President Obama Endorses Apple Valley's Erin Maye Quade for Minnesota House

On Monday, President Barack Obama endorsed eight DFL candidates in competitive races for the Minnesota House of Representatives, including Apple Valley's Erin Maye Quade. Quade is running to represent House district 57A, which includes parts of Apple Valley and Lakeville.

“We are thrilled that President Obama is endorsing our candidates in some of the most competitive races across the country,” said Jessica Post, Executive Director of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, in a statement. “His endorsement highlights how crucial state legislative elections are to building on the progress the President has achieved and to continuing to move our nation forward.”

“President Obama has recognized the progress we made under two years of a DFL majority in the Minnesota House,” said House DFL Leader Paul Thissen. “From marriage equality to raising the minimum wage to passing the Women’s Economic Security Act, Minnesota led the nation when Democrats were given a chance to lead. The President’s endorsement of these outstanding candidates will provide them with a critical boost in the closing days of this campaign, and I look forward to working with each of them over the next two years.”

Quade is running for the open House seat against Republican Ali Jimenez-Hopper. According to her campaign's Facebook page, Jimenez-Hopper lives in Apple Valley.

The two candidates are hoping to replace outgoing Republican Tara Mack. KARE 11 reported that State Reps. Tim Kelly and Tara Mack, who were on the Ethics Committee together, were cited last year for causing a nuisance. The Dakota County ranger who issued the citations reported that the two were making out in a car together at a park in Eagan. Both Kelly and Mack are married to different people.

Image via LBJ Library, public domain