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John Persell

Dec 2, 2015

Minnesota’s historical palette

Capitol artwork panel hears what citizens want hanging on the walls

Nov 15, 2013

Gay marriage backlash quiets – for now

When it comes to his bid for re-election next fall, Rep. Tim Faust said the gay marriage vote will only have a small impact on his chances. “It’s going to make a difference, but is it going to make a difference in the mind of the independent voter? I don’t think so.”

Jun 26, 2013

MN United PAC releases ‘Minnesota 15’ list

On the same day the U.S. Supreme Court struck struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act, the Minnesotans United PAC released the full "Minnesota 15" list of pro-gay marriage legislators who will be made "priorities" in their reelection campaigns. That list includes the five legislative Republicans who voted in favor of the bill and 10 rural Democrats serving in the House who could be vulnera[...]

Jun 13, 2013

MN United PAC pledges support to 15 pro-gay marriage lawmakers

MN United PAC, the political fund formed by pro-gay marriage group Minnesotans United for All Families, announced its "Minnesota 15" initiative on Thursday, a list of lawmakers who supported gay marriage this spring that will be made "priorities" for the fund in their campaigns for reelection. Minnesotans United named the first five lawmakers on the list, which consisted of all rural Democrats se[...]

Apr 19, 2013

Marriage bill’s fate uncertain

On the steps of the state Capitol, Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton stood in the sleet on Thursday to encourage a crowd of hundreds to push their legislators to legalize gay marriage this session.

Feb 6, 2013

Gun bills give rural DFLers ‘heartburn’

Paul Marquart knows that when it comes to the gun debate at the Capitol, most of it boils down to matters of region and culture.

Dec 16, 2012

House DFL names assistant majority leaders

On Sunday, incoming House Majority Leader Erin Murphy congratulated the new assistant leaders over Twitter, naming Reps. Carly Melin (Hibbing), John Ward (Baxter), Leon Lillie (North St. Paul), Kim Norton (Rochester), John Persell (Bemidji), Diane Loefller (Minneapolis) and freshman Jacob Isaacson (Shoreview).

Nov 9, 2012

A night of surprises

Democrats had an outstanding night on Tuesday. They won back control of the Minnesota House and Senate, picked up a congressional seat, and defeated two contentious amendments that most political observers expected to prevail.

Oct 31, 2012

Democrats dominate in spending by party units

When it comes to spending by Minnesota’s political parties, the state DFL has emerged as the No. 1 player in the 2012 battle for control of Legislature.

Oct 26, 2012

Timber, guns and money: Anzelc and McElfatrick are facing off in a central Minnesota district

On Thursday morning state Reps. Carolyn McElfatrick and Tom Anzelc appeared on the “Making Sausage” radio program on KAXE (FM 91.7) in Grand Rapids. They fielded questions about the budget, taxes and the proposed constitutional amendments.

Oct 17, 2012

Both sides go all out in Saxhaug-Carlson SD 5 duel

One of the most-watched and telling of the races in the new Senate District 5, operatives say, is the contest between freshman incumbent Republican Sen. John Carlson and 10-year incumbent Democrat Tom Saxhaug.

Sep 12, 2012

Howes builds 5A endorsement, money lead

For the last 10 years, state Rep. Larry Howes, R-Walker, has lived at the northern end of his north central Minnesota district. When the redistricting maps were announced last winter, the powerful chairman of the House Capital Investment Committee found himself on the southern fringe of a new district.

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