Nakonsky seeks Republican endorsement for House 12A
Chrissy Nakonsky, a Brainerd resident who unsuccessfully sought the Republican endorsement for House District 12A in 2008, will seek the GOP nod again this year.
The only other announced candidate for the endorsement is Ryan Hartwig of Brainerd, who made his intentions known Feb. 9. A third possible candidate, Zachariah Jackson of rural Brainerd, announced his interest in the seat but has not yet entered the race.
The Republican who wins the endorsement will run for the seat currently held by Rep. John Ward, DFL-Brainerd.
Nakonsky said Tuesday health care was her most important issue. She criticized Gov. Tim Pawlenty for cutting medical care for the poor. Nakonsky said we could take care of part of the budget if all the legislators gave back their per diem payments.
Chrissy Nakonsky
She said she brings the knowledge of what it's like to be a low-income person during these economic times to the race. Nakonsky, who is unemployed, said she had recently discussed a possible candidacy with diversity groups in the area. In letters to the editor in recent years Nakonsky has described herself as a male to female transgender person.
"I'm (in) a low income poverty family," she said. "Some of the middle class people are starting to feel the pressure. They're one step away from where we're at."
Nakonsky said in a statement that was critical of Pawlenty's veto of an anti-bullying law, that it was time to bring back honor to the Republican Party.
She said there should be laws preventing insurance companies from making decisions about when a patient should go home. The candidate said politicians who talk about a Vikings stadium should lose their jobs. Nakonsky said some of our elected officials should have to walk in the shoes of those people who have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.
She challenged the other 12A candidates to a forum to discuss the issues.
Nakonsky, who is married and has four children, earned her certified nursing assistant certificate. In her statement she paraphrased a quote from the movie, "Milk," saying "I am Chrissy Nakonsky and I want to recruit you to make things right for all people."
When Nakonsky ran against David Allan Pundt two years ago, the retired radio journalist received 47 of 50 votes. Nakonsky received one vote. There were two "no" votes.
The Republican District 12 endorsing convention is March 27 at Tornstrom Auditorium in the Washington Educational Services Building in Brainerd.
MIKE O'ROURKE may be reached at mike.orourke@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5860.