Representing Cook County Republicans at the GOP nominating convention held in Park Rapids were from L-R: Ben Petz, Dave Keller, Mary Petz and Harris Mills. The delegates and alternates from Cook County were there to support the GOP agenda, but the most enthusiastic support was for Pete Stauber who is running for the 8th District Congress seat now held by Rick Nolan (DFL). Stauber received all 275 delegate votes in support of his run for Congress.
Leaving Cook County’s version of spring on May 4 and arriving in Park Rapids as summer was sprouting later that day was a happy cause for celebration! That joyousness continued into the weekend as we delegates and alternates from the Cook County GOP unit arrived to support Pete Stauber in his candidacy for 8th Congressional District representative. Dave Keller of Hovland and Harris Mills of Grand Marais were the local delegates, and Ben and Mary Petz of Hovland were the alternates.
Saturday we met at the Century Elementary School for Pete’s securing the GOP endorsement by the 8th CD delegates. But first, we had the opportunity to hear short speeches by other candidates for MN state offices and the U.S. Senate. Leading the meeting was MN GOP Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt, who then introduced various candidates.
Karin Housley, currently a Minnesota state senator who tirelessly works to help small businesses, is seeking one of two Minnesota U.S. Senate seats; as are Robert Barnheiser, who supports term limits; Jim Newberger, who advocates refugee resettlement reform; and Bob Anderson, who understands well working-class Minnesotans. We were reminded that Minnesota is one of only five states that have an active, strong “grassroots” volunteering effort which affects what the state party does.
On the ballot to be Minnesota attorney general is Doug Wardlaw, noting that the job is to be the top law enforcement officer of the state. Recently announced candidate John Howe is seeking the position of Minnesota secretary of state pursuing honesty and openness in the electoral process. Pam Myhra is running for Minnesota state auditor and is hoping to provide more crucial accountability and transparency in the usage of Minnesotan’s tax dollars.
The Minnesota gubernatorial race is heating up prior to the impending endorsement June 2 at the Minnesota GOP State Convention in Duluth. Mary Giuliani Stephens, mayor of Woodbury, spoke first, highlighting her executive experience balancing budgets, proposing policy and effectively running the government. Jeff Johnson, a current Hennepin County commissioner, wants to return power to the people regarding taxes, road investments, and advocates dismantling the Met Council, an unelected governing body. Phil Parrish has an extensive career in education and as a Navy Intelligence specialist. Tim Pawlenty, who recently entered the race, noted that people need to be ready for tomorrow’s agenda– one way being receiving more vocational training, as opposed to college not always being the answer.
One of the resolutions passed by an 8th CD caucus unit, then making it through a county convention, and going on to the Resolution Committee of the 8th Congressional District, received a more than majority “Yes” vote, and reads as follows: “The Eighth District Republican Party supports having all ballots be certified and counted that come from U.S. military and citizens who are out of the country during elections, and those ballots be included in the total counts before county votes are reported to the state.”
The high point of the convention was the unanimous vote by 275 delegates in support of Pete Stauber’s candidacy for 8th Congressional District congressman. Pete said, “It is inspiring to see so much enthusiasm! I came to Park Rapids to build a conservative coalition that spreads across our district and our country. I truly believe our best days are ahead of us and that together we can make that happen. Together, we will overcome whatever obstacles that are put in our way. We will stay committed to the freedoms guaranteed to us in the Constitution and the liberties our founding fathers envisioned.
“Jodi and I have always shared a passion for public service. I want to make this district a better place to live, work and raise a family. A place where we can all pursue the American dream.
“It is an honor to receive the endorsement of my fellow Republicans. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to the conservative cause. I look forward to working with you toward the ultimate victory ahead!”
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