Minnesota soldier who lost his legs in Iraq now seeks public office (He's GOP!)

KARE-11 (NBC Affiliate in Minneapolis-St Paul) ^ | 2/10/10

[MplsSteve]

A war veteran who lost his legs in Iraq is now running for public office.

Sgt. John Kriesel says he'll run as a Republican for the House of Representatives District 57 seat, representing Cottage Grove, St. Paul Park and South St. Paul.

It's the seat now held by (Democrat) Karla Bigham who announced she won't seek re-election this fall.

Sgt. Kriesel lost both his legs in a blast near Fallujah, Iraq on December 2, 2006. The same blast that killed two of his best friends. His injuries resulted in 25 surgeries over the course of just two months.

[MplsSteve]

If John Kriesel runs a respectable race, there's a decent chance the GOP can pick up this seat. The district trends Democrat - although it's more of a blue-collar district.

I don't know much about Sgt Kriesel but if you read the article, he's come back from a lot of adversity.

Comments or opinions - anyone?

[MplsSteve]

WELCOME TO FREE REPUBLIC’S MINNESOTA PING LIST!

132 MEMBERS AND GROWING...!

FREEPMAIL ME IF YOU WANT ON OR OFF THIS LIST!

[miliantnutcase]

Mike Morris has him on the 93x morning show as a regular weekly guest. Pretty smart guy he will do well.

[dalebert]

is he pro business and anti tax?

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

He’s not GOP.

He’s a conservative.

[miliantnutcase]

I meant to say he’s a guest on the “power trip” morning show on KFAN not 93x. slip up I listen to them both.

[Liberty Valance]

[OldDeckHand]

We will see if his candidacy receives the same media celebration that Tammi Duckworth’s candidacy did. I won’t hold my breath.

[Kickass Conservative]

If that's his HUMMER, the Envirowacks will be crying.

[fieldmarshaldj]

District 57A (57B has a Republican).

[onedoug]

I like it!

[downwdims]

I targeted this race in 2004. Tough district, we got more votes than Bush, but it’s a heavily dim area. It is winnable this year I believe