[3] He had also been an advocate of the somewhat militant Groundswell movement in the mid-1980s in its quest to bring political and social change on behalf of the region's farmers.
[4] While in the legislature, Winter was a member of the House Agriculture, Economic Development, Environment and Natural Resources, Financial Institutions and Insurance, Governmental Operations, Insurance, Local and Urban Affairs, Rules and Legislative Administration, Taxes, Transportation and Transit, and Ways and Means committees, and of various sub-committees relevant to each area.
[8] On June 1, 2010, Winter filed for the open House seat in District 22A, seeking to regain the position he lost to outgoing Rep. Doug Magnus in 2002.
[9] In announcing his candidacy, Winter stated he believed his "leadership abilities and past experience can make a real difference next year as we face another deep budget deficit," adding that he was "especially concerned that rural Minnesota be treated equitably" and "should not be expected to bear more than our fair share of budget cuts.
"[10] He was unsuccessful in his comeback bid, losing the November 2, 2010, general election to Republican newcomer Joe Schomacker of Luverne.