Distance. I needed some between my recent electoral defeat to encapsulate my run for the Minnesota House. I think, to some degree, I’ve arrived at a point where I can work things out, if not orally then at least in writing. Here goes.
When my opponent (who’ll not be named in this piece given she personally attacked my reputation, integrity, and legacy during the campaign) defeated longtime Minnesota Representative Mary Murphy, a woman I have known for over fifty years and a true public servant, by 33 votes in 2022, I, like many folks in House District 3B, was troubled. And saddened. And yes, in some small way, upset. But anger cannot be a candidate’s motivation for running. Instead, a candidate should enter the political arena because he or she believes that the current occupant of the position doesn’t reflect one’s personal values. I’d like to think that, when folks came calling after my name was mentioned as a possible candidate, it wasn’t anger or ego or hubris that compelled me, after due reflection and considerable discussion with my wife and others, to “throw my hat into the ring.” Truly, I believe I said “yes” because I was and am worried about the lack of integrity, honesty, and decency in our politics. I truly fear for the future we’re leaving our grandchildren in this, the greatest modern democracy existing on earth.
I can honestly say, though I was flattered to be asked by folks I admire and humbled to receive encouragement from public officials and friends whose judgments I trust, ego wasn’t really a motivator behind my recent run for office. When you’ve served 23 years as a District Court Judge, a position that requires you to make decisions regarding the most important aspects of the lives of your friends and neighbors, there’s really no larger stage in terms of ego. Every day judges are confronted with stories concerning their fellow citizens: some tragic, some humorous, some sad, a few happy, all of which require jurists to make determinations regarding facts, honesty, the truth, and the law. I thought my public service over a 40-year legal career as a prosecutor and judge would convince folks I could be trusted to enact legislation promoting the general welfare and enhancing the lives of Minnesotans. I was naive to believe voters would see the blizzard of negative ads launched at my judicial record (all based upon one case out of tens of thousands and nowhere near the truth) and contrast and compare that with my record of judicial prudence; service to my country; dedication to my faith and my church; years of involvement in youth athletics as a coach; decades of work with the Scouts; my deep connection to the place I’ve called home for most of my life; and simply ignore the noise. I made a choice and didn’t respond to the attacks. I also vowed I wouldn’t attack my opponent (other than calling her out regarding her legislative record). I stayed true to those commitments but I’m convinced those choices cost me the 161 votes needed to win.
On this gray, gloomy Monday morning, I’m sitting in my writing studio overlooking the Cloquet River still processing my electoral loss. But I find myself more concerned about what transpired on the national stage. Mistakes were undoubtedly made by my party during this election cycle. The messaging from the Left wasn’t crisp, accurate, or convincing. Strategic miscalculations likely played a role in defeating a worthy, honest, smart, hard-working duo of candidates. But I will not, I cannot, concede that where we are as a nation and a people is what our Founding Fathers, my mentors, my teachers, my parents, my Scoutmasters, my Sunday school leaders, my priests and pastors, or my immigrant ancestors had in mind as a future course for America. Where we go from here is yet to be written but I know that this old bruised and battered lion won’t be running for office again. It’s time for young folks of character, integrity, and honor to step forward, pick up the torch, and do what I tried to do: make this land a better place for all of our grandchildren regardless of ancestry, race, ethnicity, gender, orientation, or religion.
As for me, it’s time to get back to writing; being a husband, father, and grandfather; canoeing the river; traveling; and chasing birds with my hunting dogs.
Peace
Mark
((c) 2024 Mark Munger)
