List of Public Supporters

DFL Friends,

I am writing to you via the Yahoo Group one last time during this campaign to thank you for your patience and for your words and your questions, (and your e-mail Inbox) during the past few weeks. I look forward to seeing and chatting with many of you tomorrow at our meeting. I hope that you will allow me to serve the DFL as your next State Party Secretary by voting for me tomorrow. Below are the people who were willing to go public with their support of my candidacy; people from all across the state and at all levels of leadership and I am honored and humbled to have their support. Have a safe drive to Andover!

Jacob Grippen
Chair, Houston County DFL
Secretary, State Affirmative Action Commission
347.834.1771
jacobandersongrippen@gmail.com
http://jacobfordfl.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jacob-Grippen-for-State-DFL-Secretary/193898660678532

______________________________________________________

Tim Walz, United States Representative CD1
http://jacobfordfl.blogspot.com/2011/01/congressman-walz-endorses-jacob-grippen.html
Randy Maluchnik, Carver County Commissioner (Chair)
Sharon Erickson Ropes, Former Senator SD31

Nancy Larson, DNC Member
Del D Jenkins, State DFL Director
Thom Peterson, State DFL Director
Chris Schmitter, State DFL Director
http://jacobfordfl.blogspot.com/2011/09/endorsement-from-chris-schmitter-dfl.html
Katherine Speer, State DFL Director, CD1 Treasurer

Lori Sellner, CD1 Chair
Jim Hepworth, CD1 Associate Chair
Crysta Parkin, CD1 Secretary
Phil Castrovinci, CD1 Affirmative Action Officer
Shawn Groth, CD2 Associate Chair
http://jacobfordfl.blogspot.com/2011/09/endorsement-from-shawn-groth-cd2.html
Lucy Buckner, CD2 Affirmative Action Officer
Jerry Gilkeson, CD3 Treasurer
Sunday Alabi, CD3 Affirmative Action Officer
Megan Thomas, CD4 Affirmative Action Officer
http://jacobfordfl.blogspot.com/2011/09/endorsement-from-megan-thomas-cd-4.html
Paul Wright, CD7 Chair
Allison Stock Myhre, CD 7 Associate Chair
Ione Yates, CD7 Secretary
Lil Ortendahl, CD7 Treasurer
Aaron L. Wittnebel, CD7 Affirmative Action Officer
Cathy Daniels, CD8 Treasurer
Elizabeth Scott, CD8 Affirmative Action Officer

Eric Nelson, MYDFL Chair
http://jacobfordfl.blogspot.com/2011/09/endorsement-from-eric-nelson-chair.html
Alyssa Siems Roberson Featherstone, MYDFL Associate Chair
Cameron Erickson, MYDFL Secretary
http://jacobfordfl.blogspot.com/2011/09/endorsement-from-cameron-erickson-mydfl.html
Quentin Avola Wathum-Ocama, MYDFL Affirmative Action Officer, (Outreach & Development Deputy Director,YDA Minority Caucus)
http://jacobfordfl.blogspot.com/2011/09/endorsement-from-quentin-avola-wathum.html
Josh Preston, Chippewa County Associate Chair, MYDFL College Caucus Chair
Alex Valen, SD53, MYDFL National Committeeman
Christian Torkelson, SD38, MYDFL Executive Committee (YDA Deputy Director of the Midwest Region)

Dale Moerke, President - Southwest Central Minnesota Labor Council/AFL-CIO
Steve Kemp, Spring Grove City Council Member/2010 DFL Candidate for HD31B
Steve Linnerooth, Platform Commission Co-Chair/SD17 Chair
David DeGrio, Stonewall DFL Chair

David Strand, Aitkin County Chair
Cordy Strand, Aitkin County Associate Chair
Kriss Hakala, Chisago County Chair
Larry Nicholson, Clay County Chair
Ken Albrecht, Cottonwood County Chair
Lance Peterson, Dodge County Chair
Dennis Barnack, Douglas County Associate Chair
Gary McKinley, Faribault County Chair
Dennis DeKeyrel, Fillmore County Chair
Art Anderson, Freeborn County Chair
Rose Anderson, Freeborn County Associate Chair
Arlene Roth, Goodhue County Chair
Susan Ames, Houston County Associate Chair
Janet Straug, Le Sueur County Associate Chair
Tim Buysse, Lyon County Chair
Cheryl Avenel-Navara, Nobles County Associate Chair
Lynn Wilson, Olmsted County Chair
Vicki Jensen, Steele County Chair
Bill Harris, Winona County Chair
http://jacobfordfl.blogspot.com/2011/09/endorsement-from-bill-harris-winona.html
Lydia McAninch, Winona County Associate Chair
http://jacobfordfl.blogspot.com/2011/09/endorsement-from-lydia-mcaninch-winona.html
Ted Fiskevold, SD02 Chair
http://jacobfordfl.blogspot.com/2011/09/endorsement-from-ted-fiskevold-sd02.html
Joe Radinovich, SD04 Chair
Pam McCrory, SD04 Associate Chair
Laurie Stammer, SD19 Associate Chair
Dr. Michael DeBrule SD21 Associate Chair
Harriet Wishnick, SD25 Associate Chair
Rill Reuter, SD31 Chair
Steve Quist, SD36 Chair
Cassandra Stepan, SD55 Associate Chair
Donald Slaten, SD57 Chair
Eric Ferguson, SD62 Associate Chair
Elizabeth Wefel, SD64 Chair
Eric Mitchell, SD66 Associate Chair

