Photo: #The challenge to his House seat came after Olson was convicted of domestic assault last summer, a charge that led the House Republican Caucus to kick him out.
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The challenge to his House seat came after Olson was convicted of domestic assault last summer, a charge that led the House Republican Caucus to kick him out. (MPR Photo/Tom Scheck)

Campaign 2008

President, U.S. Senate, Congress, and the Minnesota House of Representatives are the major races in the campaign of 2008. This is the first presidential election without an incumbent or sitting vice president involved since 1952.

More from MPR

Rep. Olson opens race by not seeking reelection
July 16, 2008

Olson loses GOP endorsement to Kiffmeyer
May 3, 2008

Rep. Olson may face discipline in House
July 16, 2007

Mark Olson faces lonely session at Capitol
February 5, 2007

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Campaign 2008

Mark Olson running for Minnesota Senate seat

by Tom Scheck, Minnesota Public Radio
July 22, 2008

St. Paul, Minn. — Mark Olson, a Republican member of the Minnesota House, has filed paperwork to run for the Minnesota Senate.

Olson is running to replace Republican Senator Betsy Wergin, who resigned her post after she was appointed to the Public Utilities Commission.

Olson, of Big Lake, decided last week against running for the House seat which he has held since 1993. Former Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer challenged Olson for the GOP endorsement and won.

The challenge came after Olson was convicted of domestic assault last summer, a charge that led the House Republican Caucus to kick him out.

Gov. Pawlenty announced that the special election will coincide with the general election.

There will also need to be Republican and DFL primaries on September 9 since three Republicans and two DFLers filed for the Senate seat.

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