Who I am and why I’m running
Posted on January 13, 2012
My name is Marcus Harcus. I’m writing to inform you of my campaign for State Representative in House District 58A, and to ask for your support as a delegate in my pursuit of the DFL endorsement.
Who am I?
I am a working class Northside native son committed to North Minneapolis and proudly raising my own young children here today. Although I’m a young man, I’m a relatively long-time grassroots activist. I am also a writer and entrepreneur. As a junior at Patrick Henry high school I learned that a significant part of my life’s purpose is to organize and advocate for social, economic and racial justice. Some of the multiple issues I’ve worked on include the following:
- Youth development
- Education equity
- Racial profiling/police brutality
- Community economic development
- Foreclosure prevention
- Public infrastructure investments
- Equitable hiring
Why am I Running?
I am running for State Representative because of my ire over a variety of social, economic and racial injustices that are tragically prevalent in our state. I am consistently disappointed with our typical status quo politicians. Therefore, I am compelled to demonstrate the kind of political leadership that our community deserves. We need more equity-oriented, activist lawmakers and more diversity in Minnesota’s state legislature. My intention in getting elected is to sponsor, author and pass several bills that boldly address some of the most critically important issues challenging North Minneapolis residents, businesses and community institutions, and to champion equitable economic development.
My Campaign Platform:
- Fair economy
- Housing justice
- Education equity
- Affordable health care
- Criminal justice reform
The values which inform my politics are liberty, justice, opportunity, equity, and safety for all. If you elect me you can trust that I’ll be honest, open-minded, collaborative, creative, boldly ambitious policy-wise, and always inclusive. Many candidates run to “be something,” but I am running to “do something.”
Comparison and Contrast of the Incumbent and I
The incumbent was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1996, the year I graduated from Henry. I thank him for his many years of service to our community, but believe it’s time for my generation to stand up and assume leadership. On most bills the incumbent and I would probably vote similarly, but I believe he has grown too comfortable in office. Moreover, he fails to adequately represent and invite diverse voices from our community to show up and speak out at the Capitol. Several of my colleagues who are progressive legislative advocates have expressed frustration to me about my representative being difficult to work with.
It is also quite telling that he is unpopular with many members of his own party.
My ability to offer a more engaging and effective representation style is based on the hotter fire in my heart, my organizing background, and my ability to relate more with younger generations, low-income and working class families, and communities of color. This contrast between us is provided for the benefit of your decision-making. However, I want to emphasize that I’m not running against the incumbent. I’m running to serve the Northside and champion public policies and public investments that will help ensure a better Minnesota for my children, all future generations and all of our elders.
Let’s Talk Soon
Precinct caucuses are scheduled on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. During the next month I’ll be working to earn your support and that of 1,000 other prospective delegates. I’ll be phone banking, door knocking, and hosting candidate meet and greet events and caucus trainings. Feel free to contact me and please join our campaign. I hope to speak with you soon and earn your support as a delegate!