Delegates, Alternates, and Citizens of Senate District 31,
This is my formal announcement indicating my intention to again run for the Minnesota Senate.
I find myself in a brand new Senate District 31 – a great new district that includes many townships and cities that I grew up in and around. I am excited to run again!
This excitement is focused and tempered by the fact that I must first run for the Republican endorsement against my friend and current Senate colleague, Michelle Benson. Michelle has proven to be the kind of hard working and tireless campaigner that you admire and respect. She is a most worthy campaign rival. As an elected representative, you hope to never have to run against a friend and teammate, however redistricting has forced this situation.
As in the past I have not put out any false, or gotcha information on my opponent. I do not even do that when running against opponents of other parties. I concentrate on what I have done and will do. I would ask that third parties also not put out information like this about either me, Michelle, or any other candidate. These kinds of gotcha tactics only prove the assertions of some that Republicans “eat their own”. Let’s not cheapen this process by attempting to deface either candidate, rather, let’s openly judge each candidate on their merits, record, and with the most integrity as possible. I want the delegates to choose who can best serve the people of District 31 with a fair and open mind.
My stances on issues have made me a controversial figure at times. Some of the votes I have taken can look contrary to the conservative standard on the face, but I always frame legislation and vote with the utmost pragmatism to my conservative beliefs, and reflect the thoughts and desires communicated to me by my constituents.
Past delegates, alternates and constituents know me. They know that if they see any inconsistencies, they can simply call me and we will talk about what they’ve seen and I can explain my reasoning on their issue. The folks who live in the district have an open dialogue with me and know that my door is always open. They know they can even call me on my personal cell phone at any time.
I have served my constituents with great pride. I work for them and not for myself or my party. I have gained much wisdom from the delegates and alternates, all of whom I count as my friends. I listen to their thoughts before I vote on issues. I study hard and try to read every bill. I take on the tough issues and make the tough votes even if I get bombarded with lobbyists wanting me to go in a different direction. Yet, I stay true to those who voted me into office, and I believe it to be my duty to represent their will in the Minnesota Senate.
When I got into politics I did so because I saw a need. It was the need of my neighbors, the folks I grew up with, to be heard at the city level, the county level, and the state level. I still see that need today and that is why I have decided to seek the endorsement to represent our new District 31 in the Minnesota Senate.
I hope you will endorse me as the Republican Candidate for Senate, to continue to represent our area and all of our voices in state government.
Thank you and God Bless.
Mike Jungbauer
Senator, District 31