John Schultz, Big Stone County
Sherry Berg, Fillmore County
Thomas Trehus, Houston County
Wayne Pauluk, Redwood County
Alex DeMarco, Rice County
Margaret Walsh, Winona County
Clare Jarvis, Winona County
Loki Anderson, SD07
http://jacobfordfl.blogspot.com/2011/09/endorsement-from-loki-anderson-sd-7.html
Scott Yeazle, SD07
Barbra Peterson, SD08
Tom Harbinson, SD15
Diane Hellie, SD29
Deb Staley, SD30
Leanne Kunze, SD34
DJ Danielson, SD35
Ross Dybvig, SD40
Matt Scherer, SD41
Jackie Stevenson, SD43, Former DNC Member
http://jacobfordfl.blogspot.com/2011/09/endorsement-from-jackie-stevenson.html
Arron Olson, SD44
Thomas Dwyer, SD49
Elianne Farhat, SD50
Norm Hanson, SD54
Julianne Johnston, SD54
Ivor Matz, SD54
Stephen Cusulos, SD60
Dottie Gilkeson, SD63
Grace Kelly, SD64
Michael Lewis, SD64

Sean Broom, Former DFL State Director
Pauline Gustafson, DFL Activist
Deb Hogenson, DFL Activist

Endorsement from Eric Nelson, Chair ~ MYDFL

Dear DFL State Central Committee members,

I'm writing to you today to express my support for Jacob Grippen for DFL State Party Secretary. Having had the opportunity to work with and get to know Jacob over the past three years, I have absolute confidence that not only would he be a great secretary, but he would be an unparalleled asset for our party.

With the departure of Vanessa, we have the opportunity to ensure that young people see that there is still room in the party for them to lead at all levels. While "young people are the future" is a bit of a platitude, it is also true, especially for our party. Young people know that the DFL shares their values, but we also need to know that this party, the DFL, doesn't just stand for young people, but stands with them as partners. With Jacob we wouldn't be electing a young secretary, we'd be electing a great secretary who happens to be young.

Since the time we met at the 2008 CD1 Convention, I have had the good fortune of knowing Jacob as an activist, a coworker, and a friend. I know there is not a young person in this state as dedicated to this party and our values as Jacob. And to limit the comparison to just young people does a disservice to Jacob, as his commitment rivals that of any DFLer of any age in this state. There are few people in this state whose political involvement includes Southeast MN, Southwest MN, the Iron Range, the suburbs, and even spending weeks of volunteer hours across the border in Wisconsin to win back a State Senate seat. During the last election, Jacob was asked to move hundreds of miles across the state to work in a tough area that he wasn't familiar with. Jacob surpassed any and all expectations. He worked hard, without problems, and everyone knew that Jacob Grippen's area was not something we had to worry about because he was quietly organizing it with his talent, his skill, and his devotion to our party.

Despite all that he has done Jacob hasn't asked for recognition, he's only asked for the opportunity to do more. I hope you'll join me in giving Jacob the chance to do more for this party. You'll see, like I have, Jacob's ability to excel beyond any possible expectations.

Eric Nelson

Chair, Minnesota Young DFL

Endorsement from Shawn Groth, CD2 Associate Chair

Dear Friends,

I’m writing today to endorse Jacob Grippen for the office of State DFL Secretary.

Jacob is a leader. He listens to others, finds solutions to challenges, and reaches out to people and communities all throughout the state.

Jacob is a doer. If there’s an election somewhere, Jacob will be involved. He demonstrated this last year during a special election in Senate District 26. The day Jacob came to help door knock the campaign held a contest to see who could knock on the most doors. It was wintertime and there was most definitely a below-zero wind-chill.  Jacob won the contest and showed all of us his unwavering commitment to the cause of electing DFLers.

As the Secretary of the Rice County DFL, I appreciate Jacob’s plans for bringing us together, involving us with development of resources and best practices, and to organize trainings and other support for us. I truly believe that he will do all he can to ensure that secretaries within the local party units (county, senate and congressional districts) have what we need to be successful.

In the past when I’ve heard Jacob say he will do something, he follows through and follows-up. His willingness to listen, a positive can-do attitude, thoughtfulness, experience, and passion are all qualities we need in a secretary.

Please join me in supporting Jacob Grippen for State DFL Secretary.

Sincerely,

Shawn Groth

Associate Chair, 2^nd Congressional District DFL

Chair, Senate District 25 DFL

Secretary, Rice County DFL

Endorsement from Chris Schmitter, DFL State Director

Fellow members of the DFL State Central Committee,

I am writing today to strongly endorse Jacob Grippen to be our next State Party Secretary. While I am thrilled that we have two great candidates running, I want to discuss my experience working with Jacob and why I think he's the right choice to be Secretary.

First, Jacob has been a relentlessly hard worker on behalf of DFL candidates across the state. During my years working for Tim Walz, I was able to see firsthand the hard work that Jacob is willing to do for our DFL candidates. Jacob has worked hard in Tim's district, from door knocking, organizing phone banks, and recruiting parade volunteers, to developing strategies for candidates at all levels. And Jacob is willing to take his work ethic, expertise, and passion for DFL politics across the state. From Duluth to Minneapolis to Winona, Jacob will put miles on his car to help DFLers.

Second, Jacob understands the issues facing folks in greater Minnesota. While I firmly believe that candidates can and must deliver an effective progressive message all throughout Minnesota, I know firsthand that we need to be especially smart and thorough in our work and messaging in greater Minnesota. Our statewide candidates, and our candidates in these areas, depend on it.

Finally, Jacob is a passionate and organized progressive. When it comes to the duties of Secretary, I know Jacob has the passion and organizational skills to take on complex tasks and support party units as needed across the state. He can do the hard work of connecting party units to each other and helping us all elect and re-elect DFL candidates in 2012.

