Campaign

Excerpt:

Washington County, Minn.

Minnesota represents one of a small number of states that voted for Clinton in 2016 that presents Trump with a chance to expand his map in 2020. If he wants to win here, he must carry Washington County, along the border with Wisconsin.

The first white settlers arrived along the banks of the St. Croix River to log its rich forests. In 1838, early residents in Stillwater, the county seat, formally petitioned Congress to create a new state called Minnesota. Today, its residents are more likely to commute to the booming Twin Cities. A fifth of its residents have moved in since 2000, blending its rural roots with exurban sprawl.

Washington County voted twice for George W. Bush, then twice for Obama. Clinton carried Washington County by just 1.8 percentage points, almost exactly the margin by which she carried Minnesota as a whole.

“President Trump has already transformed rural politics in his favor, so increasing support from suburban voters will be key to the outcome of the election,” said former Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R), who carried Washington County in both his runs for governor.

You can help Susan in this critical race, by volunteering or donating.

Hear Senator Susan Kent’s Conversation

Once you’re done here, check out more of Susan on the issues.

Woodbury Area Chamber Candidate Forum

3:00 PM – Minnesota Senate District 53

1. Opening Remarks 7:00

2. Candidate Introductions 9:47

3. Question 1 17:25

A. COVID-19 has had an effect on our economy worldwide. What steps will you take if elected to help businesses and residents to recover from the pandemic?

4. Question 2 22:07

A. Excluding the impacts of COVID, what are the biggest issues facing your district as a whole and how do you plan to address those issues?

5. Question 3 27:16

A. How will you work the business community to help them grow and prosper?

6. Question 4 31:41

A. What are your views on state mandated paid leave programs? This would be required paid time off for sick leave or family leave. How much time off is appropriate? How should this time off be funded and who pays?

7. Question 5 36:39

A. Minnesota is facing a potentially steep budget deficit heading into next session. Balancing the state budget will be the top priority for legislatures. What is your approach to addressing this issue? Where can the state reduce spending? Please be specific on programs you would look at to reduce spending. If you support tax increases, which taxes should be increased? On what or on whom?

8. Question 6 42:03

A. What do you believe are the biggest issues facing small businesses in this district? How will you support them to get through these issues?

9. Question 7 46:25

A. Would you support an increase in the gas tax to help fill the short fall in transportation revenues that we’re experiencing due to the pandemic and economic fallout associated with it?

10. Closing Statements 50:48

Susan Kent, MN Senate District 53, Candidate Profile

2020 has turned our lives upside down. But there is hope. From checking in on our neighbors, to raising our voices to protest injustice, to supporting our frontline workers, we’ve seen Minnesotans come together. And I’ve been proud to work across the aisle in the Senate to secure workers comp for first responders, and critical support for our hospitals, small businesses, and those struggling as a result of the pandemic.

Get Out The VOTE (GOTV) Gets Wheels in 2020

Please join us on the trail at Senate District 53’s Get-Out-The-Vote Car Caravan to jumpstart our early vote push for DFL voters in Senate District 53.

Who? Anyone who wants to have a great time supporting the Get-Out-The-Vote effort and our endorsed candidates.

Where? We’ll start Brookview Elementary in the north parking lot off of Brookview Rd. Then we’ll head on a pre-planned route across the Senate District. We’ll have printouts of the route as well as a google link we’ll share in advance.  

Timing: Please arrive by 1:30 if you have things to still put on your car in the lot or by 1:40 if you are ready to go so we can get all the cars lined up in the parking lot. At 2:00 the candidates will kick us off with a few words and we’ll head out on our drive (estimated driving time 45-60 min).

What to bring?  

• Your own vehicle(s). If you have more than 1 driver, feel free to bring more vehicles to include in the caravan. The longer the caravan, the better!  
• Feel free to decorate your car in advance or bring the materials you’d like to use (ex streamers, pre-made signs, balloons, glass/auto markers).  
• Please keep messaging focused on Getting Out the Vote messages and/or the locally DFL endorsed/supported candidates (you can see a full list on sd53.org).  
• Where possible use BLUE. Be as creative as you’d like but please keep all messaging positive (no negative messaging against opponents please).  
• If you have a passenger who will be riding with you, it can be fun to have something in hand to wave (ex a small sign about voting)

Social Distancing? This will be a social distancing event inherently with everyone in their own cars. During prep we will keep socially distanced but please also wear a mask when you’re outside your car.  

Guidelines: Please make safety your top priority and follow all traffic laws, stop signs, stop lights, etc. We will have several point people in communication so that we can coordinate as needed if the caravan is disconnected. Have fun and please be positive and courteous at all times.  

What if it storms? In the event that weather is not looking good Senate District 53 event coordinators will make the call whether to fall back to the rain date which will be Sunday, 9/13 at the same time of 1:30.  

Questions? Event logistics are being coordinated by Senate District 53. Please contact them at sd53communications@gmail.com.