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