Independence Party candidate Jennifer LeAnn Ney is running for the District 27 State Senate seat to make human rights a more visible issue throughout the state.

Ney’s campaign promises include improving prescription drug benefits for seniors and children, increasing benefits for veterans, and holding child abusers more accountable.

&uot;I think that if you have children in Minnesota, you should give up your right to drink alcohol until they turn 18,&uot; said Ney, who is mentally handicapped because of abuse by her alcoholic mother.

Ney also spoke of increasing liquor taxes by 25 cents to fund her proposals and at the same time discourage teen drinking.

Although she is challenged by her handicap, Ney says she will be giving this her best effort.

&uot;Jennifer is very strong willed,&uot; Luverne Ney, Ney’s father, said. &uot;In fact, once she sets her mind on something people find it difficult to beat her.&uot;

Ney and fellow Independence Party candidate Terry Kelley will be participating in the primary Sept. 10. An Austin resident since October 2001, Ney grew up in Dubuque, Iowa, and lived most recently Denver, Colo.