Rep. Kriesel Says He Won't Seek Re-Election
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Freshman Minnesota Rep. John Kriesel announced Thursday morning he does not plan to seek re-election. Kriesel made the announcement on KFAN Radio.
The 30-year-old republican representative was elected in 2010 and represents district 57A.
Before his political career, Kriesel served as a soldier in Iraq. He lost both his legs on Dec. 2, 2006 after his Humvee drove over an IED near Fallujah, Iraq. Two of his friends were killed in the attack. Kriesel -- a husband and father of two boys -- has written a book about his experience called "Still Standing."
Kriesel received a Purple Heart from former President George W. Bush in 2006.
During his political career, political commentators noted he has sometimes strayed from the party line on issues like gay marriage. He said he believes gay marriage should be legal and he says the reason is simple: it took one second for him to realize that life is too short, and the greatest tragedy of all would be to spend it unhappy.
Kriesel also co-sponsored the bill to publicly finance a new Vikings stadium.
