Thank You…
To My Friends and Neighbors in Chanhassen and Chaska:
My recent campaign to become your state legislator may have been unsuccessful, but already ranks high among the most remarkable experiences of my life. With this in mind, I would like to thank everyone in our community for the wonderful kindness, consideration, and friendship I have been shown throughout these past months. Whether participating in our food drive, or greeting me at the door, your support has been extraordinary.
Furthermore, I am buoyed by the fact that I lost to a true gentleman. While there are certainly articles and issues upon which Joe Hoppe and I disagree, rest assured that we are all represented by a man with a genuine desire to serve our collective community. Representative Joe Hoppe is a very good man.
I would also like to thank my campaign manager, Scott Anderson. He is a truly remarkable young man, and emblematic of the glorious spirit found within our community. Each of our magnificent volunteers are now true friends, and I remain overwhelmed by their efforts.
None of this would have been possible without the support of my wonderful wife, Shelly, and the unending patience of our loving family.
In parting, I would like to encourage each of us to stand with our leaders.
Let us not forget that Country First, and Hope, are not mutually exclusive ideals. The success of a good idea, whether it is born from a Republican or Democrat, remains a victory for our world. We can use a few of those, right now.
Thank you again for your support.
We’ll see you at the next rodeo. 
Evan Rapp
The Spirit of Bi-Partisanship…
The following is a transcript of a speech I made at Crown College on October 15th.
My name is Evan Rapp and I am running to become the next State Representative for District 34B…which is Chanhassen and Chaska.
Now, I…along with our campaign…have knocked on thousands of doors in our district. If I’ve not yet gotten to your doorbell…sit tight, it won’t be long. And…I can absolutely tell you this. If you ever want to know what truly exists on the minds of your community or neighbors…run for office, and knock on their door. I can assure you that the reports of overwhelming apathy have been greatly exaggerated. People care. They are often pressed for time, or feel incapable of making a difference…but people most assuredly care.
Beyond this…my wife and I recently returned from a fairly extended trip to the East Coast, which served as a great opportunity to discuss the world with people from a multitude of geographies, and all walks of life. They included three Philadelphia doctors and one psychologist, a Maryland veterinarian, a retired New Jersey food technologist and his wife…who happen to be responsible for my existence on this earth, the night manager at an outstanding barbecue restaurant in the hills of North Carolina, and a retired North Carolina Air Force nurse. Republicans and Democrats. Liberals and Conservatives. City mice and country mice. All walks of life.
The results? Whether inside or outside Minnesota, the song remains the same. People are worried, and absolutely stymied by the position in which we now find ourselves. They wonder aloud about how we got here…usually punctuating their concern with a similar sigh and shaking of the head.
How did we get here?
When did we become a nation which measures itself in deficits? Budget deficits, trade deficits, educational deficits. Bailouts! When did we become a nation which measures ourselves by our rate of failure, as opposed to our rate of success?
It happened when we came upon the most debilitating deficit of them all. The inspiration deficit. A feeling of being stuck in the mire with no apparent ability to rescue ourselves. A deficit caused by a constant drumbeat from those continuing to tell us that we can’t…a group of individuals who create an ineffectual government by repeatedly calling it ineffectual, instead of doing their jobs and working at making it efficient. A deficit caused by those deriding good ideas, simply because they come from another party. A deficit caused by those who fail to responsibly govern, until we find ourselves in crisis…and burdened by a staggering list of new expenses.
An inspiration deficit which we have the power to change. We have always held our own future in our own hands, and it remains true even during trying times.
Still, how did we get here? Well…are you seeing what I’m seeing?
Turn on the TV, and you’ll get an earful of political ads from both sides…all decrying the methods and character of their opponents. They use slippery finesse to cast each other in a terrible light; hoping their viewers will think the worst…without ever having to say the words they want us to hear. Conniving, evil, treasonous…and the list goes on.
