Two of State GOP’s Biggest Names Make Local Announcements

Two huge Republican names are vying to make up the legislative team that would represent St. Michael, Albertville and the state’s newest house and senate district.

Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer (R, Big Lake) announced last week she would be running for the GOP nomination for State Senator in District 30.

Meanwhile, the head of Tom Emmer’s successful campaign for the GOP gubernatorial nomination back in 2010, Albertville’s David FitzSimmons, is set to run for the State House in District 30B.

FitzSimmons, Chairman of the Sixth District Republican Party and small business owner, announced his candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 30B over the weekend. A longtime resident of Wright County, has worked for many years with his family's agriculture business.

“I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives,” FitzSimmons said.  “As a proud conservative, I will work tirelessly to represent this district with strong convictions based on the beliefs of life, liberty and smaller government.  My vision is to make Minnesota government limited and less intrusive to create a stronger environment for Minnesota job growth.”

Over the last decade FitzSimmons has been very involved in Minnesota Republican Party politics–volunteering on state legislative campaigns, managing Tom Emmer’s successful 2010 gubernatorial endorsement, coordinating Republican Party efforts for statewide offices or working with U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann.

The district's three most recent representatives have all come out in support of FitzSimmons including current Rep. Joe McDonald, former Rep. Dick Borrell and, naturally, Emmer.  

According to the Elk River Star News, Kiffmeyer’s bid for the Senate seat is a progression upward for the former Secretary of State under Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

As a House member from Big Lake (16B), Kiffmeyer is vice chair of the Health and Human Services Finance Committee and also sits on the Health and Human Services Reform committee, the Taxes Committee and Ways and Means.

Kiffmeyer said the 80,000 residents in the new Senate District 30–which includes Elk River, Otsego, St. Michael, Albertville and Hanover–need a veteran voice in St. Paul.

The Wright County DFL Party said it does not have any candidates for either Senate 30 or House District 30B at this time.