Aitkin DFL delegates gather at VFW

AITKIN -- About 30 DFL delegates from the precinct caucuses in Aitkin County met March 16 at the Aitkin VFW to elect new leadership, hear from and endorse candidates for the fall election, debate platform resolutions and take a straw vote for governor.

The newly-elected chair of the Aitkin County DFLers is Bob Lewis from Jevne Township in the McGregor area. Outgoing Chair Paul Bailey presided at the convention and stepped down after two years at the helm to prepare his race for county commissioner in District 3.

The convention unanimously endorsed incumbents Paul Wellstone for the U.S. Senate, Jim Oberstar for the U.S. House of Representatives from the Eighth Congressional District and representatives Loren Solberg and Bill Hilty for their seats in the state Legislature.

Some of the 12 resolutions chosen at the convention were:

-- Incentives for renewable energy technologies of wind, solar, ethanol and bio-diesel.

-- A living wage required from employers with government subsidies.

-- Funding for public education at levels necessary to provide a first class educational experience for all students at all levels of academic achievement.

Sen. Becky Lourey, DFL-Kerrick, received a large vote of support, with 20 votes in the straw poll taken for governor. The two other declared candidates are state Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe (five votes) and State Auditor Judi Dutcher (no votes). The Aitkin County delegates and alternates chosen for the DFL Convention in Minneapolis, May 3-5, did not pledge to any of the candidates.