The 2012 election year is before us and I am humbly seeking your vote for re-election.  We have tough decisions to make as a region and a state on how we move forward: innovative reform solutions and common sense, live within our means principles - vs. - status quo spending and reverting back to failed programs of the past.

These first two years in office saw a $5.8 billion, budget deficit turn into a $1.3 billion surplus, along with a 7.5% unemployment rate drop to 5.7%.  

The next session will offer more difficult decisions and great opportunities as our state continues to recover.  We must continue to live within our means, pay back inherited obligations, and grow even more private sector jobs in the next two years to improve the lives of all Minnesotans.