Perpich: A Minnesota Original

by Benjamin M. Schierer

The story of Minnesota’s longest-serving governor and his role in propelling the state to the global stage, woven together from interviews with many of its most influential civic leaders.

Rudy Perpich was one of a kind. As Minnesota’s longest-serving governor, he built bridges where others saw impassible between rural and urban life, labor and business interests, local politics and international trade. 


Rudy A Minnesota Original explores the life and legacy of one of the state’s most consequential political figures. Crafted from oral histories of influential leaders—including Paul Wellstone, Marlene Johnson, James Oberstar, Joan Growe, Mark Dayton, Sandra Gardebring Ogren, Roger Moe, and Arne Carlson, it reveals how Perpich’s political fortunes mirrored those of the state. It follows Perpich from his youth on the Iron Range, to his political forays on the school board and in the statehouse, and his decade-spanning stints in the governor’s mansion (a residence he once tried to sell). 

A tale of globetrotting economic tours, major construction projects, and support for education and the arts, it is also the story of bocce-ball, failed chopstick factories, and even USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev. Schierer and Sturdevant examine the qualities and quirks that allowed Perpich to develop policies that crossed geographic and partisan boundaries. Rudy Perpich is a portrait of a unique civic leader, who left an indelible mark on the state. 

292 pages, Paperback

Published April 22, 2025

Reviews

[Carter Aakhus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entry in my current weird fascination with the sub genre of books about Minnesota governors. It’s another satisfyingly detailed biography that tells you everything you want to know about Rudy Perpich. He’s partially responsible for bringing the Mall of America to Bloomington, for upping the high quality of public education, and for making Minnesota a much bigger player on the world stage for international business.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of fun to read about some fairly recent Minnesota history --- lots of "Oh yeah, I vaguely remember that happening."

[Mindy Greiling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful book that revisits Minnesota history through the well-researched lens of Rudy Perpich's fascinating story.

[John Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben Schierer, the author of this book, gave a talk about this book and Rudy Perpich to the five of us who attended his talk at our local library. It was a wonderful discussion and it was nice to get to know Ben. Having been involved in minor ways in Minnesota Democratic (DFL, in Minnesota language) since my first political caucus in the late 1970s, I enjoyed becoming reacquainted with Rudy Perpich who was our governor for much of the late 1970s and 1980s. I found it to be a very well-written and interesting book that brings out his life, policies, impact on the state of Minnesota and his shortcomings well. An worthwhile read.

[Dan Wolter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The history of Minnesota’s longest-serving governor is a fascinating read. A quirky fellow with a genuine passion for getting things done. This is a very flattering profile that leaves the reader wondering a little about his 1990 defeat and some of the undoing in that campaign. But definitely a must-read for anyone interested in Minnesota history and politics.