State Rep.

Monday, July 31, 2000

State Rep. Rob Leighton (DFL-Austin) has received the endorsement of two more labor organizations in his bid for re-election to the Minnesota House.

Leighton now has been endorsed by both the United Auto Workers and the Minnesota Teamsters. Both labor unions represent thousands of Minnesota workers statewide.

In a letter announcing the endorsement of Leighton, Don Gerdesmeier of Minnesota DRIVE, the political arm of the Minnesota Teamsters, stated, "We know you will work to protect the rights of Minnesota’s working men and women."

Leighton expressed his appreciation for the new United Auto Workers and Minnesota Teamsters endorsements.

"I have worked closely both with the United Auto Workers and the Minnesota Teamsters with regard to a wide variety of issues impacting working families," he said.

Leighton is seeking a fourth term as the District 27B representative.

Jeff Anderson, an Austin Republican, also is running for the House seat.

Piper makes it ‘official’

State Sen. Pat Piper (DFL-Austin) has filed for another term representing Senate District 27.

Piper has held the seat, which includes all of Freeborn County and western Mower County, since 1986.

"Serving in the Legislature has been rewarding and challenging," Piper said in an announcement. "We have made some great strides and at the same time chartered a course that has been fiscally prudent, while providing a balanced approach for all Minnesotans."

"This has been accomplished by fostering a strong economy while setting aside resources for a possible downturn in the economy," she said.

Since her election, Piper has been instrumental in many policy areas.

She was a member of the "Gang of Seven" that created MinnesotaCare, the innovative health care program for the working poor and was instrumental in the creation of the Department of Children, Families and Learning.

Since 1997, she has been chair of the Senate’s Family and Early Childhood Budget division and she is co-chair of the Senate’s Children, Families and Learning committee. Piper also serves on five other Senate committees and the Legislative Commission on the Economic Status of Women.