By Mike Kaszuba

Often overcome with emotion, former House Majority Leader Tony Sertich gave a farewell speech Thursday to the Minnesota House as he resigned his legislative seat to take charge of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB). "We represent citizens," said Sertich, DFL-Chisholm, who received two standing ovations from the now Republican-controlled House. "And I never wanted to, in my 10 years here, just focus in on seeing the people of Minnesota as wallets and money. "I love, love, love this building," he said, before pausing to salute his parents, who watched his speech at the State Capitol. But, in talking about his northern Minnesota roots, Sertich told his colleagues that "I am a product of where I was raised." Sertich was a political casualty of the historic Republican takeover of both the House and Senate following the November elections, which included Rep. Kurt Zellers, R-Maple Grove, emerging as the new House Speaker and Rep. Matt Dean, R-Dellwood, as the new House Majority Leader. The IRRB was created during World War II to spur economic development in northeastern Minnesota.