1956 – Served in the United States Army as an infantry officer.

         – He represented the United States Olympic Games (hockey) at Cortina, Italy.

1959 – Was a member of the Minnesota house of representatives.

1960 – He graduated from the University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Law School.

         – He was admitted to the Minnesota bar and commenced practice in St. Paul.

1963 – Elected as a Senator from Minnesota.

1971 – Elected as the Governor of Minnesota.

1974 – A member of the Democratic National Committee’s Executive Committee.

1975 – Democratic National Convention Platform Committee chairman.

1976-1978 – Appointed as a Democrat to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Walter F. Mondale.