House 13B voters face a re-run of the 2004 election -- DFL'er Al Juhnke or GOP challenger Bonnie Wilhelm.
Wilhelm has a multifaceted background -- growing up on a farm, being a single mother and working in a supervisory medical position and working at the Barn theatre. Unfortunately, she has not ran as strong a campaign as she did in 2004. She failed to control her local campaign supporters who used the Barn Theatre for campaign messages and still fails to understand this issue's significance.
She opposes renewable energy mandates, such as ethanol, biodiesel and wind mandates. Her political naiveté on a number issues, such as discipline being the primary K-12 challenge or college being a privilege with no need to address high tuition costs, displays a lack of depth needed for the job.
Juhnke has continued to develop as a rural and agriculture advocate for House 13B and the region. He is concerned about the high cost of college, the need for all-day kindergarten and adequate state funding for K-12 education. His priorities include addressing the cost of health care, and rising property taxes. He's delivered on local needs such as local trail funding, Willmar's library funding and allowing the joint venture of local electrical entities.
His 10 years in the Legislature have provided Juhnke with experience and seniority. If he is re-elected and the DFL wins the House majority, Juhnke would likely be elected a major committee chairman.
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The West Central Tribune endorses Juhnke for re-election in House 13B.
