| Zellers takes over as minority leader |
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By T.W. Budig ECM Capitol reporter A suburban lawmaker from the northwestern metro is the new leader of the 47-member strong House Republican Caucus. Rep. Kurt Zellers, of Maple Grove, was elected minority leader Tuesday, June 23 night, beating out a challenger from southern Minnesota to replace former House minority leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, who stepped down from the post as a preliminary step in running for governor. Zellers, 39, is serving his fourth term in the House, having served in previous leadership roles within the caucus. He has a business and communications background and indicated that House Republicans will keep their political focus on “doing a little bit better with a little less.” House Republicans, Zellers said, will continue to offer positive solutions. Wants all members of caucus involved Zellers wants to see all the members of the caucus involved and active in the political debate. Indeed, Zellers wants to grow the caucus and speaks of a caucus goal of adding about 20 new members. “That would be a target,” said Zellers. “Honestly, I don’t think you can say right now,” said Zellers of guessing the number of new House Republicans that could be elected next election. But Zellers, a political science major in college, suggested that the big political events being played out in Washington could add a volatile element to the election. Being in the minority has some positives — they’ve studied legislation, Zellers explained. “We’re a little bit more educated now, a little bit hungrier now,” said Zellers. Challenged by Rep. Randy Demmer Zellers was challenged for the top post in the caucus by Rep. Randy Demmer of Hayfield. House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, extended her congratulations. “I hope to meet with him soon,” said Kelliher, adding she plans to continue her practice of meeting with the minority leader once a week during session. Zellers indicated he had worked smoothly with Kelliher in the past. Rep. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, is “comfortable” with Zellers’ election. “It will bring attention to suburban issues,” he said. No other caucus members indicated a desire to run for leader other than the two who did, Abeler explained. Comments (0)
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