Former State Representative Ryan Winkler has announced nearly two years before the 2018 election that he’s running for Minnesota attorney general. The Democrat says there are too many rules in the economy, politics and society that favor only a few people. Winkler says, “The attorney general can be an advocate in the justice system on behalf of people who just want a fair shot at success. They want to be able to have a decent life if they work hard.” The Minnesota Jobs Coalition calls Winkler an “extreme partisan” more out-of-touch than Democratic candidates he campaigned for, who were “overwhelmingly rejected” in the election. Winkler responds he’s glad big business interests take his campaign seriously enough to attack him on day one.
Just over a week ago Democrats took a beating at the polls, and Winkler says what he and fellow D-F-Lers need to do is “make the case that our policy plan and our values will make a difference in the lives of everyone in the state, not just the rich few or folks in the metro area.” Winkler says the overwhelming message from the election is that people are falling behind and need something different.
There are rumors that current Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson is considering a run for governor. Winkler indicates if Swanson decides instead to run for another term as attorney general, he’ll drop his bid for that office.
Here’s Bill Werner’s interview with Winkler: