I want to sincerely thank you. Running for Congress in my home – Northern Minnesota has been an honor. It has been trying, humbling, educational and a lot of fun. I met so many people on the campaign trail that have permanently changed my life for the better. I thank you for being a part of this.

I am proud of the campaign we ran. We scared the establishment and big money by working hard and connecting with voters across the district, one conversation at a time. It turns out being an Iron Ranger from Ely, who lives in Duluth doesn’t bring in the most Washington money, but I had people like you who helped us day in and day out. Thank you for standing with me. Thank you for being a part of this journey.

While we didn’t see the outcome we wanted last night, I know we impacted this race for the better. We brought the conversation to jobs, rebuilding our region by keeping our youthful talent here, and standing up for our middle class, seniors, and children.

I stand with DFLers in unity with Rick Nolan and I encourage you to do the same. We need to get our country back on track and I know Rick will work tirelessly for us.

I always said, “win or lose, I won’t quit working to make sure that the 8th Congressional District is better tomorrow than it is today.” I will carry on with that resolve. I look forward to continuing to work in the private sector and for the public good to ensure we see the next generation of Northern Minnesota prosperity.

Thanks and take care.

Jeff Anderson

Duluth News Tribune Endorses Jeff Anderson

“While his nationally known opponents have been raking in cash and collecting endorsements from all over, Duluth’s Jeff Anderson has been quietly and steadily — one parade and one conversation at a time — building support among those he’d actually represent: residents and others in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District.”

“Add the News Tribune to his list of supporters in the Aug. 14 Democratic primary. Anderson has the leadership skills, sound ideas and Northland values to advance to the general election on Nov. 6 to face Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Chip Cravaack.”

The Mesabi Daily News Endorses Anderson

“We believe former Duluth City Councilor and Ely native Jeff Anderson is clearly the best choice over a U.S. congressman of more than 30 years ago — Rick Nolan of the Brainerd area; and a former state senator who is renting a condominium in Duluth solely to establish residency in the district in a cynical attempt to punch her ticket for Congress — Tarryl Clark of St. Cloud.”

“Anderson would be a refreshing break from the past for the party in the 8th District. He has our strong endorsement in the Democratic Party primary in two weeks.”

“Jeff Anderson has run a really impressive campaign; positive and on the issues.  Anderson is a young man, 35, who has already been involved in bettering the communities where he has lived, whether that of his native Ely or Duluth, where he was elected to the City Council.

Former State Representative and Majority Leader Tony Sertich of Chisholm,

“Jeff Anderson has been my friend for over a decade. He was raised on the Iron Range, was elected to serve one of the largest cities in Minnesota, and proudly served our country in the military. Jeff has focused his campaign on supporting good jobs, education for our children, and standing up for our seniors. That is why I caucused for him this year.  Jeff has both a business and service background.  He knows our region and the opportunities and challenges we face. I am happy to endorse my friend and fellow Ranger Jeff Anderson to represent us in Congress.”

State Representative Tom Rukavina of Pike Twp.,

“I’m proud to support Jeff Anderson. He’s a fourth generation Iron Ranger from Ely. He’s done a great job representing the largest city in our District, Duluth, as President of the City Council. And most importantly, he, at his core, supports jobs in our natural resources economy–jobs that have been essential to our collective well being for over a century. I’m for my neighbor, my friend, and a great young person dedicated to representing us who is tough, smart, honest and who I know will be loyal to all constituents in the Eighth District.”

Duluth Mayor Don Ness,

“Jeff is a friend, but that’s not the reason I’m endorsing him for Congress. I believe Jeff Anderson should be our next Congressman because I know how much he cares about this region and public service. But most importantly, we need a candidate that can win, Jeff is that person – he has the energy and passion needed to win this race. Join me in voting for Jeff Anderson at your DFL Precinct Caucus on Tuesday, February 7th!”

State Senator Roger Reinert of Duluth,

“Jeff is a friend, a peer, and a colleague. His experience in the business world, his service in our country’s armed forces, and his experience as a local elected official are just the combination I want in my next Congressman. Jeff isn’t trying to rekindle the past, or get a fresh start in a new district. Jeff is a Northlander. He understands the challenges and opportunities that we all face, and I know he will use this firsthand knowledge to put northern Minnesota back on track to prosperity. Jeff is a leader in Duluth, and he will be a leader for our district in Congress.”

