The endorsing convention began at 8:30 a.m. today (Saturday) at Henry’s Banquet Center in Foley.

 

Mark Olson joins four previous-announced candidates for the endorsement. They include Lucas Knese, 29, Orrock; Shane Mekeland, 49, Becker; Myron Wilson, 65, Zimmerman; and John Ulrick, 62, Foley.

 

The five candidates underwent interviews with the Dist. 15B Committee Thursday. Barry Kukowski of Clearwater is chair of the unit.

 

They are seeking election to run for Rep. Jim Newberger’s seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives in this fall’s election. The seat would be for two years and begin in January.

 

Newberger defeated Democrat challenger Karla Scapanski of Foley two years ago to gain re-election to the House. He defeated Scapanski with 69% of votes that were cast.

 

He is seeking the Minnesota Republican Convention endorsement in June in Duluth to run against Amy Klobuchar in November for a six-year U.S. Senate seat.

 

Olson served for 16 years in the Minnesota House, representing the Becker-Big Lake area, from 1993 to 2008.

 

Minnesota District 15B includes Clearwater, Clear Lake, Becker, Foley, Rice and Royalton.