Donna Bergstrom
Republican | Minnesota
Candidate Profile*
Conservative (Conditional)
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Donna Bergstrom
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
General
Race
State Senator, Dist. 7
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, BA, 1985
Loyola University Chicago-School of Law (Civitas C, Chicago, MJ, 2014
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Cloquet, AA, 2018
WORK & MILITARY
USMC, LtCol, 20
AFFILIATIONS
Lutheran Social Services, Board Member (past), First Lutheran Church
Member, Military Officer Association of America, Duluth, Board Member
MN Federation of Republican Women, Member and Native American Liaison to the Board, Duluth Republican Women
Member and Military/Veteran Liaison to the board, Duluth American Indian Commission, Member/Secretary (past)
St Michaels School, volunteer
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
MN LtGov, 2018
MN State Senate 7, 2016
ENDORSEMENTS*
CONSERVATIVE (3)
Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life PAC
*Minnesota Gun Owners PAC
National Rifle Association (NRA) PVF
OTHER (3)
*Minnesotans for Affordable Health Insurance
Republican Party of Minnesota
Women LEAD MN PAC
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (4)
MPPOA
MCCL
MNFAHI
MNGOP
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2018)
State Republican Party Organizations (2018)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
I support the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which requires health care providers to provide life-saving treatment for infants who survive an attempted abortion.
Strongly Agree
I support the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which requires health care providers to provide life-saving treatment for infants who survive an attempted abortion.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
As with any medical advancement, the purpose should be an improvement of one's health. In the Ojibwe culture, we do not even have a word for abortion, because the concept is perplexing--life is sacred, a gift from God, it is to be celebrated not destroyed. I believe in the sanctity of life, abortion is the anti-thesis of that concept. The life of the mother, should that be a medical necessity.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
As with any medical advancement, the purpose should be an improvement of one's health. In the Ojibwe culture, we do not even have a word for abortion, because the concept is perplexing--life is sacred, a gift from God, it is to be celebrated not destroyed. I believe in the sanctity of life, abortion is the anti-thesis of that concept. The life of the mother, should that be a medical necessity.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
No Answer
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
No Answer
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
I promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles.
Yes
I promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles.
Yes
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
Living in a society, we must "render to Ceasar that which is Ceasars." But we the government should not interfere with a citizens right to exercise their religious choice. The separation gives a legal reinforcement to the concept that citizens can live freely in their faith beliefs, and government cannot interfere. Being able to exercise that religious freedom comes from the concept that you can have a faith and be able to live out that faith's beliefs and teachings.
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
Living in a society, we must "render to Ceasar that which is Ceasars." But we the government should not interfere with a citizens right to exercise their religious choice. The separation gives a legal reinforcement to the concept that citizens can live freely in their faith beliefs, and government cannot interfere. Being able to exercise that religious freedom comes from the concept that you can have a faith and be able to live out that faith's beliefs and teachings.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Keep all options on the table for healthcare coverage. Competition is good. Let consumers decide what is the coverage option that works best for them. Keep private, public, tribal, VA, union, cooperatives, association coverage; and add other options that work for citizens. Cross-state insurance plans should be available.
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Keep all options on the table for healthcare coverage. Competition is good. Let consumers decide what is the coverage option that works best for them. Keep private, public, tribal, VA, union, cooperatives, association coverage; and add other options that work for citizens. Cross-state insurance plans should be available.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Spending that is duplicative; or is used in a program that is not clearly providing intended benefits or results. Spending that is beyond the means of the government budget.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Spending that is duplicative; or is used in a program that is not clearly providing intended benefits or results. Spending that is beyond the means of the government budget.
