It was more a coronation than an endorsing convention Thursday night.

Friday, April 07, 2000

It was more a coronation than an endorsing convention Thursday night.

There was no opposition for state Rep. Dan Dorman and state Senate hopeful Grace Schwab.

Both received their party’s endorsement by acclamation.

The Senate District Republican Party Endorsement Convention was held Thursday night at Ellis Middle School in Austin.

Freeborn County Republicans outnumbered those from Mower County, 26-17.

No endorsement was made for the House District 27B seat held by state Rep. Rob Leighton (DFL-Austin).

Dorman, a first-term state representative from District 27A in Freeborn County, was nominated for a second term in the Minnesota House by Bob Haukoos, who held the position for 16 years and it was made by acclamation.

Dorman thanked the GOP faithful and said he would continue to work to lower the tax burden on Minnesotans. Dorman said if that is done, southern Minnesota will be on a level playing field with others. "With our quality of life, we will be able to compete with everyone on a level playing field," Dorman said.

Geoff Baker, the Mower County Republican Party vice chairman, nominated Schwab.

"At the core of the matter it is not just our desire to rid the Senate district of a Democrat," Baker said. "It’s more than that. It’s to nominate somebody who will do a better job for us."

The person to unseat long-time officeholder state Sen. Pat Piper (DFL-Austin) is Schwab of Albert Lea, according to Baker.

Wanda Dorman, mother of the state representative, seconded Baker’s nomination. Dave Nolander also offered a second to Schwab’s nomination to receive the GOP endorsement.

Again, the vote was by acclamation.

Schwab said the scope of the size of government remains a concern of hers.

"How much government are you willing to put up with?" she asked the audience.

Schwab thanked the Republican delegates for the endorsement and said, "I pledge to you tonight I will work hard and effectively in the campaign."

Walter Baldus, the Mower County GOP chair, and longtime Republican Party workers such as Grace Conway, Martha Dahl and Dr. Donald Claussen were among the delegates.

Ron Kraus, the former one-term House member from District 27A, served as convention chair.

Tiny Brandt, the Freeborn County GOP chair, and former state Rep. Paul Overgard and his wife Jan also participated.

Kraus told Mower County Republicans, "Don’t give up" in their efforts to recruit a candidate to run against incumbent District 27B House member Leighton.

"You’re saints and hard workers," Kraus said. "The worst thing we can do is give Rob a free ride."