Steve Sviggum

Last night in Zumbrota the Republican delegates in District 28A unanimously endorsed Steve Drazkowski of Wabasha to be their candidate to run for the seat being vacated by Rep. Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon) who is now Commissioner of Labor & Industry. Should other GOP candidates file (the filings close today), there will be a GOP primary July 17. The special election is August 7.

Drazkowski's easy endorsement is somewhat of a surprise. Several years ago, "The X," as some GOPers call him, was charged with fifth degree domestic assault for allegedly hitting his teenaged daughter. He was acquitted, and the records are sealed. His daughter has been with him on the campaign trail and his nomination was seconded by her. Local gossip has also focused on Drazkowski's protracted divorce, which lasted from 1993-2007. [No typos here. And, a round of applause to anyone who survives a 14-year divorce proceeding.]

I've never met Drazkowski. But I'm betting his endorsement means all the garbage was hauled away, at least for the Republicans. Should be interesting to see what the Democrats do with it.

A keen GOP observer wrote a play-by-play of what transpired last night. It's a long but fascinating read for political junkies. What follows is written by that observer:

In this issue: Mandernach's Morass: Don't Shoot The Messenger; Parsing Par; Cohen Has The Last Laugh; Sayonara, Steve Sviggum; Sviggum's Seat; Who's On First?; Moonlighter Madness; Bits & Pieces; Setting the Record Straight; Lobbyist Watch.

In this issue: Why is Coleen Rowley in Crawford?, Another Summer Session, The Politics of the Northwest Airlines Situation, Bits From The Blogosphere, Bits & Pieces..., The Coming Week In Other Media

In this issue: Special Session Fallout, Rump Group Musings, Another Special Session?, Pawlenty's Next Move: Rebuild his Capital, Why didn't the Governor "Triangulate", Republican Rule Fight, And the 2005 Session Victor is..., Campaign Finance Summaries Online, Bits & Pieces..., Lobbyist Watch, 20 Years Ago, The Coming Week In Other Media, Setting the Record Straight

In this issue: What does Krinkie's Leaving Mean?, Politicians Missing a Parade?, Rowley is "Off" and Running, The Minneapolis Park Board, a New PR Position and a Slate of Challenger Candidates, On Other Minneapolis Matters..., Inside the Fund-raising Race, Politics & Podcasting, Bits & Pieces..., Lobbyist Watch, 20 Years Ago, The Coming Week In Other Media, Setting The Record Straight

In this issue:Stalled Out Session; High Stakes Health Care; St. Paul Politics; Sixth Congressional District Politics; Betting on Words; Bits & Pieces; Lobbyist Watch; 20 Years Ago