Tim Penny

U.S. Representative (1983–1995), born in Albert Lea

What is Tim Penny known for?

Tim Penny, born as Timothy Joe Penny on November 19, 1951, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, is a proud alumnus of Albert Lea High School. Throughout his career, Penny became an American author, musician, and notably, a politician. He studied political science and earned his bachelor's degree at Winona State University in 1974. Besides his academic endeavors, he served in the United States Naval Reserve and was commissioned a lieutenant commander.

His political career started in the Minnesota Senate as a representative of the 30th district from January 4, 1977, to January 3, 1983. After this tenure, he moved on to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Minnesota's 1st congressional district. He was in office from January 3, 1983, to January 3, 1995.

Unlike the majority of Democrats, Penny held somewhat conservative views, opposing gun control and initially opposing abortion. He was known for his work on fiscal policy. He was also the first non-Republican to win reelection in his district since Minnesota's statehood. Despite his strong hold over his district, he chose not to run for a seventh term in 1994. Instead, he served an informal advisory role to Governor Jesse Ventura later in the '90s.

In 2002, he joined the Independence Party of Minnesota and ran as the "sensible center" candidate in the Minnesota gubernatorial election that year. Despite a strong start, he ultimately finished with 16% of the vote. After finishing his tenure in Congress, Penny endorsed Republican John McCain in the 2008 presidential elections and Independence Party candidate former senator Dean Barkley for US Senate.

Throughout his career, Penny has remained a notable figure in American politics, with his endearing ties to his birthplace, Albert Lea, Minnesota, and his alma mater, Albert Lea High School.