CHISHOLM, Minn. – Veteran State Senator. David Tomassoni reported he has come down with ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehring’s disease. Tomassoni, 68, said he had delayed reporting the diagnoses but decided “there is no sugar coating it.” ALS is a degenerative disease that destroys the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. He said he plans to remain in office as long as he can. He was elected Senate president in 2020 when Democrats controlled the Senate.
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Verbatim
Tomassoni “This is a tough disease, and I will feel the effects of it in my speech, my movement and my life. Initially I decided not to let anyone know about it, but dealing with it upfront and becoming an advocate seems to be the right direction to go. I intend to look at each day as the best day of the rest of our lives and I’m going to live with this disease. Further, I am going to continue representing you to the best of my abilities like I have always tried to do in elected office.”
Tomassoni. First elected to the State House in 1992, to the Senate in 2000. Once a Democrat but bolted the party in 2020 to caucus as an independent.