Schreyer to challenge Finstad in primary

Republican

challenges

endorsed candidate in House race

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM--Cody Schreyer, who failed to get the Republican Party's endorsement at its district convention three weeks ago, says he will challenge the GOP-endorsed House District 21B candidate, Brad Finstad, in the Sept. 3 primary.

Finstad received the party's endorsement for the seat being vacated by Rep. James Clark, R-New Ulm, on the first ballot. Finstad received 73 percent of the 52 votes cast to Schreyer's 21 percent. Schreyer was the only candidate for endorsement who did not agree to abide by the endorsement process.

In making his announcement, Schreyer said, "I made the decision because of my dream in life to make a positive difference in the world. I cannot allow small hurdles to get in the way of my dreams, and the dreams of many others in the community."

Schreyer acknowledged offers made "to me to bow out of the race; however, if I couldn't stand up for what is right and for myself, then how would I be able to represent people in the future? A responsible government needs representatives who are honest and who run honest campaigns."

What complicates his challenge for Brown County Republicans is that Schreyer is a member of the Brown County Republican Party board.

"We have a problem with Cory running against Brad in the primary because board members are supposed to support and help elect the endorsed candidates," Brown County GOP Chair Gerald Woodley said.

"According to our constitution, Article 1, Section 2 under 'Object,' it states that the object of the committee shall be to elect Republican endorsed candidates to public office," Woodley said.

"Article 1, Section 4 under "Duties" states in Part C it shall be the duty of the committee ... to coordinate the campaigns of and to elect Republican endorsed legislative candidates ... so, yes, we have a real problem with this."

Woodley said there are provisions for removing board members, "but we don't want to get into that at this point."

For his part, Finstad said he's puzzled by Schreyer's challenge.

"He ran as a Democrat against Jim in the last election," Finstad said. "Now, at the convention, the delegates had a good opportunity to talk to the candidates and make their assessments as a part of the endorsement process, and I got 73 percent of their votes. I really don't know what Cody's intentions are."