Mariani has been a supporter of medical marijuana. And one lobbyist said he's extremely dedicated to people who are denied equal opportunity. Another noted he is one of the few legislators who challenges his colleagues to talk about racial issues.
The problem, it seems, is that he has his blinders on.
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"Narrow interests," says a lobbyist.
Rep. Jeff Hayden (DFL) District 61B—Minneapolis (rookie)
OVERALL 6.0
BRAINS 6.6
WORK ETHIC 5.9
EFFECTIVENESS 5.6
One of the few legislators without a formal education (though he plans to finish his B.A. in communications in the fall), Representative Hayden prepped at the city level under Councilman Gary Schiff and is already being tagged as a future leader. Affordable housing is his issue.
"He will be an effective and loved legislator," predicts one lobbyist.
"Seems very sharp indeed," says a lobbyist. "Time will tell."
Rep. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL)
District 58B—Minneapolis (rookie)
OVERALL 5.9
BRAINS 6.4
WORK ETHIC 6.6
EFFECTIVENESS 4.8
The first-year representative is one to watch. Many lobbyists gave him modest scores only because he's new to the game.
"Promising," says one lobbyist. "But still learning the ropes."
Champion lives up to his surname when it comes to civil rights. That's where he cut his political teeth. He's the director of the Excelsior Gospel Choir and serves as a vice chair on the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee. One lobbyist noted he's a natural orator.
"Appears smart," says a lobbyist. "We'll see how he does."
"Too early to tell with him," adds another. "But could be good."
Sen. Ken Kelash (DFL)
District 63 - Minneapolis (rookie)
OVERALL 5.1
BRAINS 5.1
WORK ETHIC 5.1
EFFECTIVENESS 5.1
Kelash hasn't made much of an impression during his brief time in the Capitol. "Who?" and "too new to tell" were repeated phrases among the lobby when approached with his name.
So to give the world an introduction: Kelash is a retired carpenter who went to Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a Master's in Public Administration. He's probably adept with a table saw.
One lobbyist who actually met him gave him a decent review. "No one knows him. He has a right to be cautious as a freshman senator. He struck me to be very thoughtful and intelligent. And he is very connected to the labor world."
Rep. Joe Mullery (DFL)
District 58A—Minneapolis
OVERALL 4.9
BRAINS 5.1
WORK ETHIC 5.0
EFFECTIVENESS 4.6
Love is left behind when Capitol insiders air their opinions of Mullery:
"By far the worst legislator on this list," says a lobbyist.
"Sloppy, lost; is he a really a lawyer?" asks another. "Terrible policymaker."
"Can't get his own bills out of the committee he chairs. District 58A must have someone better than this," says a lobbyist.
"Another dinosaur that sits comfortably in his safe seat, and merely prevents reform and legislation to help Minnesota progress."
