Remembering a Champion of Effective Politics

Minnesota and the country this week lost one of the great champions of effective, pragmatic politics, former U.S. Sen. Dave Durenberger. Sen. Durenberger passed away Jan. 31 at the age of 88.

During his 17 years in the Senate and his many more years in grassroots organizations, Dave knew how to get things done. Compromise becomes difficult if people perceive it as giving up on their core principles or accepting some mushy middle ground that is neither effective nor efficient.

Instead, Dave made collaboration his focus: listen to those with differing opinions, understand the problem they are trying to solve or the opportunity they want to leverage, inform and educate them where appropriate, then find the BEST solution that meets everyone’s goals.

The passing of Sen. Durenberger - a true, moderate Republican - has caused many to reflect on the lack of thoughtful, effective moderates in politics today. That’s true, but one of the wisest comments came from a longtime friend: “It’s now up to us to build the next generation of Dave Durenbergers.”

Challenge accepted.

Linked is my memorial to Dave, published in the Feb. 1 Minneapolis StarTribune.

https://www.startribune.com/dave-durenberger-a-passion-for-public-service/600248428/