Norann Dillon’s State Senate Campaign Kicks Off

Fightin Words ^ | May 17, 2010 | Walter Scott Hudson

[Walter Scott Hudson]

KTLK's Sue Jeffers emceed a campaign kick-off event in Plymouth for Norann Dillon on Saturday. Dillon is the Republican endorsed candidate for state senate in SD43. A group of enthusiastic supporters applauded remarks from Congressman Erik Paulsen, Hennepin County Commissioner and recent Minnesota GOP convention co-chair Jeff Johnson, and local small business owner and Tea Party activist Toni Backdahl.

Common among remarks was genuine respect for and familiarity with Dillon, who has made a name for herself within the party as an independent open-minded advocate of liberty. Jeff Johnson observed, just when he thinks he has Dillon "boxed in" to a ideological archetype, she surprises him with fresh ideas. Too many legislators show up to the capital believing they have all the answers, Johnson said, expressing his confidence Dillon would break that mold. Congressman Paulsen pointed out Dillon's resume of family and community service is "not that of a politician," but indicative of someone in touch with the district. Toni Backdahl stressed Dillon could be counted on to uphold the principles of fiscal responsibility, limited government, and free markets. Sue Jeffers reiterated throughout the event how lucky she thought residents of SD43 are to have Dillon as their Republican endorsed candidate, concluding "I might have to move to Plymouth."

When the time came for Dillon to speak for herself, the praise of her peers was justified. Diminutive at first glance, once on point, Dillon effectively advocates common sense government. As a mother of four teenagers, Dillon's compulsion to run mirrors the concern of any parent. What are we leaving for our children? Will they have the same opportunities we had? Will they be free to achieve, protected by equal treatment under the law? Or, will they be handicapped by excessive government? Central to addressing these concerns is a thoughtful approach to spending. For example, on education, beyond the rhetoric of revenue lies 55 separate funding streams along with state mandates which divert teacher attention from students. Addressing such issues requires serious solutions, not soundbites.

Norann Dillon stands consistent with the statewide slate of candidates endorsed at last month's Republican convention in Minneapolis. Whether its Tom Emmer for governor, Dan Severson for secretary of state, or Pat Anderson for auditor, Minnesota's Republican candidates are looking to what Dillon calls "the owner's manual for government" - the Constitution. Like her statewide colleagues, Dillon will present voters with a clear choice in November between those who believe Minnesotans best govern themselves and those, like current Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, who believe "it's simplistic and naive to say people can spend their money better than government."