March Political Report

Day on the Hill 2008 - A “highly successful” and “well organized” event

More than 120 Team MAPE members participated in the annual MAPE Day on the Hill event Wednesday March 12^th at the Capitol. Members heard from influential speakers including Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, House Majority Leader Tony Sertich. MAPE members utilized Day on the Hill to lobby their legislators to support early passage of the MAPE contract (SF 2620 - HF 3138) and workforce planning and retention legislation (SF 2736 – HF 3095) which aims to ease the impending workforce transition.

In an email following the event, MAPE First Vice President Andy Bindman remarked that it was a “highly successful” and “well organized” event. Please join us next year for MAPE Day on the Hill!

Team MAPE Action Training - May 30th/31st

MAPE will once again be working Erik Peterson from Wellstone to implement an Team training May 30^th and 31^st to be held at MAPE HQ in Shoreview. This training is based on the Camp Wellstone model and is an excellent entry point into legislative and political involvement. Registration will begin later this month.   

 

New Team MAPE PAC Board Members

Three new MAPE members have been added to the MAPE PAC board. They are: Sheila Scott, Molly Macgregor and Mark Proctor. Thank you to all that applied!

• Sheila Scott is comes from Local 602. She works as a staff attorney in the Department of Human Rights. Sheila lives in District 58A in North Minneapolis where she has served as precinct chair for more years then she cares to remember.
• Molly Macgregor is a member of Local 1502 and lives in District 4B in Walker. She currently serves as treasurer of her local party unit and as a volunteer campaign manager on a campaign for State House. Molly also worked on Dave Durenberger’s first campaign for US Senate in 1978.
• Mark Proctor is a member of Local 201 and lives in Bloomington (District 40B). In 2006, Mark volunteered 10 to 15 hours a week in support of MAPE PAC endorsed candidate, and now Senator, John Doll.

 
2008 MAPE Early Endorsements

The MAPE PAC board met earlier this year to determine 2008 “early endorsements.” Over 60 labor-friendly legislators met Team MAPE’s auto-endorse criteria for the 2008 election cycle. These elected officials deserve thanks for helping us achieve our recent legislative successes, including the passage of the salary supplement last year, and for their on-going support of professional public employees. Team MAPE will work to ensure these incumbents are reelected this fall. A few may even face primary challenges. To see the list, visit TeamMAPE.org.

2008 "Early Endorsements"

The MAPE PAC board met recently to determine “early endorsements.” Over 60 labor-friendly legislators met Team MAPE’s auto-endorse criteria for the 2008 election cycle. These elected officials deserve thanks from MAPE for their on-going support of professional public employees.

The 2007 session was one of the most successful in MAPE’s twenty-five year history. With your help, we attained at 3% biennial salary supplement that lead to a 3.25% across-the-board pay increase earned at the negotiations table. In addition, we passed anti-outsourcing legislation that will prevent the privatization of crucial state services. These legislators helped make those successes possible.

This year, MAPE will be working to get our contract passed as quickly as possibly. We will also be pushing workforce planning and retention legislation to assist the state in preparing for looming workforces changes.

What does it mean to earn “early endorsement?” Legislators who achieve this status have:

• Been endorsed by Team MAPE in the past
• Voted in support of MAPE issues
• Maintained a high labor vote ranking
• Demonstrated support of public employees

The Team MAPE endorsement includes mailings to members in specific districts, as well as volunteer and contribution assistance when available. Please support these MAPE friendly legislators at your caucuses and party conventions, and throughout 2008!

