VIDEO: Minneapolis Mayoral Debate on March 27, 2013

Who will be the next mayor of Minneapolis? Some of the people who want the job participated in a debate at the University of Minnesota Wednesday, including Ward 13 City Council Member Betsy Hodges, who represents Southwest Minneapolis.

Sharing the stage with Hodges at the U of M's Humphrey Institute were former City Council President Jackie Cherryhomes, current City Council Members Don Samuels and Gary Schiff, and former Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Andrew.

See the full debate on video above courtesy of The UpTake, or watch it at the UpTake's website.

Not included was candidate Cam Winton, also from Southwest Minneapolis, who issued a statement to protest that the university had invited only DFL Party candidates. Here is Winton's full statement:

The University of Minnesota's Humphrey School will hold a mayoral candidate debate today but will exclude candidate Cam Winton for the sole reason that he is not a member of the DFL Party. Despite community complaints and its status as a non-partisan, taxpayer-funded enterprise, the School is committed to hosting a debate featuring only DFL candidates.

“With the first open-seat mayor's race in 20 years, Minneapolis residents have a real opportunity to put away partisan politics and put our city first. So, it’s unfortunate that the Humphrey School chose to present only one side of the mayor's race today,” said Winton, who is not seeking the endorsement of any party.

“This election isn't about party politics. It’s about delivering essential services effectively, making it easier for businesses to hire our citizens, and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive—in part by ensuring that our schools put children first. I am the only fresh set of eyes in this race, and I look forward to sharing my ideas with the community at the League of Women Voters' all-candidate debate on April 3.”

Related:

• Star Tribune article about the debate (with video)
• Minnesota Public Radio report on the debate (with audio)
• Twin City Daily Planet mayoral candidate profiles