IMMIGRATION
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
State and federal funds should be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Agree
State and federal funds should be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Current immigration laws allow for certain levels of workers into the US that are necessary due to skilled worker shortages. Legally adopted children. Any person who legally follows the process to immigrate to the U.S.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Current immigration laws allow for certain levels of workers into the US that are necessary due to skilled worker shortages. Legally adopted children. Any person who legally follows the process to immigrate to the U.S.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
No Answer
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
No Answer
2ND AMENDMENT
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Safe handling, gun safety classes. Public safety background checks. In addition to what already exists, increase emphasis on firearms training.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Safe handling, gun safety classes. Public safety background checks. In addition to what already exists, increase emphasis on firearms training.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
Supporting a civil society by supporting our law and peace officers; standing up to ensure that our law enforcement personnel have adequate training and funding. Education K-3 reform: cap the total number of students per classroom in grades K-3 to 18. Veterans: Restorative Justice Act, creating a uniform system for veterans with low-level crimes.
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
Supporting a civil society by supporting our law and peace officers; standing up to ensure that our law enforcement personnel have adequate training and funding. Education K-3 reform: cap the total number of students per classroom in grades K-3 to 18. Veterans: Restorative Justice Act, creating a uniform system for veterans with low-level crimes.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
The US Constitution brilliantly provides the method by which all American citizens can live a life of liberty while pursuing their American dream. Racism is a threat to domestic security when used to promote socialism, communism and other means of destroying America.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
The US Constitution brilliantly provides the method by which all American citizens can live a life of liberty while pursuing their American dream. Racism is a threat to domestic security when used to promote socialism, communism and other means of destroying America.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
My son is legally adopted from Guatemala. We followed the legal process to have him immigrate to the U.S. as our son. We are a nation of laws: if we pass laws, we should enforce them. As a military Veteran, I spent over 20 years ensuring that our way of life was protected and that with issues of foreign policy I believe that we need to project strength to protect our country. We need to maintain a strong military.
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
My son is legally adopted from Guatemala. We followed the legal process to have him immigrate to the U.S. as our son. We are a nation of laws: if we pass laws, we should enforce them. As a military Veteran, I spent over 20 years ensuring that our way of life was protected and that with issues of foreign policy I believe that we need to project strength to protect our country. We need to maintain a strong military.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I have a broad and diverse background. Having served over 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, I know how to lead. I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 1985 with a degree in Political Science. I have obtained my Master of Jurisprudence degree from Loyola University Chicago-School of Law (Civitas Center) in Children’s Law and Policy. In addition I have a degree in American and Anishinaabe Education from the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I have a broad and diverse background. Having served over 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, I know how to lead. I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 1985 with a degree in Political Science. I have obtained my Master of Jurisprudence degree from Loyola University Chicago-School of Law (Civitas Center) in Children’s Law and Policy. In addition I have a degree in American and Anishinaabe Education from the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. I would be the first American Indian woman to serve in the MN State Senate. In addition I am a retired LtCol in the United States Marine Corps, having served twenty years as an Intelligence Officer.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. I would be the first American Indian woman to serve in the MN State Senate. In addition I am a retired LtCol in the United States Marine Corps, having served twenty years as an Intelligence Officer.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
No Answer
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
No Answer
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
As previously stated, in the Ojibwe culture, we believe that life is sacred; a gift from the creator. I was raised in the Christian faith that teaches taking a life is a sin. With those two pillars forming my views, I was raised to believe that life is to be cherished. I believe that we should love our neighbor as ourselves. As in the Ojibwe culture, I try to live by our seven grandfather teachings: humility, love, bravery, honesty, wisdom, truth and respect. As a Christian, I believe that our lives are an expression of our thanksgiving to God who created us.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
As previously stated, in the Ojibwe culture, we believe that life is sacred; a gift from the creator. I was raised in the Christian faith that teaches taking a life is a sin. With those two pillars forming my views, I was raised to believe that life is to be cherished. I believe that we should love our neighbor as ourselves. As in the Ojibwe culture, I try to live by our seven grandfather teachings: humility, love, bravery, honesty, wisdom, truth and respect. As a Christian, I believe that our lives are an expression of our thanksgiving to God who created us.
