Minnesota nurses saw mixed results in the Nov. 4 elections. Many candidates who support nurses and issues including a Safe Patient Standard, won at the ballot box.
All candidates for statewide office endorsed by MNA were elected. Governor Mark Dayton, Attorney General Lori Swanson, and State Auditor Rebecca Otto were re-elected. Steve Simon, MNA’s endorsed candidate for Secretary of State, will replace outgoing Secretary of State Mark Ritchie. Nearly two-thirds of MNA’s endorsed candidates from both parties for the House were elected.
As a result of the elections, Republicans will hold a 72-62 seat majority in the House (pending recounts in several close races) when the 2015 Legislative Session convenes.
That will present new challenges for passage of a Safe Patient Standard in 2015, but MNA will continue to advocate for minimum standards of care that protect patient safety and make sure nurses have the time they need to provide patients with the quality care they deserve.
MNA conducted its largest-ever member-to-member volunteer program this election season. Nurses reached out to other nurses in targeted districts by telephone and in person. Nurses also participated in doorknocking with candidates and with colleagues from other unions, and participated in record numbers for Get Out the Vote (GOTV) activities in the last days of the election.
MNA members should be very proud of the effort nurses made to inform voters and support candidates who stand with nurses. We are building a foundation of strength for the future.