Storms start to move out of Minnesota, continue for western Wisconsin

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Brian Bakst

Author

Candidate origin stories sometimes get lost in the heat of contentious campaigns, but they can help illuminate and explain why political hopefuls see the world as they do. That’s true for DFL Gov. Tim Walz and GOP challenger Scott Jensen.

At their roots, Tim Walz and Scott Jensen have a fair amount in common. Both candidates for Minnesota governor grew up in rural towns, exposing them to the camaraderie and work ethic they say stuck with them. MPR News reporter Brian Bakst shares some of the personal details that are lost during the campaign.



Minn. gov hopefuls take small-town roots into big-time showdown

Scott Jensen reflects on his dad and the influence he had on his life.

Jensen on his dad

Tim Walz on always being a Democrat

Jensen on "politics being tedious and tawdry"

Scott Jensen on "politics being tedious and tawdry"

Tim Walz on 2004 Bush rally in Mankato

Tim Walz on the inspiration to run for governor.

Scott Jensen on his inspiration to run for governor.

Tim Walz on his affinity for science fiction.

Scott Jensen on his book preferences.

Two profile images of two political candidates.

MPR News Image | Photos by Kerem Yücel, MPR News and Glen Stubbe, Star Tribune via AP

Courtesy Image

Courtesy Photo

A man kneels down next to the cup on a golf green.

A photograph of an infant held by a father.

Minnesota governor hopefuls take small-town roots into big-time showdown

Go Deeper.

Like this?