MNA MEMBER-LED Endorsement process
Learn more about MNA's member-led endorsement process with these frequently asked questions and answers.
The MNA endorsement process included a member-developed candidate questionnaire and an interview with each candidate by a local screening committee of nurse members who live and work in each legislative district. Those nurses made a recommendation to the nurse-elected MNA Political Committee and Board of Directors for the endorsement of each candidate.
MNA staff conducted extensive research on each candidate to present to both the MNA Political Committee and members participating in the screening that included their background, professional achievements, and connection to nursing and/or labor. Candidates filled out questionnaires developed by members and approved by the MNA Political Committee and Board of Directors about their positions on MNA issues. Candidates then met with and were asked screening questions created in collaboration with MNA members.
After a thoughtful and thorough screening process, nurses chose to recommend these candidates because they best met MNA’s organizational goals and electoral priorities.
- To build strong and powerful relationships between nurses and elected officials ahead of contract negotiations
- To build powerful relationships with elected officials and hold elected officials accountable to holding hospitals accountable; and
- To identify and partner on public health initiatives in the future that are important to the patients of the communities nurses serve.
Members who met with and screened candidates recommended these candidates to the nurse-elected Political Committee and MNA Board of Directors who had the final say on the endorsements in each race.
These categories recognize the levels of leadership and partnership with MNA by incumbent candidates on legislation to make progress on issues important to nurses and patients.
CHAMPIONS – Candidates must meet all of the following criteria:
- Currently be elected for the seat in which they are running;
- Consistently support MNA issues and work with us to achieve our goals;
- Either lead author MNA legislation, be a key champion of MNA priorities, receive a political award or special recognition from MNA, or be an MNA member.
ADVOCATES – Candidates must meet four of the following criteria:
- Been endorsed by MNA in the past;
- Consistently support MNA issues and work with us to achieve our goals;
- Lead author MNA legislation;
- Be a key champion of MNA priorities statewide;
- Receive a political award or special recognition from MNA, or be an MNA member;
- Complete an MNA candidate questionnaire.
SUPPORTERS – Candidates must meet two of the following criteria:
- Endorsed by MNA in the past, consistently support and work with MNA on our issues;
- Lead author MNA legislation;
- Be a key champion of MNA priorities statewide;
- Receive a political award or special recognition from MNA, or be an MNA member, score 65% or above on the MNA Legislative Scorecard, by a key ally on an important MNA priority;
- Complete an MNA candidate questionnaire. leadleae