Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-s2hrs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-14T22:19:36.292Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Christians and Quistians in Minnesota

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2013

Christopher P. Gilbert*
Affiliation:
Gustavus Adolphus College

Extract

When Minnesota's popular sitting governor, a moderate Independent Republican (IR), was denied his own party's endorsement for re-election in June 1994, political analysts nationwide took notice. Throughout the nation, perhaps the most visible manifestation of the rise to prominence of the Christian Right was the quixotic campaign of a little known, fifth generation Minnesota farmer named Allen Quist. But in the wake of Quist's spectacular failure in September's primary election, many observers drew the erroneous conclusion that, at least in Minnesota, the electoral strength of the Christian Right was vastly overstated. In looking beyond the gubernatorial race, it is clear that the Christian Right played a pivotal role in elevating a first-term U.S. representative to the Senate and driving substantial IR gains in the state legislature. Moreover, these successes—and Quist's failure— provide important clues for predicting the future of the movement in Minnesota and elsewhere.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The American Political Science Association 1995

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Allen, Martha Sawyer. 1994. “Quist, Marty Have One Faith, but Two Political Directions.” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 10 July.Google Scholar
Baden, Patricia Lopez. 1994a. “Election Season Begins in Trenches; Again, Foes of Abortion Show Force at IR Caucuses.” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 2 March.Google Scholar
Baden, Patricia Lopez. 1994b. “Religious Right Sees Its Influence in IR House Wins.” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 23 November. 23:1B.Google Scholar
Barone, Michael, and Ujifusa, Grant. 1993. The Almanac of American Politics 1994. Washington: National Journal, Inc. Google Scholar
Editorial. 1994. “Crossovers: Party Registration Would Foil the Spoilers.” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 7 August.Google Scholar
Haas, Cliff. 1992. “Life of the Party: Issues and Ideas Man Vin Weber Sets His Sights on Reviving GOP.” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 22 November.Google Scholar
McGrath, Dennis, and Baden, Patricia Lopez. 1994. “Wynia Made Missteps and Missed Opportunities.” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 10 November.Google Scholar
Peterson, David. 1994. “And They Shall Know You by Your Coverage: Media Definition of Religious Candidates in Minnesota's 1994 Statewide Elections.” To be presented at 1995 American Political Science Association annual meeting, Chicago.Google Scholar
Schmickle, Sharon, and McGrath, Dennis. “Rod Grams [candidate profile].” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 25 August.Google Scholar
Smith, Dane. 1992a. “Tuesday's IR Losses Bound to Bring Changes in Strategy.” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 8 November.Google Scholar
Smith, Dane. 1992b. “‘Golden Elephants’ Shun Conservatives and IR Party Coffers.” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 6 December.Google Scholar
Smith, Dane. 1993. “Carlson Must Speak Softly and Carry the IR Right.” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 13 September.Google Scholar
Smith, Dane. 1994a. “Quist's Quest for Governor Hardly Quixotic.” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 27 March.Google Scholar
Smith, Dane. 1994b. “Carlson Victorious; Marty Is Surprise Winner: IR-Win Quells Revolt of Party's Right Wing.” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 14 September.Google Scholar
Smith, Dane. 1994c. “Primary Lessons: Caucuses Will Stay and the Right Is Healthy.” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 18 September.Google Scholar
von Sternberg, Bob. 1994. “Different Election, Same Outlook: Exit Polls Show Minnesota Voters Haven't Changed Much.” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 9 November.Google Scholar
Whereatt, Robert. 1993. “Ex-legislator Takes Aim at Governor's Job.” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 29 July.Google Scholar
Whereatt, Robert. 1994a. “IR Delegates Give Quist a Historic Win.” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 18 June.Google Scholar
Whereatt, Robert. 1994b. “Governor Hands DFL Its Biggest Defeat.” Minneapolis Star Tribune, 9 November.Google Scholar