Cwodzinski has served district with ‘passion and purpose’

When Sen. Steve Cwodzinski defeated the Minnesota Senate majority leader in his first political campaign after retiring from a long and meaningful teaching career, I was both surprised and overjoyed. Steve was the kind of social studies teacher who inspired not only his students but his fellow teachers as well.

I have known Steve Cwodzinski since 1982 and have the deepest respect for his character, intellect, and energy. His first campaign focused on a platform of civic-mindedness as opposed to political divisiveness, looking for ways to get key infrastructure projects moving forward, funding mental health services for students, and supporting green initiatives.  

Sen. Cwodzinski is a person of character who, when an opponent has a good policy idea, will seek out ways to meet “in the middle.” Indeed, Steve has worked with the Civility Caucus since his election to bridge the seemingly intractable divide between the two parties.

In a political climate in which the likes of Gov. Arne Carlson and Rep. Jim Ramstad would find no home in the current Minnesota GOP, I feel strongly that Sen. Cwodzinski should be reelected to continue his efforts to foster reasoned political discourse, bipartisan legislation to benefit all Minnesotans, and responsible funding of education at all levels. 

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The parties should be working together to meet our challenges, and until true bipartisanship has been given a chance by the modern GOP, we must elect committed public servants like Sen. Cwodzinski. Our district has been well served by him, and I will be voting for him with confidence that he will continue to represent this district with passion and purpose. Vote Cwodzinski!

Rolf Olson, Minnetonka