Susan Allen swearing in video

Rep. Susan Allen, first Native American woman elected to Minnesota Legislature (and fourth in the nation) was sworn in during very brief ceremony on the Minnesota House of Representatives floor with her family, friends, campaign volunteers and Capitol coworkers including myself (Luckily I was getting done with my shift to attend this event). This would be my best first day back at my Capitol job besides free staff appreciation lunch courtesy of Minnesota State Senate. People who came to the Capitol was brave enough to come in when it was subzero weather outside because as what Rep. Allen said, Native Americans can make it through really cold outside because it is Minnesota. 


As you may notice I was on the floor, I was there to witness the history and it was like Rep. Allen is "Ricky Rubio" (for people who are not into NBA, Ricky is newest Minnesota Timberwolves player) of the Minnesota Legislature that may bring in more excitement regardless of GOP being the majority. With Rep. Allen being latest addition to the Legislature, it should be most interesting session to watch.  


Rep. Allen will be one to be most watched at the Capitol by Legislative junkies and insiders like myself and the media. 


If you was wondering whose desk I sat at, it was Rep. David Dill's seat. Rarely the House floor would be open to the public like this but only when there is special event. During the ceremony, I could feel the vibration of the drum that was played by Little Thunderbirds because it was very close to where I was sitting. They did played music before the ceremony and I could feel the vibration when I was standing by House Chamber gate. Allen's words was very amazing and very inspiring. 


I was blessed to be part of this history that I could witness my new coworker being sworn in. It was very awesome. One of many reasons I love working at the Capitol is that I get to interact with Legislators on regular basis and meeting different people.


2012 Session Opener starts on Tuesday, January 24 and if you are at the Capitol, you will be able to watch Rep. Allen in action for first time at noon. 


Rep. Susan Allen replaced Jeff Hayden who is in the Senate. She represent house district 61B that is part of South Minneapolis. She won special election on January 10. 

Allen and Dziedzic won Special Primary Election

Minneapolis Legislative Delegation could go up from 8 women to 10 women if they made the cut in January Special Election and one of those district will be all woman legislative delegation.

Susan Allen won primary in House District 61B when Kari Dziedzic emerged as winner in all men race in senate district 59 replacing Senator Larry Pogemiller who resigned to work for Dayton Administration. They are advancing to Special General Election which will be held on January 10, 2012.

Result for State Senate (winners are underlined and in bold letters):

NAME                                  TOTAL

Brian Schwanke                38
Peter Wagenius                1089
Jacob Frey                          473
Kari Dziedzic                      1965
Paul Ostrow                       792
Alicia Frosch                      36
Mohamud Noor                1626

Result for House District 61B

NAME                                  TOTAL

Josh Bassais                       25
Nelson Inz                          63
Paul Dennis                        32
Susan Allen                       550