Office	First	Last	District
Representative	Tom	Anzelc	3	A
Representative	Joe	Atkins	39	B
Representative	Karla	Bigham	57	A
Representative	David	Bly	25	B
Representative	Kathy	Brynaert	23	B
Representative	Lyn	Carlson	45	B
Representative	Karen	Clark	61	A
Representative	Jim	Davnie	62	A
Representative	David	Dill	6	A
Representative	Augustine Willie	Dominguez	58	B
Representative	Al	Doty	12	B
Representative	Kent	Eken	2	A
Representative	Patti	Fritz	26	B
Representative	Rick	Hansen	39	A
Representative	Alice	Hausman	67	B
Representative	Debra	Hilstrom	46	B
Representative	Bill	Hilty	8	A
Representative	Frank	Hornstein	60	B
Representative	Melissa	Hortman	47	B
Representative	Tom	Huntley	7	A
Representative	Mike	Jaros	7	B
Representative	Sheldon	Johnson	67	B
Representative	Al	Juhnke	13	B
Representative	Phyllis	Kahn	59	B
Representative	Jeremy	Kalin	17	B
Representative	Margaret Anderson	Kelliher	60	A
Representative	Katherine	Knuth	50	B
Representative	Lyle	Koenen	20	B
Representative	Carolyn	Laine	50	A
Representative	Ann	Lenczewski	40	B
Representative	John	Lesch	66	A
Representative	Tina	Liebling	30	A
Representative	Bernie	Lieder	1	B
Representative	Leon	Lillie	55	A
Representative	Diane	Loeffler	59	A
Representative	Shelley	Madore	37	A
Representative	Tim	Mahoney	67	A
Representative	Carlos	Mariani	66	B
Representative	Paul	Marquart	9	B
Representative	Sandy	Masin	38	A
Representative	Frank	Moe	4	A
Representative	Terry	Morrow	23	A
Representative	Joe	Mullery	58	A
Representative	Erin	Murphy	64	A
Representative	Mary	Murphy	6	B
Representative	Mike	Nelson	46	A
Representative	Michael	Paymar	65	B
Representative	Aaron	Peterson	20	A
Representative	Sandy	Peterson	45	A
Representative	Tom	Rukavina	5	A
Representative	Brita	Sailer	2	B
Representative	Tony	Sertich	5	B
Representative	Steve	Simon	44	A
Representative	Nora	Slawik	55	B
Representative	Linda	Slocum	64	B
Representative	Loren	Solberg	3	B
Representative	Cy	Thao	65	A
Representative	Paul	Thissen	63	A
Representative	Tom	Tillberry	51	B
Representative	Ken	Tschumper	31	B
Representative	Jean	Wagenius	63	B
Representative	John	Ward	12	A
Representative	Ryan	Winkler	44	B

Team MAPE will continue it's endorsment process in June. Only candidates for State Representative were endorsed at this time. The Minnesota Senate is not up for election until 2010. For more information please contact Kendal Killian at kkillian@mape.org.

Political Affairs Report - January

2008 Precinct Caucuses
In Iowa on January 3rd, nearly 350,000 people participated in that state’s “first in the nation” caucuses, making it by far the most heavily attended in history.  Here in Minnesota, we will get our turn on Tuesday February 5th. Coined “Super Duper Tuesday,” approximately 24 primaries and caucuses will be held on that day nation-wide. 

Precinct caucuses provide a tremendous gateway into grass-roots politics for MAPE members. Caucus training will be held on January 29th, 7:00pm at MAPE. Caucus training materials are available for distribution in your regions by contact Kendal Killian at kkillian@mape.org. Team MAPE will also be distributing caucus resolutions supporting MAPE legislative priorities to bring to your caucus. For more information, please visit TeamMAPE.org.

• Click here to register for caucus training: http://www.teammape.org/regcaucus.html
• Click here to sign the "I will caucus" pledge: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/TeamMAPEcaucus

Happy New Year: Priority #1 – Keep the House majority!
What is Team MAPE’s New Year’s resolution? To maintain a friendly majority in the Minnesota House! MAPE has about 90 members in the House that we can count on to support of MAPE legislation. Because of the high number of supportive incumbents, our 2008 campaign strategy will be focused mostly on “defense,” defending the seats of vulnerable legislators. MAPE will work deliberately to organize members in key districts in support of these candidates.

Special Election- Senate District 25
January 3rd a Special Election was held in Senate District 25 to replace Senator-turned-judge Thomas Neuville. Education Minnesota member Kevin Dahle, buoyed by strong support in the city of Northfield, cruised to a 55% to 42% victory over prevailing wage opponent Ray Cox. With the addition of Senator-Elect Dahle, the DFL Senate Caucus now controls a veto-proof majority in the 67 seat body. 

MAPE PAC
At their final 2007 meeting, the MAPE PAC chose Cathleen Cotter as the next MAPE PAC Chair. Cathleen is an experienced political activist and a recent graduate of the Center for Advocacy and Political Leadership at the University of Minnesota Duluth. She was also a delegate to her party’s state convention in 2006. The PAC will meet later in January to fill vacant board positions, finalize the 2008 budget and discuss the endorsement process.

