Jim Graves
Jim Graves was a 2012 Democratic candidate who sought election to the U.S. House representing the 6th Congressional District of Minnesota. He was defeated by incumbent Michele Bachmann (R) in the general election on November 6, 2012.[1] He had announced plans to run for Bachmann's seat for the 6th Congressional District seat in 2014.[2] On May 29, 2013, Bachmann announced that she would not seek re-election to her congressional seat in 2014.[3] On May 31, 2013, Graves announced he was suspending his campaign following Bachmann's exit.[4]
Biography
Graves grew up on the north side of St. Cloud, Minnesota. Soon after getting married, he and his wife earned a living performing as professional folk musicians. In 1974, he became a teacher at Holy Spirit Elementary School in St. Cloud. In 1976, he started his own business, Intra Financial Corporation. He has started numerous other small businesses.[5]
Career
- Founder, AmericInn
- Owner, Graves Hospitality
- Owner, Intra Financial Corporation
- Former Teacher, Holy Spirit Elementary School
Elections
2014
On May 31, 2013, Graves announced he was suspending his campaign following Bachmann's exit, explaining, "...the feeling is 'Mission Accomplished.'"[6]
Graves was a member of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Jumpstart program, which was designed to provide early support to top-tier Democratic challengers.[7]
A May 15, 2013, poll by Public Policy Polling, showed Jim Graves, Bachmann's likely Democratic challenger in 2014, leads Bachmann 47% to 45% respectively, with a 4.4 point margin of error. This race would be a rematch of the 2012 election, one that Graves lost by 1.2%. Bachmann has already started to run campaign ads.[8]
2012
Graves ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. House to represent Minnesota's 6th District. He was defeated by Republican incumbent Michele Bachmann in the November general election.[9]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican |  Michele Bachmann Incumbent |
50.5% | 179,240 | |
| Democratic | Jim Graves | 49.3% | 174,944 | |
| NA | Write-in | 0.3% | 969 | |
| Total Votes | 355,153 | |||
| Source: Minnesota Secretary of State, "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election" (dead link) | ||||
Campaign issues
The issues below are highlighted on Graves campaign website.[10]
- Jobs and the Economy
Excerpt: "In order to jumpstart economic growth, we need to increase aggregate demand for American goods and products. We can do this by making sure more money is in the hands of middle class consumers. In this fragile economy, we cannot afford to burden the middle class with tax hikes."[11]
- Education
Excerpt: "In our K-12 education systems, we need to reduce class sizes to ensure that every child is given the attention he or she deserves. We need to recruit, train and support the most effective teachers. We need to make sure that smart investments are made in programs that have proven track records of promote academic excellence."[12]
- Trade
Excerpt: "I support fair trade that enforces safe labor practices, protects the environment, levels the playing field, and creates livable-wage jobs in America and the 6th Congressional District."[13]
- Veterans
Excerpt: "We must ensure that even after hanging up their uniform, all veterans have access to the best health care in the country. Caring for those veterans that suffer from traumatic injuries must be one of America’s top priorities. Lastly, we should all be proud in knowing that our veterans are finally receiving benefits from the 21st Century GI Bill, which ensures that every military member returning from Iraq or Afghanistan has the opportunity for a four-year college degree."[14]
- Seniors
Excerpt: "I know the way we treat our seniors defines us as a society. This election, Americans will send a clear message that our seniors’ dignity, well being, and retirements will not be sacrificed to pay for Congress’s spending binges."[15]
Campaign finance summary
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Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Graves is married to his wife, Julie, and they have three children.[16]
Recent news
This section links to a Google news search for the term "Jim + Graves + Minnesota + House"
See also
- Minnesota's 6th Congressional District
- Minnesota's 6th Congressional District elections, 2012
- United States House of Representatives
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ ABC News, "General Election Results 2012-Minnesota," November 7, 2012
- ↑ Politico, "Poll: Michele Bachmann in for tight fight" accessed May 21, 2013
- ↑ http://www.politico.com/story/2013/05/michele-bachmann-not-running-again-91972.html?hp=t1_3 Politico, "Michele Bachmann not running again" accessed May 29, 2013]
- ↑ Politico, "Jim Graves drops out following Michele Bachmann’s exit" accessed May 31, 2013
- ↑ Jim Graves, "Bio" June 20, 2012
- ↑ Politico, "Jim Graves drops out following Michele Bachmann’s exit" accessed May 31, 2013
- ↑ Roll Call;, "Democrats Launch New Program for House Recruits," May 9, 2013
- ↑ Politico, "Poll: Michele Bachmann in for tight fight," accessed May 21, 2013
- ↑ ABC News, "General Election Results 2012-Minnesota," November 7, 2012
- ↑ Jim Graves Campaign Website, Issues
- ↑ Jim Graves Campaign Website, Issues
- ↑ Jim Graves Campaign Website, Issues
- ↑ Jim Graves Campaign Website, Issues
- ↑ Jim Graves Campaign Website, Issues
- ↑ Jim Graves Campaign Website, Issues
- ↑ Vote Smart Profile, Biography
