>>> WELCOME TO "MEET THE CANDIDATES", LOCAL ELECTION FORUM FOR PIONEER PBS.

THIS SEASON WE ASK EVERY CANDIDATE THE SAME LIST OF QUESTIONS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF LEGISLATOR THEY WILL BE IF ELECTED.

IN THIS EPISODE WE WILL MEET CANDIDATES FROM SENATE DISTRICT 12.

DISTRICT LINES HAVE CHANGED SINCE THE 2020 CENSUS.

DISTRICT 12 IS MADE UP OF BIG STONE, STEVENS, SWIFT AND POLK COUNTIES AND PORTIONS OF DOUGLAS AND STEARNS COUNTY.

ALEXANDRIA, SOCK CENTER, MORRIS AND BENSON.

TO FIND OUT WHICH DISTRICT YOU LIVE IN, VISIT MN VOTES.ORG.

NOW LET'S "MEET THE CANDIDATES".

SENATE DISTRICT 12 IS UNIQUE IN THAT IT HAS THREE CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT.

START WITH DFL CANDIDATE KARI DORRY.

>> THANK YOU TO PIONEER PUBLIC TV FOR HOSTING THE INTERVIEWS AND ALLOWING THE VOTERS OF DISTRICT 12 TO GET THE KNOW THE CANDIDATES BETTER.

I'M KARI DORRY FROM ORTONVILLE THE SAME PLACE I MOVED UP AND WENT TO SCHOOL.

I MOVED BACK TO ORTONVILLE WHEN WE FOUND OUT MY HUSBAND AND I WERE HAVING TWINS.

IT'S CERTAINLY WHERE WE WANTED TO RAISE OUR KIDS.

FIRST TIME CANDIDATE FOR THE MINNESOTA CANDIDATE FOR DISTRICT 12.

IT COVERS A VERY LARGE AREA.

COVERS BIG STONE, SWIFT, STEVENS AND POLK COUNTIES AND ALSO COVERS A PART OF STEARNS AND DOUGLAS COUNTY WHICH INCLUDES ALEXANDRIA.

PROBABLY NOT YOUR USUAL RURAL CANDIDATE.

FIRST I'M A WOMAN AND WORKING MOM.

I'M RUNNING WITH THE SUPPORT OF MY FAMILY WITH MY HUSBAND CHRIS AND THREE TEENAGE SONS, OWEN, ELLIE AND ARCHER.

I TEACH EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL ED.

THIS IS THE 21st YEAR OF TEACHING.

I'M A COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AND A FIERCE ADVOCATE FOR OUR YOUNGEST LEARNERS.

ANXIOUS TO BRING MY EXPERIENCE AND ADVOCACY FROM A LOCAL LEVEL TO MORE BROAD SCALE BY RUNNING FOR THE MINNESOTA LEGISLATURE.

I WILL ALWAYS REFER TO THIS CAMPAIGN AS OUR CAMPAIGN.

WE HAVE HAD DONORS AND VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS FROM ACROSS THE DISTRICT REALLY STEPPING UP AND MAKING THIS CAMPAIGN SOMETHING REALLY SPECIAL.

DECIDING TO RUN WASN'T AN EASY DECISION BUT I KNOW IT WAS THE RIGHT ONE.

I WAKE UP EVERY DAY MORE EAGER TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE OF RURAL MINNESOTA.

AFTER MY EXPERIENCE, WHICH HAS REALLY BEEN A GREAT EXPERIENCE, I WOULD INVITE ANYBODY TO RUN FOR OFFICE AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT FROM OUR LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD RACES ALL THE WAY UP TO STATE POSITIONS.

IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT FOR US TO RUN TO MAKE OUR GOVERNMENT WORK BETTER FOR THE PEOPLE, RUN AS PART OF THE SOLUTION AND NOT PART OF THE PROBLEM.

>> WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE THE SENATOR FOR YOUR DISTRICT?

>> I'M RUNNING BECAUSE THE PEOPLE OF WESTERN MINNESOTA DESERVE TO BE REPRESENTED BY SOMEONE WHO IS ACTUALLY DEDICATED TO PUBLIC SERVICE, SOMEONE COMMITTED TO ADVANCING THE BEST AND BROADEST INTEREST OF ALL OF OUR PEOPLE.

I'M RUNNING TO BRING COMMON GROUND TO OUR GOVERNMENT AND WORK TO OVERCOME DIVISION, WHICH IS FAR TOO MUCH THESE DAYS.

I ALSO WANT VOTERS TO KNOW I'M NOT RUNNING WITH THE INTENT OF MAKING IT A LIFETIME CAREER AS BEING YOUR STATE SENATOR.