I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday and encourage you to support Jacob Grippen for Secretary. 

Sincerely,

Chris Schmitter

DFL State Director

Endorsement from Jackie Stevenson

I write to you today to say that I support Jacob Grippen for State Party Secretary and I urge you to do the same, because I know from experience that Jacob is one of those young energetic people who will lead our party into the future. Jacob is a dedicated DFLer, one that I know does not shy away from hard work. Jacob is willing to listen to those who bend his ear. 

I had the opportunity to watch Jacob campaign for the privilege to serve our DFL Party earlier in the year. Jacob campaigned well and used his talents to bring a new perspective to the race. I fully believe that Jacob will be a great Secretary, and I'm encouraged by the fact that he has even gained more secretary experience since our elections in February. Please join me in supporting Jacob Grippen for State Party Secretary this Saturday at our State Central Committee Meeting.

Sincerely,

Jackie Stevenson

SD43, Former DNC Member

Endorsement from Lydia McAninch, Winona County Associate Chair

Fellow DFLers:

My name is Lydia McAninch. I am currently the Associate Chair of the Winona County DFL and a former executive committee member of the Mower County DFL. I have spent most of my life in Southeastern Minnesota and a lot of that time has been spent volunteering and working for what I like to call “the Greater Minnesota DFL Caucus.” During the 2010 election cycle I got to know Jacob Grippen as leader in Southeastern Minnesota as Chair of the Houston County DFL.

Early in 2010 I attended the Houston County DFL convention and I was extremely impressed at Jacob's attention to detail and his respect of the DFL Constitution and Rules of Order. He was the clear leader of the meeting, but he gave everyone in the room a chance to speak their mind on resolutions and Gubernatorial Candidate preferences, on which there was plenty of debate and differing opinions. Jacob uses most of his free time to work hard for all of our candidates.

I was the Southeastern Minnesota organizer for the Coordinated Campaign last year and Jacob’s support was essential. He made hundreds of phone calls alongside me in the office and encouraged me throughout the year with his selfless commitment to the DFL. He also provided me with accurate and detailed notes he had kept from 2008 (when he was the CC organizer) that he shared with me; which I found to be a great help organizing events, recruiting volunteers, and finding staging locations. 

Jacob is extremely detail oriented and accurate when it comes to recording meetings and he can be counted on to follow up with people in a respectful and timely manner. Jacob controls the Houston County email list with great diligence and he is more than technologically competent to keep up with social networking to strengthen our communication and outreach. His knowledge about the DFL Constitution, bylaws, and Robert’s Rules of Order constantly astounds me and he is my first call whenever I have a question about organizing with the Winona DFL and keeping our local party “up to code”.

Beyond Jacob’s exceptional qualifications, as a DFLer in Southern Minnesota, I would like to see more representation from this area in our State Party’s official boards. I know that within the party there is some disagreement about whether or not geographic balance is relevant, but I am convinced that if we are to strengthen our party units in the small cities and towns around the state, we do need to have a geographically diverse group of State Party Officers. I write this as someone who lived in Minneapolis for 6 years and spent the 2006 election cycle volunteering 20+ hours a week for the Coordinated Campaign in Saint Paul. Back in 2004, I spent a good deal of time volunteering in Austin, MN for the DFL House candidate (my mother), Representative Jeanne Poppe. My campaign experiences showed me just how much campaigning in the Metro is substantially different than campaigning in Southern Minnesota.

I firmly believe there is a dearth of representation from Rural Minnesota and these are the places we will need to win to take back the Legislature. In my experience in Austin and Winona, I have found one of the most frequent complaints from DFL board members and leaders is that our state party keeps their focus on progressive Metro issues. I strongly support progressive politics and I understand how much of our democratic base vote exists in the greater Metro area. However, voters here are fervently “independent” when asked if they belong to a political party and these are the folks we need support from to put us over the top on Election Day.

For these reasons and more, I strongly support Jacob Grippen for Secretary of the Minnesota DFL and I urge others to do the same.

Lydia McAninch
Associate Chair, Winona County DFL

You're Invited!

Members of the State Central Committee,

I want to invite you to an online informational forum this Wednesday night, September 14th from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to discuss my candidacy for State DFL Secretary.

I invite everyone to participate. This event will be held on Facebook. I will answer questions about what I plan to do if elected and invite you to share your thoughts and ideas on how we can improve resources for our secretaries/party members in general.

All you have to do is:

1. "Like" my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jacob-Grippen-for-State-DFL-Secretary/193898660678532
2. Post a question in the "Write something" box on my page, and I will answer the question in the comments. When you pose a question, please identify yourself and your organizing unit (county unit or senate district).

**For those of you who do not use Facebook**

E-mail me ( jacobandersongrippen@gmail.com ) a question between 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. I will post it to Facebook and reply to your e-mail with my answer. Use the Subject: "QUESTION".

If you are unable to participate at the above time, please do not hesitate to e-mail me your questions, thoughts and ideas at your convenience to: jacobandersongrippen@gmail.com

I will reply in a timely matter. You can also read about me and my campaign at:  http://jacobfordfl.blogspot.com

Sincerely,

Jacob Grippen

Chair, Houston County DFL

Secretary, State Affirmative Action Commission

P.S. Here's the Facebook Event Invite for my Event on Facebook: 

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=235994769783905

Endorsement from Megan Thomas, CD 4 Affirmative Action Officer

As I stated before, it was a very difficult decision between Jacob and Vanessa back in February but that paved the way for a very easy decision now. So, excusing my reliance on the venerable bullet list (Jacob would probably have a more creative way to write it), here are the reasons I think you should cast your vote for Jacob:

* Attention to detail ... as the secretary for the State Affirmative Action Commission I know that the minutes written by Jacob will be not only technically correct but also convey the spirit of the conversation.

