Lawrence Schumacher

On the Campaign Trail June 13, 2014

Youth vs. experience in 56A race

A 20-year-old student and a 63-year-old software developer will face off to replace Burnsville Republican Rep. Pam Myhra, who's stepping down to run for lieutenant governor.

On the Campaign Trail April 10, 2014

Dorholt and Knoblach prepare to face off in St. Cloud

The last remaining DFL-controlled legislative seat in Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District might be up for grabs this fall, as a well-known former legislator from the Pawlenty era returns to challenge a freshman representative to represent St. Cloud.

On the Campaign Trail February 14, 2014

In Edina, a race to take on DFL’s Erhardt

One month ago, the story of who would run against DFL Rep. Ron Erhardt on the Republican side of the ticket looked like it would be a familiar one, in which the runner-up from the last cycle takes a second crack at it and the field is cleared for her. But the House District 49A GOP endorsement contest isn’t playing out that way.

On the Campaign Trail January 31, 2014

Pinto leans on track record in House 64B race

When the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women selected the first recipient of its “Inspire” community ally award in 2013, Dave Pinto was a natural choice. “Domestic violence is a complicated issue, and one of the things Dave does exceptionally well is he understands the complexities and still moves forward with positive change,” said Liz Richards, the nonprofit’s executive director.

On the Campaign Trail January 24, 2014

Open Huntley seat brings out DFL throng

The last time folks on Duluth’s east side had an open seat to fill in the Minnesota House of Representatives, President George H.W. Bush was running for re-election, the sitcom “Cheers” was still on the air, and Duluth residents eligible to vote for the first time this fall had not yet been born.

On the Campaign Trail January 8, 2014

Matt Freeman looks to continue a family tradition

In a race with many candidates but few expected policy differences, supporters of Matt Freeman’s House District 64B DFL candidacy are placing their faith in his door-to-door skills to set him apart from the crowd. “Few people have knocked on more doors in Highland Park and Mac-Groveland than Matt,” said Chris Tolbert, a St. Paul City Council member whose district neatly overlaps the legislat[...]

On the Campaign Trail December 25, 2013

In 46B, a provisional DFL race takes shape

Two candidates, Eric Margolis and Cheryl Youakim, are vying to replace Rep. Steve Simon — if he wins the DFL Party endorsement for secretary of state.

On the Campaign Trail December 18, 2013

Kelly Fenton: The veteran politico as first-time candidate

Kelly Fenton brought two distinct abilities to the table in Ted Lillie’s 2010 successful state senate campaign against incumbent DFLer Kathy Saltzman — a connection to the Woodbury community and the ability to craft a winning message, he said.

On the Campaign Trail December 13, 2013

Bergstrom aim: ‘get out in front’

Greta Bergstrom’s campaign strategy to win the DFL endorsement for the House seat being vacated by Rep. Michael Paymar is simple, according to her campaign co-chair. “Get out in front and get people backing you right from the start,” St. Paul City Council member Amy Brendmoen said.

On the Campaign Trail September 2, 2011

Cities, counties blame high property taxes on state cuts

Like all Minnesota counties and cities, Kandiyohi has to put together its initial property tax levy by Sept. 15. The central Minnesota county’s board of commissioners will be voting soon on a 2.6 percent levy increase for next year.

On the Campaign Trail August 12, 2011

Academic science labs get a boost, but most outlays emphasize ‘fixing things up’

The final piece of a multiyear transformation of St. Cloud State University’s science facilities just got the green light from the Minnesota Legislature, in the form of $42.3 million in state bonding money to build something called the Integrated Science and Engineering Laboratory Facility.

On the Campaign Trail July 29, 2011

Local governments look to hedge LGA uncertainty

Hutchinson Mayor Steve Cook watched as the Legislature finished its work in a mid-July special session. Like many other local government officials, he was not impressed.