THIS ISN'T A RESUME BUILDER BUT HERE AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE A DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT TO YOU.

I'M RUNNING BECAUSE I FIRMLY BELIEVE IT'S MY FIRST DUTY TO SERVE VULNERABLE NEIGHBORS, KIDS, SENIORS AND NEIGHBORS MOST IN NEED.

THIS IS THE FIRST PLACE OUR GOVERNMENT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY OFFERING A HELPING HAND.

WE HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE LIVES BETTER, MAKE THEM LESS PRECARIOUS AND CERTAINLY MORE SECURE.

SOME OF OUR LEGISLATORS OPENLY REJECT THE IDEA OF CARING FOR THOSE MOST IN NEED, AND THAT'S CERTAINLY SOMETHING I WILL NEVER DO.

A DIFFERENCE IN CONTEMPT ARE NOT MINNESOTA VALUES.

WE ALL HAVE TEAMS OF A BETTER, BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR ALL OF US.

OUR FAMILIES AND NEIGHBORS DESERVE THE FULL ATTENTION AND COMPASSION FROM THEIR STATE SENATOR, AND THEY ALREADY HAVE MINE.

I'M RUNNING TO BE AN ADVOCATE THAT WE DESERVE IN RURAL MINNESOTA.

FAMILIES AND NEIGHBORS DESERVE A SENATOR WHO WILL FIGHT FOR THEM.

WE DESERVE A SENATOR THAT WILL DO THE PEOPLE BUSINESS, NOT GRANDSTAND, NOT OBSTRUCT AND RENEGE ON PROMISES FOR POLITICAL GAIN.

GOVERNING SHOULD NOT BE A GAME OF WINNERS AND LOSERS.

SENATORS SHOULD LEAD THE CHEERING SECTION ON BEHALF OF ALL OF US.

IN THE END MORE OF US SHOULD SHEE OURSELVES AS WINNERS.

>> WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION?

>> MY FIRST PRIORITY FOR THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION IS GIVE THE PEOPLE OF MY DISTRICT THE FULL ATTENTION AND DEDICATION TO SERVICE.

I'M COMMITTED TO AVOIDING UNNECESSARY CONTROVERSIES AND FOCUSING ON THE INTERESTS THAT MATTER MOST TO ALL OF US.

HUNDREDS OF BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR MY CONSIDERATION.

I WILL FOCUS ON THOSE THAT MATTER THE MOST AND THAT WILL AFFECT THE PEOPLE OF MY DISTRICT AND CERTAINLY AVOID THOSE THAT AREN'T BROADLY IN OUR BEST INTEREST.

I WILL FURTHER PRIORITIZE THOSE ISSUES THAT MOST HELP OUR COMMUNITIES THRIVE, OUR SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS AND MAIN STREETS CERTAINLY ALL DESERVE THEIR FAIR SHARE OF RESOURCES.

IT'S A PRIORITY FOR ME TO BE A PROBLEM SOLVER.

RIGHT NOW IN THE DISTRICT AND ACROSS THE STATE WE CERTAINLY HAVE A LARGE CHILD CARE CRISIS.

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR POLITICIANS TO COME TOGETHER TO WORK TOGETHER AND TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM WHICH IS AFFECTING SO MANY FAMILIES AND EMPLOYERS.

IT'S TRUE THAT THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION WILL START WITH THE HUGE BUDGET SURPLUS IN DECIDING WHAT TO DO WITH THAT MONEY MOST LIKELY WILL BE A BATTLE.

THERE WAS A DEAL ON THE TABLE THE LAST SESSION, BUT CERTAIN LEGISLATORS RENEGED ON THAT THE LAST MINUTE TO SCORE POLITICAL POINTS.

THE STATE'S WINDFALL FLOWED IN FROM A FLAT DRIVING ECONOMY AND NEEDS TO BE ALLOCATED FAIRLY AND WISELY WITH A TOP PRIORITY TO RETURN THE SURPLUS TO ALL MINNESOTANS TO OFFSET THE BURDEN OF RISING COSTS.

>> WHAT UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE DO YOU BRING TO THE MINNESOTA SENATE?

>> SINCE I STARTED CAMPAIGNING, I HAVE HAD A LOT OF PEOPLE SAY TO ME YOU DON'T SEEM LIKE A NORMAL POLITICIAN, AND THEY ARE CERTAINLY RIGHT ABOUT THAT.

I'M NOT A RURAL POLITICIAN, BUT AM A WOMAN AND A MOM TRYING TO DO RIGHT BY MY COMMUNITY.

IT'S IMPORTANT THAT THE WORD POLITICIAN HAS A NEGATIVE CONNOTATION TO IT.

