The Freedom Foundation of Minnesota proudly released today our most recent report, entitled: “A Legacy of Leadership: Rudy Boschwitz and the Rise of the Modern Conservative Movement in Minnesota.”
The report tells the story of the extraordinary leadership of former U.S. Senator Rudy Boschwitz in the development of the modern day conservative movement in Minnesota.
Much has been written about liberal dominance in Minnesota politics since World War II and the indelible mark left on the state and nation by liberal icons such as Hubert H. Humphrey, Jr, Walter F. Mondale, and Paul Wellstone. In contrast, little has been written about the state’s conservative experience, its leaders, or their impact.
November 4, 2014 marked the 36th anniversary of conservative victories in the 1978 elections, commonly called the “Minnesota Massacre.” For Republicans and conservatives, this election “massacre” was a seminal event. As such, we believed this important anniversary was an appropriate and timely opportunity to examine the legacy of Rudy Boschwitz, who was one of the victors in that election.
Rudy Boschwitz’s improbable rise to prominence in business, politics, and public policy is a testament to his perseverance, intellect, tireless work ethic, and indomitable spirit. From refugee from Nazism, to New York lawyer, to Minnesota plywood salesman, to U.S. Senator, the story of Rudy Boschwitz is a legacy of leadership and the embodiment of the American Dream. Nearly four decades after his first election, that legacy lives on.
We invite you to learn not only what led this self-made plywood salesman to get into Minnesota politics but also to learn what effect his leadership had in shaping what we know as the modern conservative movement.
It was an honor and pleasure to research and write this report and we hope you will enjoy learning more about Boschwitz’s tremendous legacy.
Click here to download a PDF of the report.
