Rep. Olson says he may run as an independent

Last update: May 11, 2008 - 9:11 PM

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Arrogant

Over the last three years I have personnaly had the opportunity to visit with Rep. Olson. I found him condescending , rude and … read more disrespectful to the opinions of the women in my lobbying group. We need more like him, like we need another 4 years of George Bush.

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State Rep. Mark Olson says he might still run for reelection as an independent after his Republican Party constituents endorsed someone else to run for his legislative seat.

Olson told the St. Cloud Times he is "finding good support and numerous requests" for such a decision. Last week, former Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer won the GOP endorsement for the Sherburne County-area seat Olson has held since 1992.

Olson, of Big Lake, was convicted last summer of domestic assault and subsequently expelled from the House Republican caucus. At the district convention, Olson received an endorsing speech from his wife, Heidi, whom he was convicted of assaulting.

Olson says he didn't have much time to lobby delegates personally because the Legislature was keeping him in St. Paul.

Olson says he plans to make a final decision by spring or early summer. The DFL-endorsed candidate is Steve Andrews of Big Lake Township.

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