Krinkie running for Congress

Phil Krinkie spoke at an event during his 2006 campaign for Congress (MPR Photo/Tim Pugmire)
krinkie
Phil Krinkie spoke at an event during his 2006 campaign for Congress (MPR Photo/Tim Pugmire)

Former state Rep. Phil Krinkie is running for Congress in Minnesota’s 6th District. Krinkie will officially announce his bid for Congress at the Sherburne County fair tomorrow in Elk River.

“After prayer, discussion and careful consideration with my family and friends I believe that I can garner the support of the people in the sixth congressional district; and with their help win the nomination,” Krinkie said in a prepared statement.

Krinkie, president of the Minnesota Taxpayers League, lost his bid for Congress in 2006 when Michele Bachmann won the Republican Party’s endorsement. Krinkie is now hoping to replace Bachmann, who announced earlier this year that she’s not running for reelection. After Bachmann's announcement, Krinkie said he was interested in running for the seat.

"As a true conservative, some would just call me a pack rat, I still have my signs from when I sought the 6th Congressional District endorsement back in 2006," Krinkie told MPR News.

Krinkie served in the Minnesota House from 1991-2007. He lost his reelection bid in 2006 to Democrat Paul Gardner. He currently lives in Shoreview, which is outside the 6th District. Federal law doesn't require a member of the U.S. House to live in the district they he represent.

Krinkie is joining a race that also includes former state Rep. Tom Emmer of Delano, Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah and state Sen. John Pederson of St. Cloud.

Sartell Mayor Joe Perske is the only Democrat who has expressed interest in the race.

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