The DFL Environmental Caucus has announced its decision to endorse Leah Phifer for Congress in Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District.
“Leah Phifer knows firsthand that the economy of Minnesota’s 8th District is rooted both in the mining and the recreation, tourism and service industries,” said caucus chair, Veda Kanitz. “She understands that strong environmental protections and a 21st century workforce will both be required for every corner of the district to thrive.”
“We were impressed with her commitment to creating clean energy jobs across the Eighth as part of the fight against climate change. We also were impressed with her recognition of the special threats that water-based copper-nickel mining poses to the district’s water resources and its communities. We appreciate her call for caution and due process with this new kind of mining.”
“For generations, the women in my family ran restaurants in the district while the men worked the mines,” Phifer noted. “If citizens of the Eighth give me their trust, I will lead from a source of deep respect for the people, industries and natural resources across the district.”
Phifer expressed her appreciation to the caucus for its endorsement: “I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the DFL Environmental Caucus. With their help, we will we will have the hard conversations we need to create lasting progress and change.”
The Environmental Caucus endorsement process involved several steps, including the evaluation of candidate positions on transportation, environmental justice, climate change, clean water, agriculture, mining, pipelines and citizen engagement. Candidates Leah Phifer, Joe Radinovich, Kirstin Kennedy and Michele Lee were considered.
Leave a Reply