Chaudhary fighting to keep endorsement

State Sen. Satveer Chaudhary, DFL-Fridley, is trying to stop local party leaders from taking a vote to rescind their earlier endorsement of his re-election bid.

Chaudhary recently sent e-mails to DFL Central Committee members in Senate District 50 asking them to prevent the endorsement from being revisited. The committee is scheduled to meet June 28.

"In my view, undoing the collective judgment of an entire Senate District convention, based on an already settled issue, would cause harm to the entire DFL effort," Chaudhary wrote. "So let's cast aside our divisions, and unite around the values we have always shared."

The incumbent legislator has been taking heat over his efforts near the end of the 2010 legislative session to pass new fishing rules for a lake where he owns a cabin. Earlier this month a Minnesota Senate ethics panel ruled that Chaudhary's actions violated the "accepted norms of Senate behavior" and threatened "public confidence" in the Legislature. But members of the bipartisan subcommittee concluded that Chaudhary did not have a conflict of interest.

Former state representative Barb Goodwin of Columbia Heights is challenging Chaudhary in the DFL primary on Aug. 10.

Here's the e-mail:

Dear Central Committee,

I am writing to you for several reasons. First, thank you for your endorsement, your support, and the opportunity to serve as your State Senator. Attached is my 2010 Legislative Report, showing important advances for our community.

Second, as you are aware, there are troubling reports that the DFL endorsement process may be revisited. In my view, undoing the collective judgment of an entire Senate District convention, based on an already settled issue, would cause harm to the entire DFL effort.

Here's why:

1. Our campaign has found unparalled community support. Our grassroots activists and I have knocked on doors across 4 full precincts, and are struck by the widespread support. People remember my long record of service that has touched lives for 14 years. I am still your native son.

2. At my own request, a bipartisan committee extensively reviewed the recent media attention and unanimously rejected any idea of violation of law, Senate rule, or policy. However I did receive admonishment, which I deserved, for not fully vetting a conservation-related amendment as is the Senate norm. It was a situation I regretted, but a mistake I own. Stepping up, and taking responsibility amidst public scrutiny has been a truly personal journey, and one I'm convinced has made me a wiser person and Senator. To err is human; to learn from error is growth. I have indeed learned much and am now focused on the substantive issues critical to DFL values.

3. For 14 years I have brought a perspective to the Minnesota legislature that is grossly underrepresented. As the first Asian-American elected to the Minnesota legislature, I have helped bring acess to and insight for our state's ethnic minorities. As the son of immigrants, I underscore our party's commitment to diversity in an manner that mere words and policy statements cannot convey.

Friends, the Republicans are counting on us to remain divided. So I respectfully ask you to urge fellow Central Committee member to prevent the endorsement from being revisited.

Rest assured, my spirit is stronger than ever. My campaign has already lit-dropped the entire district. We have door knocked half of Columbia Heights. Donations and volunteers are comming in faster than ever.

So let's cast aside our divisions, and unite around the values we have always shared. Let's get Minnesota working again for everyday people.

Thank you again. I am grateful for your endorsement and support, and am happy to answer any questions you may have.

Your Friend,

Satveer

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