MAPE Action Team Training
As you know, MAPE held two intense grass-roots political trainings in 2007, preparing over 30 participants success in their legislative and political organizing efforts. MAPE staff is working with Erik Peterson of Wellstone Action to plan more training opportunities this year. These trainings are set for May 30th and 31st and September 5th and 6th. Formal registration will begin in April.

In solidarity,

Kendal Killian   
MAPE Political Affairs Coordinator

MAPE PAC to fill three board vacancies

The MAPE PAC currently has three vacancies that to be filled at the January meeting. Please contact MAPE Political Affairs Coordinator Kendal Killian at kkillian@mape.org for an application. Applications are due December 31st.

Applications will be evaluated based on experience, expressed commitment to the MAPE PAC and geographic diversity.

Caucus Training January 29th at MAPE

The Team MAPE Government Relations Committee will be hosting non-partisan caucus training on Tuesday January 29, exactly one week before state-wide precinct caucuses.

Precinct caucuses are a tremendous opportunity to get involved politically at the grassroots level. By attending caucuses, MAPE members will have a chance to vote for their parties Presidential nominee will be through a binding straw ballot. Attending your caucus is the first step in becoming a state convention delegate. In addition, attendees will also have the opportunity to submit resolutions for inclusion into your party’s platform. Attending caucus training greatly improves your chances of becoming a state delegate and maximizing your overall caucus experience.

The training will be held at MAPE headquarters in Shoreview, 3460 Lexington Ave N. For more information or to register, please contact Kendal Killian at kkillian@mape.org.

Legislative & Political Affairs Report - November

MAPE Legislative & Political Affairs Report
November, 2007

Legislative Update – Workforce Planning and Retention Legislation
As you know, our state’s workforce is on the verge of a major transformation. Approximately 30 percent of all state employees are eligible for retirement in the next three years and nearly 50 percent of the remaining workforce is eligible to retire in the next five years. At the same time, as Governor Pawlenty has acknowledged, the number of available skilled workers in Minnesota will concurrently decrease.

MAPE is working on legislation that will address these challenges through more a more competitive compensation system, known as the Hay study. The Hay study is the means the state of Minnesota uses to analyze positions for the purpose of determining equitable compensation levels. By basing compensation on this system, the state will likely save money on employee turnover, possibly retain knowledgeable state employees beyond the date they are eligible to retire, and assist in having long term employees present to help train new employees.

This will be a major initiative in the upcoming session. MAPE has already met with Leadership from both the House and Senate regarding proposed Hay legislation. We are in the process of educating legislators on the issue and gaining commitments from potential bill authors. In the upcoming session, it will be a major undertaking to educate and convince both the Governor and legislature that state employees need to be compensated appropriately across the board, not compensated at the arbitrary discretion of their agency. 

2008 Precinct Caucuses
Minnesota’s 2008 Precinct Caucuses will be held Tuesday February 5th. Coined “Tsunami Tuesday,” due to the approximately 18 primaries and caucuses being held on that day nation-wide, it is possible that the Republican or Democratic parties may chose their Presidential candidate on that very night. Precinct caucuses provide a tremendous gateway into grass-roots politics for MAPE members. MAPE will be conducting caucus training for prospective participants and will be preparing issue resolutions for members to take to their caucuses. For more information, please visit TeamMAPE.org.

Day on the Hill
MAPE Day on the Hill will be Wednesday March 12th. Stay Tuned for more information.

MAPE Action Team Training
MAPE held two intense grass-roots political trainings in 2007, preparing over 30 participants success in their legislative and political organizing efforts. Both trainings were designed specifically for MAPE members interested in entry level legislative and political involvement. During one exercise at the November training, for example, members heard from Representatives Leon Lillie, John Lesch and Karla Bigham and learned “do’s and don’ts” of citizen lobbying. The feedback was extremely positive.  MAPE will be working with Erik Peterson of Wellstone Action to plan more training opportunities in the upcoming year.

