Statement about running for governor: "My family faced difficult times, but we were determined to face that crisis and succeed. Those difficult days shaped the person I am today. Minnesotans are hungry for a leader who not only understands our challenges but will work with them to solve the problems we face." -- Margaret Anderson Kelliher, in a speech announcing her gubernatorial campaign on Sept. 16, 2009, at the farm she grew up on west of Mankato.

Party: DFL

Current government position: Minnesota Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, represents District 60A    

Elected: 1998

Term: 6th

Occupation: Consultant, community organizer, writer

Birth date:

Home: Minneapolis

Education: B.A., history, political science, Gustavus Adolphus College; M.P.A., Harvard University

Websites:

Margaret Anderson Kelliher

Margaret Anderson Kelliher, House Speaker

E-mails: rep.margaret.kelliher@house.mn, info@margaretandersonkelliher.org

Key issues and priorities: Anderson Kelliher's priorities lie in renewable energy technologies, quality and affordable health care, and reforming the school funding system to break from public education's reliance on tax levies.

Political experience: Current House Speaker, serving sixth term in Minnesota House; Legislative staffer for House Speaker Robert Vanasek and Senate President Allan Spear; Assistant minority leader of the House (2006)

Background articles:

"House Speaker Kelliher in the governor's race"

"The PIM interview: Kelliher on Pawlenty's DIY budget"

"Minnesota House speaker on key issues"

"Everyone's still looking to Speaker Kelliher to save the legislative session"