Jenifer and her husband Doug have two daughters, Erica and Rachel, and are active members of Prairie Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie.

While in high school, Jenifer became keenly interested in how our government works. She served as a page in the South Dakota State legislature where her uncle was a member of the House of Representatives. This experience ignited a passion for public service in her, a passion that has propelled her over the years to be an active volunteer in our community -- in our public schools, and for fellow Republicans seeking to represent us at the local, state and federal levels of government.

EDUCATION

Jenifer graduated from Augustana College (Sioux Fall, South Dakota) in 1985 with a BA in Government and International Affairs. While she was at Augustana, she got involved with the College Republicans and has been a volunteer for the party ever since.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Jenifer regularly volunteers in Eden Prairie school and community organizations. She is a past PTO President and Sunday School teacher.

Her political involvement includes hundreds of hours working “Get-Out-the-Vote” phone banks, distributing literature, placing lawn signs, writing Letters to the Editor, and organizing and supporting fundraising events for local, state and federal candidates representing Eden Prairie since 2000.

“I’ve done the heavy lifting as a political and community volunteer. I’m ready to put that same energy into representing . . . You.”

What you should know....

Community Leadership:

• President of the Parent Teacher Organization, Eden Lake Elementary School

• Chair of Curriculum Advisory Committee, Eden Prairie School District

• Prairie Lutheran Church, Council Member

Jenifer and Doug Loon visit with U.S. Senators Norm Coleman and Elizabeth Dole and Governor Tim Pawlenty.

Jenifer Loon brings 16 years of business and legislative policy experience to her bid for public office. The former Chief of Staff for the Committee on Small Business in the U.S. House of Representatives, Jenifer orchestrated the Committee's work to adopt an agenda dedicated to reducing onerous tax, regulatory and paperwork burdens on small businesses.

Her priorities include limiting the growth of state government and the tax burden on working families, quality education for all children, and enacting policies which encourage a vibrant business climate in Minnesota and the creation of good paying jobs.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• ACA International, Director of Government Affairs, 2003-2007
Lead federal lobbyist and legislative strategist for national trade association representing the credit and collection industry. Represented ACA before Members of Congress, staff, and federal regulatory agencies. Featured speaker on legislation and grassroots initiatives at industry conferences. Recruited, hired and supervised professional staff. Prepared and administered department annual budget.

• U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Small Business, U.S. House of Representatives, 1995-1997
Staff director for the Committee serving 43 Members of Congress. Worked directly with the Chair, Congresswoman Jan Meyers (KS), and House leadership officers and staff.

• U.S. House of Representatives, Minority Staff Director, 1994
Lead Republican staff position for the Committee serving 18 Members of Congress. Worked directly with the Ranking Member of the Committee, Congresswoman Jan Meyers (KS).

• U.S. House of Representatives, Minority Policy Director, 1993
Developed legislative initiatives and coordinated all Committee legislative activity for the Ranking Member and Republican Committee Members.

• U.S. House of Representatives, Legislative Director, 1990-1992
Top legislative staff person in Congresswoman's personal office.

• U.S. House of Representatives, Minority Professional Staff, 1991-1992
Simultaneously served as Professional Staff Member for the Small Business Subcommittee on Regulation, Business Opportunities, and Energy.

• Associated Builders and Contractors, Director of Federal Legislation, 1989-1990
Senior legislative representative in Government Relations Department of national trade association representing merit shop construction companies.

• Associated Builders and Contractors, Washington Representative, 1988-1989
Junior legislative representative in Government Relations Department focusing on labor/management issues.

• U.S. Senator Larry Pressler (SD), Legislative Assistant, 1986-1988
Monitored, analyzed and drafted legislation in areas including Labor & Human Resources, Judiciary, and Governmental Affairs.