Then, as if by magic…those same politicians get on the evening political shows, and start throwing around the most meaningless political buzzword of them all. Bi-partisanship.
They spend their days airing vicious attack ads, and their nights talking about their ability to work with their opponents.
I say HORSE HOCKEY!
While it’s true that compromises exist, bills get written, and laws get passed with votes from both sides, are there any among us who sense an overwhelming spirit of cooperation coming forth from our government?
We are bound by a two-party system, with both sides embodying important ideas and values. When it works, a marriage of common sense is created, with the best ideals from both parties represented. Our collective core values are not compromised, and government achieves its promise.
Still…all too often, we fall victim to the politics of division, with special interests often convincing our leaders to sacrifice the needs of the many, for the desires of a few. They fill the airwaves with talking points, all designed to scare, threaten, coerce, entice, and seduce us into going along for the ride.
And we fall for it every time. Myself included.
How do we generate this true “spirit of bi-partisanship” we hear so much about?
It starts with us. It starts with allowing ourselves to become truly well-informed. And, it starts with our becoming truly discerning.
Why are we so willing to believe the worst of what we hear about those we don’t support? Conversely, why do we feel the need to believe only the best of our chosen candidates? I can assure you that our candidates are not supermen or women. And those they run against are not like evil supervillians from a Batman movie. Different ideas, different styles, different backgrounds…one singular common motivation. To make this nation stronger.
I’m tired of what’s happened to our political culture. We hate one guy and love the other. I want two parties to run the best people they can. I want to be given the chance to identify with one, and respect them both. I want their collective ideas to be married into one winning resolve…to make this nation stronger.
Our representatives are our voice. We’re not theirs. They are supposed to speak for us. We’re not supposed to simply fall in line behind their desires. If we’re informed, they will need to be, as well. If we’re divided, we give them license to be, as well.
The information is out there. Their ideas are printed and documented. Their positions have been demonstrated. It’s time for us to look for ourselves.
It is time for each of us to be discerning. It’s time for us to strip ourselves bare of our preconceived notions, and truly identify the truth within our candidates and parties. Stay true to your principles, and make certain your vision for this country is truly being addressed. But, don’t forget to open your mind. Allow a new idea to slip inside every once in a while, and never, ever compromise your own commitment to common sense.
As politicians often say…these are serious times, which require serious solutions. Don’t let us get away with replacing our ideas with a sense of fear.
In the final weeks of these elections, try to set a new standard for your own level of information. Challenge your own conventions. Find a new or secondary source for your news. Seek out the truth from every candidate, and accept nothing less…and use this as your on-going benchmark for discernment.
When you hear a good idea, forget about where it came from…make sure your representatives know about it, and you’ll be helping to build them into a truly valuable figure, with the power to achieve that spirit of bi-partisanship, and the ability to make this nation stronger.
In these times, it’s often hard to believe in our ability to make a difference. It’s hard to believe our voice will be heard. No matter your principles, whether or not you and I agree on any issue, I’m asking you to never stop trying to be informed, or making your voice heard. Bring your most impassioned arguments, and I’ll bring mine…and I’ll bet we’ll find lots of common ground.
And for this effort, this nation will be stronger.
Evan Rapp is the DFL-endorsed candidate running for State Representative in District 34B. More information can be found on the campaign web site at www.evanrapp.org, or by calling (952) 516-5483.
Evan Rapp
Candidate for Minnesota State Representative
District 34B
E-mail Evan!
The Yes We Can(ned) Food Drive
THE YES WE CAN(NED) FOOD DRIVE!
Rapp for Rep Campaign Announces Drive to Aid Cap Agency Food Shelf
CHANHASSEN, MN – With the opening of The Cap Agency’s new food shelf in Chaska, the Evan Rapp for Rep campaign has announced the YES WE CAN(NED) Food Drive; a district-wide effort toward helping stock the new pantry.
