Having faith in God … and each other

By Bob Hulteen

Gov. Al Quie was a friend of mine.

You might think I’m bragging to mention this. Actually, I am more mystified by it. Really, it might just be proof that there is a God.

The first time I was in Al Quie’s proximity was at a protest during his one term as governor of Minnesota. I was protesting him. Well, I wasn’t protesting him personally as much as his policies. But, at the time, I probably felt like I was protesting him, as I was frustrated with choices he made about cutting taxes and unilaterally making budget cuts on programs for vulnerable people through unallotment. That was in 1980, I believe – around the time I was finishing up at Concordia College.

I soon moved to Washington, D.C., and forgot about those Minnesota budget issues.

Arne Carlson was governor when I moved back to Minnesota. And, within a few years, I found myself interacting with Gov. Quie again – this time as he was a lay leader within the ELCA of the Word Alone movement. And, while I found myself once again on opposite sides with him, I deeply appreciated his commitment to “hearing out” folks that disagreed with him and showing them remarkable respect, even when they didn’t return the favor.

His commitment to finding a way to move forward on complicated issues that aroused people’s passion had a deep impact on me.

 

ONE OF MY STRONGEST memories of Gov. Quie took place at a synod assembly, possibly in 2004 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. At the suggestion of the Joint Religious Legislative Committee, my then-pastor, Rev. Ron Johnson, and I wrote a resolution for consideration before the Assembly regarding a 10% surcharge on taxes to help get the state out of a budget crisis. (Background: Gov. Tim Pawlenty, while seeking his party’s endorsement for governor, had promised no increases in taxes under any circumstances.) This surcharge was a means to try to fix the severe crisis the state faced.

As debate began at the Synod Assembly, I stepped into the que behind Microphone 2 to speak in favor of the resolution. I noticed that Gov. Quie, also a voting member at the Assembly, was in line at Microphone 1. With a feeling of increased anxiety, I figured that I better quickly sharpen my talking points.

Gov. Quie was called on to speak; I will never forget. He opened by saying, “While I might suggest a 12% surcharge might be better, I support this resolution for 10% because it offers Gov. Pawlenty on off-ramp to commitments he has previously made.” He filled most of his two minutes talking about different choices he might have made while governor, but I don’t remember what else he said. However, I was aware that he had offered a gift – to those who were struggling under the budgetary cutbacks and to the current governor. Knowing he would take hits from others in his party, he sought a way out that would offer some shred of dignity.

“Gov. Al Quie’s commitment to finding a way to move forward on complicated issues that aroused people’s passion had a deep impact on me.”

Later, while I was organizing director at TakeAction Minnesota, Gov. Quie and I worked together on issues around judicial appointments. Although we came at the question from slightly different angles, we ended up with the same conclusion and enjoyed the chance to work on issues around voting right expansion together. In the process he once again taught me the value of finding common ground with others (as opposed to assuming I was on higher ground, and that others should come find me).

I also remember covering an event as a journalist that I believe was sponsored by Word Alone, though it may have been a Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ. Several speakers had been attacking with vitriol then-Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson. Gov. Quie stood up in front of the room, stating his disagreements with Hanson on the specific topics, but arguing that he was a man of integrity who shared many of the fundamental values of the group gathered. He was actually booed off the stage, and he came and sat with me – the journalist in the room. He expressed his concern for our increasing lack of civility toward one another. (These last years of our body politic must have been challenging for him.)

The last time I shared any significant time with Gov. Quie, I believe, was while he was “holding court” at the Perkins in St. Louis Park. He walked me around to every table, introducing me to all of his friends there. And, those rare people who he didn’t know the people were introduced to the both of us!

I am a better person, as the Director of Communications and Public Voice for the synod, because of Gov. Quie, even though we rarely agreed wholeheartedly on particular issues. He taught me that issues are important, but that establishing relationships that last, even in a politicized environment, was even more essential.

He had faith in Minnesotans. He had faith in God. Thanks be for his memory.

 

I write this blog as the Gov. Quie lies in state in the Minnesota Capitol.