Rep Dan Dorman, R-Albert Lea, announced Wednesday that he would seek a third term in the November election.

“It has been a honor and privilege to represent the people of Freeborn County,” said Dorman in his candidacy conference, accompanied by House Speaker Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon.

Dorman said he would continue to focus on job creation in Freeborn County and rural Minnesota, which would consequently contribute to balancing the budget deficit the state has been suffering from. He would also place much of his effort on education, securing an equitable funding and consolidating micromanagement.

As a result of redistricting, more legislative power will be shifting to metro and suburban districts from the rest of the state. District 27A was extended to the southwest part of Mower County, adding approximately 4,000 residents.

Emphasizing the four years of experience and political connections he built up in St. Paul, Dorman said, “More than ever, rural Minnesota needs a strong voice at the legislature. It’s crucial that the needs of our small cities and towns are not overlooked.”

&uot;This past session has been marked by gridlock, but underneath, we were able to pass significant legislation for agriculture and balance the budget without raising taxes or cutting deeply into school funding,” Dorman said.

Sviggum described Dorman as a rising star with passion, giving credit to what he had accomplished for Albert Lea and rural Minnesota, including an increased allocation of the state aid to local governments and support for the biodiesel bill the legislature passed in this session.

“We would love to have him in the majority caucus, to be an agenda setter,” he said.