With GOP's Losses, What Drives Roseville's Michelle Manke for Local Republicans?

For Roseville-area Republicans, the 2012 elections left them with little to cheer about. 

The DFL swept to majority status in the state Senate and House, giving the Democratic Party control of the governor's office and the Minnesota Legislature for the first time in decades. 

But in the Fourth Congressional District, one bright spot for Republicans has been the emergence some new party firebrands, including Roseville's Michelle Manke.

At its recent Fourth Congressional District Convention, the party faithful named Manke with their first-ever Candidate's Award, an honor that recognizes its recipient for exemplifying "the spirit, heart, and soul of Fourth Congressional District Republicans." 

"Michelle was an integral part of multiple campaigns dedicating her photography talent, graphic design skills, and leadership on campaign committees," unsuccessful Republican Fourth Congressiona candidate Tony Hernandez said in a news release.  "In the wake of a very disappointing election year for Republicans, Michelle did not quit. She picked up the ball immediately and began working and planning to find ways to win more elections for Republicans in 2014 and beyond."

Hernandez initiated the bi-annual award in the wake of his first unsuccessful election bid against Fourth District Representative Betty McCollum. The Fourth District Republicans said the award is unique because the recipient is chosen by all the Republican-endorsed candidates from within the district and is meant to recognize the work of volunteers.

At the district convention, Hernandez presented Manke with a trophy, and gave the district a special plaque with Michelle's name on it and space for the names of future winners over the next 24 years. 

In an interview with Roseville Patch, Manke said she was surprised at winning the award. 

During last fall's election season, Manke was a volunteer for not only Hernandez's campaign but that of April King, who lost in her bid for state Senate District 42 to Bev Scalze. Manke devoted up to six hours a day, seven-days a week to the two campaigns,; then branched out and pitched in some others. as well.

"If you had said five years ago that I would be this involved (in the Republican Party), I would have laughed," said Manke, a 53-year-old marketing consultant whose work includes graphic design and photography.

But when Manke saw the Republican Party needed an assist, she was quick to volunteer her talents. "I've always been one who when you see something needs to be done, comes in and picks up where others have left off," she said. 

In the months ahead, Manke, who was elected as vice-chair of marketing and outreach for the Fourth Congressional District, said she wants to help build up the party so it attracts strong candidates and helps get them elected in 2014. "We need to do more outreach," she said. 

Asked whether she is considering making a run for public office, Manke would only say, "They say we need more women in politics and I think you'll see that." 

In related news, the GOP also elected these people to officer positions with the Fourth  District: 

• Chair - James Carson
• Deputy Chair - Amy WIlliams
• State Executive - Pat Anderson
• Secretary - Torleif Sorenson
• Vice Chair - Mitch Berg 
• Vice Chair - Elizabeth Roff 
• Vice Chair - Dallas Pierson
• Vice Chair - John Krenik
• Vice Chair - Arielle Taylor

"I look forward to working with this great team in strengthening each aspect of CD4", Carson said in a press statement. "Their dedication and talents make them ideal leaders for our Executive Committee for 2013/14.”