reNEW is sending 160 state delegates to Duluth this weekend! Our last blog post (sorry folks, it was over a month ago) reflected a total of 156 state delegates. Well, in the process of phoning convention delegates this month, we have revised this total to 160 reNEW delegates and 100 alternates.
At the convention, both the reNEW delegates AND alternates will have a voice, and a vote, in which of our three preferred candidates we may unite behind. That’s why we are encouraging all reNEW alternates to attend the state convention and participate in this exciting portion of our campaign to elect a progressive Governor.
On Friday night, from 8-10 pm at the Radisson’s Great Hall, the reNEW Minnesota campaign will be hosting a reception for everyone attending the state convention (delegates, alternates, candidates and their campaign staff, media – everyone is invited to stop by). Our three preferred candidates for Governor – Kelliher, Rybak and Thissen will be making appearances and speaking to reception attendees.
And on Saturday morning, reNEW campaign supporters will don our orange and white T-shirts and hold a rally in front of the DECC, at 8AM sharp. Our message? Vote for either Kelliher, Rybak or Thissen on the first few ballots – your choice – and then move to consolidate around whichever of these three candidates the reNEW voting bloc chooses (by 60% supermajority).
The most important thing to remember is that the state convention is merely one step in the journey to reshape the political dialog in Minnesota. The reNEW Minnesota campaign is bigger than the state convention, our 160 delegates, any single candidate or even the 2010 election. We’re organizing to build a powerful and lasting progressive movement that promises to help our next Governor shape their administration and go on to change our state for the better. And we can do this with your involvement and continued engagement.
Looking forward to organizing with you in Duluth!