‘Stepping up’ to Senate race
By Bob Geiger
.jpg)
After eight terms in the House, Rep. Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake) is stepping down to run for a Senate seat in a much larger, newly redrawn Senate district. In fact, “stepping down” might not be the right way to put it.
“I’ve been saying I’m stepping up to the Senate,” Westrom said.
Westrom’s current House district covers 1,585 square miles in less than three counties. The Senate district he’s running for contains more than three times that area — 4,834 square miles in west-central Minnesota.
Redistricting created a new Senate district that includes all or parts of eight counties currently represented by Rep. Paul Anderson (R-Starbuck), Sen. Joe Gimse (R-Willmar), Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) and Sen. Keith Langseth (DFL-Glyndon).
The sprawling Senate district poses a challenge for Westrom’s wife, friends and volunteers who drive him to campaign meetings or to the Capitol. That’s because Westrom is the state’s first blind legislator.
Westrom said he owes a debt of gratitude to former House Speaker Steve Sviggum, who was minority leader in the DFL-dominated House when he started his first term in 1997. He also thanked House Speaker Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove) for naming Westrom speaker pro tempore, making him the first blind person in state history to serve in that capacity.
Much has changed for Westrom since he was elected as a single 23-year-old. Since then, he married his wife, Anna, and the couple now has three children — twin 6-year-old daughters Madelyn and Whitney, and 2-year-old son Carter.
A graduate of William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Westrom said the House has “become more citizen-friendly and family-friendly” during his time in office.
Westrom was first elected in 1996, when Republicans were in the minority and lawmakers were more collegial than today. However, there is now “less getting together as colleagues,” he said, because of the increasingly partisan nature of politics. He believes not discussing each others’ concepts is unfortunate because it limits trading ideas with other lawmakers.
“Once you get to know somebody during a (House) floor fight, you know where they’re coming from,” Westrom said. Ultimately, that understanding is beneficial because areas of common interest emerge.
“There’s always a similar issue that you can help with,” he said, adding that burning political bridges can harm future efforts.
A wind turbine in Westrom’s office hints at what he deems his most significant House accomplishment. That was a 2003 law that increased the number of fuel casks containing spent nuclear fuel adjacent to Xcel Energy’s Prairie Island plant, and provided a road map for renewable energy investment.
Westrom encouraged executives of Xcel Energy to meet with members of the neighboring Prairie Island Indian community to consider increasing the number of fuel casks and boosting Xcel’s commitment to renewable energy at the same time. The resulting law was enacted four years before former Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed a 2007 law requiring Minnesota utilities to generate 25 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025. Westrom’s bill also required Xcel to contribute $16 million annually to a Renewable Development Account.
The largest city in Westrom’s House district, located along Minnesota’s wind-rich border with North Dakota and South Dakota, is Morris, a city of 5,286 people that is home of the University of Minnesota-Morris. There, renewable energy provides at least 70 percent of the campus’s electric needs. On-campus projects include two wind turbines capable of generating up to 3.3 megawatts, a biomass gasification research facility and a solar array.
Westrom characterized the wind turbines as “freedom towers.” While support of renewable energy among Republicans has decreased since the 2010 GOP landslide, Westrom remains a centrist on energy policy; believing that a diversified portfolio of conventional and renewable energy creates jobs. He characterized himself as a “huge supporter” of renewable energy, including 2001 legislation he sponsored to mandate a 5 percent biodiesel fuel blend for vehicles used by the state.
Westrom’s advice to his successor? “Ninety percent of what we do isn’t as controversial as what you read about in the newspapers,” he said.
Session Weekly More...
