| I met with both CD3 candidates in early December; clearly back then Team Meffert was way ahead in terms of organization and candidate ability to communicate effectively.
I met with Jim in early January, and at that time, not knowing about Team Hackett bringing in a strong campaign staff, was of the impression that Hackett should bow out.
Shortly after that, a Team Hackett staffer, whom I have known since his dad coached us in 5th grade football, hired my daughter.
Upon finding out Team Hackett had hired my daughter, the very first person I called was Jim Meffert, because I wanted him to hear it from me, first.
When the Veterans Caucus scheduled endorsement screenings, I called Trista, the Chair, and Major Jeff, to explain how my daughter working for Hackett could create the impression of bias if I were at any way at all involved in the screening. Since Trista was out of town, Jeff came to the screening to ensure everything was above board - and I stayed as far away from the endorsement screening as I could.
Hackett won the endorsement. And again, I had no involvement with the screening; prior, I didn't know who was going to be screening. Post screening, those involved told me it wasn't close; one veteran told me he went into the screening leaning Meffert but Hackett's performance turned him.
As Dr. Hackett is the Veterans Caucus endorsed candidate, I have phone banked for the Veterans Caucus to tell people Dr. Hackett is the endorsed candidate, and the Veterans Caucus is asking them to stand with the veterans and stand with our endorsed candidate.
My daughter caucused for Hackett, and won as an alternate in 42B - she's going to the CD Convention, and state in Duluth. She's her own person; she's an adult her pappa is mighty proud of.
That's the background. Now, the "why" -
1.) Dr. Hackett's campaign has proven they can win. Nine times they've faced off against Team Meffert in Senate District conventions. Each time they've had the strongest presence and seven times they've emerged as the clear winner -- including in SD 41, Meffert's hometown.
2.) Dr. Hackett presents a clear and strong contrast against Erik Paulsen. As a military veteran, doctor, wife of a successful business owner, she can take on Paulsen where he thinks he's strong and defend against the usual line of attacks the Republicans will use.
3.) Women win in the 3rd Congressional District. It's not just Amy Klobuchar, Maria Ruud, Melissa Hortman, Terri Bonoff and the rest of our strong DFL legislative delegation. It's also people like Joyce Peppin and Mary Kiffmeyer. Suburban districts across the 3rd CD vote "for" strong women - and clearly, Dr. Hackett is a woman with a strong backbone - she's got spine.
I'm proud to stand with my fellow veteran, Dr. Maureen Hackett.
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