Election 2010

A local veteran running for a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives got some national media exposure for his campaign this morning on a national news program.
Cottage Grove resident John Kriesel is running as a Republican for the 57A seat in the state House. He announced his candidacy last month after current State Rep. Karla Bigham, DFL-Cottage Grove, announced she will not be seeking reelection.
Kriesel appeared live on the “Fox and Friends” program this morning for a four-minute segment on his candidacy.
Kriesel’s story has become known to many via the Twin Cities media over the last three years upon his return from serving in Iraq, where he was injured in a roadside bomb attack. The Minnesota National Guard member lost both of his legs as a result of the attack. He has been active in veterans affairs issues in the years following his injury.
In the live interview with "Fox and Friends" anchor Steve Doocy Kriesel said he does not want his candidacy to be defined by his injuries.
“I don’t want people to look and say because I was injured I feel sorry for him so I want to vote for him,” Kriesel said. “My injuries do not define who I am. I want them to look at me and see that the way I overcome adversity is what defines me.”
Kriesel will seek official endorsement from local Republicans next month at the district endorsement convention.
It’s expected his DFL opponent will be Cottage Grove City Council member and Jen Peterson who has also announced she will run for the seat this fall.

District 57A include Cottage Grove, Newport, St. Paul Park and a portion of South St. Paul.