Briefing: Erlandson to run for U.S. Rep. Martin Sabo’s seat

03/23/2006

March 23, 2006 (AP)—Former DFL state party Chairman Mike Erlandson on Wednesday joined a crowded race to fill the 5th Congressional District seat held by his boss, U.S. Rep. Martin Sabo, D-Minn.

Erlandson, Sabo’s top aide, launched his campaign with an announcement in his hometown of Fridley. Sabo plans to end a long political career by retiring at the end of his current term.

In a speech, Erlandson, 41, emphasized his experience in Washington.

“I know how to get things done in the arcane jungle of Washington politics and legislation, and that’s pretty important for this job,” he said, adding, “It’s a tough town.”

Other Democrats running to replace Sabo in the state’s most liberal congressional district include State Rep. Keith Ellison, Minneapolis City Council Members Paul Ostrow and Gary Schiff, Minneapolis Park Board President Jon Olson, Hennepin County Commissioner Gail Dorfman, University of St. Thomas professor Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer and Mark Andrew, a former Hennepin County commissioner and former DFL Party chairman.

Ember Reichgott Junge, a former Minnesota Senate assistant majority leader, issued a statement Wednesday night saying she also planned to join the race and would be making a formal announcement shortly.