* Cultural awareness .... I know that Jacob is aware of subtleties of language and pays attention to how language can play a decisive role in the evolution of any discussion.

* Tenacity ... Jacob will follow through. I also have complete faith that he will be a fair but firm moderator of the SCC email list.

Finally, Jacob, I trust Jacob to be an effective member of the Executive Officer Team, fulfilling both his duties as Secretary and as a member of that team of people we trust to run the DFL throughout the year.

Please join me in my whole-hearted support of Jacob Griffen for State Party Secretary.

Megan Thomas
SD 65 Delegate & 4th CD AAO


And a correction:


And another reason to vote for Jacob GRIPPEN it the both the speed with which he spotted my error and the polite way he asked me to correct the spelling of his last name.

Megan Thomas
SD 65 Delegate & CD 4 AAO

Working Together

Members of the State Central Committee,

We’re a grassroots organization built upon the hard work and dedication of wonderful people like you who volunteer your time, talents and resources. While working and volunteering around the state I have had the opportunity to meet and work with many of you.

In my various capacities within the party I’ve been able to see what occurs when we come together. In Affirmative Action I’ve had the privilege to see our Affirmative Action Commission members, Constituency Caucus Chairs, and Constitution and Bylaws Co-Chairs come together to create meaningful language and ideas to better include and involve people in our party, and soon these ideas will be taken into action. I've seen candidates and campaigns support one another. Our Treasurer, Tom Hamilton, has done a great job connecting with our party’s treasurers while bringing them together to network with each other. Our Congressional District leaders come together numerous times a year to share ideas, action and news. We have meetings where we make hard decisions together. We have fought hard. We have won together, and we have lost together. We continue to fight the good fight because, our work is never done.

If honored with the opportunity to serve as your next State DFL Secretary one of the things I’d like to do is bring our secretaries together and create a stronger network of support.

How would do I propose to do this?

1. First and foremost I’d be accessible to all of our secretaries. My door will always be open for questions, ideas, concerns, and conversations. I will listen to their needs and ideas.

2. As State Treasurer, Tom Hamilton created a DFL Treasurers E-mail List where he has updated party treasurers about upcoming training events, to answer questions that treasurers have had, and provide a place where treasurers can network with each other sharing tips, ideas and best practices. With their input I would like to do the same for our secretaries or find a format that would work best for them.

3. With input of our current secretaries, I will put together meaningful trainings for them and potential secretaries of the future. I will also work my hardest to ensure they have the resources they need from the State DFL.

We know that when we work together we can accomplish great things, Margaret Meade said it best, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." I ask you for your support and the opportunity to serve as your State DFL Secretary.

Jacob Grippen
Chair, Houston County DFL
Secretary, State Affirmative Action Commission
Read about me and my campaign: http://jacobfordfl.blogspot.com/
"Like" my Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jacob-Grippen-for-State-DFL-Secretary/193898660678532

Endorsement from Quentin Avola Wathum-Ocama, MYDFL Affirmative Action Officer

Fellow DFLers,

I wanted to put it in writing that I fully support Jacob Grippen for State Party Secretary. I have had the honor of serving with Jacob on the executive board of the Minnesota Young DFLand it is so exciting to see that another one of our young leaders is ready to step up to the plate and take on more responsibility! Jacob has always brought fresh and new ideas to the table and has shown nothing but dedication to his duties and our party.

I hope you can join me and supporting Jacob Grippen for State Party Secretary.

Quentin Avola Wathum-Ocama
Affirmative Action Officer, Minnesota Young DFL

Endorsement from Ted Fiskevold, SD02 Chair

“Jacob was ready to serve the DFL last February and ran a hard, clean race for Secretary. After coming in second to Vanessa, my comment then was, ‘It’s a shame we can’t let Jacob and Vanessa share the position rather than losing half of this youthful exuberance.’ Jacob is still ready to serve and he’s still working hard for the honor of serving. The DFL SCC would be negligent not to tap Jacob’s enthusiasm this time around.  Go Grippen...” 

TedF/ SD2 DFL Chair/ Detroit Lakes

Endorsement from Cameron Erickson, MYDFL Secretary

Fellow DFLers,

I write you today in firm support of the insightful, witty, and perpetually engaging Jacob Grippen. I have the pleasure of working with Jacob on the Executive Committee of the Minnesota Young DFL, where I discovered Jacob to be an erudite and hard worker who continuously raises the energy level of every project he is involved in. 

I am confident that, if elected, Jacob will utilize his skill-set to increase the productivity, administration, and party unity of our great organization. For these reasons, and many more, I urge you to join me in supporting Mr. Jacob Grippen for DFL Party Secretary.

Cameron Erickson

Secretary, Minnesota Young DFL

Endorsement from Loki Anderson, SD 7 (Duluth) SCC Delegate

 I also want to express my strong support for Jacob Grippen for State Party Secretary. I've been involved with the party for the past twenty-eight years and have seen many secretaries come and go, from Joann Enos to Dave Lee and Susan Rego and I would very much like to see a good leader take over. I believe Jacob Grippen is the best person for the job. He has been the secretary of the AA commission since February and has been the chair of Houston county DFL for the same length of time. He has excelled at both jobs. He is both an energetic young person and a newer person from Greater Minnesota, being a member of the First Congressional District Executive Committee. Jacob is a person that can excel at being the kind of leader we need on the DFL State Executive Committee.