IT'S SOMETHING WE NEED TO CHANGE AND CERTAINLY SOMETHING WE NEED TO DO TO BRING INTEGRITY BACK TO THE OFFICE.

AS A WOMAN AND AS A WORKING MOM, I FEEL LIKE I BRING AN IMPORTANT AND LONG NEEDED PERSPECTIVE TO OUR SENATE CAMPAIGN.

AT MY CORE I'M COMMITTED TO FOCUS ON WHAT REALLY MATTERS TO AVOID UNNECESSARY DIVISION AND GRANDSTANDING AND TO SEEK COMMON GROUND WHEREVER AND WHENEVER I CAN ON BEHALF OF THE NEIGHBORS IN WESTERN MINNESOTA.

FINDING COMMON GROUND IS TRULY A VALUE I BELIEVE IN.

MY ROOTS RUN DEEP IN RURAL MINNESOTA.

MY FAMILY RUNS BACK FIVE GENERATIONS AS A MOM OF THREE SONS AND TEACHER OF 20 YEARS I BRING EVERYDAY EXPERIENCE FOR PEOPLE JUST LIKE ME TO THIS PUBLIC SERVICE.

FROM MY TIME SPENT AT THE CHURCH TO BEING A COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AND LEADER, I KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO BUILD COMMUNITY AND HELP EVERYONE THRIVE.

I ALSO KNOW THE STRUGGLES.

I HAVE BEEN THAT MOM CRYING ON THE BATHROOM FLOOR BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO PAY THE BILLS THAT KEPT COMING IN.

I HAVE BEEN IN THE FAMILY THAT HAS TRIED TO FIND A GOOD PAYING JOB SO WE COULD MAKE ENDS MEET WITH OUR SMALL CHILDREN.

I ALWAYS KNOW THE IMPACTS OF PROGRAMS LIKE WICK WHICH WERE LIFE SAVING.

RURAL COMMUNITIES SHOULD HAVE A BRIGHTER FUTURE THAN JUST HANGING ON.

WE HAVE THE POWER TO SEE AND REALIZE A GREATER FUTURE, AND I KNOW MY UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE FROM MY LIFE EXPERIENCE WILL HELP ME BE AN ADVOCATE FOR ALL OF US IN RURAL MINNESOTA.

>> WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF MINNESOTA?

>> PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA SHOULD BE REPRESENTED BY A NEIGHBOR THAT THEY CAN TRUST AND THAT THEY CAN RESPECT.

THEIR SENATOR SHOULD BELIEVE IN THE BRIGHTEST FUTURE AND ADVANCE A VISION WHERE EVERYONE HAS A CHANCE TO THRIVE.

EVERYONE CAN BE HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS AND EVERYONE CAN LIVE THEIR BEST LIVES.

TO WIN THE FUTURE WE NEED TO LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD, FOCUS ON HAVING A BETTER, BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR ALL OF OUR PEOPLE AND NOT SETTLE FOR MEDIOCRE VISION OF TOMORROW.

I HAVE A VISION OF THRIVING SCHOOLS, BUSY MAIN STREETS AND GETTING OUR SENIORS THE CARE THAT THEY NEED.

I HAVE A VISION OF HELPING OUR FAMILY FARMERS GET THEIR FAIR SHAKE AS WELL AS CREATING PATHWAYS FOR NEW FARMERS, FOR YOUNG FAMILIES TO HAVE A CHANCE TO DO THAT IMPORTANT WORK.

I HAVE A VISION THAT WOMEN WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE CONTROL OF THEIR OWN BODIES, BECAUSE IT'S CERTAINLY NOT IN GOVERNMENT'S PLACE TO MEDDLE.

HE CERTAINLY SAID IT BEST WE ALL DO BETTER WHEN WE ALL DO BETTER.

I BELIEVE THAT IN MY HEART.

I KNOW WE HAVE WHAT IT TAKES AS A STATE TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE CAN THRIVE, NOT JUST US SELECT FEW.

>> AND NOW A CLOSING STATEMENT.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT VOTING.

MINNESOTA OFTEN HAS THE HIGHEST VOTER TURNOUT IN THE COUNTRY.

ALL MINNESOTANS SHOULD BE PROUD OF OUR ELECTION PROCESS.

DEMOCRACY CANNOT SURVIVE WITHOUT FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS BOTH NATIONALLY AND AT EVERY STATE LEVEL.

AS MINNESOTANS WE KNOW THAT ELECTIONS IN OUR STATE ARE NOT A PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BUT RATHER AN ACHIEVEMENT TO BE CELEBRATED.

VOTING ITSELF IS A RIGHT TO BE PROTECTED.

WE TAKE THAT RIGHT VERY SERIOUSLY.