In solidarity,

Richard Kolodziejski
MAPE Legislative Affairs Director

Kendal Killian   
MAPE Political Affairs Coordinator   

Legislative & Political Affairs Report - October

Legislative & Political Affairs Report

October, 2007

• MAPE Action Team Training – November 9th-10th
  MAPE will once again be working Erik Peterson from Wellstone Action to implement an Action Team training November 9th and 10th to be held at MAPE HQ in  Shoreview. This training is based on the Camp Wellstone model and is an excellent entry point into legislative and political involvement. To sign up, please CLICK HERE. For more information please contact Political Affairs Coordinator Kendal Killian.
• Introducing TeamMAPE.org!
  TeamMAPE.org is now up and running and fully functional. The new site utilizes robust, interactive technologies and will provide a more transparent one-stop-shop for legislative and political information. Members of Team MAPE can use TeamMAPE.org to sign-up for news alerts, contact their legislators, donate to MAPE PAC, sign-up to attend Day on the Hill and learn about endorsed candidates. This is an exciting new development in the evolution of our political program. TeamMAPE.org was paid for by MAPE PAC and will be shared by the PAC and GRC.
• Delegate Assembly Passes 2008 Legislative Priorities and Positions
  The Delegate Assembly ratified MAPE’s 2008 Legislative Priorities and Positions. The DA did amend the document slightly, specifically stating our support for the development of a single payer universal health care system. The 2008 Legislative Priorities and Positions will provide the blueprint for the bills MAPE drafts and supports next year. For more information please visit TeamMAPE.org/issues.html.
• Legislative Award Winners
  Annually at the Delegate Assembly Awards Dinner, MAPE presents achievement awards to Legislators and Legislative Staff members that greatly aided the progress of MAPE legislative agenda through their work at the Capitol. Our staff members of the year were Kathleen Lonergan in the Senate and Brian Shekleton in the House. Our Legislators of the Year were Sen. Sandy Pappas from SD 65 and Rep Steve Simon from HD 44A. Our New Legislator of the Year award went to Rep. Ryan Winkler from 44B. In order to further recognize his on-going support of MAPE friendly legislation, MAPE awarded our Better Government Service Award to Rep. Leon Lillie HD from 55A.
• Attend Your Precinct Caucus February 5th
  Minnesota’s 2008 Precinct Caucuses will be held Tuesday February 5th. Coined “Tsunami Tuesday,” due to the approximately 18 primaries and caucuses being held on that day nation-wide, it is possible that the Republican or Democratic parties may chose their Presidential candidate on that very night. Precinct caucuses provide a tremendous gateway into grass-roots politics for MAPE members. For more information, please visit TeamMAPE.org.
• Day on the Hill
  MAPE Day on the Hill will be Wednesday March 12th. Stay Tuned for more information.

Political Affairs Report - August

Special Election 28B
MAPE PAC endorsed candidate Linda Pfeilsticker in the 28B special election. The election was held August 7th to replace outgoing representative Steve Sviggum. MAPE PAC made a significant contribution directly to the Pfeilsticker campaign and to the Minnesota Voter Project effort. In addition, the MAPE political staff and member volunteers lent their time to assist the campaign. Unfortunately, Pfeilsticker lost by 53% to 47%. It was, however, a very strong showing it what is normally an extremely unfriendly district for labor aligned candidates.

MAPE Action Team Training – November 9th-10th
MAPE will once again be working Erik Peterson from Wellstone Action to implement an Action Team training November 9th and 10th to be held at MAPE HQ in Shoreview. This training is based on the Camp Wellstone model and is an excellent entry point into legislative and political involvement. For more information please contact Political Affairs Coordinator Kendal Killian at kkillian@mape.org.

Team MAPE website
MAPE PAC has entered into an agreement with Tipping Point Strategies to design and implement a new PAC website. The new site will utilize robust, interactive technologies and will provide a more transparent one-stop-shop for legislative and political information. The new site will be a joint venture of both the PAC and the Government Relations Committee. It will be unveiled in Mid-September.

MAPE GRC
The MAPE Government Relations Committee recently met to plan to plan their activities for the next year. Their first priority will be to establish the 2008 MAPE legislative positions document, to be ratified at Delegate Assembly. In addition, the committee designated individual committee members to serve as “key leads” in the following task areas: legislative positions, Team MAPE website, Day on the Hill, legislative communications and caucus coordination. 

MAPE PAC
The MAPE Political Action Committee board met earlier this summer to lay out plans for the two-year election cycle. The PAC adopted a 2007 budget and will be operating on a quarterly meeting schedule in 2007 to conserve funds. Three PAC board members stepped forward to head up core tasks: budget, fundraising and communications. The PAC will be kicking of a “dollar a paycheck” fundraising campaign this fall to in preparation for the 2008 elections.

