My sources in the county say that Todd County Minnesota Commissioner (Former Sheriff) David Kircher is going to seek the Republican Endorsement for Minnesota House of Representatives in District 11B.
We will see how things shake out, but I do worry as Kircher has exhibited some poor instincts over the past few years that have really hurt him politically. What could have been a great opportunity for the GOP, only a few years earlier, is now very questionable early on.
Mary Ellen Otremba (DFL-Long Prairie) has formidable election numbers and cash, so Kircher will have a lot of work to do just getting a base of support behind him.
A few of his initial problems:
- Kircher ran for Todd County Commissioner in 2006 after serving as Sheriff. I think there will be some mixed, if not, hard feeling from his base in District 4. In running now he has decided to try and leave his current post after just one year. If he had this idea earlier it would have been better not to run for Commissioner.
- In his serving as commissioner I feel he has made a lot of public gaffs and reversals on many issues. I think this has hurt him in local papers throughout the county and so some reputation rehab will be required early on.
- Kircher openly tried to influence the election for his successor and lost. The resulting impact was his Commissioner campaign was nearly derailed due to voter backlash. He squeaked out a win by a very …. very slim margin.
A few of his assets:
- Name recognition is probably the best asset right out of the gate because of his long involvement in many elections county wide. Also, as Sheriff and Commissioner his connections in local organizations and committees should be strong. This is a great asset.
- Possible endorsement and help of newly elected Republican Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen. They were both Sheriff’s of neighboring counties. Part of 11B includes Douglas County where Ingebrigtsen did very well and could be an asset. I am not sure of the relationship between the two men.
Still yet to be seen:
- Having been very involved in Todd County politics raising the cash necessary is very difficult. Hopefully Kircher has the personal funds to put into a campaign here otherwise he will be swamped early by a well funded Otremba campaign.
- State Republican House Caucus I have always been suspicious of. I think with their support the seat out here could become GOP. However, it always appears to me they are content to have MEO.
She is a conservative Democrat and votes with the GOP an awful lot. They like a candidate to run against MEO because it ties up resources that might go else where. I hope Mr. Kircher is ready for attacks by conservative groups like MCCL and others in spite of the fact he will agree with their positions.
- Lastly, I do know of a few others who are interested in the nomination. It will be interesting to see if they come into the process or not for the nomination. I know one candidate would likely be able to finance a very well run campaign.
I could go on but these are the highlights of what is an interesting time again.
