Skip Finn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Skip Finn
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| Member of the Minnesota Senate from the 4th district |
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| In office January 8, 1991 – July 1, 1996 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Harold Raymond Finn
October 27, 1948 Cass Lake, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Died | May 17, 2018 (aged 69) Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Political party | Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party |
| Spouse |
Teri Backer
(m. 1980–2018) |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of Minnesota Law School |
| Occupation | Attorney |
Harold Raymond "Skip" Finn (born October 27, 1948 – died May 17, 2018) was an American politician. He represented Minnesota's 4th district in the state's Senate. He was a member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party.
Early Life and Education
Skip Finn was born in Cass Lake, Minnesota. His father was Norwegian, and his mother was Native American. He was a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, a Native American tribe.
He went to Moorhead State College for three years. There, he studied sociology and American Indian studies. He then moved to the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts. In 1971, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He was the first student from his program to get a degree in American Indian studies. Later, he went to the University of Minnesota Law School and became a lawyer in 1979.
A Career in Law and Politics
After finishing law school, Finn worked as a lawyer for the Ojibwe people. He also owned a small business.
In 1990, he decided to run for a seat in the Minnesota Senate. He won the election and became a Minnesota senator in 1991. This was a big moment because he was the first Native American to serve as a senator in Minnesota.
During his time in the Senate, he held an important role called the majority whip. He served as whip for the 78th and 79th Minnesota Legislatures. He represented Minnesota's 4th state Senate district.
Leaving Office
Skip Finn served in the Minnesota Senate until July 1996. At that time, he resigned from his position due to legal issues.
Family Life
Skip Finn married Teri Becker in 1980. They had two children together. His daughter, Jamie Becker-Finn, has also become a politician. She currently serves in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Skip Finn passed away on May 17, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was 69 years old.
