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"

Check out questions readers have for Minnesota's candidates for governor (and some answers) at 10Questions.com