■ Ruud defeats Stevenson, returns to Senate
Carrie Ruud of Breezy Point will return to the Minnesota Senate after being elected in 2002 and serving one term. The Republican-endorsed candidate was formerly mayor of Breezy Point.
On Tuesday, she won the Senate District 10 seat with 53.88 percent of the vote with 22,848 votes compared to DFLer Taylor Stevenson’s 45.96 percent of the vote with 19,490 votes.
It wasn’t so much a political comeback that was her motivation, she said, as it was the idea of helping the region by reducing business taxes and dedicating an existing stream of revenue for tourism.
“I just felt the need for good representation for this area with a focus on jobs and the economy,” she said.
The 60-year-old woman said she intended to seek a leadership position within the Senate Republican caucus, but declined to say which post.
“I think greater Minnesota needs to have a voice in leadership,” she said.
Ruud said she was honored the voters put their trust in her to represent them in St. Paul.
The new Senate District 10 includes Aitkin and Crow Wing counties.
For her opponent, the defeat was the second in two years after his loss to Sen. Paul Gazelka in 2010. Stevenson said he won Aitkin County but failed to hold his ground by losing every precinct in Baxter and one in Brainerd.
Stevenson, 24, said independent money expenditures against him of up to $100,000 forced him to fight an uphill battle in the last few weeks.
On Wednesday, Stevenson was back at work substitute teaching in the Brainerd School District.
“We said what we wanted to say,” Stevenson said. “I think we had a positive message. I have absolutely no regrets.”
He said he continues to believe politics can be an instrument for good and whether he is a part of that is not important.
He said he had no definite plans regarding politics in the future.
“I really kind of feel like a chapter in my life has ended and I’m getting out a pencil and writing a new one,” Stevenson said.
MIKE O’ROURKE, associate editor, may be reached at 855-5860 or mike.orourke@brainerddispatch.com. He may be followed at www.twitter.com/MikeORourkenews.
Comments (47)
Add commentyou know that Stevenson will
you know that Stevenson will be back ... substitute teaching only brings so much money into his Moms basement. You need to get that blank check that being an elected official brings ....
An idea for Taylor
If you really want to be in politics, apply for a job with
Nolan and work in D.C..
There you can make contacts with other Democrats .
Sub teaching will not cut it for a well educated guy.
If you really want to help this country, then get a job
or create a business in the private sector.
Be a giver,not a taker.
We need more people contributing to the federal treasury
not more taking from it.
Everyone under age 18 will owe about $250,000 for the national debt.
Thank you.
The Party
Not to worry, the Party will take care of him and will keep him running until he wins. That is if he is willing to do as the Party dictates.
Actually it was refreshing to see two young men from the area seeking public office. To bad more young adults don't do the same. It is alright to think big but it it might be better to start small(local) and work toward the big (state/federal). Like teaching blocking...if you don't have a good stance, hard to teach the footwork needed to keep square in front of the defender. You might get by because of size and strength in the beginning but as you progress and all becomes equal, it is the one that has the basic fundamentals down that move onto the next level.
Defeat is ...
... the best thing that could have happened to Stevenson. Going on the dole by starting your working career as a politician would have ruined this guy's life - might have been easy money for him but not good for him or us.
I just don't favor any person as young as Stevenson seeking elected office. We need representatives who have real world experiences - bad and good - who have empathy for those they represent. That's pretty hard to come by for any 20-something.
Kudos to Taylor Stevenson
Sadie, you say"Be a giver, not a taker"? Do you honestly think that substitute teaching takes no effort? Or coaching teenagers? You obviously haven't spent time in our schools.
I think it's admirable that a young man who grew up in our community put himself out there two times hoping to represent us in St. Paul. Kudos to Taylor Stevenson.
Purposed
Ruud is about the most honest person I have ever met and there is not another candidate that worked harder.
I agree purposed,
And I have known her for years and followed some of her actions in public and business dealings and previous political performances. We will be keeping an eye on her closely.
acusations
If you are going to accuse her of something how about something specific instead of your usual smear by innuendo and inference. Ask anyone around, her business reputation is stellar. You may not agree with her politically but that does not give you the right to damage her reputation just for kicks
Sadie
Sadie,
I like your post and your suggestions. I think going to work for Nolan would be an excellent idea for Stevenson. He could get some experience "in the field" so to speak. It would be to his benefit if he ever decided to run for anything again. And perhaps he would find his calling is not in holding office, but in working behind the scenes instead.
