by Mike Moen
ST. PAUL, Minn. (Minnesota News Connection) – Minnesotans have a chance Friday to pay respects to House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband as this month’s political assassination continues to spur reflections about her legacy.
The Hortman’s, who were fatally shot inside their home June 14, will lie in state tomorrow from noon to 5 p.m. at the State Capitol rotunda. A private funeral follows at 10:30 Saturday morning, with a livestream on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s YouTube channel.
Dave Kamper, Minnesota-based senior state policy strategist at the Economic Policy Institute, interacted with Hortman over the years and marveled at her ability to engage on a human level in the legislative world.
“How you make sure everyone’s feeling heard and everyone’s priorities are met, that’s a difficult thing to do,” Kamper acknowledged. “It requires time, it requires attention, it requires a genuine commitment to the well-being of the other folks. It can’t just be a transactional relationship.”
Gov. Tim Walz said Hortman will be the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans to receive a public viewing honor at the State Capitol. The couple will be joined by their dog Gilbert, who also was shot in the attack, and was later euthanized due to his injuries.
With Minnesotans still grieving, Kamper noted a positive aspect is they can use this tragedy as an inspiration. He pointed to Hortman not being afraid to “dream big” when chasing down goals while still figuring out the most practical way of getting things done. He added it is not just a tip for people serving in the state legislature or Congress.
“I hope that’s the legacy, is the legacy of ambition to do all the right things, not just some of them,” Kamper emphasized.
Kamper also has strong praise for Sen. John Hoffman, DFL-Champlin, as he and his wife recover from wounds in a shooting at their home the same morning. He called Hoffman an outstanding human being. Authorities said they believe the suspect in the shootings, Vance Boelter, carried out the attacks as a form of political violence.
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