Gannett Publications' Mark Sommerhauser reports in 2 say they're eying 14A run, Theis, McCarter considerations come after Gottwalt's news:
Republican Tama Theis and DFLer Jerry McCarter said Friday they’re eying runs for the Minnesota House seat to be vacated by the resignation of Rep. Steve Gottwalt.Less than two months after being re-elected to a fourth House term, Gottwalt informed his House colleagues on Thursday that he’ll be resigning by the end of the month after taking a job with an imaging-scan provider firm. Gottwalt, R-St. Cloud, said his new job would demand too much time to split it with his legislative duties.
Gottwalt’s resignation will trigger a special election in House District 14A, which covers west and south St. Cloud, Waite Park and St. Augusta.
Theis, a St. Cloud small-business owner, announced Friday she will seek the GOP endorsement for the seat.
McCarter, a retired accountant and longtime community activist from St. Cloud who opposed GOP Sen. John Pederson in last November’s election, said he’s “strongly considering” a run.
Read the rest of the Sommerhauser report: as always, an insightful and sharp eye for details.
A press release was sent out for Theis--dateline "St. Peter," so whomever is handling publicity is probably using a template and is connected to the Golgart campaign as well, since the Quists handle their own media--announcing the bid:
TAMA THEIS ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR HOUSE DISTRICT 14A
St. Peter, MN [sic] - Tama Theis of St. Cloud, Minnesota announced Friday her intention to seek the Republican endorsement for State House District 14A, currently represented by retiring Representative Steve Gottwalt.
"The people of St. Cloud need a representative who knows what it takes to create jobs and balance a budget. As a business owner, I understand the risks and benefits entrepreneurs weigh when deciding to hire an employee and grow their business. I've also had the opportunity to serve and lead the St. Cloud community through my work with area non-profits. If elected, I will support policies that make Minnesota economically competitive, instead of chasing good paying jobs out of the state," said Theis.
Theis and her husband Greg raised two sons and own a small business, Greg E. Theis Remodeling. Theis also serves on numerous community organizations with a focus on small business, women's health, transportation and higher education. Specifically, Theis is president of the Board of Directors for Birthline Inc., a member of the advisory board for St. Cloud Technical and Community College's sales management program, a member of St. Cloud's Transportation Infrastructure Advisory Board and a member of the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce.
Theis attends the Church of the Holy Spirit in St. Cloud.
Watch the St. Cloud Times for more news.
Photo: DFLer Jerry McCarter (above) Tama Theis (below, via St. Cloud Chamber Commerce)
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Funny how the same folks who whined and whined about Morrow's vacating the 19A seat so soon after winning reelection are as quiet as the grave about Gottwalt's vacating the 14A seat so soon after winning reelection.
Posted by: Phoenix Woman | Jan 05, 2013 at 04:02 PM