Brown Co. IRs fete Finstads

Brad hints at more politics in the future

By FRITZ BUSCH, Journal Staff Writer

SLEEPY EYE - Outgoing District 21B Rep. Brad Finstad, R-Comfrey, hinted about returning to politics someday at the Brown County Republican FunRaiser Monday at Sportsmans Park.

"This isn't a young person's sport, it's tough. I was told to keep running until my wife says it won't work anymore," said Finstad at the end of the program.

He hinted about returning to politics someday, and perhaps running for governor.

"I won't say goodbye, just see you later," he concluded.

Finstad, choked with emotion, had to stop talking several times.

He thanked his supporters, volunteer workers, his parents, in-laws and wife Jackie for walking with him in every parade and up to every door he ever knocked on over his three terms in office.

"She's been a trooper," Finstad said about his wife who worked outside the home besides taking care the young family while he worked in St. Paul.

"I knew in my heart and soul it was time to stop when my kids asked my wife to turn on the TV so they could watch the Legislature. And my wife was pregnant at every election," he added.

House Minority Leader Marty Seifert of Marshall called Finstad his "sixth brother."

"We're the servants and you're the bosses, It's a sacrifice to ensure that things are just a little bit better when we leave than they were when we came. I know I'm a better man for having known Brad," Seifert said.

Brown County Republican Party Chairman Gerald Woodley read a letter of Sen. Dennis Frederickson, R-New Ulm, who was on vacation at the time.

Frederickson thanked Finstad for securing the future of professional baseball in Minnesota by authoring the Twins-Hennepin County ballpark legislation and his work in health and human services.

District 21B Republican candidate Paul Torkelson of St. James said his wife was Finstad's fourth-grade teacher.

"We're both dedicated to protecting human life," Torkelson said.

Woodley called Finstad a "strong campaigner, a good legislator and a good friend."

"I, like many legislators, will miss him and know he'll be back," said Woodley.

Congressional candidate Brian Davis of Rochester, speaking to the IRs, said the main issue in his Congressional election is high energy costs.

Davis talked about illegal immigration and offshore drilling.

"I support a border fence, which was authorized by Congress but has been undermined by some politicians," said Davis.

Regarding offshore drilling, Davis said there hasn't been a major oil spill in America in 40 years.

A Republican supporter complained of an unfair trade policy with China.

Davis agreed.

"If we don't do something about it, we'll become a society of service people supported by Chinese money," added Davis.

He promised to use his oath of office and the holy Bible as his guides.

Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com