Letter to the Delegates

My message has remained the same from the beginning.

  • As a husband and father of nine children (five of them still at home) I know how expensive it is to raise a family in Chisago County.
  • As an independent contractor and home remodeler, I know how hard the citizens of Chisago County work.
  • As mayor of Chisago City, I’ve learned how hard it is to accommodate the wishes of all the citizens and from my experience as mayor; I’ve learned the value of listening to the citizens.
  • As a homeowner and a taxpayer in Chisago County, I know first-hand just how huge a chunk the government takes out of each of our paychecks.

I am running for this seat because I believe the present representative doesn’t understand the concerns of the citizens of Chisago County.  There is a huge difference between the present representative and me.  Let me share a few of those differences.

TAXES

Jeremy Kalin’s voting records from the 2007 session and the start of the 2008 session show there is not a tax increase he didn’t vote for!

I believe government should live within its means, cut spending and lower taxes.
ABORTION

Jeremy Kalin skirts the issue by making statements like. “I would never want anyone in my family to have an abortion. A recent House Bill was an amended to stop the public funding of abortions. Jeremy Kalin voted against it.

The issue of abortion was decided long ago in my family. Life begins at the time of conception. When the decision of abortion vs. health came up in our lives the decision had already been made.  We chose life.
RESIDENCY

Jeremy Kalin was married in August 2007.  Jeremy lives with his wife in her home in South Minneapolis while renting a small house in Chisago County to claim residency.

I have lived with my family for 18 years in Chisago County (12 years in Lindstrom and 6 years in Chisago City). This is my home.
IMMIGRATION

Recently, Minority Speaker Marty Seifert proposed withholding Local Government Aid (LGH) to any city that doesn’t routinely check immigration status.  This amendment to the tax bill attracted a lot of DFL support from out-state Minnesota. However, it failed by one vote.

Jeremey Kalin’s Vote!

I am not against immigration.  I am against illegal immigration. Making excuses to not enforce immigration laws weakens our justice system and leads to disrespect of the founding principles of our country. Illegal immigration has also created a huge tax burden in the areas of health care, education and to our criminal justice system.

Jeremy Kalin’s slogan is “People before Politics.”  Well, we are the people and we don’t like his politics.  It’s time for a change, and together we can make it happen.

I would like to give you a brief history of my campaign since receiving the initial call from the House Republican Campaign Committee to meet and interview me as a potential candidate for Minnesota House of Representatives.

Nov. 20th Met with the House Republican Campaign Committee for an interview.
Nov. 23rd

Announced my candidacy to family and friends.
Dec. 1st Attended an all day campaign school put on by the HRCC.
Dec.3rd    Attended luncheon with Governor Pawlenty and 9 other potential candidates.
Dec. 3rd Interviewed by the Chisago County Campaign Coordinators.
Dec. 4th Registered my candidacy with the State of Minnesota.
Dec. 10th

Sent out first campaign letter and request for contributions.
Dec 19th Attended Chisago County Executive Board meeting to introduce myself and answer any questions they had about me.
Dec. 30th Paid $5,500 down to local printer for campaign material.
Jan. 13th First campaign meeting with volunteers.
Jan. 21st Strategy team meeting.
Jan. 27th Second campaign meeting with volunteers.
Feb. 5th Attended Caucus meetings. Spoke at ten of the twenty-one precincts.
Feb. 9th Attended Ready-Set-Go Convention for Chisago County Republicans.
Feb. 25th Strategy team meeting.
March 3rd Attended County Convention in North Branch High School.
March 10th

Strategy team meeting.

We have raised over $8,000 in campaign contributions to date.  $5,800 was spent in 2007.  (This allows me to spend $5,800 more for my campaign than either of the two other candidates seeking the Republican endorsement). We have a ten-member strategy team representing different areas of District 17b.   Our team of volunteers has grown to 51. I can’t begin to tell you the total number of hours that have been put into my campaign so far.  I want you to understand how hard I have worked and how serious I am about winning in November. I will be the person that is a true representative of the people of Chisago County in St. Paul.

I ask you to keep the momentum going on this well organized and strong campaign. I am asking for your vote to endorse me as your Republican Candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives - District 17b. Thank You.