Incumbent State Senator Grace Schwab (R-Albert Lea) and DFL challenger Dan Sparks can relax.

Next Tuesday's state primary election doesn't concern them. Both have the endorsements of their respective parties.

They are assured of places on the Nov. 5 general election ballots for Senate District 27.

However, voters will need to decide between Terry Kelley and Jennifer Ney for the Independence Party ticket.

Kelley and Ney are Independence Party candidates for the state senate seat held by Schwab and sought by DFLer Sparks.

Kelley is the ex-DFler who did not win his party's endorsement and switched political parties to run as an Independence Party candidate.

Ney filed as an Independence Party candidate from the start.

Here are the responses of the candidates to questions posed to them by the Austin Daily Herald. The responses appear in alphabetical order.

Terry Kelley:

Why are you seeking this office?

"I believe the high quality of life we enjoy in the state of Minnesota is in danger of slipping away. Struggling schools and lost jobs add to my concern. Not so very long ago Minnesota was a leader in many areas, such as high tech jobs, education and the environment."

What are your strengths for serving in the Minnesota Legislature?

"I've always been interested in issues and public policy. My background includes extensive volunteer work on local, state and federal campaigns. I've served as paid grass roots organizer for Congressman Richard Gephardt's presidential campaign in Iowa in 1987-88. As a broadcast journalist, I've covered and reported on many candidates, office holders and issues and events in the news."

What is the single most important issue of the campaign?

"The state budget woes. "

What are your thoughts on the state budget crisis?

"After using accounting gimmicks and failing to make the tough decisions, the 2002 legislature let the people of Minnesota down. Next year, lawmakers will need to take a closer and realistic look at where cuts need to be made. It's likely not to be painless. Some services may be cut. Taxes, such as those levied on tobacco and gasoline may also need to be raised, but increasing taxes should be done only as a last resort."

What are your thoughts on education funding?

"As a parent of two children in public schools, I have a personal commitment to education. Great classrooms are the foundation of our state's success. I support equitable funding for students regardless of where they live. Adequately funding our schools will help provide every child in Minnesota with the very best public education possible."

What are your thoughts on public transportation in Minnesota?

"Many of Minnesota's roads and highways are in bad shape. This is another failure of the Minnesota Legislature. Lawmakers may need to increase the gasoline tax in order to provide the funding our roads and highways need."

How can the state's small towns and rural areas be made stronger?

"I believe helping small businesses will empower the rural economy. I've talked with many entrepreneurs in our district who tell me too many government rules and regulations prevent them from hiring more workers for their business. Government should be an ally of small businesses, not a hindrance. Being understanding of the diverse needs of start-up and developing companies could help grow businesses and allow workers to remain in our smaller towns.&uot;

Why did you choose the Independence Party?

"I believe the Independence party is the party of the future. Look at what's happened this year. Many prominent Democrats, including former Democratic Congressman Tim Penny have switched to the Independence party. In talking with voters over the course of the summer, many of them have told me that they are not comfortable with either the Republicans or the Democrats."

"As the Independence party-endorsed candidate for the Minnesota Senate in District 27, I hope to carry the party's banner into the fall campaign."

Jennifer Leann Ney:

Jennifer Leann Ney listed her strengths as "willpower and perseverance."

Why are you seeking this office?

"To help children and seniors enjoy better quality of life."

What is the single most important issue of this campaign?

"Child abuse and the price of prescription drugs for senior citizens."

What are your thoughts on the state budget crisis?

"Slash any stadium idea."

What are your thoughts on education funding?

"Slash school vouchers."

What are your thoughts on public transportation in Minnesota?

"We need more."

How can the state's small towns and rural areas be made stronger?

"Tax the largest communities to help the smaller communities."

Why did you choose the Independence Party?

"Governor Jesse Ventura was in office."

Final comments?

None.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com