During the coming weeks, grocery bags will be delivered to homes throughout Chaska and Chanhassen. People are asked to participate by placing canned goods in their bag, and leaving it in their driveways for pick-up on October 11th.
“We live in a truly wonderful community”, says Evan Rapp. “Still, we’ve got people in need right here, and right now. The Cap Agency is doing some great work, and we’re going to help them.”
Evan Rapp is running for State Representative in Chaska and Chanhassen’s District 34B, and said the idea of a food drive came about during campaign door knocking efforts.
“Win or lose, I want our campaign to embody the ‘spirit of doing’. We’ve encountered real issues within our own community, and simply don’t want to leave them behind.”
Volunteers wishing to get involved are encouraged to contact the campaign at (952) 516-5483, or info@evanrapp.org.
The CAP Agency is a private non-profit organization providing services to residents of Scott, Carver and Dakota Counties. The CAP Agency served over 31,000 children, families and senior citizens last year in its tri-county service area and has a $15 million operating budget.
Evan Rapp is the DFL-endorsed candidate running for State Representative in District 34B. More information can be found on the campaign web site at www.evanrapp.org, or by calling (952) 516-5483.
Evan Rapp
Candidate for Minnesota State Representative
District 34B
E-mail Evan!
The Right Approach…
At some point or another, every presidential candidate will find time to tell us that America’s best days are ahead of us. I couldn’t agree more. The unflagging spirit of Americans has never allowed us to settle for mediocrity. We always find our way.
Still, life is a journey, and we’re facing some tough decisions. Let’s not pretend we can continue to apply band-aids and quick fixes to complex issues. Our basic foundations are in jeopardy of crumbling, and we need to provide a solid bedrock which encourages future growth.
To borrow a phrase, we need to “focus like a laser beam” on our infrastructure.
Our infrastructure extends beyond our roads and bridges. A solid infrastructure insures that our children are healthy, and attending properly-funded schools over safe roads. It makes certain they have clean water to drink, and can provide pathways for their parents to save for a more affordable college education. A strong infrastructure encourages strong businesses.
As your State Representative, I will focus on that which serves to rebuild our core. By employing a reasoned, disciplined approach, I will only encourage spending which strengthens us, and eliminate the kind of spending which demoralizes us.
After all these years of talk, we’re still hamstrung by legislation which spends too much on the desires of individuals, and too little on the needs of the many.
And, let’s be clear. Those who rail against taxes have not stopped spending. They bark a good game, while continuing to toss money at a legendary laundry list of their own self-interests.
Who among us thinks there’s anything wrong with the notion of “less government and lower taxes”? It’s a great idea! It’s simply been allowed to go undefined, and it’s time for us to stop those who want us reduced to being a big patch of real estate, and a few traffic laws. As I’ve said before, we can do great things by simply attending to our most basic needs.
So…that’s what I’m going to do. I am going to vote for the basic needs of Chanhassen and Chaska. If we can advance the quality of our transportation systems, I’m in favor of it. If we’re tossing bad money into outdated methods, I’m not. If we can advance the quality of our schools and their curriculum, I’m in favor of it. If we’re funding undersupervised budgets and failing concepts, I’m not. If it encourages the quality of our health, I’m in favor of it. If it enhances our basic foundations and encourages businesses to grow, I’m in favor of it.
Nothing happens overnight, but we need to start a drumbeat which leads to steady restoration of our systems, and a belief in ourselves. Not “big government” or “small government”…the RIGHT government, at whatever size we determine it needs to be.
Let’s start that drumbeat.
Evan Rapp
Candidate for Minnesota State Representative
District 34B
E-mail Evan!
Rapp for Rep and Common Sense…
Evan Rapp is running a remarkably refreshing campaign in his effort to become the next state representative from Chanhassen and Chaska, MN. In a year that’s all about change, Evan Rapp is turning heads.
