WORTHINGTON -- Southwest Minnesota voters can look forward to a pair of rematches this November for offices in Minnesota's Legislature.
DFLers Mike McCarvel and Richard Peterson will once again run for state office, seeking election in District 22A and District 22B, respectively. Both filed the required paperwork Thursday.
Peterson, who was defeated by Republican Rep. Rod Hamilton in 2004 and 2006, said he would work toward a better future for the people and economy of the region. He has leadership experience on both local and national levels.
"I'm tired of hearing politicians only talk about funding for education and health care," Peterson said. "I want to actually take action."
A lifelong resident of District 22B and a member of Democrats for Life, the American Legion, the Trimont Area Wind Farm and Minnesota FFA foundation -- as well as Kimball Township supervisor -- Peterson hopes for a southwest Minnesota future that's strong in economics, education and health care.
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"We need to make sure every child gets the opportunity, for not only general education, but also a college education that's affordable," explained Peterson, who resides in rural Mountain Lake.
Not only is Peterson strongly devoted to improving the education system and educational opportunities for children, but he's also looking to provide each individual child with the health care he/she deserves.
"Children need health care, just as nursing homes need to reassess their funding," Peterson said.
Peterson hopes to bring greater small business investment to rural communities and promote a strong rural economy, including emphasis on ethanol and wind energy.
McCarvel, who also described himself as a strong supporter of better education, health care and economic development in southwest Minnesota, was defeated by Republican District 22A Rep. Doug Magnus in 2006. A local resident of Brewster, he's a member of the Brewster School Board, a State School Board Association Director, a Minnesota Farm Bureau member, a Pheasants Forever member and a Heron Lake Watershed member.
McCarvel hopes to promote better economic jobs and resources, as well as education and health care, in the region.
"As a state, we need to create jobs in the region that satisfy talents and entrepreneurship for each individual," McCarvel said.
McCarvel added that education is the foundation of all his goals for southwest Minnesota. He said he supports affordable college costs and an option for a secondary education available for every child in Minnesota.
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"Our children need to be educated to create a future for southwest Minnesota," McCarvel said.
Together, Peterson and McCarvel plan to continue to pursue their hopes for improved education, health care and economic stability in the region for all generations.
"Not only will we talk the talk, but we'll walk the walk with our proposals for southwest Minnesota," Peterson said.
Magnus, R-Slayton, has been endorsed by District 22A Republicans and will seek his fourth term this November. Hamilton, endorsed by District 22B Republicans, will seek his third.
In 2006, Hamilton edged Peterson by approximately 52 to 48 percent to win his second term. Magnus defeated McCarvel by a 56-to-44 percent margin.
Hamilton squeaked past Peterson by a 51-to-49 percent margin in 2004.
