Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor, Peggy Flanagan, made her 25th stop on the Loud & Clear Voice Tour: Caucus Kickoff in Luverne on the evening of February 3, 2024. Flanagan is campaigning for a seat in the U.S. Senate, with a total of 44 planned stops across the state. During her visit at the Generations Event Center, she engaged with local residents to discuss her vision and goals.
The event opened with remarks from Barbara Veldhuizen, chairwoman of the Rock County Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, who expressed gratitude for Flanagan’s willingness to visit what she referred to as the “far reaches of the wilderness.” Following her, Nicholas Fryer, Flanagan’s campaign organizer, outlined the next steps for the Precinct Caucus scheduled for February 3rd. He shared his personal campaign motto, emphasizing a positive outlook: “Find the rainbows in your clouds, but also be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”
Flanagan then shared her personal story, highlighting how federal and state assistance supported her family during difficult times. “The people of Minnesota helped to lift us up, get us back on our feet. And now I get to pay that back,” she stated. She expressed that the ongoing national discussions about inclusivity and worthiness resonate deeply with her experiences.
Throughout her campaign, Flanagan has focused on the concerns of those she has met across Minnesota. She described encountering individuals who feel frightened and angry, disillusioned by the current political landscape. Flanagan also addressed the impact of recent ICE raids, stating, “What is being done under the guise of safety is making us all less safe.”
Her remarks reflected a sense of urgency and a call to action. “I am sick and tired of Democrats fighting from a defensive crouch or thinking that sternly worded letters are going to be what gets us out of this mess,” she asserted. Flanagan emphasized the need for a bold and assertive approach to address pressing issues and to advocate for solutions that come from the community.
Flanagan’s political career has included significant efforts advocating for paid family and medical leave, school meals for children, affordable childcare, and raising the minimum wage. “When I get to Washington, everybody’s coming with me,” she declared. Flanagan articulated a vision that extends beyond immediate goals, stating, “We are building for 2028 and 2030 and 2032.”
The atmosphere in Luverne reflected a blend of hope and determination as Flanagan continues her journey towards the U.S. Senate, aiming to represent the voices of Minnesotans and address the pressing challenges facing the state and the nation.
