My name is Rudy Takala, and I am running for State Representative in House District 8B. I am conservative and thus affiliate with the Republican Party.

My district covers all of Kanabec County, the southern half of Pine County and a small portion of Isanti County. It includes the cities of Braham, Mora, Pine City, Hinckley and Sandstone.

I am running against the incumbent Democrat, Tim Faust. Rep. Faust won his position in 2008 by 307 votes or 1.51 percentage points. Norm Coleman won the same district by 1,290 votes, and John McCain by 1,517 votes! This makes it the third most competitive House election in Minnesota.

While I do align with the Republican Party, I am like many of you who feel that the party has failed to represent your beliefs. The Republican Party exists to protect normal people from portly bureaucrats seeking to expand the dominion of their power. Somewhere along the way, too many Republicans became bureaucrats themselves.

To briefly summarize my beliefs:

· I am pro-life. I would vote for a constitutional amendment on the issue if given the opportunity.

· I also believe in term limits. State legislators who have been in the Capitol for more than twenty years are probably keeping the cafeteria chairs warm more than they are serving their constituents.

· I am pro-marriage. It is not the government's responsibility to micromanage morality.

· I support the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

· I support the right of the people to live as they see fit as long as they do not infringe on the lives of others. The government should not protect people from the harm that often accompanies enjoyment of life.

To give you some sense of my background, my parents have been dairy farmers in Pine City Township since 1988. My father and both of my grandfathers were teachers in public high schools, yet I was homeschooled for nine years. I went on to complete my bachelor's degree from Hamline University in two years. I have been active in politics since 2001 and have been twice elected Chairman of the Pine County Republicans.

I would also like to extend my thanks to Greg Bennett, formerly Chairman of the Pine County Board of Commissioners, for agreeing to act now as the chairman of my campaign.

If you would be willing to help with the campaign, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 320-279-2684. I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,


Rudy Takala