Rusty Nelson

Rusty Nelson graduated from Red River High School. Nelson earned a bachelor's degree from Concordia College, Moorhead, in 1976 and a Ph.D. from the University of North Dakota in 1986. Nelson's career experience includes working as an EMT.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Grandparents farmed in NW MN; parents served in the Air Force and Civil Service; lived in Hawaii, Nebraska, Puerto Rico, and North Dakota during this time. I love learning and have a PhD in Biochemistry; conducted research for 13 years; 16 publications with 9 as primary author and investigator. Three years of research were in Scotland. Formed some great friendships there and have been back twice. Taught secondary science for 29 years and Spanish for 4 years. Am church trustee, president of the local Senior Center, volunteer at local nursing home, and have been an EMT in the community for over 20 years. Three months ago, started serving breakfast at our Senior Center in response to there not being a place for breakfast in town, and it is well received. As of this summer, have been married for 45 years. Three wonderful children and their spouses. Seven active, inquisitive, and creative grandchildren. Am very thankful for the blessings of this life.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Rural healthcare--hospitals, assisted living, and nursing homes--needs to be defended against the looming Medicaid cuts.Volunteer service in our state are struggling (fire and ambulance). I want to recognize the great things done by our volunteer first responders, support them fully, and facilitate others to join in.Agriculture needs stable markets and supply chains. The State needs to be deliberate and creative in inserting stability into a needlessly unstable situation for our farmers and ranchers.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare, Education, and Rural Economy are primary concerns as I campaign for this position,.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my late great-uncle Lester and great-aunt Lucille who were kind, welcoming, faithful, and honest. I also admire George Washington Carver for his brilliance, optimism, creativity, and dedication to his students. I am shaped by the lives and examples of these people and try to mirror their goodness.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty and diligence.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Listen deliberately and intentionally to the electorate so that one knows the needs and goals of the communities one is representing.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to be a sponsor or co-sponsor of legislation making EMS an essential service in MN. I also want to sponsor or support legislation that protects rural hospitals and nursing homes. I do not want any rural healthcare facility to close while I am serving in the state house.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Summer janitor at an Air Force barracks. Had it for a summer. I am still a respectable cleaner.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Early in life I struggled with stammering. There were some word combinations that would simply not come out of my mouth without great, repeated, efforts. Later in life I became passionate about running. Ran in many 5 and 10 K races, winning some. At age 60, a knee failed. Surgery. No more running. Still adjusting to that.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is, indeed, necessary for policymaking. It requires people to talk things over, work together, see issues from other perspectives, and forge relationships in the process.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Rural Caucus and the DFL to date. Endorsement process proceeding with Education Minnesota and Minnesota Firefighters.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

I recall standing on a chair, glued to the radio, jotting notes about the assassination of President Kennedy. It was an enormous shock, and the Air Force base where I lived was put into high alert.