Newly elected lawmaker shares his experiences

Lawmakers at the State Capitol are already gearing up for their next session, which begins in early January. We're planning to follow a couple of lawmakers for a first-hand perspective of what's happening at the State Capitol.

One of those lawmakers will be experiencing all of it for the first time. He is Kurt Daudt of Isanti, a freshman Republican member of the House from District 17A. He spoke with MPR's Tom Crann about what he's been doing since Election Day to prepare for office.

Listen to the interview by clicking on the audio player above.

MORE ABOUT KURT DAUDT

Daudt defeated his DFL opponent Jim Godfrey by 2,796 votes, or about 16 percent. He ran for the seat after Republican incumbent Rob Eastlund announced he would not seek another term. Eastlund had served in the House since 2000, and had faced several close re-election contests.

Daudt describes himself as a fiscal conservative who has fought against property tax increases while he served as a commissioner for Isanti County. He opposes the new federal health care law, which he calls "Obamacare," and has said that he believes the 10th Amendment to the Constitution grants states the right to opt out of the legislation.

Daudt's campaign website outlines other key issues for the freshman lawmaker -- gun rights, "traditional marriage," property rights, and his opposition to legalized abortion.

His website also says, "Daudt will support the end of sanctuary cities in Minnesota, because he understands that illegal immigration problems can spill over into our district as well."

Daudt served as the campaign manager for Republican Marty Seifert, who ran unsuccessfully this year for the party's nomination for governor.

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