Endorsement Letter for Paul Thissen for Governor of Minnesota

Blogger Gary Peterson writes about his support for Paul Thissen for Governor of Minnesota.

As lifelong Minnesotans, Paul Thissen and I share a deep appreciation and affection for the land, the people, and the traditions that give color and meaning to our lives. Both of us have traveled extensively throughout our state and understand the inherent goodwill, sense of fair play, and yearning for integrity that characterizes our people.

Paul embodies these traits with a fresh and enthusiastic optimism matched by a can-do spirit of pragmatism. As a gay man who never could have imagined the possibility of marrying his high school boy friend, I have experienced personally and vicariously the profound changes of attitude, heart, and behavior within myself and others that have replaced shadows with sunshine, fear with strength, and despair with hope.

Like the best of leaders, Paul calls forth the higher angels of our nature. He has done this in speeches to assembled throngs, in one-on-one conversations, and in the introduction and passage of legislation. As the real deal, he also does it in the raising of his own kids, all of whom accompanied us in last year's Pride Parade through the streets of downtown Minneapolis.

Would that our own parents ever would have placed in our hands signs that read "Our friend has two mothers, and we think it's great!" As a former political candidate, I know about the ineffable campaign experience that Paul has undertaken. I am inspired by his work ethic, the competence of his campaign team, and the equanimity of his person.

I will be proud to have him serve as governor of my state, and Iask you to help make that happen!

- Gary Peterson
http://minnesotamist.blogspot.com