Ember Reichgott Junge (born August 22, 1953) is an attorney, radio personality, and former state senator from Minnesota, representing New Hope and surrounding communities. A Democrat, she was elected to the Senate at age 29 and served for 18 years. Junge served as majority whip from 1991 to 1994, and as assistant majority leader from 1995 to 2000.[1] She authored the first charter school law in the United States.[2]

Ember Reichgott Junge
Member of the Minnesota Senate
from the 46th district
In office
1983–2001
Succeeded byAnn Rest
Personal details
Born (1953-08-22) August 22, 1953 (age 71)
Political partyMinnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
SpouseMichael
ResidenceNew Hope, Minnesota
Alma materSt. Olaf College
University of St. Thomas
Duke University School of Law
Occupationattorney, legislator

Career

edit

In 1998, Junge ran for Minnesota Attorney General in the DFL primary, losing to Mike Hatch, who went on to be elected in November. She served as the Minnesota chair of Joe Lieberman's 2004 presidential campaign.[3] In 2006, she ran for Congress in the 5th Congressional district. In the contest to replace retiring incumbent Martin Olav Sabo, she placed third in the DFL primary, trailing Keith Ellison, the endorsed candidate, and former Sabo aide Mike Erlandson.[4]

Junge is a frequent analyst on local Twin Cities political/public affairs programs, including KSTP-TV's At Issue with Tom Hauser and Almanac on Twin Cities Public Television.

Junge also pursues activities outside politics; she has appeared on stage at the Lakeshore Players Community Theater in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

Junge is the Chief Advancement Officer for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.[5]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Minnesota Legislators Past & Present – Legislator Record – Reichgott Junge, Ember D". Leg.state.mn.us. Retrieved July 20, 2010.
  2. ^ "New Dem of the Week: Ember Reichgott Junge". DLC. October 16, 2000. Retrieved July 20, 2010.
  3. ^ Scheck, Tom (September 7, 2006). "Rivals say Erlandson crosses the line". MPR News. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  4. ^ "MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Ember Reichgott Junge". Minnesota.publicradio.org. Retrieved July 20, 2010.
  5. ^ "Ember Reichgott Junge: Vice President / Chief Advancement Officer". Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. Archived from the original on January 30, 2009.
edit