"I'll bet there are more Minnesotans who call themselves conservative, libertarian or free market today than in 1980, when Ronald Reagan was elected president" -- Annette Meeks

The Freedom Foundation is a research facility for free market thought. It has been called the "Cato Institute" for Minnesota. And now Tom Emmer, one of the frontrunners for the Republican nomination for Governor of Minnesota, has chosen the Foundation's President as his running mate for Lt. Governor.

From Tom Emmer for Governor:

Meeks is currently President of the Freedom Foundation of Minnesota, a non-profit educational organization that actively advocates the principles of individual freedom, personal responsibility, economic freedom, and limited government. Prior to founding the Freedom Foundation, Meeks spent nine years at the Center of the American Experiment as Director of Government Affairs and Public Programs and President/CEO.

"Annette Meeks is a dynamic leader with unparalleled knowledge of state government who is ready to lead our state on day one, my top qualification for the job," said Emmer. "She will put her knowledge and experience to work immediately as we redefine state government and return prosperity to Minnesota by creating private sector jobs."

She's tough on spending. Meeks in an interview in 2007:

"Most Minnesotans are happy with our quality of life, but the debate at the Legislature is always about spending more money. If you listen to some legislators, you'd think we're spending down to the level of Mississippi, with services to match."

Note - Meeks is a movement libertarian. She has attended conferences in Chicago for the Sam Adams Alliance.