Governor Anderson adds his name to list of over 1,000 Kelliher supporters
Former Minnesota Governor Wendell Anderson today announced he is supporting Margaret Anderson Kelliher’s candidacy for governor. Anderson has added his name to a list of more than 1,000 people who have publicly pledged their support to the Margaret for Governor campaign.
“We know Margaret is ready to lead because she’s done it before,” the former governor wrote in a letter released by the campaign.
Anderson drew comparisons to his time in office when he championed finance and education reforms in the face of soaring property taxes. The legislation, known today as the Minnesota Miracle, relieved severe disparities between rich and poor school districts.
“Today, we face a similar, if not more severe, set of challenges,” Governor Anderson wrote. “Margaret Anderson Kelliher is a proven leader, ready to guide our state toward long-term solutions.”
“I am so grateful for Governor Anderson’s support,” Kelliher said. “His leadership was a turning point for our state. Minnesotans became more prosperous because he understood strong schools would make our economy stronger.”
Kelliher, who serves as Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, has made education finance reform a signature issue of her campaign for governor.
“Minnesota companies need a highly educated workforce to grow their businesses and create new jobs,” Kelliher said. “As governor, I will lead the charge to make sure every 5-year old is ready for kindergarten and that our public colleges and universities remain accessible and affordable.”
Governor Anderson also served in the U.S Senate. He was a member of the U.S. hockey team that won the silver medal at the 1956 Winter Olympics.