Mark Kennedy Announces 2006 Campaign For Senate (It's Official!)

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune ^ | February 10, 2005 | Eric Black

[Clintonfatigued]

''I believe that if we trust people and make sure government helps them and doesn't hinder them in achieving their aims, that great things can happen,'' he said.

[Clintonfatigued]

PING!

[RobFromGa]

About Mark Kennedy

Called by House colleagues "one of the most effective freshman we've seen in a long time" and "someone who does his homework," Congressman Mark Kennedy has quickly made his mark in Congress.

To those who know him, this is not a surprise. Growing up the third of seven children, Mark Kennedy has always been determined to succeed. Whether it was competing in 4-H, becoming the first man in the Kennedy family to attend college, or passing the Certified Public Accountant's exam on the first try, Mark Kennedy sets goals and achieves them.

In just his first term in office, Mark Kennedy delivered a record of accomplishment for Minnesota. An important provision from the first bill he introduced as a member of Congress, providing grant money for rural ambulance services, was signed into law by President Bush. He obtained $3 million in long-overdue funding for a key road project. And he passed legislation through the House of Representatives protecting the educational records of students and families.

He supported the largest tax relief in a generation, including elimination of the marriage penalty, was instrumental in passing the greenest Farm Bill ever, helped craft the House-passed prescription drug bill, was a strong supporter of our efforts to win the war on terrorism, and was a staunch advocate for transportation.

A fourth-generation Minnesotan, Mark continues his family's century-long tradition of public service to Minnesota that began with his great-grandfather's stint as a county commissioner in the 1890's.

Congressman Kennedy was born in Benson, Minnesota in 1957 and grew up in Murdock and Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. He received a Bachelors degree in Accounting from St. John's University in Collegeville, MN and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Michigan.

Following college, he embarked on a successful 20-year business career that found him helping run four of America's most respected companies. Congressman Kennedy is also a Certified Public Accountant.

He currently resides in Watertown, Minnesota with his wife Debbie, and their four children: Charles, Emily, Sarah and Peter.

Community service is an important part of Congressman Kennedy's life. He is a Boy Scout Merit Badge Counselor and a member of: the Watertown Lions Clubs, the Tri-County Toastmasters, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, and the Farm Bureau. Congressman Kennedy is an active member of his church, Immaculate Conception in Watertown. He also regularly attends the House of Representatives Weekly Prayer Breakfast.

Congressman Kennedy serves on the Financial Services Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the House.

[AmishDude]

Is he giving up a safe seat?

Any word on Alan Page?

[BJClinton]

This is a good thing, right?

His web site: http://markkennedy.house.gov/

[txkev]

That could be pick up #1 for the 2006 election! One step closer to becoming filibuster-proof! Woooo hoooo!

[Naomi4]

I must have missed something. Is he a Republican?

[fieldmarshaldj]

Mark looks a little TOO excited in that pic, doncha think ? ;-)

[Archangel86]

Yeah, he is.

[Clintonfatigued]

My first choice is Mary Kiffmeyer, a pro-life Catholic statewide officeholder. She would be particularly effective if Alan Page were the 'Rat nominee. But Mark Kennedy has been a good Congressman, and his background as an accountant is a big plus.

[JohnnyZ]

My first choice is Mary Kiffmeyer

She ain't runnin', supporting Kennedy.

[Clintonfatigued]

Well, then. After Kiffmeyer, Mark Kennedy is my choice. Maybe Kiffmeyer will run for the House with Kennedy's support.

MARK KENNEDY FOR SENATE 2006!!!!

[opocno]

I agree - looks like he was kicked in the you know whats.

[opocno]

It should have been, but he had to fight hard to hold onto it against a woman with no political history (other than being a DFL'er). She has to be considered the front runner to pick up his seat if he doesn't defend it. Pubbies need to move fast with a solid candidate who can get to work and start running now.

[AuH2ORepublican]

"My first choice is Mary Kiffmeyer, a pro-life Catholic statewide officeholder."

---

She'd be my first choice to replace Mark Kennedy (also a pro-life Catholic) in the House. But I think Kennedy would be a better Senate candidate, since he has proven to be an excellent fundraiser and one who has been able to win under difficult circumstances. In 2000, Kennedy beat popular, pro-life incumbent Democrat Congressman David Minge in a huge upset. In 2002, he was drawn out of his district by redistricters and he ran in the new 6th CD, which only included 14% of his old district, and he beat a pro-life Democrat state legislator by a wide margin. In 2004, he was challenged by Patty Wetterling, who was well known throughout Minnesota due to her relentless advocacy of missing and exploited children since her own son was abducted 11 years ago, and Kennedy won by 8%, much more comfortably than predicted. I think that Kennedy's experience in tough races, as well as his experience in federal issues, makes him the GOP's top Senate candidate in 2006. I just hope that Congressman Gutknecht reconsiders and runs for reelection to the House.

[AmishDude]

Probably the best pic he has with the Big Guy. Maybe he can convince Bush to pose for another. From what I hear, though, it's Alan Page's seat if he wants it.

[ChuckK]

For what it's worth, this says that Page isn't interested.

[AmishDude]

A bad link, but I get your point. That makes it a competitive seat, from what I've read.

[ChuckK]

Maybe this'll work

[Tacis]

This certainly means the the dems will call on all deceased party mebers (well, they don't even have to be party members if they are dead), fraudulent voters from Washington state, Philadelphia and Florida if they hope to make a good showing!

They are still going to hold the "Thank God, Paul Wellstone Is Still Dead Festival And Ballot Box Stuffing Frolic" aren't they?