If you have any questions about the MAPE Action Team, MAPE PAC or our legislative efforts, feel free to call or email me at any time at 651-270-3832 or kkillian@mape.org. Also, if you know of juicy political gossip, please share!

In solidarity,

Kendal Killian
MAPE Political Affairs Coordinator

Political Affairs Report - June

Grassroots Action Works!

The unprecedented amount of grass-roots action MAPE members have generated this session (more than 2,000 letters, emails and phone contacts have been sent to legislators and over 100 face to face meetings) had a SIGNIFICANT IMPACT on the success of our legislative agenda. This is the bottom line: Through our coordinated and relentless legislative action, we earned a 3% compensation supplement! This supplement was included in all omnibus bills and signed by the Governor.

 

MAPE PAC supports legislators that support MAPE

After the successful legislative session, MAPE PAC will be providing financial support towards elected officials and the respective party caucuses that supported MAPE. Political Affairs staff is compiling a list of "star" legislators and will provide guidance to the PAC in this process.

 

Worry Free Advocacy for Nonprofits

MAPE Political Affairs staff will be attending the Worry Free Advocacy for Nonprofits conference on Monday June 11th at the Carpenters Hall in St. Paul. This training will be for 501 c3's, c4's and c5's. The Alliance for Justice attorney-trainers will train on topics including state law rules, federal tax law restrictions on election related activity by exempt organizations and strategies for coalitions and affiliated organizations.

 

Advance Campaign Management School

MAPE Political Affairs Coordinator Kendal Killian will be attending the Wellstone Action Advance Campaign Management School during the last week in June. This extensive training, the highest level training offered by Wellstone Action, will provide MAPE with an in-house campaign specialist and will assist in the creation of MAPE's 2008 campaign plan.

 

MAPE PAC

The MAPE Political Action Committee board met recently to lay out plans for the two-year election cycle. Officer elections were held and the ground-work was set for election success in 2008. The PAC will be operating on a quarterly meeting schedule in 2007 to conserve funds. Three PAC board members stepped forward to head up core tasks: budget, fundraising and communications. Look for a revamped MAPE PAC website as well as a renewed emphasis on fundraising and PAC membership recruitment. The MAPE PAC will be working hand-in-hand with the Action Team on these initiatives.

 

MAPE GRC

The MAPE GRC, led by new chair Mitch Wallerstedt, will be meeting later this summer to lay plans for the coming year. The GRC will be partnering with MAPE PAC on a new Action Team website and will be assisting in a number of town-hall forms this fall.

 

Looking ahead to 2008: Priority #1 – Keep the House majority!

In 2010 state Senators in Minnesota will not be up for election. Currently, MAPE has about 90 members in the House that we can count on to support of MAPE friendly legislation. Because of the high number of supportive incumbents, our 2008 campaign strategy will by focused mostly on "defense," defending the seats of vulnerable legislators. MAPE will work deliberately to organize members in key districts in support of these candidates.

 

If you have any questions about the MAPE Action Team, MAPE PAC or our legislative efforts, feel free to call or email me at any time at 651-270-3832 or kkillian@mape.org.

 

In solidarity,

Kendal Killian

MAPE Political Affairs Coordinator

Political Affairs Report - May

Grassroots Action Impacts Legislative Outcomes
The unprecedented amount of grass-roots action MAPE members have generated this session (more than 2,000 letters, emails and phone contacts have been sent to legislators and over 100 face to face meetings) has had a SIGNIFICANT IMPACT on the success of our legislative agenda. This is the bottom line: Through our coordinated and relentless legislative action, we earned a 3% compensation supplement! This supplement has already been included in two omnibus bills and signed by the Governor.

MAPE Action Team Training
On the heels of our successful March Action Team training, MAPE is planning a second training this fall. We will once again work Erik Peterson from Wellstone Action to implement this training. For more information please contact Political Affairs Coordinator Kendal Killian at kkillian@mape.org.

MAPE goes to the Humphrey Day dinner MAPE PAC was a keystone sponsor of the 2006 DFL Humphrey Day dinner. Key member activists and staff were in attendance to hear from dignitaries such as Senator Amy Klobachar, Congressman Jim Oberstar and Senator Tom Harkin. The event is also a great opportunity to monitor campaign activity for future elections.

