Thor Anderson

Born: January 6, 1937

Education:

• B.A., University of Mississippi, 1958
• LLB (now JD) cum laude, University of Minnesota, 1964

• U.S. Navy, 1958-1961
• Member Minnesota House of Representatives 1963-1969
• Trust Department, Marquette National Bank 1963-1964
• Everett, Thiel and Root 1965-1969
• Assistant United States Attorney, 1969-1996, (During this time was Court-Appointed U.S. Attorney twice, First Assistant twice, and Chief of the Criminal Division)
• Judge of District Court 1996-present

• Minnesota Supreme Court 1965
• U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota 1965
• 8th Circuit Court of Appeals 1970

• Appointed by Governor Carlson February,1996; Elected 1998

Civic Activities:Member and President, Minneapolis Business Forum

Personal: Wife: Jennifer; 2 sons; 2 step-children

Other: 3 1/2 years Naval Service

E-mail address: reelectthoranderson@hotmail.com

Candidacy Questions:

1. Why did you originally apply (or run) for a position as a judge?
With my experience as a legislator, federal prosecutor, trial lawyer and participation in civic affairs, I believed I was qualified to be a trial judge.

2. Why should voters select you rather than your opponent(s) in the upcoming election?
Because I am a good trial judge. Often both sides of the case ask that I be assigned.

3. What are the major issues facing the court on which you wish to serve? How can these realistically be addressed?
A major problem is delay in criminal cases due to built in opportunities for judge shopping. The solution is to "block" felony cases; that is to assign them to a Judge for trial and motions at the first appearance.

4. What are some of your accomplishments during your tenure as a judge of which you are most proud?
I have been a good trial judge .There is a "knack" to this , which I believe I have. It is a skill which takes some time to learn and I believe I have mastered it.

WATCH, a court monitoring organization, has commented that my courtroom is conducted with a high degree of professionalism and consideration for case participants and the public. 5. Do you believe it is good policy to discuss disputed legal and political issues during judicial campaigns? If so, what issues do you plan to discuss and why? If not, why shouldn't such issues be discussed?
It would be misleading to the public for me to discuss my political and policy opinions because it would lead the public to believe that those opinions have something to do with how I decide cases. They do not. I preside over a Court of law. I follow the law whether I like it or not or agree with it or not.

6. What else, if anything, would you like voters to know about your candidacy that you have not discussed so far?
I believe I follow the law, treat parties and counsel with respect and preside over a fair hearing and trial. This is what the whole thing is about. I appreciate the opportunity to serve the public over the last 45 years, in the Navy, Legislature, the u.s. Attorney's Office and as a trial judge.