District 12 incumbents Samuelson, Hasskamp, Wenzel endorsed at convention

LITTLE FALLS -- All three District 12 incumbents were endorsed for another term in the Minnesota Legislature this week.

The endorsed DFLers are Sen. Don Samuelson of Brainerd, Rep. Kris Hasskamp of Crosby and Rep. Steve Wenzel of Little Falls. The convention was conducted Monday at the Little Falls VFW.

Samuelson kicked off his 2000 campaign with a May 31 announcement. Hasskamp and Wenzel said Wednesday they would make a formal announcement of their candidacies soon.

In his acceptance speech Samuelson, 67, spoke of the beneficial working relationship he has with the current District 12 representatives. He was elected to the House in 1968 and served until he was defeated in 1978. In 1980 he regained his House seat and then was elected to the Senate in 1982.

Hasskamp, 49, thanked the convention attendants for their confidence and expressed hopes of returning a Democratic majority to the House. She was first elected to the House in 1988.

Wenzel, 53, thanked delegates for their years of support and said he will continue to work for family farmers, small business, labor and working people, a strong education system and a more fair health care system. Wenzel has served in the House since being elected in 1972.

DFL officers for Senate District 12 include Chairman Phinee Zak, Little Falls; Associate Chairman David Juracek, Ironton; and Secretary-Treasurer Jean Whitson, Deerwood. Members of the State Central Committee are Zak and Juracek. Alternates to the State Central Committee are Whitson and Charles Besnett, Pine River.