State Representative Carly Melin of Hibbing,

“Jeff is one of us. Growing up on the Iron Range and being an elected official in Duluth, Jeff has the ability and integrity to bridge this district together. This election is about middle class families, taking care of our senior citizens, and making sure future generations have the same opportunities that Jeff and I enjoyed growing up in Northeastern Minnesota. Jeff has shared with me his vision for economic development and job growth across the Iron Range and the entire 8th district; and I am confident in his ability to fight for the future prosperity of our region. Jeff Anderson is, and will continue to be, a tireless advocate for northern Minnesotans.”

State Representative Tom Huntley of Duluth:

“We need a strong local voice to stand up for us in Washington.  I was impressed with Jeff’s work on the Duluth City Council.  He knows the issues that affect Northern Minnesota.  Jeff is a part of the next generation of leadership that will serve us well for years to come.  He truly is one of us, for us.”

Former State Senator Jerry Janezich of Chisholm,

“Jeff Anderson is one of us.  He’s a 4^th Generation Iron Ranger.  His Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather all worked in the mines.  His family still lives in the house his great Grandfather built in Ely in 1880.  He knows the district – the obstacles we face and the opportunities we have because Jeff and his family live them.

Jeff is running the campaign necessary to beat Tea Party Representative Chip Cravaack, and I plan on being apart of that, every step of the way, that’s why Jeff is my guy.”

Former State Senator Ron Dicklich of Pengilly,

“Jeff is the best person to work for us on the problems of today and for our needs of the future!”

Ely Mayor Roger Skraba,

“This is simple, Jeff is the guy who should represent us, because he is one of us. He’s always been here. His family has always been here. He is a 4th generation Ranger. His dad, grandfather and great grandfather all worked in the mines here. We don’t have to worry about Jeff losing sight on the Northland’s priorities because this is the only place he has ever called home. I know him, and I trust him to fight for us. That’s why he’s my guy. That’s why he is our guy!”

Two Harbors Mayor Randy Bolen,

“When it comes to local issues no one is going to be a stronger advocate for Northern Minnesota communities and jobs than Jeff. He knows the opportunities we have and the challenges we must overcome, because he’s one of us. He’s is the leader I want fighting for us in Washington.”

Cloquet Mayor Bruce Ahlgren,

“Jeff Anderson knows the issues communities, families, businesses and seniors face here in the Northland, because he’s one of us. He understands that all of our communities must work together to improve the region. He has been a leader in Duluth and I know he will be that same kind of leader for our region in Washington. Jeff is the leader I want fighting for us in Washington.”

Virginia Mayor Steve Peterson,

Chisholm Mayor Mike Jugovich,

Babbitt Mayor Glenn Anderson

Buhl Mayor Craig Pulford

Hoyt Lakes Mayor Marlene Pospeck ,

Saint Louis County Commissioner Frank Jewell,

“I support Jeff for his solid, no nonsense approach to serving people from all different walks of life. His perspective, having grown up in Ely, served in the military, and worked as part of the business community in Duluth, brings a wide range of experience to the critical issues we face.”

Saint Louis County Commissioner Mike Forsman,

Duluth City Councilor Sharla Gardner,

“Serving with Jeff on the Council, I’ve experienced first hand his collaboration skills and tireless advocacy for the people of Duluth.  I know he will take this commitment to serve the people of the 8th District 200%.”

Duluth City Councilor Tony Cuneo,

“I’m supporting Jeff because I’ve seen Jeff’s strengths as a leader.  Jeff is intelligent, listens, and is always willing and able to communicate with any member of our council.  Jeff’s ability to build friendships with any of his colleagues will help tone down the increasingly bitter, negative atmosphere in Washington, and his willingness to see all sides of an issue can help bring actual solutions to our nations issues.”

Duluth City Councilor President Dan Hartman,

“Having seen first hand the work Jeff has done on the Duluth City Council, as well as a number of boards and commissions within the region, I am confident that he will make a great member of Congress. We need to put a new candidate in that seat who understands the district, and who will fight for all of us, and I know Jeff is that person.”

Duluth City Councilor Patrick Boyle,

“Our city and region are facing 21^st Century challenges and opportunities and we need a 21^st Century leader to work for us in Washington.  Jeff has proven to be that leader here in Duluth and I know he will bring that same attitude, work ethic and know how to represent our region well in Congress.”

Duluth City Councilor Emily Larson,

Duluth City Councilor Jennifer Julsrud,

Former Duluth City Councilor Jackie Halberg,

Former Saint Louis County Commissioner and DFL Executive Director Gary Cerkvenik of Britt,

“I’m for Jeff Anderson because he has the integrity, spirit, and work ethic we all want in Congress.  Most impressively, Jeff respects our history but is also representative of a new generation that needs to take charge of our country.  He is a true gentlemen who listens and has the background as a veteran, businessman, and local official to bring a new perspective to Washington.  I’m proud to support him.”

