It was the perfect birthday present for a veteran politician.
District 4B Republicans on Monday unanimously endorsed Rep. Larry Howes, R-Walker, on his 61st birthday at the River House in Hackensack.
Howes, who was first elected in 1998, is seeking his sixth term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. His DFL-endorsed opponent is Meg Bye of Pequot Lakes.
The Republican lawmaker said he still enjoys his job and there are still issues he would like to pursue in the Legislature.
"There are still things to be done," he said.
Following through on plans for a critical access hospital and health care campus at Ah-Gwah-Ching was the first piece of unfinished business mentioned by Howes.
Rep. Larry Howes
"It's on track," he said.
Education equity for rural areas and possible work that might remain on the Paul Bunyan Trail were other areas Howes cited.
"Our schools need some help and we need to figure out what to do about that," he said. "I would like to be part of a rural (education) group. The rural folks get set aside. They forget about us. They think we can get the bread crumbs. I think every child should get the same quality of education."
Howes has looked at the proposed education legislation dubbed the new "Minnesota Miracle," but it isn't sure that's the answer. He thinks the cost of that could be over $2 billion and is unsure where it would come from in the current tight economy.
Howes said he's received a number of customer service complaints from people who should receive unemployment compensation and the Department of Economic Development is an entity he will look at if he's returned to the Capitol.
"That agency needs some work," he said, noting that some deserving people are falling through the cracks.
Howes, who does part-time concrete work when the Legislature isn't in session, said there could be a slight upswing coming for the economy judging by the activity he's seen on the part of heating and air conditioning contractors.
"They're usually going to feel the upswing first," he said.
Earlier, Howes received the endorsement of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Minnesota Nurses Association, the Central State Carpenters Union and more than 10 Minneapolis and St. Paul police and fire pension groups.
He said reaction to his appearance in a Pine River parade was good and was optimistic about the election.
"I'll work hard," he said. "It's a Republican district. It leans that way."
Howes defeated Ron Berry of Walker in 2006. In two earlier elections Howes benefited when Democratic candidates either withdrew or suspended campaigning.
MIKE O'ROURKE may be reached at mike.orourke@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5860.
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