HD43B endorses Brian Grogan

Wednesday evening, Republicans in House District 43B endorsed Brian Grogan on the first ballot to challenge Rep. John Benson (DFL-Minnetonka) this November, in a special endorsing convention called after the previously-endorsed Kathy Dettman suddenly dropped out of the race due to "unforseen medical circumstances."

Grogan promised to fight at the Legislature for smaller and more efficient government, a business-friendly climate, K-12 education, and individual liberty. He sees the residents of HD43B as center-right politically, and therefore sees himself in a good position to unseat Benson. He also cited his existing campaign infrastructure, supporters, and experience from his 2008 challenge of Benson as resources to help him begin his campaign immediately.

I was honored to give the nominating speech for Grogan, for the second time (the first was at the regular SD43 convention in February).

With the endorsement of Grogan for 43B, SD43 has a full slate of candidates for the Legislature: Rep. Sarah Anderson will defend her House seat in 43A, while Norann Dillon will challenge Sen. Terri Bonoff (DFL-Minnetonka).

Dillon announced her campaign kickoff event for 1:30 pm this Saturday, May 15, at the Parker's Lake Park pavilion in Plymouth. At last night's convention, Dillon announced that she will have some conservative star power for her event: Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN3), making good on his stated promise at the SD43 convention to campaign for local Republican candidates; taxpayer watchdog and Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson; former gubernatorial candidate and KTLK-FM personality Sue Jeffers; and Tea Party Patriots Minnesota President Toni Backdahl.

Republican-endorsed candidate for Secretary of State Dan Severson promoted election integrity via photo ID as a common sense, cost-effective solution to combat voter fraud. Severson, a current House member, is frustrated by current Secretary of State Mark Ritchie's unwillingness to investigate allegations of voter fraud, which has disenfranchised thousands of legal voters in Minnesota. Severson will make a persuasive case to the voters against Ritchie.

Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, running for re-election this year, touted reductions in crime and increased public safety on his watch. I have met and heard Sheriff Stanek speak at a few events like this. I am thankful that we have a dedicated lawman like Stanek on our side to protect Hennepin county from the bad guys.

Republican Party of Minnesota field staff, and Tom Emmer for Governor and Stanek campaign workers were also present at the HD43B event.