Campaign News
State House roundup
November 3, 2010 By Mark Fischenich Free Press Staff Writer
Forum ends up one-sided
October 9, 2010 - By Kevin Sweeney — Journal Editor
Parties struggling to find candidates
By Mark Fischenich The Free Press The Mankato Free Press Mon May 24, 2010, 08:59 PM CDT
Torkelson in 21B, The Journal, Editor Kevin Sweeney, October 23.
Over the past several years the New Ulm area has been fortunate to be represented in the Legislature by strong, talented and active legislators. Rep. Brad Finstad, who decided not to run again this year after three terms, had risen in recognition and respect among his colleagues and was, we felt, poised to assume stronger leadership roles.
Before him James Clark had served six years and was also on the bring of assuming more leadership duties in the House when he decided not to run.
We think District 21B can send another candidate with similar potential to the House if we elect Paul Torkelson, the Republican candidate.
We had a difficult time deciding between Torkelson and Bob Skillings, the DFL candidate who is making his second run after challenging Finstad two year ago. Skillings has the intelligence and the work ethic to make a good legislator, and his positions on issues are moderate. We know he has the ability to work with disparate groups, after his work on building support for the city sales tax.
But Torkelson is also a strong candidate. He is a working farmer and would be one of the few in the House, with a special understanding of one of our state's most vital industries. He also understands the problems of small business. He has been a vice president for the Minnesota Farm Bureau, who put together Farm Bureau issues from resolutions sent from throughout the state, so he knows how to listen to different groups.
Torkelson is a former educatior whose wife is a teacher, so he understands the needs of education, especially in rural Minnesota.
He understands the need to invest in our state's infrastructure to keep Greater Minnesota economically vital.
Like Skillings, he is a strong pro-life supporter.
Torkelson has shown throughout the campaign his willingness to travel throughout the district to hear local concerns.
He has tackled leadership positions in his community and through the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership program. We think he would quickly become a strong leader for rural Minnesota in the Legislature, and ask District 21B voters to support him on Nov. 4.
torkfarm@myclearwave.net
PO Box 2, LaSalle, MN 56056, 507-375-7315
Prepared and Paid for by Paul Torkelson for State Representative Committee -
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