Virginia School Board Member Kim Stokes,

“Jeff Anderson is the leader we need in Washington. Whether he is doing business across the district, leading countless charitable organizations in the region or standing up for working class families, Jeff is a champion for the Northland. When it comes to our children, our middle class families, and our seniors, no one will fight as hard for us as Jeff. I wholeheartedly support Jeff Anderson for US Congress.”

Organizations:

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)

“We chose to get behind Jeff now, because he is a life-long resident of the district who truly understands the challenges and opportunities we all face.  We need someone who will fight for us, not just on fire issues but on all issues that are important to residents of this district, and I am confident that Jeff is the right person to lead this charge.

- Duluth Local 101 President Erik Simonson.

“The International Association of Fire Fighters has a long history of supporting candidates that support fire fighters and their families.  Your commitment to first responders, public safety and core services will transcend into a positive and consistent voice for the constituents of northern Minnesota.”

- IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger

The International Association of Boilermakers

“Jeff is behind us 100% in our fight for progress in the always changing labor movement and his belief in mining and energy job creation goes hand in hand with our philosophy as a labor organization,”

-  John Weinhandl, Jr., Political Action Committee Chairman.

United Transportation Union Alumni Endorse Anderson 

“We have chosen to support your candidacy for Congress because you have proven time and again that you stand with labor and working families.  We need new homegrown leadership to fight for our region and workers interests for the long haul.  Most importantly you understand the 21^st Century opportunities and challenges our region and workers face.

Even though Congressman Cravaack is Vice Chair of the Sub-committee on Aviation it is clear he has no vision for the future of transportation or our region. Your plan to connect Northeastern Minnesota to larger markets will not only benefit us immediately, but will improve our region far into the future.  As president of the Duluth City Council, you led the effort for Duluth’s support of the Northern Lights Express.  You have been a leader in Duluth for constituents and we are confident you will be the same strong leader for our region in Washington D.C.”

-  President Paul Fish

Duluth Law Enforcement Union Local 807

“We are endorsing Jeff today because we have worked closely with him in the past and we know that he is a young, energetic, smart and passionate leader who will look out for the best interests of all the people in the district. As a native of Ely and a current resident of Duluth, Jeff knows what life is like in northern Minnesota and will represent our region well.

- Local 807 President Tim Maida

Always great to see friends.

Jeff has spent his whole life living in the Northland and his values reflect that with the organizations he serves on.  Below is a sample of the many organizations Jeff has supported in our communities.

INVOLVEMENT IN NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA

POSITIONS HELD AND YEARS SERVED

• President of the Duluth City Council, 2010
• Vice-President of the Duluth City Council, 2009
• Elected to the City Council to an At Large Seat in 2007
• Duluth Economic Development Authority – Commissioner, 2008 to Present
• Duluth Economic Development Authority – President, 2009

CITY COMMITTEES & COMMISSIONS

• Downtown Duluth Parking Task Force – Member, 2010 to 2011
• Tourism Tax Task Force – Member, 2011
• Duluth Charter Commission, 2005 to Present
• Duluth Housing Commission – Vice President, 2002 to 2008
• Community Development Committee, 2002 to 2008
• Duluth Legacy Endowment Fund Project Group – Vice President, 2006 to 2010
• 1200 Fund (Economic Development) – Member, 2008 to Present
• Duluth/Superior Community Foundation, Young Leaders Fund – Member, 2010 to Present

COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIPS

• Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank – Board Member, 2002 to 2010
• Empty Bowl – Chairperson  & Committee Member, 2005 to Present
• Taste of the Nation – Sponsorship Chairperson, 2004 to Present
• Duluth Air & Aviation Expo – Human Resources/Entertainment Director, 2006 to Present
• 7th Senate District DFL Board of Directors, 2006 to 2011
• 8th Congressional District DFL Board of Directors, 2006 to 2008
• Duluth Chamber of Commerce – Member
• Duluth Greater Downtown Council – Member
• St. Louis County Community Development Committee, 1999 to 2000
• North American Bear Center, Ely – Founding Board Member
• Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Duluth
• St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Ely

He remains an advocate for a strong national defense, and has remained activley engaged with the leadership of the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth in supporting their missions around the globe.  In 2009, his work with the 148th as well as his work organizing the Duluth Air & Aviation Show earned him an invitation from the Navy to visit the U.S.S. Harry S Truman (CVN-75) aircraft carrier which was stationed in the Atlantic at the time.