Like Rep. Kahn, state Sen. Lawrence Pogemiller has well served the University’s interests since 1982. His public approval was evident when he received 72 percent of the vote in 1992. As co-chairman of the education committee and chairman of the education funding division, Pogemiller has been an important advocate for more University funding. At the primary and secondary education levels, Pogemiller successfully pushed for a law mandating smaller class sizes and advanced technology, a great improvement for Minnesota schools.
Pogemiller’s Republican challenger, Cathy Carlson, is no longer actively campaigning for the position, although her name remains on the ballot. Polls continue to suggest that voters do not support Grassroots candidate Dave Wiester’s position advocating the legalization of marijuana.