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Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

Sivarajah says she’s running for 6th District seat

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Rhonda Sivarajah announces her campaign for Congress in the 6th District.

Another Republican candidate has entered the 6th District race for Congress.

Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah announced her campaign today at an auto repair shop in Ham Lake. She joins Tom Emmer in the GOP contest to replace Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, who is not seeking re-election next year.

Sivarajah said she will seek the party endorsement but hasn't ruled out running in a primary. During a brief speech, Sivarajah described herself as a conservative with a record of accomplishments.

"We need someone who will actually fight to get things done, who will make our conservative principles a reality," Sivarajah said. "Washington is full of people who talk and talk and talk. But we need to send people there who can actually deliver real results."

Sivarajah, who lives in Lino Lakes, is former candidate for Lt. Governor. She was Marty Seifert's running mate in 2010. Seifert lost the endorsement that year to Emmer.

Several Republican legislators attended the Sivarajah event, including Sen. Michelle Benson, R-Ham Lake;

Sen. Roger Chamberlain, R-Lino Lakes; Rep. Brian Johnson, R-Cambridge; Rep. Linda Runbeck, R-Circle Pines and Rep. Peggy Scott, R-Andover.

Minnesota DFL Chairman Ken Martin criticized Sivarajah for cutting services and programs during her time as a county commissioner.

"This anti-government government official has served the interests of the Tea Party rather than the people who elected her to office," Martin said in a news release.

State Sen. John Pederson, R-St. Cloud, has also said he is likely to run for the seat.

On the DFL side, Circle Pines environmental activist Judy Adams said earlier this week she's running.  Former DFL candidate Jim Graves dropped out of the race shortly after Bachmann did.