Albertville's FitzSimmons Gets GOP Nod for State House

Wright County Republicans are pinning their hopes on a familar face with an up-and-coming name for the 2012 election in the Minnesota House.

With the new House District 30B up for grabs, , long a man behind the scenes for the local GOP but a new face in front of the podium, was given a first-ballot nod for the endorsement, making him the automatic frontrunner in a district that votes increasingly Republican.

FitzSimmons was challenged by newcomer Paul Bolin for the endorsement. resident David Dayon, a former head of the city's Economic Development Committee, did not seek the endorsement after FitzSimmons announced his intent to run.

"I'm proud to carry my party's message to the voters of House District 30B," FitzSimmons said Saturday after the Wright County GOP's convention in Buffalo. "I will work to represent this district with strong convictions based on the beliefs of life, liberty and limited government. The path to restoring Minnesota job growth won't come through taking money out of the pockets of our state's people and businesses."

The new House District 30B, established by a redistricting ruling last month, includes St. Michael, Albertville, Otsego, Hanover and a portion of Dayton.

The Wright County GOP endorsedin House District 29, which includes most of Buffalo, Delano and Monticello, plus points in between. Current Rep. Joe McDonald, who currently represents STMA, will run for the District 29A seat. Newcomer Marion O'Neill of Monticello will get the House District 29B nod, which includes Monticello Township and portions of St. Michael near Pelican Lake.

As for Senate District 30, currentor that seat, and won't be challenged by any other Republicans from that area.

She would represent both the STMA-Hanover-Otsego district as well as Elk River and Big Lake, which make up the bulk of District 30A.