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DFL chair not pleased about possible Don Samuelson run CAMPAIGN 2006 Staff Writer The report Thursday that Don Samuelson, the former Brainerd lawmaker and bricklayer, is considering another run for the Legislature disappointed the Senate District 12 DFL chair.
Yvonne Leiser, the DFL chair, said what concerns her is that Samuelson said he most likely would skip the DFL Party endorsement at the April 1 convention and instead challenge the endorsed DFL candidate in a primary if he runs, which would be a first for Samuelson.
"This is so out of character for him," she said. "Campaigning is in his blood. He was always a strong DFL supporter and he always was endorsed.
"These twists and turns make the campaign more interesting."
Leiser said Crow Wing County Commissioner Terry Sluss and Jessica Ringwelski of rural Little Falls announced their candidacies a long time ago for the DFL endorsement for the District 12 Senate seat.
"They have made it known for a long time," said Leiser. "Don knows they have been involved and are working hard. They have their campaign committees and all the materials, like buttons and pencils, and they have Web sites.
"The DFL is looking for a new, enthusiastic leader in central Minnesota."
Samuelson, 73, said he talked to Leiser on Thursday about her comments and he said he told her that it is too early for him to make a decision. He said before candidates didn't need an endorsement until May or June and now it is April 1.
"I need more time than that to research my options," said Samuelson. "I'd like to serve in the Senate. I'll probably make a decision in May or June."
Samuelson said he has decided he will not run as an independent, an option he considered at one time.
Samuelson represented central Minnesota for 32 years - 20 years in the Senate and 12 years in the House. He lost the District 12 Senate seat in 2002 when Sen. Paul Koering, R-Fort Ripley, won the seat.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER can be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.
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