Posted: 12/12/06
Kiffmeyer may return to politics
by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter
Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer will leave office in January, one of the victims of the Democratic wave that swept many Republicans from office.
But a chance for Kiffmeyer to step back into elective office might open soon.
Rep. Mark Olson, R-Big Lake, was recently arrested for domestic assault and though giving no indication that he would resign from the House, Olsonís political future is at best cloudy.
The House Republican caucus has indicated that an ethics complaint against Olson could come from within the caucus.
House Speaker Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, stated that if Olson is found guilty of misdemeanor domestic assault charges, he personally would recommend Olson resign from office.
Kiffmeyer, though reluctant to talk in specifics about the Olson situation, said she is seen as a possible replacement for Olson.
ìThereís been lots of folks calling and talking and wanting us to do that (consider running for the House) since I think the day it happened,î said Kiffmeyer, of Big Lake. Olson was arrested on Nov. 12.
ìI think we ought to be fair to Mark Olson and not jump the gun yet ñ I think itís a matter of being fair and respectful,î said Kiffmeyer.
Yet Kiffmeyer indicated that if Olson is found guilty of domestic assault, as a practical political matter she doubts whether he could remain in office.
Beyond this, Olsonís family situation is more important than the politics, she opined.
A court appearance for Olson is scheduled for Dec. 12 at 8 a.m. in Sherburne County District Court in Elk River.
Speaking in general terms, Kiffmeyer indicated she is willing to consider serving in a different public office.
ìWhen I ran for the office (Secretary of State), I really wanted to serve for another four years,î said Kiffmeyer. ìAnd that hasnít changed,î she said.
Kiffmeyer, 59, served two, four-year terms as secretary of state before losing her bid for a third term.
A Republican activist prior to running for the office, Kiffmeyerís husband, Ralph, served in the Minnesota Legislature.
ìSheíd be an automatic win, I think,î said House Minority Leader-elect Marty Seifert, R-Marshall.
Seifert ñ who has not spoken to Kiffmeyer about a run for the House, he explained ñ said Kiffmeyer would bring to a House race universal name recognition, an ability to raise money, and a generally conservative political view.
Though smiling tightly when considering the necessity of running for office every two years instead of four, Kiffmeyer said campaigning gives her an opportunity to meet with the people. ìI love doing that,î she said.
In terms of logistics, Kiffmeyer, who visited all 87 Minnesota county in her failed reelection bid, sees running a House campaign as much simpler.
ìA House district within 30 miles ñ that would be a piece of cake,î she said.
Olson, reelected to an eighth-term last election in District 16B, won with 58 percent of the vote.
Kiffmeyer herself was clearly distraught election night ñ in tears ñ losing to DFL Secretary of State-elect Mark Ritchie by a number of points in a three way race
ìThat youíre standing at 2 a.m. in the morning having youíre wits about you is a major accomplishment,î said Kiffmeyer, explaining Election Day for her both politically and professionally was a big day.
Kiffmeyer explained her campaign polling had her with a double-digit lead prior to the Congressional House page scandal.
After the Foley scandal broke, her polling showed her lead halved, she said.
Additionally, Kiffmeyer argues that Minnesota voter turnout suggests people, Republicans, stayed home. ìWithout (Congressman) Mark Foley, maybe I could have withstood that,î she said.
Her approach to public office is itís about the work, not about her, said Kiffmeyer.
Still, Democrats have accused Kiffmeyer of politicizing the Secretary of State Office .
Sheís philosophical about the political heat sheís taken. ìI kind of took my (political) bumps ñ and there were probably more than any Secretary of State in the history of Minnesota,î she said.
The 2000 presidential vote in Florida sent a shockwave through the nationís electoral system, explained Kiffmeyer. ìSo over six years I served basically recovering from an earthquake,î she said.
While refusing to answer ìhypotheticalî questions, Olson explained that he didnít see why he should consider doing anything different in his political career at this point.
People are innocent until proven guilty, he said.
There is a lot of misinformation out in the public about the situation, he said.
ìI feel it grievous that my family has to go through this,î he said.
Olson said the media has insulted his family ó knocking on the door of the family home, bothering his wife.
By the grace of God, he goes on day to day, Olson said.
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