My 2021 campaign plan
Throughout my first regular and special session as a new member of the Senate this year, I've had the same thoughts pop in my head over and over: Oh man, do I hate being in the minority and Oh man, do I want to see a budget and policy agenda that actually meets the needs of this moment and the needs of Minnesotans.
At the close of the session, I slept a little, saw some friends and family, and spent some time on the water. Immediately after that short break, my team and I planned our work for the rest of this year, work that will build the campaign we need to win in 2022. So far, that strategic plan is nine pages long and captures a long term vision for the people-powered politics I hope to help build in Minnesota. I won't ask you to read its every word, but today I am sharing the goals I am working towards and what I'll be doing to get there.
Please take a look and:
But above all, if you want more for our state, find that candidate you believe in and help them out, or run yourself! It's going to take all of us to build our bright future.
Here's what I want in 2022, and what I'm going to do with my time, my energy, and my voice today to make sure we get there:
I want to be part of the new Senate Majority after the 2022 election. So in 2021 I'm going to:
Recruit candidates who are passionate, committed, and have the potential to lead. I will work with the caucus to help them launch and run successful campaigns, and provide resources for them and their teams as they grow, find their voices, and share their stories with Minnesotans.
Raise at least $40,000 for my campaign this year, and raise or donate at least $10,000 to the caucus so that we can build a strong team.
Use funds raised to hire staff who reflect my commitment to our district and Minnesota, who are hungry, who are curious, who are responsive, and who want to build a bright future of our state.
Door knock as much and in as many places as possible. I will join my colleagues on the doors of their districts, help new candidates launch and build their volunteer bases, and bring volunteers with me.
Be clear about why we're doing this. I will tell my story and encourage my team to tell theirs. I will ask Minnesotans what they need and tell them what we're fighting for and our vision for the state. I will do the work, but do it centered in values and in a way that tells Minnesotans we're ready to meet this moment.
I want to help ensure more women and People of Color are elected. So in 2021 I'm going to:
Go out of my way to build deeper lists of potential candidates, ask more questions, and make sure we're remembering that women and folks of color may need to be asked more than once to run. I will push my caucus to do the same.
Do more than ask people to run and then walk away. I will lend my time for fundraising, making connections, asking my team to help other candidates build their teams, and the mentoring, late night phone calls, and quick pick me ups we all need out on the trail
Look to my colleagues of color and recognize when I need to lead and when I need to step back and follow their lead. I will do my part to be a supportive partner in the work.
Look not just to the Senate but the House, and to school boards and city councils, and how I can be part of building the bench and the next generation of strong progressive leaders.
Work with the caucus team to build in best practices and structures this year that will pay off in 2022 and beyond, and to recognize that doing things the way we always have will get us the same result. I will push us to be more creative and effective in our approach, while employing what we know works.
I want Minnesotans to be engaged in the campaign, and believe in our vision. So in 2021 I'm going to:
Work to ensure that my campaign is fun, welcoming, and has a place for anyone and everyone that wants to be involved. I will ensure that we thank people, invite people in, and listen to new viewpoints.
Make sure much of the door knocking I do is "deep canvassing," meaning that it is about longer, more engaging, thoughtful conversations about what people believe in and care about, not just sharing talking points. I did my first night of a deep canvass with Rep. Todd Lippert in Montgomery this week—a productive night of honest, intentional conversations that I look forward to sharing with you.
Travel the state and recruit candidates, door knock, raise money, and tell our story across Minnesota. I still believe Minnesotans, regardless of the color of our skin or our zip code, want and need the same things, and I want to be part of making sure folks know who is fighting for them.
Hold Paul Gazelka and his caucus accountable for their dangerous agenda. I will remain clear about what we stand for, the vision we have for our state, and why we're asking Minnesotans to vote for us.
Spending the time and money to do voter registration work, and turnout work that isn't just asking people to vote for me, but that recognizes that higher turnout and democratic participation is good for us all. I will do my part to make sure turnout is higher in the district I represent than it was four years ago.
With each action, building on a politics for us to build our future; a hopeful, joyful politics. With purpose and necessary fight for the needs of Minnesotans.
That's my plan. What do you think? Will you join us? Will you donate to help build our team?
I’ll see you on the trail,
Erin