Related Stories
A session of compromise
Successes, disappointments and controversies mark 2012 session
(view full story)
Published 5/25/2012
Minnesota Index: 2012 session
Facts and statistics on the 2012 legislative session
(view full story)
Published 5/25/2012
Drawing to an uncertain close
Major bills are in limbo as the end of session looms
(view full story)
Published 4/27/2012
Greene exits House after one term
Redistricting costs early childhood advocate a seat at the Capitol
(view full story)
Published 4/27/2012
Going home to put out different fires
LeMieur plans to spend more time with sons
(view full story)
Published 4/27/2012
Education funding champion
Dittrich says serving was ‘just the perfect pinnacle experience’
(view full story)
Published 4/20/2012
Complicated road to the Senate
Koenen wins one Senate seat, but hopes to switch to another
(view full story)
Published 4/20/2012
Putting family first
Kriesel steps down after a brief but eventful first term
(view full story)
Published 4/20/2012
Educator, lawmaker, advocate, mom
Slawik prepares to leave on a high note for her key issue: early childhood
(view full story)
Published 4/20/2012
Wanting to go to Washington
After one term, Bills seeks to serve Minnesota in the nation’s capitol
(view full story)
Published 4/6/2012
Hilty: ‘It’s time’
Pragmatic legislator best known as renewable energy advocate
(view full story)
Published 4/6/2012
A family man heads home
Shifting priorities cause for Hosch to step down
(view full story)
Published 4/6/2012
A distinctive voice departs
A staunch conservative, Buesgens was more principled than partisan
(view full story)
Published 3/30/2012
Breakfasts with Bobby to continue
Champion hopes to inform constituents over a cup of ‘Joe’
(view full story)
Published 3/30/2012
First and last term
After two years in St. Paul, Mazorol plans to rejoin the private sector
(view full story)
Published 3/30/2012
‘Stepping up’ to Senate race
Westrom hopes to continue renewable energy advocacy in different chamber
(view full story)
Published 3/30/2012
Stepping down and across new lines
Doepke plans to take her education focus to the Senate
(view full story)
Published 3/23/2012
One less Anderson in the House
‘Anderson, B.’ strives to put people first, rather than government
(view full story)
Published 3/23/2012
An educated first term
After two years in House, Petersen looks to join the Senate
(view full story)
Published 3/23/2012
Artist and advocate for natural resources
After eight years in House, Scalze to run for Senate
(view full story)
Published 3/16/2012
Just call her Mary
New district has Kiffmeyer hoping to break bread with senators
(view full story)
Published 3/16/2012
The RULE of law
Lawmakers consider reigning in agencies’ rulemaking powers
(view full story)
Published 3/9/2012
Continuing his public service
Eken running for open Senate seat to avoid race with close friend
(view full story)
Published 3/9/2012
Renewable energy advocate
Knuth proud of her accomplishments in the House
(view full story)
Published 3/9/2012
Family calls him back home
Murdock leaves with better understanding of the district he has served
(view full story)
Published 3/2/2012
Equal representation for 5,303,025
A special feature on Minnesota's legislative redistricting.
(view full story)
Published 2/24/2012
Collaboration over discipline
Whips rely on communication as session moves forward
(view full story)
Published 2/24/2012
Editor's Note
No 'First Reading' story this week
(view full story)
Published 2/17/2012
Changing the rules, mid-game
Land use spat pits developers against cities, environmentalists against business
(view full story)
Published 2/3/2012
So many rules, so little time
Lawmakers debate the wisdom of curbing agencies’ rulemaking powers
(view full story)
Published 2/3/2012
Big plans, short session
Vikings, bonding, government reform top the agenda in 2012
(view full story)
Published 1/27/2012
Always looking to help others
Allen brings her fight for social and economic justice to the House
(view full story)
Published 1/27/2012
The Dance of Legislation has started
Numerous bonding proposals highlight first bill introductions of 2012 session
(view full story)
Published 1/27/2012
Minnesota Index: Session 2012
Facts and statistics about legislative sessions past and present.
(view full story)
Published 1/27/2012
Pension changes now law
Local employee plans to join statewide plan
(view full story)
Published 8/11/2011
Small budget, big changes
State government finance law includes plans for government reform
(view full story)
Published 8/11/2011
State of uncertainty
Budget stalemate, government shutdown leave Minnesota in limbo
(view full story)
Published 7/15/2011
Freshmen power
Zeal for reform influences session agenda
(view full story)
Published 7/15/2011
Too much reform?
Gov. Dayton says state government bill too aggressive in proposed cuts
(view full story)
Published 7/15/2011
Minnesota Index: 2011 regular session
Facts and statistics from the 2011 legislative session.
(view full story)
Published 7/15/2011
Special session? Not so special anymore
Number 50 since statehood could be imminent
(view full story)
Published 5/20/2011
State of disrepair
Lawmakers look to fix a crumbling Capitol Building
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2011
Minnesota Index: Older Minnesotans
Facts and statistics on aging in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 5/6/2011
Rangers in a strange land
Iron Range lawmakers stick together at the Capitol
(view full story)
Published 4/15/2011
Black and Light
A photo essay
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
Beyond budget cuts
Finance bill heralds big changes for state government
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
Minnesota Index: State demographics
Facts and statistics on the state's population
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
The long and winding road
Omnibus bills morph and change all along the way for a purpose, tax chair says
(view full story)
Published 3/25/2011
Betting on change
Budget bill would restructure state government
(view full story)
Published 3/25/2011
Blueprint for change
What would a redesigned state government look like?
