Shunned GOP lawmaker to run for state Senate
by The Associated Press

ST. CLOUD -- A state representative who decided against running for re-election as an Independent after being shunned by the Republican caucus will instead run for state Senate. 

Republicans endorsed former Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer to run for Representative Mark Olson's seat after he was convicted of domestic assault. 

Olson had considered running for his seat as an Independent, but then decided against it. 

Instead, Olson filed papers Monday for a special election in Senate District 16. He will compete against two other Republicans for the endorsement. 

Two Democrats have also filed to run. 

The seat is open after Senator Betsy Wergin was appointed to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. 

Senate District 16 includes parts of Sherburne, Mille Lacs and Benton counties.