Editorial: Re-elect Hamilton to state House

• Rep. Rod Hamilton

Rep. Rod Hamilton R-Mountain Lake

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In 2004, Republican Rod Hamilton defeated DFLer Richard Peterson to win the Minnesota House District 22B seat. Hamilton won subsequent rematches against Peterson in 2006 and 2008, and is now hoping to be elected to a fourth two-year term two weeks from today.

This time around, Hamilton will face a challenger other than Peterson for the first time in Democrat Bill Brandt of Sioux Valley Township. We are supportive of Hamilton’s desire to continue representing us in St. Paul.

During his six years in the State Capitol, Hamilton has continued to represent the best interests of his constituents, remembering first and foremost to be an advocate for the citizens of Greater Minnesota. The Mountain Lake Republican, for instance, has become regarded as one of the Legislature’s top advocates for nursing homes and long-term care facilities, and clearly recognizes their importance to rural communities. Hamilton has served as vice chair of the Minnesota House Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Finance Division, and has been a strong supporter for state veterans programs in that role. He has consistently pushed for a reduction in the education funding disparity that he rightfully says prioritizes a student from Minneapolis over one from southwest Minnesota.

Hamilton still is remembered for his vote for Minnesota 60 funding, but he should also be hailed for being, quite simply, a solid representative. We urge his re-election on Nov. 2.

Tags: opinion, minnesota, politics, hamilton