re:power, formerly Wellstone Action (stylized in all lowercase), is a 501(c)(4) progressive advocacy organization founded by longtime political operative Jeff Blodgett. Based in Minnesota, it trains community organizers, student activists, campaign staff, progressive candidates and elected officials.[1] The organization was originally named after Paul Wellstone, a U.S. Senator who died in a plane crash along with his wife, Sheila, and daughter, Marcia, on October 25, 2002. After Wellstone's death, his surviving children and former campaign manager founded the group to carry on Wellstone's populist approach to progressive politics.[2][3]
 Former logo | |
| Formation | 2002 |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Grassroots campaign training organization for progressives |
| Headquarters | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
Executive Director | Karundi Williams |
| Website | repower |
Tim Walz, elected to represent Minnesota's 1st congressional district in 2006, was the progressive training program's first successful candidate at the federal level.[4] Mark Ritchie, Minnesota's former Secretary of State, is a Wellstone Action alum.[1]
In May 2018, it was reported that that organization's board of directors had voted to remove Wellstone's two sons from their directorial positions after they raised questions about the financial activities of the organization. There was also a dispute over the direction and priorities of the group.[5] Following the removal of Wellstone's sons from the organization's board of directors, Wellstone Action was rebranded as "re:power".[6]
Camp Wellstone
editWellstone Action began by organizing "Camp Wellstone" events to train political novices in how to run for elected office.[7]
Between 2003 and 2013, approximately 55,000 participants graduated from Camp Wellstone trainings.[8]
"Campus Camp Wellstone" events were also held at colleges, beginning at Carleton College, where Wellstone had previously taught.[9] The Campus Camp Wellstone series organized at De Anza College in the San Francisco Bay Area continue under the name California Campus Camp.
References
edit- ^ a b Dreier, Peter (October 12, 2012). "Paul Wellstone's Life and Legacy". Huffington Post. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
- ^ Stone, Gene (2007). The Bush Survival Bible: 250 Ways to Make It Through the Next Four Years Without Misunderestimating the Dangers Ahead, and Other Subliminable Strategeries. Random House Publishing Group. p. 12. ISBN 9780307416964.
- ^ Franken, Al (October 25, 2012). "Paul Wellstone's Legacy, 10 Years Later". The Atlantic. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
- ^ Horrigan, Marie (October 17, 2006). "Minn. Roundup: Walz a Legit Barrier to Gutknecht in 1st District". New York Times. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
- ^ Siders, David. "Wellstone legacy 'goes dormant' after family ousted in Democratic feud". POLITICO. Retrieved 2019-03-26.
- ^ "RePower (Wellstone Action)". www.influencewatch.org. Retrieved 2019-03-26.
- ^ Wilgoren, Jodi (2003-06-30). "Save Those Popsicle Sticks, This Camp Builds Politicos". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
- ^ Kroll, Andy. "Wellstone's revenge: how Minnesota Democrats took their state back". Mother Jones. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
- ^ News (2005-02-22). "Wellstone Campaign Manager Speaks at Carleton". www.carleton.edu. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
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