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Eden Prairie, Minnesota
January 7, 2009 • (952) 942-7885
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Loon announces run for Legislature
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“Small business advocate and community volunteer Jenifer Loon announced her candidacy Monday for the House District 42B seat held by State Rep. Erik Paulsen, who announced Sunday that he’s running for the Third District Congressional seat.
“Our state and our nation are facing challenging economic times,” said Loon in a news release. “Elected officials must be committed to developing effective solutions and have the ‘know how’ to achieve results. I am running to put my experience to work for the citizens of Eden Prairie by being the voice of common sense; a representative who reflects our community’s values in the State Legislature.”
Loon said that her top priorities will be enhancing job growth and economic vitality, making good schools even better and addressing skyrocketing health-care costs.
She was a chief of staff for the Committee on Small Business in the U.S. House of Representatives. She also has volunteer experience as a former president of the PTO at Eden Lake Elementary School and past chair of the district-wide Curriculum Advisory Committee.
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“In addition to her public sector work, Loon has extensive private sector business experience,” the release said. “She worked for Associated Builders and Contractors, representing the interests of 16,000 small business men and women in the construction industry. Most recently, Loon worked as director of government affairs for ACA International Inc., a trade association for accounts receivables professionals.”
Loon and her husband, Doug Loon, have two daughters, Erica, 14, and Rachel, 10, and are members of Prairie Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie. Loon plans to seek the Republican endorsement at the endorsing convention in Eden Prairie this spring.
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I just read the comments by...
Back to page topI just read the comments by supporters of Jenifer Loon's opponent and had to respond. Both candidates, Jenifer Loon and her opponent are smart, friendly, articulate, well-spoken, and have demonstrable leadership skills.
Likewise, both candidates support the Republican party platform.
But while the other candidate says she supports the platform, has she ever lifted a finger to help Republicans get elected or even been involved in the political process at all? In fact, she just recently attended her first ever precinct caucus!
Jenifer Loon has put her support of the party platform into action, putting in countless hours of volunteer time working to put Republican candidates into office. Jenifer has spent more than 20 years fighting to make government smaller, fighting to cut taxes, fighting for local control of schools, fighting to keep jobs and businesses in Minnesota.
The other candidate very recently joined a bunch of commissions in order to make it look like she has been politically involved, but Jenifer has the experience....the real experience, to do the job.
Jenifer has challenged her opponent to debate and her opponent has so far refused. Jenifer's knowledge of the issues is second to none. This may be a big reason why her opponent has refused to publicly debate.
There is no question that Jenifer's opponent is a great person, but Jenifer Loon is the only one running who has BOTH proven leadership skills and a track record for supporting Republican issues and Republican candidates. She deserves our party's endorsement on April 29.
Evidently Loon's supporters...
Back to page topEvidently Loon's supporters are not smart enough to use different form letters in this blog.
Being a director for ACA International Inc., representing hard ball third-party debt collection is not a serious qualifier for endorsement on April 29th.
Furthermore, Loon's experience has been as a volunteer, and has never been elected to anything.
Loon also claims to be prolife. However, when challenged on this issue is quick to make a variety of exceptions for abortion.
The last thing we need is a double talker on important issues.
... and if you happen to owe money, say hello to Loon when she calls you at dinner time.
Say "P"? If it is your...
Back to page topSay "P"? If it is your intention to drum everyone out of the Republican Party that believes in rape and incest exceptions to abortion, then you'd better get busy. You will have to get rid of Mitt Romney. You'll have to eliminate our Presidential candidate John McCain. You'll have to get rid of our Senate candidate Norm Coleman. You'll have to get rid of our President, George Bush. Closer to home, you will even have to get rid of Erik Paulsen. All are considered 100% pro-life. All of them support these very very rare exceptions to abortion.
The important part that you're not getting is that if this is your #1 issue -- and apparently it is -- then you need to get behind a candidate that has actually worked to put pro-life candidates in office. Jenifer's opponent has never hammered a lawn sign, never handed out one piece of literature, never made one phone call on behalf of any pro-life candidate, and had never knocked on doors to find out what real voters feel about the issue.
