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Paul Gazelka
Age: 53
Current employment: State senator and State Farm Insurance agent in the Brainerd lakes area
Public office experience: State senator, Former state representative. I presently serve as an assistant majority leader and vice chair of the Commerce Committee. I also serve on the Veterans and State Government Committee as well as Transportation and Environment.
Party affiliation: Republican
What makes you the most qualified candidate for the post you’re seeking?: My experience as a business owner is very important when determining what government can do to help the private sector grow jobs in our area. I am also very concerned about our government spending more than they have. The reaction has always been to raise more taxes. That has to stop. It’s time to reduce the spending increases. I am also a social conservative, standing for pro-life, marriage, Second Amendment rights and Photo ID for voting. I am endorsed by MCCL, NRA, NFIB, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Minnesota Farm Bureau. My opponent is not endorsed by these organizations.
Al Doty
Age: 66
Current employment: Retired teacher/wrestling Coach, retired senior advocate
Public office experience: Royalton City Council (current), Minnesota House of Representatives, 2007-2010
Party affiliation: DFL
What makes you the most qualified candidate for the post you’re seeking?:
I’ve lived and worked in this district over 40 years. My opponent moved here
in June just to run for office. I’ve farmed, I’ve lived on a lake, I’ve helped high school seniors prepare for their futures and I’ve helped senior citizens deal with the problems of aging. I know this district from the inside, not outside.
I’m pro-life, a life member of NRA, who believes in balanced budgets, not borrowing.
I’ll fight for small towns, small businesses, family farms and restoring Homestead Credit.
I have a political science degree, legislative experience and I understand
compromise. I’ll represent everyone fairly.
