2008 Republican Candidates

President | John McCain
John McCain has a remarkable record of leadership and experience that embodies his unwavering lifetime commitment to service. First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona in 1982, John has led the fight for reforming Washington, eliminating wasteful government spending, and strengthening our nation's armed forces. John McCain's reform agenda to reduce federal spending and lower taxes quickly elevated him to statewide office and he was elected to the United States Senate in 1986, after serving two terms in the U.S. House. >>>

U.S. Senator | Norm Coleman
In 2002, Norm decided to make a run for the U.S. Senate in an effort to bring the success he had in revitalizing St. Paul to the entire state. Wasting no time, once Norm took office in 2003 he got right to work on behalf of the people of Minnesota, quickly developing a reputation as a hard worker and displaying a willingness to work with both parties to get things done for our home state and the nation. During his first year in office, he delivered on his campaign promises by voting in favor of the 2003 tax cuts that have since led to the creation of over 7 million new jobs, a first-ever prescription drug benefit for seniors and the ban on partial-birth abortion. >>>

Representative | Bud Nornes
Nornes make notes about progress as of May 27, 2008: A lot of legislative wrangling took place the last week of session and when all was said and done, the final product turned out pretty well. A provision I crafted to help re-use the soon-to-be vacant Regional Treatment Center in Fergus Falls passed as part of the Tax Bill; this provision is critical for the preservation of this historic campus. The plan is to convert the RTC into a cross-cultural college campus focusing on international business. Hunan Normal University in China will act as a sister campus to Fergus Falls. It was crucial that we eliminated our $935 million budget deficit and improved the health care market for our small business owners this session. We made progress on both accounts when the House, the Senate and Gov. Pawlenty found common ground. >>>

Representative | Mark Murdock
Mark and his wife, Pat, have successfully run the Ace Hardware store in Perham for the past 12 years. In addition to his 25 years of retail experience, Murdock cites his marriage as an example of his dedication and character. “This October, we’ll have been married for 34 years,” he says with a smile. Together, the couple has two children, sons Adam and Nicholas. They live on Round Lake, near Ottertail city. Although Murdock hasn’t been involved in the political arena up until this point, he has held leadership positions in several community organizations. Prior to moving to the Perham area, he was parish council president in Dodge Center, Minn. Murdock is the first one to admit that he might not fit the typical politician stereotype. “I don’t want to be a politician,” he comments. “I want to be a representative.” >>>

U.S. Congressional District 7 | Glen Menze
Glen was born and raised in Ottertail county. Being the middle child of ten children taught him many life lessons early. Glen's father was a road construction engineer working throughout the state on projects like the scenic bypass north of Duluth and the Interstate 94 and 90 system. He was also a life-long innovative farmer always trying new crops and using irrigation before it was popular. After his father had a disabling heart attack, Glen's mother went to work as a teacher of cosmetology for 30 years. At 18 Glen's father passed away leaving five children and a farm to his mother. Glen went to elementary and high school in New York Mills and college for Sociology and Business Administration at Moorhead State University. >>>