Chanhassen, MN (PRWEB) August 13, 2008 — During a historic political season which seems to be all about “change”, State Representative candidate Evan Rapp has already become wildly popular among the citizens of Chaska and Chanhassen in District 34B.
“Politicians are always preaching common sense, but we shouldn’t have to squint to find it,” said Rapp. “Most of us are simply looking for our leaders to do the right thing. Common sense is a pretty simple standard, and that’s why I’m here.”
The response to the Rapp message has shown it to have mass appeal across traditional political lines.
“I have been a truly loyal and devoted Minnesota Republican my entire life,” said Bill Voss. “Evan is different. He’s really looking out for good policies and ideas, and doesn’t care where they come from. You can’t ask for more than what I see in him. Good judgment and an open mind.”
Evan Rapp is a well-liked member of the Chanhassen community, and has even become a dependable sounding board for those who didn’t expect to agree with him.
“The National Night Out is terrific, because you really do get a chance to get to know your neighbors, one of whom strongly identified himself as a member of the opposition,” laughs Evan. “He introduced me (as a politician) to his wife, and she sort of shrunk away, but he said ‘I think this guy may be one of the good ones.’ That may be the nicest compliment I’ve received, and I hope it’s emblematic of our campaign.”
With over 20 years experience in sales, management, and as a business owner, Evan Rapp believes in the importance of a competitive business climate for Minnesota.
“Both parties need to loyally invest in strong business policies. We need an infrastructure which maintains our ability to do business and stay competitive, while remaining committed to improving the lives of all Minnesotans. We can absolutely do this.”
Rapp lives happily in Chanhassen with wife Shelly, a registered nurse. His 11 year-old son, Adam, along with 16 year-old stepson Cal, and 12 year-old Scott, make for a lively and cheerful home.
Shelly and Evan are a great story. They developed a close friendship as 15 year-old students at Wayzata Senior High, but lost contact after Evan moved away. Twenty years later, an e-mail from Shelly put them back in touch, and they were married a few years later.
“We were friends, but I had an impossible crush on her. We were in the choir, and I spent the majority of my time trying to get her attention,” explains Evan. “By the time we got back in contact, she had become the most amazing woman I’d ever met. I was absolutely fifteen again. The best part is the life we’ve created together. It is truly wonderful.”
With less than 100 days left in this election season, Evan Rapp is committed to bringing his common sense message to the people of Chaska and Chanhassen.
“I’m committed to good ideas. Period,” says Rapp. “We’ve got work to do.”
Evan Rapp is running for State Representative in District 34B. More information can be found on the campaign web site at www.evanrapp.org, or calling (952) 516-5483.
Evan Rapp
Candidate for Minnesota State Representative
District 34B
E-mail Evan!
A Remarkable Infrastructure…
When times get tough, it can be easy to lose sight of America’s great successes. Aside from being the sterling epicenter of democracy, we have written the playbook for building a nation. As evidence of this, I point to our magnificent infrastructure. Infrastructure is one of those ambiguous terms we use to describe our basic foundations, and we’ve built a remarkable network of intertwined mechanisms which keep this country running, thriving, and the envy of the world.
We’ve constructed highways and bi-ways which transport us from coast-to-coast, innovative schools to guide us from the ground up, a banking system which safeguards and advances our goals and dreams, and a host of systems to provide the peace and security of our daily lives.
We simply cannot take it for granted.
The Envy of the World…
Our primary infrastructure needs to remain the focus of our most consistent investment. We must commit to securing these most critical elements of our daily life. Safe roads, strong schools, clean water, and durable financial institutions.
Leadership, Management, Vision, Judgment, Imagination…
As Minnesotans, we know the dangers of failure within our systems. We now know that failures in vision, leadership, management, judgment, imagination, and prevention can result in financial distress and real tragedy.
We need to maintain our infrastructure. We need to secure our most basic needs before we can truly achieve growth. We need to attack the glaring cracks within the system, and prepare ourselves for a new level of achievement. We need America’s infrastructure to continue as a profound example of our most shining strengths.
