These reports are compiled from news release by campaigns

GOVERNOR

DFL Environmental Caucus endorses Otto

The DFL Environmental Caucus recently announced its endorsement of State Auditor Rebecca Otto for governor.

“Rebecca Otto is a powerful voice for the environment and for a better Minnesota economy,” said caucus chair Veda Kanitz. “We wholeheartedly endorse her candidacy for Governor of Minnesota.”

The endorsement process involved several steps, including the evaluation of candidate positions on transportation, social justice, climate change, clean water, agriculture, mining, and citizen engagement; and a review of voting records and websites.

Candidates Rebecca Otto, Tim Walz, Chris Coleman, Paul Thissen, Erin Murphy, and Tina Liebling were considered.

Johnson to campaign Tuesday in Austin

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson will make a campaign stop  at the  Pizza Ranch in Austin from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16.  In 2014, Johnson was the Republican nominee who lost the gubernatorial race against Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton.

He is a native of Detroit Lakes who worked as a corporate attorney handling labor law issues. He began his own business that provided human resources training and workplace investigations. He’s served in the state House of Representatives and is currently on the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners.

US SENATE

DFL schedules Congressional District 1 Candidate forum

The seven DFL candidates for Congressional District 1 will gather on Wednesday, Jan.  24 for a forum hosted by the Southeast Minnesota DFL. Candidates Johnny Akzam, Dan Freehan, Vicki Jensen, Colin Minehart, Joe Sullivan, Bob Ries, and Rich Wright plan to participate and will each answer a series of questions from the audience. This forum will provide an opportunity for Rochester, and the surrounding communities, to prepare for the caucus on Feb. 6, 2018.

Housley reports raising more than $150K in first 12 days campaign

STILLWATER — On Monday, the Karin Housley for U.S. Senate campaign announced that it has raised more than $150,000 since launching the campaign on Dec.19. This does not include personal loans or pledges.

“The outpouring of support that I have received since launching my campaign has been tremendous and humbling,” Housley said, “It is clear that Minnesotans are ready for a new voice in Washington. This was a great beginning to the campaign, but we are just getting started!”