CNM: Campaign for a National Majority > 2005 Endorsees

Chris Coleman

Candidate for: Mayor of St. Paul, MN
Election Date: November 8, 2005

FINAL RESULTS
Coleman: 69%
Kelly: 30%

The Candidate

Chris Coleman was born and raised in St. Paul. Currently an investment consultant for local non-profit organizations, Coleman is also President of United Family Practice Clinic - a local clinic that aids low-income Minnesotans without health insurance. From 1997 to 2003, Chris served on the St. Paul City Council where he championed affordable housing, environmental protection and increased access to the arts.

CNM's interviews reveal a strong progressive leader who has already logged years of service to his community. Those who know Chris say he is first a family man and second a tireless worker. John Kerry, who has endorsed and campaigned on behalf of Coleman, says of Chris, "Now more than ever, we need leaders we can count on.We need men and women who will stand up for what they believe in and stand by their principles. Chris Coleman, my friend and fellow Democrat, is that kind of person."

Coleman is 44 years old and a graduate of the University of Minnesota and Minnesota Law School. He is quick to point out how he has benefited from a first-rate public education. Chris says, "This idea that pervades all of society that we should do more with less and less is simply nonsense." He is not shy about his support for progressive taxation, and is keen to support ideas that expand access to opportunity for all members of his community.

The Issues

Minnesota is known as an environmentally conscious state; St. Paul is at the tip of this sword. A key issue in this race will be the maintenance of St. Paul's extensive park system. Chris Coleman strongly supports the City's stringent park protection measures and advocates expanding park lands. Other key issues include improving public schools and cutting crime. Under incumbent Ryan Kelly, crime has dropped overall, but it experienced a 13% jump in the last year.

The Race

On September 13, 2005, Chris Coleman won an important primary race featuring the main contenders in this November's general election. His triumph over incumbent Ryan Kelly was somewhat of a surprise as Kelly held an almost 4 to 1 campaign fundraising advantage coming into the primary. A Democrat by name, Kelly however endorsed President George W. Bush over Senator John Kerry in 2004. He has since received GOP support, while at the same time, drawing scorn from high-profile Democrats.

Kelly has come from behind before. In 2001, he lost a primary to St. Paul City Council Member Jay Benanav, but went on to win the November election. With a continued fundraising advantage over Coleman, 2005 could be a repeat of the '01 race. The Green Party's Elizabeth Dickinson, who entered the race months after the other candidates, came in a close third to Kelly. She has secured a solid donor base and will continue to be a long shot, but determined, campaigner into the November election. CNM believes Dickinson threatens to pull votes from Coleman's left, especially given the well-documented political independence of Minnesota's voters.

With Kelly likely to pull stronger support in the general election, this will be a very tight race. Despite the Coleman primary victory, Kelly remains the favorite. Other opponents include, Lori Windels (R) and Rebecca Williamson of the Socialist Workers Party - they finished fourth and fifth respectively in the primary.

As of mid-September, the fundraising totals for the two main candidates were:

Kelly -	$850,000
Coleman -	$210,000

Kelly's financial advantage is clear. Coleman needs strong CNM commitment to ride his solid primary showing to victory in November.

CNM Supports Chris Coleman

CNM proudly endorses Chris Coleman for Mayor of St. Paul. At 44, he is an experienced candidate with a future in Minnesota politics. He is exactly the kind of viable candidate CNM seeks to support in this and future campaigns.

Support Chris Coleman for Mayor

CNM is proud to endorse Chris Coleman for Mayor of St. Paul, MN. We encourage you to give him your support.

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