Loki Anderson
SD 7 SCC delegate
former member, DFL State Executive Cmte

Endorsement from Bill Harris, Winona County Chair

State Central Members,

                I felt I should contact you all about my support for Jacob Grippen as our Secretary.  I have known and worked with Jake in various capacities since early in the 2008 campaign.  I did a lot of calling and knocking under his guidance in that campaign (he worked as a field organizer for the Coordinated Campaign) he also was involved with the Franken recount as an organizer.  In 2010 Jake became the Chair in Houston County at about the same time I became Chair in Winona County.  We work together on events and issues.  Jake also decided to help out over in Wisconsin, serving as the Jennifer Shilling GOTV Canvass Director, and of course, he got me and some other Winona people to do door knocks and lit drops for her.  The good part, she won.

I like working with Jake, he knows what he’s doing, he follows through with any responsibility he accepts, he pays attention to detail, and gets stuff done.  I know many of my regular volunteers like working with Jake also, they happily take part.  We have invited him to take part in some of our committee work because of his knowledge from the campaigns, and he is always willing to help out.

I know Jacob is not a big city guy, but that does not mean he isn’t connected or know what he is doing.  I would love to see one of our young, up-and-coming DFLers from Greater Minnesota in the main office, and Jake is the guy to do a great job.

Bill Harris

Winona County Chair

Questions from Cheryl Poling (State Director) for Secretary Candidates

The question from Cheryl Poling:

May I respectfully request that the two candidates for secretary address one of the issues the secretary has taken on in the past few years? Sue Rego and Vanessa Blomgren found that the oversight of the yahoo groups took lots of time and energy. Some of us DFLer's are shockingly unable to control ourselves and become passionate (wordy and snippy at times), fail to sign our posts and fail to control our posting to the limit (2 per day). Both secretaries found that controlling the flow was time intensive. What methods/suggestions/goals do you both have for handling this issue? Thank you.

And, my answer:

Cheryl, you asked a good question. Like you had mentioned, we are passionate people, and sometimes we forget the rules, whether it be the 2 posts a day, signing one's posts, or sometimes we forget to be respectful to one another. Talking to Vanessa just recently, and Sue during the run up to the Business Conference in February, I have learned again and again how much time moderating/monitoring the e-mail list can potentially take. The Secretary's duties beyond taking and reporting minutes have moved into a more technological era. I have something to admit, I probably spend too much time on the internet. The first thing I do when I get back to my computer during the day is to check my e-mail, there's always something I need to keep track of, and I find that I have the skills and time to keep track of our handy e-mail list. I have experience managing the SAAC e-mail list, as well as working with my Houston County e-mail lists. My method for keeping track of the e-mail list would be to devote as much time as is needed during the day to making sure we are all abiding by the rules. One technical aspect of my Gmail account is that all replies to an e-mail get stacked on top of one another rather than appearing separately in my Inbox, this has really aided me in following the SCC e-mail list conversations and debate. Another thing I have often noticed is that posts that are originally shared with the Central Committee list also sometimes get sent to the DFL-Chairs list and back and forth, it would be good for all of us to note who and what we are responding to when replying to a post, and also to note what the purpose of each e-mail list is. We all make mistakes and in the middle of a passionate debate, or being absent-minded we might forget to sign a post. I remember within the year former Associate Chair of the 3rd Congressional District George Greene had a suggestion of creating a signature with our name and title so that our e-mails are automatically signed, I believe it was a good suggestion, however it does not always work for everyone's e-mail purposes. How do we put people in the habit of always remembering to follow the rules? I believe friendly reminders through the e-mail list, and a quick reminder directly to the person's e-mail is the best way to remind a person to remember the rules. And, perhaps a monthly reminder to the whole list from the Secretary. If it gets more serious than that, I am not afraid to put a person on "moderation" or, for an egregious offense, to ban someone from posting on the SCC e-mail list for a time. We can have debate and still be respectful of one another, that would be my mantra while using my time and skills to monitor our handy e-mail list. When being respectful, we need to think of it not just in terms of the debate, but also in terms of people's personal e-mail Inbox and time, we need to be respectful of people's time and e-mail Inboxes. There's a reason we have the rules and it's for those exact reasons. As always, a little self-control is also welcome. I have the time, I have the energy, and I have the skills to monitor our e-mail list, and I hope to be given the chance to do so on September 17th.

Labor Day

I hope that you're all having a good Labor Day weekend.

I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful and relaxing Labor Day! Don't forget to take some time to remember why Labor Day exists in the first place, along with the 5 day/40 hour work week, paid vacations, safe workplaces, etc.

In solidarity,

Jacob

Updated Political Resume

DFL Friends,

Here is an updated version of my leadership, secretary and campaign experience as well as other relevant experience relating to the work of the State DFL Secretary.

