On Monday, Joel Demos announced an addition to his U.S. Congressional campaign, former Senator Rudy Boschwitz. From the Star Tribune:

Boschwitz, a Republican, represented Minnesota in the U.S. Senate from 1978 to 1991. He will join Demos' "campaign committee and finance committee."

In a statement, the former lawmaker acknowledged the challenges of electing a conservative in the typically liberal Fifth District district, adding that Demos' showing has further implications for the gubernatorial race.

“This will be an uphill battle to be sure, but 2010 is certainly the year when uphill battles have a real chance of winning,” said Boschwitz, also former chair of the Republican Senatorial Committee. “And if we have a strong showing in the 5th District - which is principally the City of Minneapolis - we enormously enhance the probability of keeping the Minnesota Governorship. That is crucial."

To help with Joel's campaign, visit his website.

At the State Convention last weekend, MNGOP state party leaders recognized Nik Ludwig of the Minneapolis City Republican Committee with a 2010 Volunteer of the Year Award.
Also recognized was CD5's Mary Belfry for helping with the Bachmann-Palin rally, the State Convention, voter identification and election judge recruitment.

Thanks to all of our volunteers who dedicate time and energy to the Republican cause!

Our thanks to Marty Seifert, Bill Haas, Phil Herwig, and Leslie Davis with their volunteers for their hard work on hard-fought campaigns. Tom Emmer won the endorsement April 30 after Marty Seifert conceded when the third ballot was being counted. Here's the Emmer state convention video:

You can support the Emmer campaign here.

View more photos at Flickr.

Minneapolis, April 12, 2010 — Carleton Crawford, chair of the 5th Congressional District Republicans announced today that Joel Demos of St. Louis Park received the Republican Party endorsement at the 5th Congressional District Republican convention that was held at De La Salle High School on Saturday.

“Joel is a passionate and focused man who will offer the 5th Congressional District unwavering leadership in tough economic times. Joel is dedicated to restoring economic prosperity to the district by reducing the tax burden on middle class families, and I know he will work hard to re-establish a healthy business climate in Minneapolis. Congressman Ellison hasn’t adequately represented his constituents throughout the fifth district and now is the time for change. I’m confident that Joel will address the needs and concerns of the hard-working people, families and students throughout the district,” said Carleton Crawford.

Joel received endorsement from the 235 delegates that attended the convention. The 5th Congressional District covers eastern Hennepin County, including the entire city of Minneapolis, along with parts of Anoka and Ramsey counties. Major cities include: St. Louis Park, Columbia Heights, Crystal, Robbinsdale, Golden Valley, Richfield, and Fridley.

Joel currently works in the anti-money laundering division at TCF Bank and resides with his wife, Jenny and their two children, Joy and Toby, in Golden Valley.

In her nominating speech Mary Belfry from Minneapolis said, “It is critical to have a financial professional that is honest and ethical. That is Joel Demos.”

Joel will be running against DFL incumbent Keith Ellison, who has represented the district since 2007. “Joel will bring a fresh voice to a district that for too long has been represented by an overly ideological and partisan agenda,” said Crawford.

Contact:

Carleton Crawford, Chair
5th CD Republican Committee
TELEPHONE: 612-384-0356
EMAIL: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it • Download Press Release