Minnesota House of Representatives District 52A candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Minnesota, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Minnesota House of Representatives District 52A who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Click here to see candidates and election results.
• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Minnesota House of Representatives District 52A

Incumbent Liz Reyer defeated Fern Smith in the general election for Minnesota House of Representatives District 52A on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Liz Reyer (D)	62.0	11,357
		Fern Smith (R)	37.9	6,942
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	21

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 18,320
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Fern Smith (R)

The economy and the abilty to afford a decent living, buy groceries for our familires, gas, affordable housing is a common issue for everyone. Inflation has robbed many citizens of peace of mind and placed undue burdens and hardship on all citizens. We must stop the spiral of the American econom y and bring back policies that benefit every American citizen.

Education is a key component to equip our children for the future. We must have quality, accurate and age-appropriate education. Parental rights must be restored and there needs to be a choice for the schools they feel best for their children.

I staunchly uphold the Sanctity of Life for the unborn and the aged. Disregard for the lives of others is a key reason for crime and reckless killing. It's not the guns, it's what's in the heart!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Fern Smith (R)

I am personally passionate about protecting our god-given and constitutional rights. I am passionate about freedom of speech, freedom of religion and I support our 2nd Amendment. I am passionate about what our children are being subjected to in schools that is clearly ideological persuasion, such as CRT instead of basic skills and love of country. I am passionate about a state and country that don't breed division by shutting out the opinions of other or causing racial divides in children. I am passionate about a state and county where children can be children, parents can be parents and we can work together again.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Fern Smith (R)

I look up to God and Spiritual leaders in my life.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Fern Smith (R)

Not at his this time

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Fern Smith (R)

Truth, Honesty and Integrity,

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Fern Smith (R)

I care about people and I am willing to fight for you. I truly want the best for everyone and if I have to step up to lead to make things better for others I will.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Fern Smith (R)

A servant's heart. We are working for the good of the people and remember to look to their needs and well-being within reason.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Fern Smith (R)

That I served my district well and I cared!

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Fern Smith (R)

President Kennedy's assassination. About six years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Fern Smith (R)

Nurses aid at a nursing home when I was in high school. I believe I had this job for about a year.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Fern Smith (R)

The Bible - It's my life!

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Fern Smith (R)

None, I just want to be myself, who God made me to be.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Fern Smith (R)

Nothing Else by Edward Rivera

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Fern Smith (R)

It should be a partnership with the legislature working together with the governor.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Fern Smith (R)

Restoring our economy, making our Community cities safe and the education of of our children and parental rights.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Fern Smith (R)

I believe experience is is good but I also believe life experiences, maturity and a true servant's heart will serve you well as a legislator. There is always a learning period but as in evolved citizen such as myself you learn early on what it takes. The learning process starts long before you are in office and takin steps to equip yourself is key for anyone who want to represent their Community its in any way.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Fern Smith (R)

Absolutely! How can we pass legislature if we don't build relationships or talk to each other? There is always some common ground and we need to be able to find that place in government without compromising our personal convictions.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Fern Smith (R)

Education

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Fern Smith (R)

I don't have a particular person. There are many whom I have a great deal of respect for and admire.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Fern Smith (R)

No, not at this time

Tell us your favorite joke.

Fern Smith (R)

Don't have one

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Fern Smith (R)

Yes, and there should be strict and clear guidelines for when they end and their limitations.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Fern Smith (R)

I believe that compromise is sometimes necessary on matters that can be effectively agreed upon. I don't believe in compromising my personal beliefs.

See also

More about these elections:

• Minnesota House of Representatives elections, 2022

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