Eckstein seeks DFL endorsement for House 21B

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Joe Eckstein, a rural New Ulm native, who returned to his roots to live four years ago, announced Thursday he will seek the Democrat-Farmer-Labor Party endorsement as a candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives District 21B seat.

The DFL District 21A and 21B endorsing convention will be held in conjunction with the party's Senate District 21 convention in Wabasso Saturday.

Receiving the party's endorsement as a candidate would pit Eckstein, 39, against Rep. Brad Finstad, R-New Ulm, who is winding up his first term in the House.

If elected, Eckstein would be following in the footsteps of his uncle, Tony Eckstein of New Ulm, who served in the state House of Representatives in the '70s.

"My path toward politics probably began as a young child when my uncle Tony Eckstein ... arranged for a photo of Hubert Humphrey with me on the Brown County courthouse steps," Eckstein said.

A graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato with a B.S. degree in agricultural economics and finance, with a minor in accounting, Eckstein currently is employed at Agstar Financial Services, a financial services provider to rural America.

Eckstein said he sees "many opportunities to help rural Minnesota succeed, and a real need to build consensus to maintain and strengthen key areas such as education, health care and infrastructure."

His awareness of politics came early while growing up on a family farm near New Ulm.

"I experienced politics as a frequent topic of conversation at the kitchen table. Today, I still share those conversations with my parents and in-laws. Being a new small farmer myself, I've found those conversations take on a whole new meaning."

Eckstein and his wife Mary B. (Windschitl) have four daughters. He is actively involved in coaching, athletic associations, school events, fund-raising, church groups and volunteering.

"Faith is also important to me. I'm proud to be an active member of St. Mary's Church in New Ulm and currently serve as Deputy Grand Knight for the local Knights of Columbus."

His work with Agstar also has provided skills that transferrable to being a representative, Eckstein said.

"Much of my day-to-day work involves analyzing the current technology environment and building consensus around the most workable solution available."