GET INVOLVED IN THE PUBLIC CONVERSATION.

GET TO KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT AND EXERCISE YOUR PATRIOTIC DUTY TO VOTE.

EARLY VOTING IS OPEN NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 7th.

MAKE SURE YOU GET TO THE POLLING PLACE ON NOVEMBER 8th.

ELECTIONS SHOULD MOSTLY BE ABOUT INTEGRITY AND CHARACTER.

WE SHOULD EXPECT THOSE WE ELECT TO BE FORTHRIGHT, HONEST AND TRUTH WORTHY.

I PROMISE TO LIVE UP TO THE STANDARDS AND PLEDGE TO PUT YOUR BEST INTERESTS BEFORE MY POLITICAL GAIN.

YOU SHOULDN'T EXPECT LESS OF ANYONE YOU VOTE FOR.

HOW I DO BUSINESS AS YOUR SENATOR IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY SINGLE PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT MAY COME ACROSS MY DESK.

WITH THAT COMES MY PROMISE TO LISTEN TO YOUR CONCERNS.

WHEN YOU CONTACT ME AND TO DO MY VERY BEST TO SOLVE THAT PROBLEM WITH YOU.

VOTING ISN'T JUST A RIGHT.

IT'S A PRIVILEGE AND IT'S AN OBLIGATION.

DON'T LET THIS ELECTION PASS WITHOUT BEING A PART OF HEALING OUR COUNTRY AND PROTECTING OUR DEMOCRACY.

>> YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ONLINE ABOUT KARI DORRY AT THE WEBSITE KARI FOR MN SENATE.COM.

NEXT THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE TORE TORREY WESTROM.

>> MY NAME IS TORREY WESTRUM.

I LIVE IN RURAL ALEXANDRIA WITH MY WIFE AND THREE CHILDREN GRADUATED FROM WEST CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, ATTENDED COLLEGE AT BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY AND WILLIAM MITCHELL COLLEGE OF LAW.

WE ARE SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS.

I GREW UP ON A DAIRY FARM AND HAVE A STRONG AGRICULTURE BACKGROUND.

I SERVE AS THE AGRICULTURE CHAIR IN THE STATE SENATE WHICH IS A GREAT HONOR TO REPRESENT YOU AND IN FIGHTING FOR AGRICULTURE FOR OUR FARMERS AND OUR RURAL WAY OF LIFE.

WE ATTEND NEW LIFE CHURCH IN ALEXANDRIA, MINNESOTA.

IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE A CONSERVATIVE VOICE IN ST. PAUL REPRESENTING OUR RURAL VALUES, AND THAT'S WHY I'M RUNNING FOR SENATE DISTRICT 12 TO CONTINUE REPRESENTING YOUR INTERESTS IN ST. PAUL.

>> WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE THE SENATOR FOR YOUR DISTRICT?

I WANT TO BE THE SENATOR FOR SENATE DISTRICT 12 TO REPRESENTATIVE THE CONSERVATIVE AND RURAL VALUES THAT I GREW UP WITH AND THAT THE WAY OUR RURAL WAY OF LIFE IS AND THE VALUES THAT WE WANT TO MAKE SURE LAWMAKERS IN ST. PAUL ELECTED LEADERS RESPECT.

WE NEED THAT VOICE AT THE TABLE WHEN LAWS ARE BEING MADE BUT BUDGETS ARE BEING SET BECAUSE IT'S YOU THE TAXPAYER THAT'S PAYING THE BILL.

IT'S ALL OF YOUR FAMILIES AND THE SMALL BUSINESSES THAT HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE REGULATIONS OR CHANGES THAT ARE MADE TO LAWS AND WE NEED TO HAVE THE CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF SMALLER GOVERNMENT, LESS INTRUSIVE GOVERNMENT AT THE TABLE.

THAT'S THE TYPE OF POLICIES I WILL CONTINUE TO REPRESENT FOR YOU IN OUR AREA IN ST. PAUL.

THERE ARE MANY ISSUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT.

INFLATION IS OUT OF CONTROL UNDER PRESIDENT BIDEN.

YOUR FAMILY, YOUR BUSINESS ARE STRUGGLING JUST TO MAKE ENDS MEET.

FILLING UP AT THE GAS PUMP BECAUSE PRESIDENT BIDEN AND THES DEMOCRATS AGENDA TO CONSTRICT AND REDUCE SUPPLY OF ENERGY.

WE ARE NO LONGER AN ENERGY INDEPENDENT NATION.

WE NEED TO RETURN TO THAT.

WE NEED TO CHANGE THE DIRECTION THE DEMOCRATS AND PRESIDENT BIDEN HAVE TRIED TO TAKE THIS COUNTRY.