Our Most Shining Strength…
Let’s do it. Let’s fix these roads, secure our bridges, safely educate our kids, keep our water clean and our people healthy, and protect our financial core. Let’s attack our basic needs as though they are the critical lifeline to our safety, success, and happiness.
Because they truly are.
_____________________________________________________________________
Evan Rapp
Candidate for Minnesota State Representative
District 34B
E-mail Evan!
I Married a Nurse…
When I watch Shelly work, I’m instantaneously reminded of the existing quality and potential of Minnesota’s healthcare resources. She is remarkably skilled, dedicated, and profoundly committed to the quality of her performance, the care she provides her patients, and consistently improving her abilities.
I am overwhelmingly proud of her, and well-aware that she is not alone.
The material quality of our hospitals and research facilities is wonderful, but the actual skills of our doctors and nurses will always be the bedrock of care for our communities. The quality of dependable healthcare relies on their ability to utilize available resources and make good decisions.
In addition to the questions surrounding access and insurance, the very infrastructure of our healthcare system is also in crisis.
For the first time in generations, we are facing serious shortages in doctors and nurses. The costs of schooling, operating, and insurance are keeping highly qualified individuals from becoming doctors. The pressures of working in understaffed hospitals is burning out experienced nurses, and driving them into other professions. At the same time, nursing schools are turning away students because they can’t find enough suitably skilled instructors. This is often due to the extreme demands and low salaries of the position.
We’ve got to take care of those who take care of us.
When people discuss potential solutions to a healthcare crisis, we need to make sure the infrastructure is addressed. It’s not just about taking care of those who take care of us…it’s about protecting what we’ve got.
A great doctor can do remarkable things for a community, and their ability to provide good care is good business. A quality diagnosis and strong plan saves money. Period. Perhaps it’s time we found ways to make the financial obstacles to becoming a doctor less prohibitive, and remove the impediments they face in trying to succeed in a complicated and critical environment.
Nurses are a vital part of the equation. Dedicated, well-trained nurses are disappearing, which will continue to eat away at the quality of our available healthcare. We need to help find ways to get new nurses trained, while inspiring those best-qualified to remain engaged. Implementing and enforcing staffing standards will go a long way.
Good care is good business.
I want to help in the effort to provide our community, state, and nation with healthcare. Quality healthcare. By taking care of those who take care of us, we’ll be taking a huge step toward insuring that all people have access to a truly wonderful healthcare system, which has truly maximized its potential.
Evan Rapp
Candidate for Minnesota State Representative
District 34B
E-mail Evan!
Steve Sarvi for Minnesota…
Steve Sarvi for All of Us.
The following is a copy of the letter I’ve written to several local newspapers. Voting for Steve Sarvi gives us the chance to send real courage and intelligence to Washington. He is exactly the kind of leader we need for Minnesota, and America.
American history is defined by the remarkable challenges we have faced, and our ability to rise up and deliver ourselves from that which has threatened our way of life. In virtually every case, we have vanquished the nation, individual, or issue by depending on the strength and wisdom of our leaders. When they lead, when they show us direction, when they stand with the intestinal fortitude upon which this nation was built…we succeed.
At this moment in history; with gas and food prices spiraling out of control, as we fight an indefensible war, and fail to provide proper on-going care for those who fight it, as we continue to pour billions of dollars into misguided budgets and plans which bankrupt our people and fail to educate our children, it is time to find one of those leaders who defines the Spirit of America.
My country is crying out for change, and I want it, too. I want Steve Sarvi to be my next Congressman.
Throughout his tenure, John Kline has simply rubber-stamped the policies of George W. Bush, while continuously sidestepping opportunities to make positive changes for ordinary Americans. As John Kline poured billions of dollars into an Iraqi sinkhole, he voted against funding the infrastructure of his own country, even as it began to crumble in his own backyard.
