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Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

Radio host joins the race for state GOP chair

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A Twin Cities radio personality, who recently lost his afternoon talk show on KSTP AM 1500, announced today that he's a candidate for state Republican Party chairman.

Dave Thompson joins Carrie Ruud and Tony Sutton as announced candidates. Ron Carey, who has served as state party chairman since 2005, has not yet announced if he'll seek another two-year term. The GOP's State Central Committee is schedule to select a chair June 13. Thompson sent out the following news release:

The Republican Party needs a leader who can clearly communicate the Party vision, champion a Republican majority in the legislature and return the Party to its core principles.

When asked about the current political climate in Minnesota, Thompson replied, "I believe Republican Party principles reflect the values and priorities of most Minnesotans. Unfortunately, the Republican Party principles have not been clearly communicated in a way that allows this majority to see that Republican principles are the same as the principles that guide their own lives. As a result, a large Democratic majority controls the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Senate, thus not having enough Republicans to sustain a gubernatorial veto. We cannot afford more of the same."

Dave is uniquely qualified to undertake this important leadership role as State Chair. For the last 7 plus years Dave has hosted "The Dave Thompson Show", a program aired on locally owned, AM1500 KSTP. In addition, he has been part of a debate segment known as "Face Off" on KSTP TV's Emmy Award winning news program, "At Issue with Tom Hauser". Both of these high profile positions have afforded Dave the opportunity to cultivate and hone his understanding of the issues necessary to lead the Republican Party.

Dave is a life long Minnesotan. He graduated in 1984 from the University of North Dakota with majors in economics and political science. He received his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1987 and has been a practicing attorney representing businesses in workers' compensation disputes, contract negotiations and estate planning.

Dave and his wife have been married 23 years, and live with their 2 children in Lakeville.