THAT'S THE VOICE THAT I WANT TO REPRESENT STRONGLY ON YOUR BEHALF IN ST. PAUL.

I'M A PRO LIFE CANDIDATE.

I'M THE ONLY PRO LIFE CANDIDATE IN THIS SENATE DISTRICT.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE YOUR VIEWS AND CONCERNS ABOUT LIFE ARE ALSO STRONGLY REPRESENTED IN ST. PAUL.

ALONG WITH GIVING YOU TAX BREAKS AND SENDING THE SURPLUS BACK TO YOU THE TAXPAYERS THAT PAID IT IN THE FIRST PLACE.

>> WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION?

>> SOME OF THE PRIORITIES I HAVE FOR THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION, FIRST OF ALL, ARE YOUR PRIORITIES.

WE NEED TO FIND WAYS TO HAVE MORE EMPLOYEES AVAILABLE TO BUSINESSES, AND OUR NURSING HOMES ARE ASKING ALL OVER THE PLACE FOR MORE WORKERS TO HELP TAKE CARE OF OUR SENIORS.

OUR MANUFACTURERS ARE STRUGGLING TO FIND ENOUGH EMPLOYEES TO DO THE JOBS AND MAKE THE PRODUCTS THAT THEY SELL AND KEEP OUR ECONOMIC ENGINES IN RURAL MINNESOTA ACROSS OUR ENTIRE STATE RUNNING.

WE NEED YOU AS VALUABLE EMPLOYEES AND BUSINESS OWNERS TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THOSE PRODUCTS.

SO WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS LABOR SHORTAGE ISSUE.

ONE WAY IS TO MAKE SURE GOVERNMENT WELFARE PROGRAMS ARE MORE LIKE THE WELFARE TO WORK UNDER PRESIDENT CLINTON WHERE WE WANT GOVERNMENT TO BE A HELPING HAND BUT NOT WELFARE TO BE A WAY OF LIFE.

MAKE SURE THAT THERE'S NOT REVERSE INCENTIVES THAT SET PEOPLE TO NOT WORK.

WE WANT TO BE A PARTNER ALONGSIDE BUT WE WANT TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE CAN GET BACK TO WORK AND HAVE EMPLOYEES ENOUGH TO DEAL WITH ALL THE DEMANDS OUR BUSINESSES HAVE AND THE JOB OPENINGS THEY HAVE AND THE CAREGIVERS THAT WE NEED IN HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES.

WE ALSO NEED TO FIGHT FOR PRO LIFE AND THE UNBORN.

WE NEED TO ALSO PUSH FOR RURAL BROADBAND TO MAKE SURE THE UNSERVED AREAS IN MINNESOTA ARE SERVED WITH HIGH SPEED INTERNET AND NOT LEFT BEHIND.

WE ARE IN THE DIGITAL AGE MUCH LIKE ELECTRICITY CAME TO RURAL MINNESOTA 80 AND 90 YEARS AGO.

INTERNET IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS ELECTRICITY TODAY.

THAT'S WHY I HAVE BEEN A STRONG CHAMPION FOR RURAL AND BROADBAND AS WELL AS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES.

>> WHAT UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE DO YOU BRING TO THE MINNESOTA SENATE?

>> I BRING A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE TO THE MINNESOTA SENATE.

FIRST OF ALL, IN 1987, I LOST MY EYESIGHT IN A FARM RELATED CAR ACCIDENT.

I WAS THE FIRST BLIND SENATOR ELECTED TO OFFICE WHEN I TOOK OFFICE.

I I AM STILL THE ON HIM BLIND LEGISLATOR IN MINNESOTA.

I CAN BRING THE PERSPECTIVE FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES BECAUSE THERE'S ALL KINDS OF DISABILITIES.

SOME ARE BORN WITH DISABILITIES.

SOME HAVE DISABILITIES THAT HAPPEN LATER IN LIFE LIKE I DID.

YOU HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO STAND UP, BRUSH YOURSELF OFF AND PERSEVERE.

I CAN BRING THAT CAN DO ATTITUDE TO THE LEGISLATURE, AND I DO.

I HAVE A REPUTATION FOR THAT IN THE STATE SENATE.

I HAVE A REPUTATION OF STANDING UP FOR THE DISABLED, FINDING WAYS TO HELP EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES BE EXPANDED FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES.

I THINK IF A CONSTITUENT WITH A DISABLED GRANDSON IN STARBUCK THAT HAD A GREAT CONVERSATION AT THE POLK COUNTY FAIR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO AND THE PASSION THAT THAT GRANDFATHER AND GRANDMOTHER HAD FOR THE GRANDSON AND ABILITY FOR HIM TO HAVE JOBS THAT HE COULD DO WERE SO GRATIFYING TO THE GRANDSON, AND IT WAS GRATIFYING FOR ME TO HAVE THAT DISCUSSION WITH CONSTITUENTS LIKE THAT AND KNOW HOW IMPORTANT WORK CAN BE FOR EVEN THOSE WITH DISABILITIES.