Jenifer Loon is pro-life, she supports the Republican platform, and she is the only one with a record of supporting Republican issues AND candidates.
Jenifer's opponent won't debate, despite being challenged to do so on numerous occasions. Instead she sends her surrogates out to do her smears for her. She should be ashamed.
All the real hero’s of our...
Back to page topAll the real hero’s of our party have been immediately forthright in stating their positions on a variety of complex issues including pro-life causes.
For a candidate to state they are 100% for an issue and not forthrightly disclose “exceptions” is the kind of behavior that disappoints voters and weakens our party.
The true heroes are those...
Back to page topThe true heroes are those who fight for economic freedom and personal liberty. And they do that by getting involved. They don’t leave it to others to do the heavy lifting
I just read the comments by...
Back to page topI just read the comments by supporters of Jenifer Loon's opponent and had to respond. Both candidates, Jenifer Loon and her opponent are smart, friendly, articulate, well-spoken, and have demonstrable leadership skills.
Likewise, both candidates support the Republican party platform.
But while the other candidate says she supports the platform, has she ever lifted a finger to help Republicans get elected or even been involved in the political process at all? In fact, she just recently attended her first ever precinct caucus!
Jenifer Loon has put her support of the party platform into action, putting in countless hours of volunteer time working to put Republican candidates into office. Jenifer has spent more than 20 years fighting to make government smaller, fighting to cut taxes, fighting for local control of schools, fighting to keep jobs and businesses in Minnesota.
The other candidate very recently joined a bunch of commissions in order to make it look like she has been politically involved, but Jenifer has the experience....the real experience, to do the job.
Jenifer has challenged her opponent to debate and her opponent has so far refused. Jenifer's knowledge of the issues is second to none. This may be a big reason why her opponent has refused to publicly debate.
There is no question that Jenifer's opponent is a great person, but Jenifer Loon is the only one running who has BOTH proven leadership skills and a track record for supporting Republican issues and Republican candidates. She deserves our party's endorsement on April 29.
Well, I certainly hope there...
Back to page topWell, I certainly hope there is a debate.
I'd like to hear how they plan to be effective in a House with a DFL Majority.
Clearly, for today's GOP House members, the standard operating procedure for an elected Republican is:
"The people elect; GOP Leadership directs."
For more information about...
Back to page topFor more information about Jenifer or to find out how you can participate in one of her open houses, please stop by her website:
http://www.jeniferloon.com
I know Jenifer and Doug Loon...
Back to page topI know Jenifer and Doug Loon to be capable and well intended people.
I want to publically thank Jenifer’s husband, Doug Loon for his 100% commitment in support of the transportation bill along with other Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Board members. The transportation bill is dedicated to expanding mass transit and is a true victory in our fight for economic and social justice on behalf of hard working Minnesotans.
As a member of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce board of directors, Doug Loons unwavering support in affirming the transportation bill including the new $11 Million Guerrilla habitat at the Como Zoo is a testament to what can be accomplished by working closely with the leadership of our state legislature.
As a long time resident of Eden Prairie and strong supporter of the transportation bill, I believe we can trust Jenifer Loon as someone we can all depend upon to support other bold initiatives such as a much needed expansion of affordable housing in Eden Prairie.
We need to support Jennifer Loon as she already has a good depth of experience in working with the Democratic leadership of the Minnesota Legislature.
Bless You Jenifer!
Say George? Are you sure...
Back to page topSay George? Are you sure you're not a Democrat?
The fact is that Jenifer OPPOSED the $6.6 billion DFL transportation bill and, in fact, was the first one in this race to take a public stand against it.
Rather than sending one of her handlers out to defend her, I'll let Jenifer tell it in her own words. The following letter (dated Febraury 22, 2008) was sent to all 42B Republican Delegates and Alternates:
Hey George - I don't think...
