HAM LAKE, Minn. – A seventh Republican has declared candidacy for governor, challenging the presumed interest of Democratic Governor Tim Walz for a second term. Latest was State Senator Michelle Benson, of Ham Lake. a north St. Paul exurb. She has a reputation as a self-proclaimed “unwavering conservative fighter.” She has fought closing businesses and schools as a Covid precaution. She opposes proposals to defund police agencies. Benson said her formal announcement will be Wednesday artan event in Blaine. Benson has been deputy majority leader in the Senate. She was first elected in 2012. Her legislative history includes an attempt to eliminate health care and vision and dental coverage for 510,000 low income, handicapped and elderly Minnesotans to save $1.5 billion. She has called government spending against the Covid pandemic fraught with waste.
Benson. An accountant by trade. Age: 52.
GOP gubernatorial field
> Michelle Benson, deputy State Senate majority leader and an accountant frm Ham Lake.
> Matt Birk, former Minnesota Vikings lineman from Mendota Heights.
> Paul Gazelka, Senate Majority Leader and insurance agent from East Gull Lake near Nisswa.
> Scott Jensen, a physician and former state senator from Chaska.
> Mike Murphy, a shopkeeper with municipal experience in Lexington.
> Mike Lindell, the television pillow-hustler from Chaska.
> Peter Stauber, congressman and former professional hockey player and retired police lieutenant from Duluth.