Earlier this month, Bluestem Prairie looked at a place-baiting letter that flogged DFLers for a metro bias; the writer scolded a Minneapolis representative for the state's new buffer law.
But as we pointed on in Backer backer blames Rep. Wagenius for buffer legislation she voted against 2 years running, Rep. Wagenius didn't write, co-author or vote for that legislation, while Jeff Backer, R-Browns Valley, played a role in crafting the 2015 law. He voted for it and the 2015 tweak--and has held a fundraiser in the metro as well.
Now another voters who grew up in the district, but moved to the metro (Fridley), has responded to the letter. In McNamar believes in votes and future of 12A, Jennifer Nelson writes:
I was extremely disappointed to read Cindy Solvie’s letter regarding Jay McNamar’s Minneapolis fundraiser. Attendees were largely people like myself – born and raised in District 12A and still having strong ties to the area (family, property, etc). Here’s why I went.
During grad school, I interned in the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office. One day while working I was told I had a visitor. To my surprise, I walked out front to find Rep. Jay McNamar, who I’d never met. He smiled, shook my hand, and introduced himself. He told me whenever he hears that someone from his district works at the Capitol he seeks them out, because he thinks it’s great to see people get involved. He told me that if I ever needed anything his office was upstairs and encouraged me to keep working in policy, because we need people from all parts of the state, especially Greater Minnesota.
Jay earned my support that day by demonstrating that he strongly believes in the voices and future of those from District 12A. He proved that he will take time out of his busy schedule and go out of his way to ensure he knows and hears from them.
It's time to set aside this divisive game and come together for all of Minnesota. Sheesh.
Photo: Then MN House Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, joined retired educator and coach Jay McNamar at the UMM in 2014. McNamar served one term in the state legislature before being defeated in a hotly contested race by a 660 vote margin. Jeff Backer used the same divisive rhetoric in that race, dubbing McNamar "Metro Jay." Looks as if he'll get more push back on this name-calling this go-around.
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