State Rep. Maria Ruud, D-42A, won her third election on Tuesday. On her first, she scored a huge upset by knocking off the Republican incumbent by a mere 239 votes. In 2006, Maria defended her seat, and her victory margin jumped to 1,732 – 10 points. This year, she won by 3,650 – 16 points. Not only did she win big, Maria swept every precinct. Yes, that’s correct – Maria tossed a shutout by winning 17 of 17 precints.

So, how does she do it, in a district once thought of as rock-solid-red? Let’s look!

Click on the thumbnail, and note all those Republican lawn signs: Paulsen, Coleman, McCain/Palin, and Aho. And also note the one non-Republican lawn sign, in between the Coleman and McCain signs, circled in red…

…that’s Maria Ruud’s sign!

Maria is easily one of the most accessible elected officials I’ve ever met. She works hard at being involved in the community. She listens to all sides of issues. Maria is more than willing to work with Republicans when required. And in a district located in southern Minnetonka and northern Eden Prairie, home to many Republicans, she often does – as all those signs on that lawn attest to. “Finding Common Ground” is more than a campaign motto for Maria – it’s how she works to solve problems. Maria Ruud has proven progressive politics and policy – practiced with respect, grace, and dignity – is a winning combination.

(originally published at MnProgressiveProject.com)