GOP'er Karin Housley Announces Run For Senate
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) -- Minnesota Sen. Kari Housley has officially announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat that was once Al Franken's.
On Monday morning, the Republican Housley held a campaign kickoff in Stillwater with more than 100 supporters.
Housley currently serves as senator for the state's 39th District, which includes communities within the St. Croix River Valley.
She was elected in 2012, and re-elected in 2016.
Housley is running for the seat that was just filled by former Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith, following the resignation of Franken amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations.
Smith was appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton, but the seat will be up for a special election later this year. She has voiced her intention to run as well.
Housley, a second-term state senator, says helping small businesses, veterans and senior care will be the heart of her campaign. Her campaign is planning a statewide tour to raise her profile and trips to Washington to build party support.
The chairperson of Minnesota's DFL party issued a statement, saying: "We've seen time and time again that State Senator Karin Housley stands against economic opportunity for Minnesotans. Throughout her time at the State Capitol, she has consistently opposed much-needed policies to help Minnesota families stay afloat. Minnesotans deserve a U.S. Senator who will fight for economic policies that give everyone a fair shot. That Senator is Tina Smith."
Many Republicans in Minnesota and Washington are waiting on former Gov. Tim Pawlenty to decide whether to run for the seat.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)