I think that is what got him beat this time. His first campaign people criticized that he was a "kid" who lived in Mom's basement and didn't work a full time job. So 2 years goes by and he campaigns again. Same complaints. Still young, still living in Mom's basement, still without full time employment. Had he used those 2 years to change his situation, he might have been able to overcome the fact that he is young. And it would have showed initiative and growth over the 2 years. I think that was a missed opportunity.
Purposed Dishonest at best
Purposed, I now know who you are. I was a delegate at the endorsing convention. Ruud announced her plan to run as soon as redistricting made the seat open, campaigned, got her delegates to support her. Anyone else had the same opportunity. No one came forward. The endorsement should have been white ballot because no one else was running. No one was fooled by you and your cronies veiled attempt at the convention. She was endorsed unanimously.
Shad
Sorry that I was in a hurry to get to work and didn't explain myself. I thought people knew that being a "giver" not at "taker" means to the federal treasury.
I did write that in the next sentence.
I do know all about schools and have many teachers in my family as well as volunteering for 15 years. My dad
was a Principal in a Lutheran school.
This young man has an excellent education from a high test school and I'm saying that we need more people in the private sector to contribute to the treasury to support all the programs and public workers that people want.
I think he could contribute by starting a business or being employed.
eye
Did you just come back in from burning one with you're 1:04 post?? A Conservative district?? Me thinks that most of it would be called a very union district. I did say most.
sadie, if you've spent that
sadie, if you've spent that amount of time in schools and with teachers and administrators, you probably know how hard teachers work. Substitute teachers have a difficult job too. No, they don't have all the preparation time of regular teachers, but substitute teachers often need to think on their feet and sometimes are challenged by students who think they can goof off because the regular teacher isn't there. That was the point I was making.
I would also say that getting a regular/not substitute teaching position these days is difficult. There are many qualified teachers who cannot find jobs.
Last time I looked, substitute teachers paid in to state and federal taxes as well as social security. I guess that makes Taylor a giver by your definition.
The bottom line
No, a teacher nor any public employee is not a giver in the
aspect that I'm referring to. They do contribute, of course,
but, it takes around 4 employees in the private sector to carry one in the public sector. Their contribution is but a small portion of their salary and benefits. This is absolutely nothing
to do with what the work is and what the hours are and
how hard the work is It is strickly "the bottom line".
This country can't continue at the rate we are going with the high debt and less people paying into the federal treasury.
The amount that a public sector worker pays into the Federal and state treasury probably doesn't even cover the benefits.
Then there are the retirement pensions.
If they make $100/day and pay $10 tax then, where does the
rest come from? I know it can be complicated, but I would like people to start considering where the taxes come from and how they are spent.
Fiscal cliff is coming .
The real takers
are big Pharma, big oil, and big Agra. They need to be removed from their government welfare programs.
Sadie, I bet you are really popular at family gatherings with all those teacher relatives. Or do they want to take a cut in their salaries and pay their own health insurance benefits?
southie
I agree with the bigs you mentioned.
My side of the family doesn't have gatherings as we
are spread across the country. Also, most of them are
in the Lutheran school system. My sister is in the public
system in another state and we do have talks. I didn't mention, at least today, anything about salaries and benefits.
I do think they should pay more for their benefits and I don't have a problem with their salaries. My sister makes $78,000
for an elementary teacher and that is a bit high and retires
at 75% of salary.
In my husbands family, the teachers are all in one branch, so
the rest of us keep quiet on Thanksgiving which is the only
time we all get together. We have many other things in common
that we concentrate on.
Actually, my sister stood up at a union meeting and said that
they need to think of the community where there was so much
unemployment and there just is no more money. she got
followed out to her car and harrassed.
First time
not voting for a Republican . I just wish the other side had someone to run against her. This person has no desire to help small business, it is all about her and not about her constituents. I see nothing that she does as being positive. Biggest joke we have in office – ranks right up there with Jesse for all time.