DFL Party Leadership Experience

• Chair - Houston County DFL (March 2010-Present)

• CD 1 Executive Committee (April 2008-Present)
• At-Large Director - MN Young DFL Executive Committee (March 2011-Present)
• Male Delegate to State Affirm. Action Comm. (December 2008-Present)

• Associate Chair - Houston County DFL (August 2009-March 2010)
• Affirmative Action Officer - Houston County DFL (March 2008-March 2010)

DFL Secretary Experience

• Secretary, DFL State Affirmative Action Commission (February 2011-Present)

Campaign Experience

• GOTV Canvass Director/Walk Packet Manager (Jennifer Shilling for State Senate July – August 2011)
• GOTV Organizer (Carly Melin for 5B February 2011)
• Recount Organizer Southwest Region (Dayton Recount Committee November-December 2010)

• Field Organizer SD21 and SD22 (DFL Coordinated Campaign September-November 2010)
• Campaign Manager (Steve Kemp for 31B March 2010-September 2010)
• GOTV Organizer (Mike Quigley for Congress (IL-5) February 2009 – March 2009)

• Recount Organizer Southeast Region (DFL/Al Franken for Senate November-December 2008)

• Field Organizer SD31 (DFL Coordinated Campaign July 2008-November 2008)

Relevant Work/Volunteer Experience

• 3 years of VAN/VoterFile Experience
• Managing of the DFL SAAC Listserve
• Kept paper trail of food ingredients and inventory for edible powder producer (Main Street Ingredients, La Crosse, WI)
• 1 year of taking/writing Minutes for Church Council
• Maintained confidential student data on computer and in a tutor log while a member of MN Reading Corps (AmeriCorps) at a Winona Elementary School
• Sat on Ye Olde Opera House Board of Directors for 4 years (last as President) (Active actor/set builder/theater cleaner/usher/volunteer, etc since 1997)
• Facebook Pages/Groups Creation and Maintenance

Supporter Form

DFL Friends,

If you support my candidacy for State DFL Secretary, please fill out this quick form and share it with your DFL friends that sit on the DFL State Central Committee.

Sincerely,

Jacob Grippen

What have I been up to since February?

Just a few days after the DFL Business Conference on February 5th, I found myself in Hibbing, MN helping Get out the vote for Carly Melin.  It was a successful election night on February 15th, and it felt good to help out, even though our toes were frozen and our shoes and socks were soaked.

On February 19th, at our next State Affirmative Action Commission meeting, I had the pleasure of being elected Secretary for the State Affirmative Action Commission, and I jumped right in. That day the SAAC happened to also meet with the leaders of the Constituency Caucuses as well as the Co-Chairs of the Constitution and Bylaws Commission to determine the Affirmative Action portion of Minnesota's National Delegate selection plan. It was quite a meeting to start as Secretary, but I feel that I was able to do just what a Secretary needs to do, listen very intently and take good notes, with occasional interjection of facts, or a re-read of something previously discussed. It felt good to be complemented on my Minutes at our subsequent meetings.

I also had the pleasure of being elected a member of the Minnesota Young DFL Executive Board as an At-large Director at our Annual Convention on February 26th.  February was quite a busy month for my DFL activity.

Throughout the spring and summer I conducted regular Houston County DFL meetings, as well as parade prep, and the beginning of planning the First Annual Hotdish Throw Down, sponsored by the Houston County DFL.  The SAAC has also met periodically, as did MYDFL.

As things were staying busy in Minnesota, things were boiling hot in Wisconsin, and beginning in July, during the Primary GOTV for Jennifer Shilling in La Crosse, WI I started volunteering daily for the campaign. It felt good to be campaigning, and it was interesting to see politics work in a different state.

During the Get out the Vote effort August 6-9th I had the responsibility of being the Canvass Director/Walk Packet Manager. It felt good to have the responsibility of keeping track of 100+ walk packets, as well as overseeing the support staff and volunteers who were there to canvass and interacting with the Wisconsin politicians who were there to help launch canvasses.

My other free time before and after February has been spent volunteering at a place called Place of Grace helping feed and converse with people that are less fortunate.

As you can see I've been active in and out of the DFL, and in and out of politics.

As I mentioned in the run up to February, I want to bring my past experience, my more recent experience and my skill set to the DFL State Party, as well as my perspective of being a younger DFLer, living and being politically active in Greater Minnesota.

Jacob

My Announcement to the State Central Committee August 23, 2011

Friends,

When I first announced my run for DFL Secretary back in December I knew that it would be a tough race between Vanessa and I.  And, in February I did not leave Cokato as your DFL Secretary. I was happy to have lost to someone like Vanessa, a devoted DFLer, a wonderful and kind person, and a worthy opponent. As I had mentioned in my speech to you in February, I was happy to have had the opportunity to campaign for the position, and to have Vanessa and I compete with one another.

I am saddened that Vanessa has had to resign, but I commend her for making a hard decision and knowing what would and wouldn't work for her and her future family. I know that Vanessa will still be involved heavily, just not in the way she had originally intended back in February.

Thank you Vanessa for your service as Secretary, and thank you for being a strong and kind person.

Having communicated with Vanessa about her decision, it excites to me to announce to you that I am running to serve as your next State DFL Secretary, and would be honored to have your support at the State Central Committee Meeting on September 17th.

If elected, I look forward to serving you and the party with honesty, perspective, two ears, and one mouth. I know that I am capable of taking the reins from Vanessa and I believe I would continue to serve the State Party well, just as Vanessa has.

Again, please consider supporting me at the State Central Committee Meeting on September 17th, I would be honored to have your support.

Sincerely,

Jacob Grippen

Chair, Houston County DFL

Endorsement from Lori Sellner, 1st CD DFL Chair, State Party Treasurer

Fellow Central Committee Members:

It is not often that I publicly voice my support for candidates running for state party office, but as someone who has watched Jacob Grippen work hard for the success of DFL candidates in southern Minnesota, I strongly encourage you to support him for state party secretary on February 5th.

Over the last two election cycles, Jacob has worked for the DFL Coordinated Campaign as an organizer in both the southeast and the southwest corner of our state. Over that time period he has also served as the chair of the Houston County DFL and a director on the 1st Congressional District Executive Committee, while also devoting many hours to a state legislative campaign for Steve Kemp. His many hats have provided him with the experiences that will make him a great secretary for our state party.