BUT I CAN BRING A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE FROM RURAL MINNESOTA.

I GREW UP ON A DAIRY FARM, AND I CAN BRING THE SMALL TOWN RURAL VALUE PERSPECTIVE TO THE RURAL PERSPECTIVE.

WE NEED THOSE VOICES.

CONSERVATIVE VALUE RURAL VOICES AND THAT'S WHAT I CAN BRING.

>> WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF MINNESOTA?

>> MY VISION TO THE FUTURE OF MINNESOTA IS A STATE THAT BECOMES SMALLER AND LESS INTRUSIVE GOVERNMENT.

LET'S HAVE REASONABLE TAX RATES IN MINNESOTA.

WE HAVE NEARLY 11 OR $12 BILLION SURPLUS RIGHT NOW.

IT IS TIME TO GIVE THAT BACK TO YOU THE TAXPAYERS.

DEMOCRATS ARE STANDING IN THE WAY.

I SUPPORT REDUCING TAXES ON ALL MINNESOTANS, INCLUDING YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY TAX IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN THAT CATEGORY.

WE ARE ONE OF ONLY 14 STATES THAT STILL TAX SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME ON OUR SENIORS, AND REPUBLICANS LED THE CHARGE TO REDUCE THAT AND GET RID OF IT.

DEMOCRATS AND GOVERNOR WALZ HAVE STOOD IN THE WAY WITH A 10 TO $12 BILLION SURPLUS.

IT'S TIME TO GET RID OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY TAX AND GIVE ALL MINNESOTANS A TAX BREAK.

THE GIFT THAT WILL KEEP ON GIVING IN YOUR POCKET, REDUCING YOUR TAXES, FROM YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY SO YOU HAVE MORE MONEY TO AFFORD INFLATION AND THE HIGH COSTS OF THE GAS PUMPS UNDER PRESIDENT BIDEN, TAX REDUCTIONS CAN MAKE SURE YOU CAN AFFORD INFLATION EVEN MORE.

THAT'S WHY WE NEED TO GIVE IT BACK TO YOU, THE TAXPAYERS.

I HAVE A VISION OF MINNESOTA THAT HAS THE UNSERVED RURAL BROADBAND AREAS SERVED IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.

THAT'S WHY I LED THE CHARGE AND CHIEF AUTHORED THE MOST HISTORIC INVESTMENT IN RURAL BROADBAND THIS PAST YEAR.

I WAS ABLE TO PASS IT BIPARTISANLY WORKING WITH REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS.

THE SENATE LED THE CHARGE.

WE PASSED THAT BILL BIPARTISANLY 66-1 WITH $210 MILLION AND AT A HISTORIC LEVEL, STRONG RURAL BILL FOR MINNESOTA TO HELP BUILD OUT MORE RURAL BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE.

THAT'S THE TYPE OF VISION I HAVE FOR MINNESOTA SO WE CAN HAVE MORE PEOPLE WORKING FROM HOME, LIVING IN RURAL COMMUNITIES AND OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES CAN CONTINUE TO THRIVE.

>> NOW A CLOSING STATEMENT.

>> AGAIN, I AM STATE SENATOR TORREY WESTRUM, REPRESENTING SENATE DISTRICT 12.

IT IS A GREAT HONOR TO BE THE AGRICULTURE CHAIR OF THE STATE SENATE LEADING THE AGRICULTURE POLICY IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN OUR STATE, IN OUR MINNESOTA STATE SENATE BUT REPRESENTING YOUR INTERESTS, YOUR RURAL VALUES, YOUR CONSERVATIVE VALUES, WHETHER YOU ARE A FARMER, WHETHER YOU WORK IN AGRICULTURE, MANUFACTURING OR OTHER AG SECTOR OR ONE OF THE OTHER GREAT AND IMPORTANT AREAS IN OUR ECONOMY, WHETHER IT'S HEALTHCARE, WHETHER IT'S A SMALL TOWN BUSINESS OR ANY OTHER JOB IN RURAL MINNESOTA.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE OUR JOB CREATION ENVIRONMENT IS STRONG HERE IN MINNESOTA.

