SEN. DAVE THOMPSON R-Lakeville
He joined the Senate this fall after years as both a radio host at KSTP and an attorney. In addition to the education bill he introduced earlier this month, Thompson wants to radically change the state education structure, with an emphasis on local control. In an ideal world, Thompson said, "The state education statute would be about half a page long."
SEN. JOHN HARRINGTON DFL-St. Paul
The former St. Paul police chief had focused on reducing domestic violence, improving community policing and combatting gangs. Not surprisingly, he holds a seat on the Senate's Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, in addition to the education and local government committees.
SEN. PAUL GAZELKA R-Brainerd
A State Farm insurance agent from Brainerd, Gazelka served a brief term in the Minnesota House in 2005. He beat former Sen. Paul Koering in the Republican primary, following reports that Koering, who is openly gay, had gone to dinner with a gay porn actor. Gazelka hopes a term limits bill will "return the houses back to citizen legislators."
REP. KING BANAIAN R-St. Cloud
Banaian, who is of Armenian descent, is an economist at St. Cloud State University and still hosts a weekly radio show about business on Saturday mornings. He won his race for an open seat in St. Cloud by just 13 votes, after a legally mandated recount.
REP. DAN FABIAN R-Roseau
Representing the northwestern tip of Minnesota in District 01A, Fabian says he has seen firsthand how local companies like Arctic Cat, Marvin Windows and Doors and DigiKey have dealt with Minnesota's system of business permits and wants reform. He spent years as a teacher and coach at Roseau High School before arriving at the Legislature.