Back to page topHey George - I don't think you've got it! I checked the MN Chamber's website and Doug Loon is not a member of the Mn Chamber's Board of Directors. In addition Jenifer Loon doesn't support the new tax. She sent a letter to the delegates outlining her opposition to the tax prior to the Govenor's veto.
Jenifer's opponent however, does advertise that she's a member of the EP Chamber of Commerce who is in favor of the gas and transit tax. It seems that you might want to check in with her on transit taxes and affordable housing.
Please recheck your facts....
Back to page topPlease recheck your facts.
Doug Loon voted for the Transporation Bill as a member of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee. I am proud of Doug and his courageous stand against Gov Pawlenty's veto.
Furthermore, I appreciate Doug and Jennifer are good people and have served Minnesota well in standing and voting with the Democrat leadership in the House.
Jenifer has been very plain spoken that she is not in favor of the Transporation Bill .... "in its present form".
However, I believe Jenifer does recognize the need for a Transporation Bill that includes Mass Transit and fully understands and will support the need to raise taxes to support this important bill.
I believe that our community well be very well served regardless of whether the DFL candidate Jerry Pitzrick or Jenifer Loon wins the seat.
"I believe that our...
Back to page top"I believe that our community well be very well served regardless of whether the DFL candidate Jerry Pitzrick or Jenifer Loon wins the seat."
I agree - both Jenifer and Jerry seem like fine people; warm, caring, and well-informed.
And what I really appreciate is the fine campaigns both of them have run; hard and fair and honest.
It's really refreshing to see a good clean race - and both Jenifer and Jerry deserve appreciation for doing so. Regardless of the outcome, both can hold their heads high - and they deserve our thanks.
You Republicans don't know a...
Back to page topYou Republicans don't know a good thing when you see it. You fire your only half-way decent experienced legislatures like Ron Erhardt for standing up for what they know is the right thing to do.
I applaud people like Doug Loon and the other Board of Directors members of the MN Chamber of Commerce who voted to back the DFL tax bill. I'm glad there are a few who see that we can't live in Fantasyland and not ever raise taxes. Hopefully Doug will be able to talk some sense into his wife if she wins.
Marty Seifert can't keep firing GOP leaders for voting for the best interest of the people...or he will find out that he is not in the best interest of the people and find himself jobless!
Some factual errors,...
Back to page topSome factual errors, Hill:
1. Doug Loon (as mentioned before) is NOT on the state board of directors of the MN Chamber. You can see the list of directors at the Chamber of Commerce website.
2. Ron Erhardt did not get thrown out “standing up for the right thing to do”. He was defeated because virtually all Minnesotans – not just Republicans – believe that it was a mistake to override the Governor’s veto. For example, a recent KSTP/Survey USA poll shows that most Minnesotans are opposed to the gas tax and other taxes in this bill.
While nobody likes to have their money taken from them, it especially hurts when you know that just one year ago the state of Minnesota had a multi billion dollar surplus. Instead of being frugal in the good years, our state representatives squandered that surplus on various pork projects throughout the state in order to give favors to supporters.
Due to the tremendous growth in spending last year, along with a stuttering economy, we find ourselves in a major deficit. This is a problem that could have been avoided if our leadership had planned for the long run. Even the week before the vote on the tax increase, Democrats were not trying to find ways responsibly cut spending. Instead, they were giving away money to every earmark project they could think of. I suppose this was to ensure the need for a tax increase.
Today, we are faced with higher fuel prices, increased unemployment, and a weak dollar. With our economy running on fumes, the DFL proposed the worst solution to the problem. They thought that the best course of action would be to take more money from the working middle class families of Minnesota.
The tax increases that were passed by the Senate and House include a gas tax, a sales tax, and a vehicle registration fee increase. It’s funny, because I thought that the DFL said that they were going to go after the rich. Instead, they proposed increasing taxes where it would hurt the middle class the most. Contractors, couriers, even commuters will be hurt by these increases.
