Quote Me, Howie: On Harris picking Walz as her VP running mate

Patrice Bradley, Swim Creative – "Governor Walz is like your favorite and most successful uncle. He's smart, always has great advice and is easy to be around. He's a great role model and I'd love to play a game of Cribbage with him. I believe that his calm demeanor will put America at ease and he will bring honesty and decency back to everyday discussions so we can get back to solving problems instead of making problems worse."

Don Ness, former Duluth mayor – "I've known Tim Walz for the past 20 years. He is the real deal. Principled, grounded and authentic, he is a genuinely good person. He cares deeply about the lived experience of everyday Americans. I'm proud of him and excited to see him on the national stage."  

Paul McDonald, Iron Range – "Labor is all in on the VP pick. Walz has Washington experience, which is key."

Amber Gurske, international business development manager – "I was thrilled to see Vice President Harris' choice for Governor Walz as a running mate. His rural upbringing and background in education, combined with his military experience and proven track record of executive leadership at the state level, will be an exceptional complement to Harris. This combination has given me renewed hope in the election and I am excited for November."

Daniel Fanning, Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce – "Partisan politics aside, the increased national attention and spotlight on Minnesota, with Governor Walz now being on the national ticket, can be a good thing for our state and region. Having a national candidate, and potentially another Vice President, from this area only increases the influence of our community and region. Having worked with Governor Walz on several regional issues over the years, ranging from economic development to transportation to education to military and veteran issues, I have always found him to be very knowledgeable, receptive, and supportive of our core values. Whether you agree with his political positions or not, he knows Duluth and NE Minnesota well, and that puts us in a great position. It’s a unique opportunity to have a national candidate from our area, who knows our issues, and our challenges and opportunities. It felt fairly similar years ago when then Governor Tim Pawlenty and later Senator Amy Klobuchar were running for their party’s nomination for president. Now that Tim Walz is on a national ticket, you can already feel the spotlight growing on Minnesota. I hope that translates into more support for local businesses, more tourism for our area, more federal funding for our region including for key initiatives such as supporting local military units (including the 148^th Fighter Wing), housing, childcare, economic development and entrepreneurship, transportation and other infrastructure, public safety, workforce development and more."

Roger Reinert, Duluth mayor – “I’ve known Governor Walz for many years – well before he was governor. I’ve appreciated our opportunities to work together and, more importantly, our friendship. I was a strong supporter when he first ran for governor. I know we will work hard to bring greater Minnesota, upper Midwest, and veteran values to the ticket and the campaign trail.”

Jana Peterson, Pine Knot News editor – "I love the idea that a high school teacher could become vice president of the United States. He's a good man with plenty of experience who can talk to anyone. This race is getting pretty exciting."

Tim Meyer, Duluth – "I love Tim Walz, and he’s a solid, safe choice for vice president. I think he also really balances out the ticket and is a great campaigner. I like his congressional experience, and he can be effective on policy."

Alanna Oswald, Duluth – "Having a choice from a myriad of top candidates, Vice President Harris agreed with a majority of Minnesotans that Governor Tim Walz creates a balanced ticket going forward to the November election. Governor Walz brings positive energy while reassuring many that this dad, husband, and pet lover will be there for America to help make everything okay. If you ask to borrow a tool, he is the kind of person who brings it over himself and sticks around and helps you with your project. He does the work, and will continue to do what makes sense for America."

John Gilbert, Duluth – "Tim Walz will do an excellent job as vice president, but my greatest concern is replacing all the assets he brought to his current job as Minnesota governor! We can only wonder how the slanderous insults heaped on Walz (and Harris) by right-wing extremists on previously neutral KDAL will adjust – or worsen – as the campaign moves ahead."

Ashlie Castaldo, Duluth – "I think Harris made a strong move opting with Walz. The Democratic Party is made stronger by this appeal to both centrists and progressives, and Walz has a record of successes and momentum within the Midwest, which is critical."

Jon Carlson, Duluth – "I think it's a great choice. He's been in Congress so he's familiar with what goes on there. He's been a teacher so he understands educational needs. He's a vet. From what I understand he's what you'd want as a neighbor. He's worked towards helping those who aren't as fortunate. He's relatable."

Mike Mayou, Duluth City Councilor – "As a lifelong DFLer, I'm very excited to hear about Tim Walz being selected as Kamala Harris' running mate! This is big news for Minnesota and our nation. Tim Walz has a great list of accomplishments from his time as governor, working with our amazing state legislators who pushed some incredible legislation forward such as free school lunch programs, the PRO act to protect women's rights, banning conversion therapy in MN, and much more. I am excited about this pick and to work to elect this ticket in November!"

Jen Schultz, candidate for Congress in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District – “Governor Walz has been an exemplary leader for our state, championing policies prioritizing the well-being of all Minnesotans. His dedication to public service and vision for a more prosperous future make him an outstanding choice for vice president. Governor Tim Walz is exactly the vice president we need now. He’s a leader who will unite us and a coach who will inspire us. VP Kamala Harris made the right choice.”