By Baird Helgeson
When it comes to big-name Republican endorsements in Minnesota, it's tough to beat U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann.
So Mike Parry's state Senate campaign got a boost Tuesday when Bachmann endorsed his bid to replace retiring state Sen. Dick Day in a special election Jan. 26.
Here's her statement:
"I'm proud to endorse Mike Parry for the special election in Senate District 26. Mike is a strong fiscal conservative who will be a powerful voice for lower taxes, limited government and economic opportunity in St. Paul. As a small business owner, Mike understands the need to set priorities and hold government accountable for results. The people of Waseca, Steele and Rice counties will be well served by this steadfast champion of conservative values who will stand up to the big spending, big taxing liberals in the Legislature."
Parry, a Waseca businessman, also has the endorsement of the the Republican Party of Minnesota.
He faces St. Olaf College instructor Jason Engbrecht, a DFLer, and Waseca Mayor Roy Srp, who is running on the Independence Party ticket.
Day is stepping down from his District 26 Senate seat after 19 years to lobby for racetrack gambling.
