectual men I have ever met. I also had many conversations with Erik of his campaign and was quite moved by his passion and conviction for the issues and his candidate.

Al Franken took time to visit me at my home. He met my family, and genuinely sought out what issues we were concerned with and provided us with a clear vision and plan to address these issues and he also discussed other issues very prominent to Minnesotans. Al has been spending many months meeting Minnesotans, learning from them, and really listening to them. I found this impressive. He really listened, was not rushed, and encouraged me to call him if I still had more questions. I had many phone conversations with Al and many questions and Al Franken always gave me direct answers.

I was not at all taken by his celebrity status and quite frankly pressed him hard on his motives for running for the senate job. I can honestly say that he never acted like a celebrity. In fact, my impression of him was that he was really a down to earth guy and truly had Minnesota values. I liked him — he was very real, and well as for his motivation for running, he genuinely wants to make change, good change, for his family, for my family, and for all Minnesotans.

I was concerned about the negative coverage that was surfacing and I pressed Al Franken on these. During the convention he addressed this. He held himself accountable and for that I respect him. If anything I really get frustrated that we waste our time on mindless chatter when we really need to focus on the issues facing this country.

I spent the evening with Al and his wife Franni at the 7th Congressional District Banquet which gave me further opportunity to hear Al Franken’s position on the issues. And what I came away from those conversations with is that Al is a very passionate and genuine candidate running for the Minnesota Senate race. And Franni, well I was impressed by her and her knowledge. She and I had quite a conversation regarding health care and what can be done. The mutual respect and adoration between the two was very apparent. I am not a part of Al Franken’s team and my opinion here is based on lengthy conversations, personal research, and my own individual perceptions which I have tried to make without overly observing the media attention.

I was very impressed and inspired by the respectful and positively progressive campaigns engaged in by both the Al Franken campaign and the Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer campaign. This made the transition to a unified party after the endorsement a natural and energetic flow. Jenny Anderson of Hutchinson attended as my alternate. We participated in all of the after-hour celebrations including the Education Minnesota celebration, Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer celebration, Al Franken celebration, the Farmers Union, Amy Klobuchar, and many more.