MAKE SURE OUR EMPLOYERS ARE EXPANDING IN MINNESOTA AND NOT INCENTIVIZED TO LEAVE THE STATE BECAUSE OF HIGH TAXES.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THERE'S AMPLE TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES SO OUR JOBS CAN FIND EMPLOYEES AND WE CAN HAVE MORE PEOPLE MOVING TO OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES, TO GROW OUR COMMUNITIES, MAKE SURE OUR SCHOOLS HAVE AMPLE NUMBER OF STUDENTS AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY CAN CONTINUE TO THRIVE AS WELL.

WHILE I'M TALKING ABOUT EDUCATION, MAKE SURE OUR STUDENTS ARE JOB ONE, WE NEED TO KEEP EDUCATION ESSENTIAL.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE STUDENTS HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE IN THE CLASSROOM, NOT MASKED, AND UNLESS THEY WANT TO BE.

WE ALSO NEED TO MAKE SURE OUR TEACHERS ARE SUPPORTED AND PARENTS ARE SUPPORTED SO THEY HAVE ADEQUATE FUNDING THROUGH THE PER PUPIL FUNDING SO ALL STUDENTS ARE TREATED THE SAME.

OUR STUDENTS ARE ONE OF OUR GREATEST ASSETS HERE IN RURAL MINNESOTA AND IN OUR STATE, AND THEY ARE THE FUTURE.

THAT'S WHY I WANT TO STAND UP FOR OUR STUDENTS AS WELL.

WE ALSO WANT TO HAVE A STRONG RURAL BROADBAND, STRONG PRO LIFE MESSENGERS THAT CAN STAND UP FOR THOSE CONCERNED AND THE UNBORN IN ST. PAUL AND I WILL BE YOUR CONSERVATIVE VOICE.

I ASK FOR YOUR VOTE ON NOVEMBER 8th FOR SENATE DISTRICT 12.

>> YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ONLINE ABOUT TORREY WESTRUM AND HIS WEBSITE.

FINALLY WE THE PEOPLE PARTY CANDIDATE ASHLEY KLINGBEIL.

>> MY NAME IS ASHLEY KLINGBEIL, AND I WANT TO GO TO ST. PAUL AS THE NEXT STATE SENATOR FOR SENATE DISTRICT 12 TO FIGHT FOR MY FREEDOM.

POLITICS HAS NEVER BEEN AN ASPIRATION OF MINE.

I'M A BUSY MOM OF THREE TRYING TO BUILD MY CAREER, SO AS YOU CAN IMAGINE RUNNING FOR OFFICE IN MY SPARE TIME WASN'T EXACTLY WHAT I IMAGINED.

I FEEL LIKE I WAS LEFT NO CHOICE AS I SEE NO WARRIORS FIGHTING FOR MY FREEDOM.

I GUESS THEY SAY IF YOU WANT TO GET A JOB DONE, YOU NEED TO DO IT YOURSELF.

FILING STARTED MAY 17th, 2022.

I DECIDED THREE DAYS BEFORE FILING THAT I WAS GOING TO RUN FOR OFFICE AND RUNNY DID.

I RAN AS FAST AS I COULD TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE UNIPARTY.

JUST $100 TO FILE AS A DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN.

IF YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING ELSE YOU HAVE 14 DAYS TO COLLECT 500 SIGNATURES.

I HAVE NEVER BELIEVED IN THE WAY THE UNIPARTY OPERATES, SO I WAS AGAINST CONTRIBUTING TO IT BY FILING AS AN R. I DECIDED TO STAND FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT IN POLITICS, AND THAT'S WE THE PEOPLE.

I'M A REAL MOM WITH A REAL JOB WHO NEEDS MY PEERS TO STAND UP AND FIGHT FOR RIGHTS ALONGSIDE ME.

WE DON'T NEED TO FALL VICTIM TO GOVERNMENT OVERREACH.

WE CAN FIRE THE INCUMBENT AND CAREER POLITICIANS AND ELECT NEW PEOPLE, PEOPLE WHO ARE WILLING TO PICK UP THE FLAG AND CLIMB TO THE TOP OF THE HILL NO MATTER WHAT.

THANK YOU.

>> WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE SENATOR FOR YOUR DISTRICT?

>> THE REASON I WANT TO BE THE SENATOR FOR MY DISTRICT IS TO I CAN FIGHT FOR WE THE PEOPLE'S FREEDOM AND LIBERTY.

I'M AFRAID THAT I AM LOSING MINE SO IT PROMPTED ME TO FIGHT FOR YOURS WHILE TRYING TO DEFEND MY OWN.

I CAN'T DO THIS ALONE, AND I NEED THE PEOPLE TO STAND UP AND HELP FIGHT WITH ME.

FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM STARTS LOCALLY.

WE NEED TO PLANT THE GRASS SEEDS RIGHT NOW IN ORDER TO LET IT GROW.