MAPE PAC
The MAPE Political Action Committee board met recently to lay out plans for the two-year election cycle. Officer elections were held and the ground-work was set for election success in 2008. The PAC will be operating on a quarterly meeting schedule in 2007 to conserve funds. Three PAC board members stepped forward to head up core tasks: budget, fundraising and communications. Look for a revamped MAPE PAC website as well as a renewed emphasis on fundraising and PAC membership recruitment. The MAPE PAC will be working hand-in-hand with the Action Team on these initiatives.

Looking ahead to 2008
The number one campaign priority for the MAPE Political Action Team in 2008 will be to maintain the MAPE allied majority in the Minnesota House. Currently, MAPE has about 90 members in this body that we can count on to support of MAPE friendly legislation. Because of the high number of supportive incumbents, our 2008 campaign strategy will by focused mostly on “defense,” defending the seats of vulnerable legislators. Based simply on the 2006 margin of victory, the table to the right lists the most vulnerable MAPE allied candidates in 2008. MAPE will work deliberately to organize members in these districts in support of these candidates.

If you have any questions about the MAPE Action Team, MAPE PAC or our legislative efforts, feel free to call or email me at any time at 651-270-3832 or kkillian@mape.org. Also, if you know of juicy political gossip, please share!

In solidarity,

Kendal Killian
MAPE Political Affairs Coordinator

Political Affairs Report - April

Unprecedented Grass-roots Action!

Members are taking initiative and contacting their legislators in record numbers this session. In just the last three weeks more than 2,000 letters, emails and phone contacts have been sent to legislators on important issues like the salary supplement. In just five short days, members sent over 800 emails to Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Majority Leader Tony Sertich urging them to match the 3.25% dedicated salary supplement put forth by the Senate. This comes on the tails of our ground-breaking "virtual" Day on the Hill effort and the Minnesota is Watching call-in day. Great job!

 

MAPE Action Team training draws heavy praise

The MAPE Action Team kicked off with an intense grassroots training last weekend. There were over 20 attendees, all from different legislative districts. The Action Team will have members on the ground in legislative districts taking the lead in localized government relations and electoral action efforts.

 

Staff is now following up with attendees to support and encourage member follow on their selected projects. Attendees such as Jim Pennino, Char Sokatch and Sarah Hustad have already put their newly developed skills to work through the "Urge your House Leadership to the support the Salary Supplement" campaign.

 

MAPE partnered with Erik Peterson of Wellstone Action on the training and manual. The manual, specifically tailored toward MAPE issues and activities, will be a tremendous resource for MAPE organizers. Peterson complimented the quality of MAPE attendees. "These MAPE participants were extraordinary in their enthusiasm for building a stronger, better union and their focus in learning the skills to make it happen. MAPE is cutting new ground and leading what will, hopefully, be a national movement to build worker power from the grassroots up."

 

MAPE PAC

The MAPE Political Action Committee board met on Thursday, March 22^nd, to lay out plans for the two-year election cycle. Officer elections were held and the ground-work was set for election success in 2008. The PAC will be operating on a quarterly meeting schedule in 2007 to conserve funds. Three PAC board members stepped forward to head up core tasks: budget, fundraising and communications. Look for a revamped MAPE PAC website soon as well as a renewed emphasis on fundraising and PAC membership recruitment. The MAPE PAC will be working hand-in-hand with the Action Team on these initiatives.

 

MAPE members make 2007 best-ever Day on the Hill!

On Wednesday February 14th, more than 120 MAPE members packed the Great Hall at the state Capitol for the 2007 MAPE Day on the Hill. In addition to the large crowd gathered for the traditional Day on the Hill, MAPE members across Minnesota participated in the "Virtual" Day on the Hill. This effort generated nearly 1,000 emails from MAPE members to their elected officials, while countless others called and wrote letters asking legislators to support MAPE legislation.

 

If you have any questions about the MAPE Action Team, MAPE PAC or our legislative efforts, feel free to call or email me at any time at 651-270-3832 or kkillian@mape.org. Also, if you know of juicy political gossip, please share!

 

In solidarity,

Kendal Killian

MAPE Political Affairs Coordinator

Political Affairs Report - January

MAPE Day on the Hill will be February 14th at 9AM

• Please register at MAPEPAC.com
• We are encouraging all prospective attendees to register by January 31st

In addition to the traditional Day on the Hill activities, the MAPE GRC is also planning a “virtual” Day on the Hill which will facilitate and encourage MAPE members to contact their elected officials during Day on the Hill week. Sample letters and talking points will be provided. We will also utilize our online tools such as CapWhiz and Get Active to coordinate this effort. The “virtual” Day on the Hill will provide Greater Minnesota locals and members with a way to participate in this important event.