Tay needs to try his hand at becoming a man
Maybe 4 years serving his country and helping maintain the freedom he so frequently uses, would be a good place for him. Join the military instead of trying to ruin more of todays children by calling yourself a teacher. A little discipline and common sense would go a long way in your long life ahead. By the way, Carrie Ruud is twice the person any of you will ever be. Caring for both parents in failing health and still kicking political butt. Her father is in his mid 90's and served with Patton in North Africa during WWII and her mother is also in her mid 90's and served with the Red Cross in Europe during WWII. Her mother was also a school teacher. Those are bloodlines all of us should have. Carrie respects all, regardless of political affiliation. I only wish I could come close to filling her shoes some day. Now, to all you lip flapping liberals, go ahead and have fun with this.
Hey 45vs9mm
You sound a lot like the old mmpi that got the boot from this site 2 weeks ago. If so, I suggest you heed the words you were told as you got the boot.
President Obama's grandfather served with Patton.
I wonder if they knew each other.
The Romney's have a four generation bloodline of never serving in the military of the United States.
And it shows
Correct again Southie. I can't support anyone that doesn't serve first. In fact, it should be a requirement before anyone can become Commander-In-Chief of our military. No honorable full term active duty discharge, no run for president or vice-president. (Or congress either) (US Senate or US House). I better be careful agreeing with Southie.
There was tremendous pressure on Republicans
To accept and support Romney. The other choices were just as bad in their own ways...Perry, Paul, Santorum, Gingrich, and Huntsman.
Where are the future leaders?
The Democrats have a wonderful and brilliant pool of women waiting to be selected!
You weren't there but you can comment on hearsay?
There was no unethical process and if they didn't know she was endorsed they couldn't have attended. The rules at an endorsing convention are voted on and adopted and followed by the elected delegates. All due process and rules were adhered to and minutes were taken.
I've worked with Senator Ruud
I've worked with Senator Ruud and always found her ready to help when she could. We may not agree on some important issues but I would have no problem talking to her about any issue.
Charlie, tell us how you
Charlie, tell us how you maintained our freedom in Viet Nam?
Hey Motley
When the dems opened the doors (Carter and crew) to the good old USA and allowed the cowards to run from their country instead of fighting for it, there was no chance of winning. A lot of freedom was gained in Viet Nam. Every gook in the country took advantage of the free opportunity to run to the USA and become a DFL'r so they could get free food, clothing, shelter and a prosperous livelyhood as long as they vote DFL. And now we are stuck with a bunch of freeloaders that vote DFL. Watch, it will happen again with the A-rabs as long as the Dems feel the need to strengthen their voter base. Over 40 years later and what do we have? I no speaky english. I need translator at polling booth. Asian Flying Carp destroying our waters. Eurasian water milfoil doing likewise. Hmong people demanding to be buried in our national cemeteries. While our forefathers fought till death if necessary to maintain our freedom, the DEMS allowed the cowards to run from their country instead of fighting till death if necessary, for their freedom. The gutless cowards abandoned their country and left us there to do their dirty work by ourselves. And a DFL president with a noose around our neck. That's where the freedom in SE Asia is. They all got their freedom right here in the good old USA, while our sons and daughters lost their lives fighting for the freedom of the bums. There's your answer Motley. I hope you get a chance to read it before Denny pulls it. The truth always hurts at the BDD. By the way, take a trip to St Paul some day and see the asians growing corn on our city boulevards. At the same time, watch them cleaning chickens on the city sidewalks as they train their fighting cocks to use in illicit gambling schemes, right in their front yards, as the law looks the other way. Then I ask you to grow corn on the boulevard in front of your house and find out how fast you go to jail. Or try cleaning chickens on the sidewalk in front of your house and throw the guts into the gutter for the taxpayers to clean up. Or try living in a neighborhood with 30 asians living in one, two-bedroom house next to yours while the DFL city fathers look the other way. There's your answer Motley. And you wonder why I'm bitter. VETERANS, RESPECT ALL OF THEM. "ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL". Now, shut up if you don't now what you're talking about, motley.
Be a man Charlie (I said that
Be a man Charlie (I said that in a very gruff voice and then spat). Purposed and Sverre should duke it out. Duder out!
Whites Power right Charlie.
Whites Power right Charlie. Lets get some sheets and commit hate crimes.
The Dude
I hope you were looking in a mirror when you spat so at least it will do some good.
Well said Charlie! I am
Well said Charlie! I am waiting for the day when the teet runs dry and all breast feeders (dems) come begging for their food.