GOP faithful brave heat for picnic
Published 10:27 am Friday, August 30, 2013
Candidates taking part in the Lincoln-Reagen Picnic visit locals during the third annual event at the Veterans Pavilion.
Despite 90-degree temperatures, a record 90-plus Mower County Republicans showed up at Austin’s Veterans Pavilion for the third annual Lincoln-Reagan Picnic.
In addition to an evening of fun and fellowship, the crowd heard from a group of seven candidates who have already announced their intention to run for major state-wide and federal offices. Vying for a spot on the ballot against Minnesota DFL Governor Mark Dayton in the fall of 2014 are Scott Honour — a Twin Cities area businessman, Jeff Johnson — Hennepin County Commissioner and current Republican National Committee member for Minnesota, and Kurt Zellers — member and former Speaker of the Minnesota House.
Kurt Zellers — member and former Speaker of the Minnesota House, speaks during the third annual Lincoln-Reagen Picnic at the Veterans Pavilion.
Turning from the state-wide race for governor, the group heard from candidates running for two federal offices. Three candidates are now campaigning to challenge U.S. Congressman Tim Walz in 2014: Mike Benson — a college professor and current Minnesota House member from the Rochester area, Jim Hagedorn — businessman from Blue Earth, and Aaron Miller — military veteran and businessman from Byron.
The group also heard from Jim Abeler — currently a member of the Minnesota House from Anoka. He spoke about his intention to challenge Al Franken for U. S. Senate.
