SPICER -- Dr. Karen Nelson of Spicer has announced her candidacy as a Republican for the Seventh District seat in the U.S. Congress.
The seat is currently held by Democrat Rep. Collin Peterson, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. Three other Republican candidates are running: Melva Larson of Bagley, Glen Menze of Starbuck and Lee Byberg of Willmar.
Nelson is a psychiatrist who served eight years on the New London-Spicer School Board and also served as board chair. In a statement placed on the Seventh District Republican Web site Sunday, Nelson said her training as a physician had taught her to "listen, evaluate, and solve problems." Her time on the school board taught her about balancing budgets, negotiating with unions and working with many types of people.
In her statement, Nelson said she was seeking the seat "because I believe that the political leaders in Washington, D.C. have placed our liberty and prosperity at great risk by creating massive federal debt and weakening our national defense."
Nelson also outlined her beliefs in the statement. She is opposed to abortion, allowing gay marriage, gun control, and cap-and-trade legislation. She is also opposed to current health reform proposals. She supports family farmers and choice and local in education.
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"Having grown up in western Minnesota, I will bring our core values to Washington, D.C.: hard work, personal responsibility, and respect and caring for others," she wrote.