I WANT TO INSPIRE OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED AT EVERY LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT.

>> WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION?

>> TOP PRIORITY IN THE NEXT SESSION IS GOING TO BE PROTECTING OUR SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS GRANTED TO US BY THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

WITH THE SAFER COMMUNITY ACT PASSED EARLIER THIS YEAR, YOU CAN BET THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL BE TRYING TO BRIBE THE STATE LEGISLATOR TO ENACTING RED FLAG LAWS.

I WILL ALWAYS VOTE NO ON ANY ACT AGAINST THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.

THE OTHER IS DEFENDING MEDICAL FREEDOM AND RIGHT TO EXEMPTION STATUSES.

I WANT ALL PARENTS IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO HAVE A BILL OF RIGHTS REGARDING THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION, AND THIS IS A MATTER THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY.

AS A MOTHER OF THREE THAT LEFT OUR LOCAL DISTRICT TWO YEARS AGO I FEEL MY KIDS AND PARENTS DIDN'T HAVE THE RIGHT THEY SHOULD.

THE STATE NEEDS TO STOP STEALING OUR MONEY AND LEGISLATION NEEDS TO ADDRESS INCOME AND TAXES.

THAT'S A ANOTHER GREAT CONCERN OF MINE.

>> WHAT UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE DO YOU BRING TO THE SENATE.

>> YOU BE SNEAK PERSPECTIVE IS JUST MY WARRIOR ATTITUDE.

VERY STRONG FIGHTER FOR WHAT I BELIEVE IS RIGHT.

A CORE BELIEF OF MINE IS THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE AND BE NOT RESTRICTED FROM GOVERNMENT.

LEAST RESTRICTIVE GOVERNMENT IS A UNIVERSAL APPLICATION TO BE APPLIED AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL IN CITIES, IN COUNTIES AT THE STATE LEVEL AND FEDERALLY.

I WANT PEOPLE TO GET INVOLVED AND I WANT THEM TO ELECT THE WARRIORS TO CLIMB TO THE TOP OF THE HILL.

>> WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF MINNESOTA?

>> MY VISION FOR THE FUTURE IS SEE ALL OF MY RIGHTS RESTORED AND TRUE EQUALITY FOR ALL.

GOVERNMENT PICKING AND CHOOSING FOR US ISN'T FREEDOM FOR ANY.

I SEE THE GOVERNMENT AT ALL LEVELS RAPIDLY INCREASING AND MY GOAL IS TO NOT ONLY SLOW DOWN THAT BUT START DISMANTLING THE OVERGROWN POWER SHIP THAT HAPPENED WITHOUT HARDLY ANYBODY NOTICING.

I WANT THE POWER RESWORD TO THE PEOPLE.

MY VISION IS FOR OTHERS TO STAND UP AND GET INVOLVED, TOO.

EDUCATION AND AWARENESS OF GOVERNMENT RULES AND POLICIES IS KEY.

I DREAM OF MORE TRANSPARENCY AND HONESTY IN POLITICS.

IT IS THE DUTY OF OUR REPRESENTATIVES TO INFORM US WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE GOVERNMENT AND IN OUR LEGISLATURE.

I PRAY THE ELECTED STOP BEING SO MEEK AND QUIET.

>> NOW A CLOSING STATEMENT.

>> IT TAKES A VILLAGE.

I WANT TO BE THE IN THE MINNESOTA LEGISLATURE SO I CAN TRY MY BEST TO FIGHT OFF THE ATTACK OF THE FREEDOMS OF THE PEOPLE.

I WON'T STAY QUIET ABOUT THE FRAUD AND CORRUPTION I SEE HAPPENING NO MATTER WHERE IT'S HAPPENING.

I WANT TO EDUCATE THE PEOPLE ABOUT CURRENT EVENTS THAT OUR LOCAL, STATE, FEDERAL AND GLOBAL, AND I BELIEVE THERE'S AN ATTACK ON US FROM THE TOP DOWN, AND TO BEAT IT OFF WE NEED TO START AT THE BOTTOM AND PLANT THE SEEDS.

VOTE FOR ME ON NOVEMBER 8th.

YOU CAN FIND ME ON FACEBOOK TO SEE WHAT I'M ABOUT.

I HAVE A WEBSITE WWW.KLINGBEIL FOR SENATE.COM.

>> YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION AT KLINGBEIL FOR SENATE.COM.

LEARN MORE ABOUT VOTING, HOW TO REGISTER AND WHAT DISTRICT YOU LIVE IN BY VISITING THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE WEBSITE AT MN VOTES.ORG.

REMEMBER ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8th.

THANKS FOR WATCHING "MEET THE CANDIDATES" AT PIONEER PBS.