PRESS RELEASE
Brian T. Biele Campaign Committee
P.O. Box 14241
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-617-0334
bbiele@uswest.net
http://www.biele2000.com

Police, Labor Endorse Biele

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- July 10, 2000

Brian T. Biele, 28-year-old Democratic challenger to 28-year incumbent State Representative Phyllis Kahn, added to his list of labor endorsements recently when the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis moved its allegiance away from Kahn to support political newcomer Biele for the District 59B state legislative seat.

Biele, a veteran community organizer / citizens lobbyist and fund-raiser for citizen organizations including the Audubon Society and League of Women Voters, earlier surprised long-time political observers by capturing the endorsements of the Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council and the Minnesota Teamsters. Minnesota unions have traditionally backed DFL incumbents or have not endorsed at all.

Commenting on the endorsement, Biele stated: "I am proud that labor unions are rallying to my candidacy because it confirms that economics and the growing disparity of wealth in our state and nation should not be ignored. Too many long-term incumbents have lost touch with the voters and the new problems they are facing. I want to give voice to the groups that have not been heard in these boom times, including workers, students, and renters."

The endorsements are in preparation for the Minnesota Primary Election to be held on September 12, when district DFL voters will go to the polls to choose their legislative candidate as well as vote for a U.S. Senate candidate.

This year will be the first time since 1984 that Phyllis Kahn has been challenged within her own party in a primary election. Traditionally she has easily beaten back challenges from Republicans in the overwhelmingly Democratic district, which comprises SE Minneapolis as well as portions of downtown and NE Minneapolis.

Kahn was elected to the seat in 1972, the year Biele was born, after she had worked as a research associate in the University of Minnesota's Genetics and Cell Biology Department. This is Biele's first run for public office.

For more information, contact Brian Biele at 612-617-0334 or view the campaign website at http://www.biele2000.com.

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