My hope is that Jenifer Loon will be able to talk sense into some of you Democrats to stop voting for more and more tax increases and start doing what is good for our community instead. I think that it is time that we push for a change in leadership in the Minnesota House and Senate.
Sundog, Doug is on the...
Back to page topSundog,
Doug is on the Minnesota Chamber Of Commerce Executives 2008 Board Of Directors.
I find your blatent non-disclosure of the facts highly suspect.
http://www.mnchamber.com/mcce/board.cfm
Hill, follow your link and...
Back to page topHill, follow your link and actually read it this time:
Doug Loon
U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Midwest Region
U.S. Chamber of Commerce has NOTHING to do with the Minnesota Chamber. NOTHING. He is not part of the body that voted to support this bill. You are spreading misinformation, my friend.
Furthermore, as stated before, Jenifer Loon is the one who is running and she has said several times that she did not support this bill and would have voted against it.
Follow my link??? I never...
Back to page topFollow my link???
I never said that Doug was not with the US Chamber of Commerce – he is! That in itself is separate. But he is also on the Board of Directors for the MN Chamber of Commerce Executives. Everyone listed on that page is. I simply posted the link. If you feel this misinformation, than you should take it up with the MCC and explain it to them that he is not one their Board of Directors for the MN Chamber of Commerce Executives. This is not the same Board that voted, but make no mistake, the MCCE is the same church, different pew. Just click on the MCCE Monthly Column to see the issues they stand behind.
http://www.mnchamber.com/mcce/monthly_column.cfm
I do agree with you that Jennifer is the one who is running and her association with Doug should not be a factor…just as Rev. Wright’s association with Barrack Obama should not be a factor in voting. But apparently Rush and Hannity, to name a few, can’t seem to think as clearly as you and I do. While there is always a chance of someone being influenced by those that are close to you, we should trust that people are who they say they are.
I am a more progressive thinker, and as I said earlier, if Jennifer were to win, I hope she heeds the sound progressive thinking of the MN Chamber of Commerce. I am also glad to hear that she is more progressive with a Mother’s Choice.
But frankly, with the massive turnout we had at the DFL caucus (which dwarfed the GOP turnout), I don’t think you have a prayer of winning. Our candidate, Jerry Pitzrick has a lot of political experience and is a sound thinker. See his letter on the 2008 transportation bill and his announcement for candidacy.
Click Here for Pitzrick's articles in EP News
Gov Pawlenty would have buried us. Thank God the Chamber of Commerce supported it and were able to knock some sense in a hand full of Republicans to vote for the Bill and keep it out of reach from Pawlenty’s veto.
Running for office is not so...
Back to page topRunning for office is not so much about personification and character decorations. It is what do you believe in and how willing are you able to stand up for your constituents.
I have searched the web for Loon's platform and can find none. Even this blog only has items up to March of 2008.
Based on the facts that I dont care if she wear's pantsuits or dresses, or any other silly idioms, without a platform of things she is willing to fight for, she is not getting my vote.
Jenifer Loon’s Platform...
Back to page topJenifer Loon’s Platform ... First of all, please check out her website:
http://www.jeniferloon.com
Her website not only has her positions on several issues, but it includes an extensive list of testimonials from others including organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Star Tribune, and even the Eden Prairie News.
Another place you can check is the answers she gave in the interview she did with the Eden Prairie Sun Newspaper
Finally, as she has invited you to do in this newspaper, in her literature, on her website, and at every major community event in the past 10 months -- you can contact her yourself!
She has been to football games, corn feeds, schooner days, sunbonnet days, the fourth of July booth at Round Lake. She has knocked 15,000 doors. At the League of Women Voters debate -- unlike her opponent who darted out the door -- she hung around so anyone who wanted to could ask her any question they wanted. She's had several open houses at various locations.
Here's my suggestion: Just e-mail her, call her, talk to her in person. Ask your question. Almost everyone I have talked to -- even my friends who are staunch Democrats -- say she is not only well informed, she is totally approachable.
Hope this helps.