MnSF will be kicking off its 2006 candidate season schedule with the hotly-contested 5th Congressional District forum to be held Thursday August 31, 9:30am at the Crystal Community Center (Map),  4800 Douglas Dr., Crystal.

Upon Rep. Martin Sabo’s announcement that he will not be seeking re-election, four prominent Democrats, one Republican, one Green and one Independent are all vying for the two-year seat in the U.S. Congress to represent Minnesota’s most diverse congressional district.

Minnesota state Rep. Keith Ellison, former DFL State Party Chair Mike Erlandson, Minneapolis Councilman Paul Ostrow and former state senator Ember Reichgott Junge are seeking DFL nomination to be determined by the Sept. 12 primary; the winner will advance to the Nov. 7 general election.

As uncontested party endorsees, all other candidates will not appear on the primary ballot, automatically advancing to the Nov. 7 general election.  Republican Alan Fine, a Carlson School lecturer and consultant; Independent Tammy Lee, a corporate vice president; and Green Jay Pond, a small-business owner, are also seeking the open seat.

Major themes to be addressed at the candidate forum include Medicare, Medicaid, pensions and Social Security. Refreshments will be provided.

This will be an excellent opportunity to hear these candidates’ opinions on Medicare Part D, Medicaid, pension protection and privatizing Social Security.

To get to Crystal Community Center from Hwy. 100, take the 36th Avenue N. exit and continue until you reach Douglas Drive. Take a right on Douglas Drive and continue to 48th Avenue N. where the Community Center is on the right.

For additional information, or if you would like to become more active in MnSF candidate forum planning, call Max Neuhaus at 651/783-5004.

Alan Fine (R)

Paul Ostrow (D)

Mike Erlandson (D)

Jay Pond (G)

Ember Reichgott Junge (D)

Keith Ellinson (D)

Tammy Lee (I)