I also believe Jacob's experiences in southern Minnesota politics have given him a thorough understanding of the issues that face DFL activists in our rural areas. He will provide a much needed voice for Greater Minnesota DFLers on our DFL state executive committee to ensure that our party is doing all that is necessary to make our candidates competitive in every corner of the state.

I whole-heartedly endorse Jacob Grippen for State Party Secretary and hope you'll join me in supporting him on February 5th!

Lori Sellner

Chair, 1st Congressional District DFL

Congressman Walz Endorses Jacob Grippen for State DFL Party Secretary

Tim Walz Endorsement of Jacob Grippen for State DFL Party Secretary

Tim Walz:

"Fellow DFLers,

I am writing today to tell you about Jacob Grippen, a gifted organizer whose work across Southern Minnesota I have benefited from. Over the past few years I have had the pleasure of getting to know Jacob and his work as a volunteer, as a staffer, and as a party leader. I know that he has a kind heart, a good head, and a strong work ethic. Jacob doesn't hesitate when called on to help our DFL candidates and to promote our Democratic values, whether it be running a meeting, door knocking, phone banking, or writing letters to the editor. I have seen Jacob in action and I am confident that if elected Secretary you can be sure that Jacob will work hard and do the job well. Please consider supporting Jacob Grippen for DFL Party Secretary."

Things People are Saying

Things people are saying about Jacob Grippen.


“Jacob Grippen has been a strong pillar in the fledgling progressive movement in southeastern Minnesota. I have known him as a willing field worker for all Democratic candidates, from local to federal involvement. He has stepped up to serve in Houston County DFL executive positions. Always informed and committed to liberal values, Jacob does whatever candidates have asked of him - doorknocking, volunteer organizing, phone canvassing, local convention leadership, GOTV activities, and more. I would happily endorse Jacob Grippen as a candidate for MN DFL Secretary.” ~ former Senator Sharon Erickson Ropes, Winona, District 31


“I worked with Jacob this past election cycle in the six-pack (SD21 & SD22) as the L in the DFL. I would not hesitate to do it again.” ~ Dale Moerke, UFCW Local 1161/President, Southwest Central Labor Council/AFL-CIO.


“. . . Jacob has been a guiding light in an area of rural Minnesota without a lot of hard-core DFL support. Jacob's dedication to DFL politics is something to be admired and I strongly encourage you to support him as Secretary at the February Business Conference in Cokato.” ~ UDFL Vice-President, Thomas Trehus


“I've helped out in the Houston County DFL under Jacob's organizational direction for the past three years. He's an excellent organizer and skilled at articulating details, keeping ducks in a row, and tapping the talents of volunteers. He's dedicated, reliable and ambitious. I think he'd make an excellent State Secretary.” ~ Houston County DFL Activist, Barb Huning


“. . .I had a great time working with Jacob this November here in SD21 (Marshall, MN)! Jacob has great organizational talents and knew exactly how to maximize our productivity for DFL volunteers. Also, he is smart, articulate, enthusiastic-- the real deal. Additionally, he seems to understand out-state rural issues along with good progressive and liberal base values. He will make an excellent State Secretary and I encourage everyone to vote for him.” ~ Dr. Michael DeBrule, Associate Chair SD21


“Jacob has made a strong effort to attend DFL and Labor Activities all over Southern MN. I've seen him at events across the 1st and 2nd CD. He is incredibly dedicated to this movement and would do a terrific job as DFL State Secretary!” ~ Laura Askelin, AFSCME Council 5/President, Southeast MN Area Labor Council/AFL-CIO


“I'm supporting Jacob Grippen for Secretary of the Minnesota State DFL Party. I have known Jacob for a number of years, not just through DFL politics but also in a community theatre here in my hometown of Spring Grove. Jacob and I have been in numerous stage productions together, and I have enjoyed working on stage with Jacob. Jacob also served as president of our community theatre's board of directors this past year. Jacob put his heart and soul into making that year a success for our organization.

Jacob was also instrumental in the development of my legislative campaign this past fall. Serving as my campaign manager, we worked together to run a positive campaign in a very difficult election year. I believe Jacob would be a great Secretary of the State DFL. Jacob will put all he has into helping the Minnesota DFL make 2012 a successful election cycle.” ~ Steve Kemp, Former Candidate HD31B, Former Houston County DFL Chair, Spring Grove City Council Member

MLK Day of Service and Volunteerism

MLK Day of Service is this Monday the 17th.

As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. it's good to take a day to shine a spotlight on the ways to get involved in our communities.

Volunteering can be a rewarding experience, and it's something that my family instilled in me from a young age. I can't remember a time when my parents were not volunteering with the Lions Club or at church or at school (after their work was done) or other things throughout the community. Both my mother and father were teachers, serving the public by educating future generations. As was my grandmother, and I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Studies Education.

My volunteer work was at first as a tag along with my parents, but later on it was on my own. Picking up litter along the road, planting things in the spring around town, working the church rummage sale, etc.

The Ye Olde Opera House Community Theater in Spring Grove took a lot of my volunteer time over the course of the last 13 years. Cleaning, building, painting, acting, serving, managing, etc.

I spent the 2009-2010 school year as a member of MN Reading Corps (an AmeriCorps program). I spent the year tutoring students ages K-3 with their reading skills at a Winona Elementary School.

More recently I have been volunteering at a local Catholic Worker House in La Crosse, WI called "Place of Grace." Washing dishes was my main thing, but another part of returning to PoG over and over again is a sense of community.