As George Bush and Dick Cheney sought to siphon away our personal rights and liberties, they were assisted by the unadulterated support of John Kline, a key member of their hip-pocket constituency.
I want change, and I want it for the right reason. This is why I want Steve Sarvi.
I want a man who has served in Iraq, can shoot straight about our successes and failures, and provide leadership and guidance as a conscientious decision-maker. Steve Sarvi is a rare combination of experienced legislator and Iraqi War Veteran.
I want a man who truly values the commitment and contributions from our veterans. John Kline was guilted into voting for the recent GI Bill. Steve Sarvi supported it from conception.
I want a man who will go to Washington with the issues of the day squarely in his crosshairs. Steve Sarvi is prepared to take office with immediate goals to reduce gas and food prices, and truly address the challenges being confronted by his neighbors.
My nation is crying out for change, and I want change for the right reason. I want change that addresses the needs of today, while realigning us with the victories and values of our past.
I want Steve Sarvi for Congress.
Evan Rapp
Candidate for Minnesota State Representative
District 34B
E-mail Evan!
Evan Rapp and Real Change…
It’s been a long time since a Democrat won in District 34B, but things are about to change.
Change.
Change is the operative word in this year’s political season, and I agree…we need change. Still, what does it mean?
For me, change is about both Democrats and Republicans. In a new era, both parties will see the merits in ideas from both sides, and work to maintain their collective commitment to common sense. The success of state government will be measured by the quality of life we provide for all Minnesotans, and not by political victories and stonewalling.
No political party has cornered the market on common sense, nor does either side embody all the values of any single person.
We’ve all heard countless politicians call for the “end to partisanship”, while doing nothing to advance the cause. I may not be able to end political partisanship on my own, but I can do my part. As your representative, I will work hard to advance the causes of good ideas…no matter where they originate. If I can make your life better by scoring a political victory for the other side, we will be well on our way to creating a truly great Minnesota government.
Change. Part One.
Two political parties with strong values, and the courage to find common ground.
Help me make life better for Chaska, for Chanhassen, and for all of Minnesota. Donate to our campaign today!
Evan Rapp
Candidate for Minnesota State Representative
District 34B
E-mail Evan!
RAPP FOR REP!
Dear Neighbors in the Fighting 34th:
I bid you greetings from the shadows of Mount Rushmore.
This past Monday, I filed to run for State Representative in District 34B. I am going to fight hard. I am going to listen. I am going to win. And, I am going to serve the people of my district and state with the common sense, compassion, and guidance we all deserve.
While I am admittedly something of an unknown in our area, it is my love for this community which has inspired my run.
My family and I lived in Plymouth during junior high and high school, and moved to Connecticut when I was 16. I returned early in 2007 to marry the girl at whom I made goo-goo eyes during choir practice. She is now a wonderful mother and the world’s single greatest nurse. We have created a terrific blended family, which includes my remarkable 11 year-old son, Adam, as well as Shelly’s great boys. Cal is 16 and Scott is almost 12.
I have spent most of my professional career in sales and business management, working closely with small businesses and large corporations. About seven years ago, I decided to pursue life as an actor, which has gone nicely. I am also a full-time caregiver to my stepson, Scott, who is severely disabled and developmentally delayed.
So…I am running. I am running so that we have someone who will cast the right vote for better roads. I am running to help us institute a proper statewide path to a more environmentally correct world. I am running because no political party has yet to corner the market on common sense, and we need someone who is willing to see the benefits to an idea…no matter which party has created it. I am running to make our community an even more wonderful place to live, work, and raise our families.
In the coming months, you’ll hear far more regarding my plans and objectives. I simply wanted to take a moment to let you know a bit about me…
And that I will NEVER stop fighting for you.
Evan Rapp
Candidate for Minnesota State Representative
District 34B
E-mail Evan!
