Responding to criticisms by her only declared challenger, Rep. Tara Mack, 37A, stayed upbeat. “You can run your campaign anyway you like. In my 2008 campaign I stayed positive and focused on the issues. People are exhausted of negativity and attacks; they want a positive outlook and to move forward.”
Derrick Lindstrom, who describes himself as “a fiscally conservative, socially liberal, moderate Democrat,” took the first shots, of what could be a particularly brutal campaign season, last week against the incumbent.
Calling Mack “a career politician that is more concerned about keeping her seat than working for her constituents,” Lindstrom said he was “disheartened by Tara's laissez-faire approach.” He also criticized Mack’s committee and floor vote attendance and said, that as a father, “I can understand what voters are going through.” Mack is childless.
Mack, in her first term of representing the south suburban district, thinks it is a bit premature to call her a “career politician.” “While attending the University of Minnesota, my eyes were opened to the incredible impact St. Paul decisions have on Minnesotans’ lives. I never set out to be a politician, but when the opportunity arose to represent the area I was raised, I wanted to do my part.”
Whether it is though emails, phone calls, town hall meetings, door knocking, Facebook or You Tube videos, Mack says she stays in close contact with her constituents and is proud to introduce legislation they have had input on.
Each year thousands of bills are introduced and only a small number are seriously considered. “Each bill takes a lot of time and staff hours. I was thoughtful in the bills I introduced. I didn’t want to introduce bills that would never get a floor vote,” Mack said.
“Last year my grandfather unexpectedly passed away in May, during session. In May, we are often on the floor for 12 or 14 hours a day and take many votes. I missed two days to attend my grandfather’s military funeral. I regret that I could not vote on behalf of my constituents for those two days, but do not regret attending my grandfather’s funeral,” Mack said.
Mack does not believe that being a parent inherently makes someone more worthy of being a leader. “Everyone has different life experiences, all of which are very valuable and provides perspective,” Mack said. And, added “All Minnesotans are struggling right now, no matter what their family looks like.”
For the upcoming session, Mack wants to focus on jobs. “We cannot increase taxes – plain and simple. We are not a low-tax state. We need incentives for people to create jobs.”
Mack also wants to focus on education, helping nursing homes and special needs families. Mack was recently appointed to an Autism task force and is said she is looking forward to helping families get the support they need.
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