Colleagues Remember House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman Ahead of Funeral

(KNSI) — The public has a chance today to pay respects to House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, who were fatally shot inside their home on June 14th. She is also being remembered by those with whom she worked.

Dave Kamper with the Minnesota-based Economic Policy Institute. He interacted with Hortman over the years and marveled at her ability to engage on a human level in the legislative world. “How you make sure everyone’s feeling heard and everyone’s priorities are met, that’s a difficult thing to do. It requires time, it requires attention, it requires a genuine commitment to the well-being of the other folks. It can’t just be a transactional relationship.”

Kamper noted a positive aspect is they can use this tragedy as an inspiration. He pointed out that Hortman was not afraid to “dream big” when chasing down goals, while still figuring out the most practical way to get things done. He added that it is not just a tip for people serving in the state legislature or Congress.

“I hope that’s the legacy. The legacy of ambition to do all the right things, not just some of them,” Kamper emphasized.

Kamper also has strong praise for Sen. John Hoffman, DFL-Champlin, as he and his wife recover from wounds in a shooting at their home the same morning. He called Hoffman an outstanding human being. Authorities said they believe the suspect in the shootings, Vance Boelter, carried out the attacks as a form of political violence.

The Hortmans and their dog, Gilbert, who also died, will lie in state in the Capitol rotunda from noon to 5:00 p.m. today. The viewing will be livestreamed here. A private funeral is set for tomorrow. That can be viewed by clicking here.

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