Statement about running for governor: Anderson made her candidacy official July 15, saying: "Real reform requires vision, leadership, trust and the will to get the job accomplished.  And while others may talk about reform, I have actually accomplished it in state government as State Auditor and as the Commissioner of the Department of Employee Relations.  I’ll do it again as governor." --MinnPost, July 15, 2009

Party: GOP

Current government position: None

Occupation: President of the Minnesota Free Market Institute

Birth date: June 4, 1966

Home: Dellwood

Education: BA in international relations from the University of Minnesota, MA in public administration from Hamline University

Website: Minnesota Free Market Institute bio and Facebook

E-mail: info@mnfreemarketinstitute.org

Key issues and priorities: Her experience as a businesswoman and her position as president of the Minnesota Free Market Institute align her with the GOP's emphases on lower taxes and spending cuts.

Political experience: Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employee Relations under Gov. Tim Pawlenty in 2007, state auditor (2003-2007), mayor of Eagan (1998-2002), Eagan City Council member (1991-1998).

Background articles: "The Real Pat Awada"

Op-ed article about taxes and job creation