Gottwalt, Morrow Formally Submit Resignations

Both Rep. Steve Gottwalt of St. Cloud and Rep. Terry Morrow of St. Peter resigned via letters Monday, the day before the Legislature is to begin a new session. Both were reelected to two-year terms in November, but decided to step aside for job opportunities.

Morrow, a Democrat, will lead legislative efforts nationwide for the Chicago-based Uniform Law Commission, which aims to help states draft laws that are consistent from state to state and with federal statutes.

Gottwalt, a Republican, took a job as state legislative director for the Center for Diagnostic Imaging.

Scott MacHardy, of St. Cloud, and former St. Cloud city councilman John Severson both announced they’ll seek the Republican endorsement. Tama Theis announced last week she would also run as a Republican.

Neither special election will affect Democratic control of the House.