Dear Friends,

Recently, I did something that many of you might think is crazy. I decided to run for political office and seek the District 57 seat in the Minnesota Senate. Like I said, crazy, but I’m really excited.

Just where is District 57? It’s the geographic area that includes the cities of South St. Paul (where I was born and raised), Newport, St. Paul Park, Cottage Grove, Nininger, Hastings, Afton, Denmark Twp, and St. Marys Point (where I live now). The district population is approximately 70,000 people.

In our family, like yours and others across Minnesota, past generations have taught us the meaning of public service and the importance of giving back to one’s community. After extensive personal reflection and many discussions with my family, I have determined that serving our community through public service is a similarly worthy goal, and a goal I have made the decision to pursue.

That is why I have become a candidate for the Minnesota Senate.

I look forward to the challenges ahead, but to be successful, I am reaching out to my family, friends and business associates for your financial support of $100, $50, $25 or whatever you can afford.

My fundraising goal is to raise $12,000 before Dec. 31st, the amount Minnesota campaign finance law allows me to raise in 2009. I’ll use that money for campaign brochures, postage, lawn signs, website and newspaper ads that I’m going to need to defeat my opponent.

Please be assured every dollar you contribute will be used on these critical campaign necessities. There is no fancy campaign headquarters to staff or expensive political consultants to pay. Every cent of your contribution will be used on the things necessary to win!

The bottom line is this: I can, and will win with your help!

My opponent is in her first-term and has an undistinguished record of voting lockstep with her party bosses and failing to advocate for the family-friendly tax, spending and education policies our community needs at this time.

Campaigns for State Senate are truly “grass roots” efforts in which an effective organization and the ability to meet voters door-to-door are keys to victory. Defeating an incumbent is not easy, but my campaign committee is well-organized and committed to victory.

Asking for money is not an easy thing to do, particularly in these tough economic times, but in order to win, it is absolutely necessary. In 2010, our state will elect a new Governor, Attorney General, State Auditor and Secretary of State. But no less important is the office of State Senate, and all 67 seats in the Minnesota Senate are up for election, including the district I seek to represent, Senate District 57.

Many are asking, “Why do you want to get involved in politics?”

It’s a good question. At a time when many are disillusioned by politics and our elected officials, I feel it is important that everyday, common-sense folks step up to lead our state. People like you and me. People with a new vision and new ideas who will listen, learn and act. I want to bring all of our visions together and work together to get things done.

We need to move the senate in a fresh, new direction — a direction that respects you, the taxpayer. After all, you’re paying the bills!

There are many challenges confronting our state and I believe a new generation of leaders must face those challenges. Let me just touch on a few issues that face us:

TAXES/JOB CREATION: While Minnesota will never be a low tax state due to our quality of life and climate, as State Senator, I will challenge the old school politicians who want to raise taxes, because they think some people are too successful. We can grow our economy and tax revenues by creating jobs and encouraging small business growth as opposed to punitive tax increases which pit people against each other.

EDUCATION: Lawmakers must ensure students receive a quality, cost-effective education that will prepare them for the world ahead. We must correct our funding formula that creates large funding disparities between school districts and we must ensure the dollars from taxpayers are spent wisely, not squandered on questionable spending programs.

HEALTH CARE: The ever-increasing cost of health care and ridiculous cost of prescription drugs must be addressed. Opening our health care system to competition, increasing consumer-based decision-making in the process and providing greater incentives for those who purchase long-term care insurance are a couple cost-friendly approaches with promise.

But before I can make an impact for us at the Capitol, I need to win the election. That is why I am turning to my family, friends, and political allies to raise the funds necessary to run a successful campaign.

I am sure there are many issues of interest to you that I have not discussed here. Please feel free to contact me by phone (651-260-8905) or email (karin@karinhousley.com) if you would like to know my position on any issue, or if you would like to know more about the campaign, to volunteer or become involved in any way. You can donate online at the DONATE button.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this letter and thank you for any financial support of my campaign you are able to provide.

Sincerely,

Karin

Karin Housley
Candidate for State Senate
District 57
HousleyForSenate.com
PO Box 7
Lakeland, MN
55043

P.S. Remember, your contribution of $100, $50, $25 or whatever you can afford will help me reach my goal of $12,000 before the end of the year and provide our campaign with the momentum necessary to win!

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