(view full story)
Published 3/11/2011
The big reboot
To help cut costs, lawmakers look to technology improvements
(view full story)
Published 3/11/2011
Remembering Ed Burdick
Former chief clerk passes away
(view full story)
Published 3/11/2011
From staffer to representative
Melin wins special election to become newest Iron Range member
(view full story)
Published 3/4/2011
Melin wins special election
New member takes seat formerly held by Sertich
(view full story)
Published 2/18/2011
Minnesota Index: Celebrating black history month
Figures and statistics on black Minnesotans
(view full story)
Published 2/18/2011
At Issue: Address is a snapshot of hard times
Governor pledges funding for education, all-day kindergarten
(view full story)
Published 2/11/2011
A farmer with wings (New Member)
Green acres is Daudt’s place to be
(view full story)
Published 2/11/2011
From daycare mom to legislator (New Member)
Franson commits to practicing kindness, likes to see others follow
(view full story)
Published 2/11/2011
Rural Republican’s challenge (New Member)
Hancock says government’s role important in supporting small communities
(view full story)
Published 2/11/2011
Runbeck the reformer (New Member)
New members’ senior has her eye on property tax reform
(view full story)
Published 2/11/2011
From volunteer advocate to member (New Member)
Anderson now has an office in building she used to roam as activist
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011
Cutting through the red tape (New Member)
Benson hopes to reduce bureaucracy, empower people
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011
Following Willard Munger’s trail (New Member)
Gauthier strives to give voice to working class
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011
Charting her own course (New Member)
Kieffer focuses on better schools and business climate
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011
The ‘beet’ goes on (New Member)
Kiel brings agricultural, educational experience to Capitol
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011
A soldier on a new mission (New Member)
Kriesel hopes to bring civility to the Capitol
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011
Standing up to Goliath (New Member)
Schomacker’s district on the frontline of keeping business
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011
Politics with his pancakes (New Member)
Woodard goes from breakfast with his buddies to the House
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011
Preserving an engineering feat
Capitol dome repairs hope to preserve Minnesota’s statehouse for many years
(view full story)
Published 1/28/2011
Leading by example (New Member)
An economic wonk, Bills wants to use his background to create solutions
(view full story)
Published 1/28/2011
A third call to duty (New Member)
Leidiger says his obligation is ‘to right-size government’
(view full story)
Published 1/28/2011
Second run’s a charm (New Member)
Focused on government’s role, Lohmer hopes to make ‘significant change’
(view full story)
Published 1/28/2011
Start early and stay late (New Member)
For Murray, new role offers much to learn and many challenges
(view full story)
Published 1/28/2011
Taking part in another endeavor (New Member)
Quam’s varied background will help him make the hard decisions
(view full story)
Published 1/28/2011
A Minnesota marketer (New Member)
Stensrud believes state needs to do a better job of selling itself
(view full story)
Published 1/28/2011
Professor turned legislator (New Member)
Banaian goes from the classroom to the House
(view full story)
Published 1/21/2011
Numbers guy (New Member)
Barrett hopes to help bring fiscal management to Capitol
(view full story)
Published 1/21/2011
‘Make a difference’ (New Member)
Greene considers herself a person who can unite others
(view full story)
Published 1/21/2011
Priorities based on data (New Member)
Gruenhagen doesn’t favor across-the-board cuts
(view full story)
Published 1/21/2011
Firsthand information (New Member)
LeMieur brings his business background to the Capitol
(view full story)
Published 1/21/2011
A brighter future (New Member)
Mazorol plans to focus on budget, business
(view full story)
Published 1/21/2011
Snapshot of Delano leader (New Member)
McDonald follows in his father’s footsteps
(view full story)
Published 1/21/2011
Myhra goes from home to House (New Member)
Dedicated door-knocking key to election success
(view full story)
Published 1/21/2011
A new way to serve (New Member)
O’Driscoll continues a long record of public service
(view full story)
Published 1/21/2011
A fast learner (New Member)
Petersen says state should practice ‘kitchen table budgeting’
(view full story)
Published 1/21/2011
The bills have landed
First two House files focus on economy, budget
(view full story)
Published 1/14/2011
Final Reading
Sertich steps down
(view full story)
Published 1/14/2011
Putting his theories to the test (New Member)
Crawford brings big ideas, practical experience to St. Paul
(view full story)
Published 1/14/2011
Steeped in Tea Party values (New Member)
Back for her seventh term, Erickson aims to improve schools
(view full story)
Published 1/14/2011
Fabian hits the ground running (New Member)
Track coach and high school teacher wants to keep jobs in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 1/14/2011
Focused and determined (New Member)
McElfatrick hopes to strengthen Iron Range economy
(view full story)
Published 1/14/2011
Going from homeless to the House (New Member)
Moran used hard work to improve self, wants to help others
(view full story)
Published 1/14/2011
Welding the economy back together (New Member)
Swedzinski brings rural development experience to the House
(view full story)
Published 1/14/2011
A reformer in the House (New Member)
Vogel brings focus on agriculture; hopes to streamline state government
(view full story)
Published 1/14/2011
Looking to give the state a fresh start (New Member)
Wardlow seeks fiscal stability, better jobs climate in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 1/14/2011
Ready for the challenge
2011 session underway with changes aplenty
(view full story)
Published 1/7/2011
Let the people’s work begin
Activists, lobbyists, members’ families mark day one of 2011 session
(view full story)
Published 1/7/2011
Minnesota Index: Minnesota House 2011
Figures and statistics about the Minnesota House of Representatives.
(view full story)
Published 1/7/2011