Chatting with people who do need help, whether it be emotional, financial, social or a combination of all of three, it continues to open my eyes to the parts of the community that tend to get swept under the rug, or at least are tried to.

Our communities are always in need of a helping hand, so if you have time check out this link, it can connect you to things to do in your community even beyond Monday's MLK Day of Service.

Support for my candidacy

Thank you to Thomas Trehus for these kind words about me and my candidacy for State DFL Secretary. I am honored.

Dear State Central Committee Members,

I'm writing today to recommend Jacob Grippen for Secretary of the Minnesota State DFL Party.

I became acquainted with Jacob's talents and leadership in 2008 as his intern while he was working for the DFL coordinated campaign in the SE corner of the state. As a seventeen year-old I was enthusiastic, but very inexperienced in the world of political organizing. I looked to Jacob's leadership for guidance and found it. He encouraged me nearly every day to knock on doors and persuade the people of Southeastern Minnesota to vote DFL in a region we later learned to be a key voting bloc in the victories of Al Franken and the DFL ticket. Eventually I helped to lead door knocks under his direction, and in August 2009 he repaid the favor when he helped volunteer at some knocks I had arranged with OFA to gain support for Health Care Reform.

While I was still in high school Jacob encouraged me to get involved in the DFL at the local and state level. Under Jacob's leadership I quickly became a precinct captain, county director, state delegate, and state central committee alternate. I would have never been so involved within the DFL if it hadn't been for Jacob's guidance and leadership.

Since then and from afar I have watched Jacob juggle his once full-time service with AmeriCorps, serve as Houston County DFL Chair, and manage a state House campaign at the same time, seamlessly. Jacob has been a guiding light in an area of rural Minnesota without a lot of hard-core DFL support. Jacob's dedication to DFL politics is something to be admired and I strongly encourage you to support him as Secretary at the February Business Conference in Cokato.


Sincerely,

Thomas Trehus
DFL SCC Alternate - Houston County
Vice President - College Democrats at University of Minnesota - TC

Activity

Over the past 2.5 years I have had the honor of working beside many great DFLers and great DFL candidates. Door knocking and phone banking as a staffer, as a volunteer, marching in parades, helping organize and run DFL events, etc.

One of my favorite moments over the last few years is when I won a Franni Franken apple pie that was personally delivered by Senator Franken to Owatonna in January 2010 during the Special Election in Senate District 26. I helped to knock through lots of cold snow for DFL-endorsed candidate Jason Engbrecht. After all was said and done Jason's campaign was not won, but it was fun to help activate DFLers in the middle of a cold January. At the Inauguration Reception at the State Capitol on Monday, I was finally able to thank Franni personally for the delicious pie.



One event that I volunteered to help organize (in my capacity as Steve Kemp's campaign manager) was a door knock from just this past summer. Chatfield, MN is located partially in Fillmore County(SD31), and partially in Olmsted County(SD30). At the time, Chatfield was represented by Senator Ann Lynch (30) Representative Andy Welti (30B), Senator Sharon Erickson Ropes (31) and Republican Representative Greg Davids (31B). My friend Steve Kemp was running against Greg Davids in 31B and so I (along with the Coordinated, Senate and House Organizers) helped put together a door knock that involved all 4 DFL candidates who were wanting to represent (or to continue to represent) Chatfield, MN.



I strive to stay active, and to keep other volunteers active as well. Sometimes it can be hard to do, in Greater Minnesota and I'm sure it's the same for the Metropolitan area as well. Every now and again we need to figure out how to light a fire, and how to find new ideas and new people to activate ourselves and our causes to continue the legacy of our great Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.

Where are SD21 and SD22?

Just where are SD21 and SD22?

SD21 and SD22 are made up of 9 full Minnesota Counties, and part of a 10th.



As you can see, SD22 contains all of the following counties:
Cottonwood, Jackson, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, and Rock.

SD21 contains all of Brown, Lyon, and Redwood, and part of Watonwan.

Despite how the political map looks like in this part of the state, there are a lot of dedicated DFLers that work tirelessly to elect DFL candidates and promote DFL party values. I had the pleasure of working with many of these wonderful people during the latter part of the 2010 election cycle.

There are many great places to visit, I found myself spending a good deal of time at The Daily Grind in Marshall, MN, and I had a chance have a wonderful lunch and dinner at the Left Bank Cafe in Slayton, MN. I was able to make a quick jaunt over to New Ulm to visit some friend during Oktoberfest. All these counties offer interesting experiences and things to see. In fact, I spent my down time during the lead-up to the Recount by seeing the sites and purchasing Christmas presents for my family and friends. There is a wonderful art gallery in Luverne, right on the main drag.

And, of course, if you ever have the chance to visit Pipestone National Monument just outside of Pipestone, MN (in Pipestone County) please do so. It's quite an experience.

Some kind words from Senator Sharon Erickson Ropes

On December 30, Senator Sharon Erickson Ropes, District 31 (Fillmore, Houston and Winona Counties) posted some kinds words of endorsement on my Campaign's Facebook page. I wanted to post them to the blog as well.

Jacob Grippen has been a strong pillar in the fledging progressive movement in southeastern Minnesota.

I have known him as a willing field worker for all Democratic candidates, from local to federal involvement. He has stepped up to serve in Houston County DFL executive positions. Always informed and committed to liberal values, Jacob does whatever candidates have asked of him - doorknocking, volunteer organizing, phone canvassing, local convention leadership, GOTV activities, and more.

I would happily endorse Jacob Grippen as a candidate for MN DFL Secretary.

Senator Sharon Erickson Ropes, Winona, District 31

Thank you Sharon for your kind words.