Action Training
Staff is supporting efforts to initiate a grassroots focused action team that aims to have members on the ground in legislative districts taking the lead in localized government relations and electoral action. Currently, we are working with Erik Peterson of Wellstone Action to finalize our training manual. The first round of trainings, including approximately 40 participants, will take place in late March.

Government Relations
The legislative session kicked off early this month. Staff is attending key committee meetings, following legislation that is of importance to MAPE members, and initiating meetings with legislators. We are also working with other labor and progressive groups to support collaborative legislative proposals.

Electoral Action
Our success in the November elections will have a positive effect on our legislative efforts.

• MAPE allied majorities will now control both legislative houses for the first time in eight years
• Approximately two-thirds of the legislators in both houses are projected to be supportive of MAPE government relations initiatives
• MAPE PAC endorsed legislative candidates won 73% of their races
• MAPE PAC financial and volunteer efforts assisted the election of 23 “pickups;” meaning a non-MAPE supportive legislator was replaced by a MAPE allied candidate.
• Only two MAPE PAC endorsed incumbents lost their races
• 100% of the “open” districts previously held by MAPE allied legislators were “held;” meaning they will still be held by MAPE friendly legislators

Coordination with partner organizations
The Political Affairs team is continuing to represent MAPE through strategic affiliations, such as America Votes, Alliance for a Better Minnesota and Take Action Minnesota. These groups had a tremendously successful election year and will continue to operate throughout the down cycle. Our membership in these groups is vital to the continued success of the progressive and labor movements in Minnesota.

In solidarity,

Kendal Killian
MAPE Political Affairs Coordinator

Political Affairs Report - December

MAPE Election Recap

The overall goal the MAPE Victory 2006 plan was: to motivate and mobilize MAPE members to ensure electoral success for MAPE allied candidates. We succeeded both on a micro level with our organizational efforts and on a macro level with the overall election results.

• Ensure electoral success for MAPE allied candidates
  • MAPE PAC endorsed candidates won three out of the four state-wide constitutional offices
  • MAPE PAC endorsed legislative candidates won nearly 75% of their races, establishing strong MAPE allied majorities in both legislative bodies for the first time in eight years
  • Over 90% of candidates that received a financial contribution from MAPE PAC won their races
  • 73% of all MAPE members survey were identified as being supportive of our endorsed candidates
• Motivating and mobilizing MAPE members to participate in electoral processes
  • Over 115 MAPE members participated in our campaign effort
  • 47 members took Election Day off to help Get Out The Vote
  • Overall, 3700 member to member contacts were made
  • 337 member-to-member hand-written "notes for votes" persuasion cards were sent to undecideds
  • 84 previously "undecided" members were persuaded to support endorsed candidates
  • 900 GOTV reminder calls were placed to identified supporters of endorsed candidates
  • Over 200 additional personal email addresses were collected

 

Coordination with partner organizations

The Political Affairs team is continuing to represent MAPE through strategic affiliations, such as America Votes, Alliance for a Better Minnesota and Take Action Minnesota. These groups had a tremendously successful election year and will continue to operate throughout the down cycle. Our membership in these groups is vital to the continued success of the progressive and labor movements in Minnesota.

 

Government Relations

Preparations are being made for the upcoming legislative session. Staff is working with the GRC to finalize our legislative priorities. Staff also is tracking committee assignments, sending appropriate congratulatory and holiday correspondences and lining up meetings with key and new legislators.

Grass Roots Action

Staff is supporting efforts to initiate a true MAPE grassroots action team that aims to have members on the ground in legislative districts taking the lead in localized government relations and electoral action. 

 

Operations support

Political Affairs staff is collaborating with the other members of the operations leadership, generating a coordinated strategy for more efficient utilization of our database tools. These products, such as Get Active, Labor Key, Go Members and the Voter Activation Network (VAN), all perform "best in class" functions. However, improvements in our in-house processes are necessary in order to improve the "sync" functions between the various databases. As the Political Affairs representative in this work group, I will work to ensure that these products are effectively aiding our organizing, political and government relations efforts. We will prove regular updates on our progress.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Kendal Killian
MAPE Political Affairs Coordinator