My 3 minutes on WDSE Public television 10-23-2002

I’m Harry Welty

You know me from my snow sculptures on 21^st Ave E. and from the Duluth School Board where I’ve advocated saving our elementary schools and closing a high school.

It has been my ambition to serve in the Minnesota State legislature for over a quarter of a century.  I first ran for the Minnesota state legislature 26 years ago when I was 26 years old. St. Paul sets the rules. Everything we do on the Duluth School board starts in St. Paul .

Still, as this campaign season has progressed I’ve had to ask myself repeatedly how badly I want to be elected. When it snowed the other day I knew exactly what sculpture I wanted to make. I wanted to sculpt Norm Coleman and Paul Wellstone sticking out their tongues at each other. I can’t stand this election.

I’m a Republican. I believe that that government governs best which governs least. I also believe that we are a government, of the people, by the people and for the people. Of course, between these two marvelous generalities lie many details and as Ross Perot said, the “devil is in the details.”

The kind of nasty partisanship I’ve witnessed over the last 25 years has turned my stomach. I may be wearing rose tinted glasses but I remember a time when Republicans and Democrats fought hammer and tong through short election seasons then set aside their weapons after the elections to run the nation. That is what I intend to do.

I like, Tom Huntley, the incumbent and the Democrat who I am challenging for the state legislature. He recently offered himself as a Lt. Governor partner to a moderate Republican - turned Democrat, Judi Dutcher, when she tried to win the DFL Gubernatorial nomination. How can I criticize the politics of anyone who wants a moderate Republican to become Governor even if she has become a Democrat? I can’t.

What I can offer Duluth , what I can offer Minnesota , is a voice like none I’ve heard in a generation. An honest voice, an articulate voice, a voice which will remind us that we are all in "it" together. Whether we are facing, a crashing stock market, Al Quaida, or the damn sniper/coward on the East Coast, we can only make this nation a better place if we work together.

I am persistent and I have the courage of my convictions. I will challenge my party to find balance. The Democrats will have to find their own spokesman for this kind of cooperation.

Duluth has lost three giants in our legislative delegation, Sam Solon, Doug Johnson and Willard Munger. They were all Democrats who could work across the aisle with Republicans. I will be a Republican who can work across the aisle with Democrats.

When all others fear to tell the truth, as I have about closing a high school in Duluth , you can count on me to speak up

I’ve wanted to be in the legislature for 25 years. I could mimic all the other politicians and tell you that Tom Huntley is a scoundrel but that isn’t the truth. But frankly, I would rather lose honorably than win at any cost.

My first job as a legislator will be a big one, solving the 3 billion dollar deficit that was created by a lot of simple minded politics. It will be a challenge.

And don’t worry. I’ll still find time to make my snow sculptures.

Email Harry: harrywelty

Go to Harry's primary website:   www.snowbizz.com 

or make a contribution to the campaign

This Web page is prepared and paid for by Harry Welty, Welty Volunteer Committee, PO Box 3613, Duluth, MN  55803