Andy Brehm
Tate Carlson
SERVING AS PRESS SECRETARY to U.S. Senator Norm Coleman, working on the congressional campaign of Jim Ramstad, being a prominent conservative political voice in the media, starting up the Winston Churchill Society of Minnesota, and being an associate in the corporate practice group at Dorsey & Whitney is a pretty rich resume for a 29-year-old.
“I’ve always liked important things,” Andy Brehm explains during our amicable, relaxed chat at his well-appointed law office. “I care about issues, and when I think something should be said I don’t hesitate. That’s not to say I don’t have a good time hanging out with my friends, but I like to have interesting things going on in my life, significant and meaty things.”
Things like the Winston Churchill Society, whose first event with Governor Pawlenty attracted more than 200 people.
“Our mission is to have a forum and a speaker on a particular conservative topic but do it in a respectful way so we don’t bash the other side. We don’t consider ourselves part of the political process, but we do consider ourselves advocates for ideas that offer a positive, proactive vision. Hopefully it will continue.”
One thing Brehm also plans to do is continue living in Minnesota, even though he had exposure to California through college and Washington D.C. during his tenure with Senator Coleman.
“I was very tempted to stay in California, and I loved the vibe of D.C.,” Brehm explains in his thoughtful way. “For me it was a conscious decision to come back, though, because my family is here and they are extremely important to me. I also love the group of friends I have, including Eric Dayton, and I don’t think I could get that anywhere else. I just really love Minnesota and the character of the people here. It’s home.”
If you were to hear Brehm speak, or read his commentaries, you might think he could find a home in politics, though he said at the moment his only goal is to become “a really good lawyer.
“I think it’s irresponsible for people to care about issues and say, ‘Well, I would never do that.’ There may be moments for all of us to step forward. Down the road, if the opportunity came and I felt like I was needed or I felt like I could do a good job, I wouldn’t rule it out, but it’s not a plan right now.”
ANDY BREHM
Associate at Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Age: 29
Education: BA, cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Claremont McKenna
College; JD, cum laude, University of Minnesota Law School
First job: Golf caddy
Family: Girlfriend
