If the six candidates for state Rep. Michael Paymar’s seat (which represents Highland Park and the city’s southwest corners) seem to share identical political leanings on paper, here’s one who stands out with a “C.”
The political action committee of the Minnesota chapter of the National Organization for Women has given an “A” rating to all six of the candidates for House District 64B, except one.
Gloria Zaiger said she was surprised to be the only candidate to receive a “C” rating from the liberal PAC. An animal rights activist and self-described “radical, pro-choice, lesbian feminist,” Zaiger said her political leanings line up heavily with that of the Minnesota NOW PAC.
Nevertheless, she believes she knows where NOW found her wanting. Asked on an endorsement questionnaire whether she believed that federal welfare benefits should be extended longer than the current five-year limit, she said no. She also indicated that she did not support eliminating existing welfare work requirements.
Zaiger recently released a written statement indicating she would prefer instead that more funds be put toward training programs, childcare, public transit and reduced college costs.
“My father had an 8th grade education and supported his 8 kids by driving a taxi. We didn’t have much money before he died, and things were even worse after,” Zaiger wrote. “I know, from eating oatmeal for dinner, shopping for school clothes at rummage sales and watching my mom worry about bills every single day, I know what is at stake. I know that people want and need to be independent. We need to provide them the means to achieve that, and to achieve that in a reasonable amount of time.”
The House district spans Macalester-Groveland, Highland Park and the West Seventh Street neighborhoods. An endorsing convention will be held at 11 a.m. March 23 at St. Paul Central High School on Lexington Parkway.