Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has endorsed Karin Housley for U.S. Senate, saying Housley “has the experience and creativity to tackle today’s biggest problems.”
“I am proud to endorse Karin Housley for United States Senate,” said Rice. “Minnesotans deserve a representative who has the experience and creativity to tackle today’s biggest problems. Karin’s impressive work in the Minnesota Senate shows she has both. She has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to exhibit clear leadership on important policy issues, ranging from elderly care to job creation.”
Rice praised Housley’s understanding of the challenges of the middle class, noting that she “will be the strong advocate these families deserve.”
“As the daughter of two public school teachers, Karin understands the challenges middle-class families across the state increasingly face and I know she will be the strong advocate these families deserve,” Rice added. “Progress comes through hard work and perseverance – the type of perseverance Karin has exhibited time and time again throughout her career. I am pleased to support her candidacy for U.S. Senate.”
Housley said she is honored to have the endorsement of the former secretary of state, adding that she shares Rice’s “vision for a safe and secure, prosperous America.”
“Dr. Rice is a true American stateswoman who has spent decades in service to her country – and I’m honored to have her endorsement,” said Housley. “I share Dr. Rice’s vision for a safe and secure, prosperous America that works for the people. I have a record of working together to get things done for the people I represent, and I’ll continue that work in Washington.”
“Minnesotans are looking for a leader who shows up – and I’m looking forward to being a new voice for the people of our state,” Housley added.
Housley, a Republican, is running against Democratic Sen. Tina Smith in the special election to fill Al Franken’s former seat. The race is tight — a recent Star Tribune/MPR poll has Smith leading Housley 47 percent to 41 percent. With Housley hot on Smith’s heels, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is making a last minute six-figure investment into the race–spending $700,000 in local ads that will run through Election Day. The Democratic group Senate Majority PAC also pitched in $400,000 in digital ads for Smith this week.
