Redistricting Moves Sen. Lillie From Woodbury, Decision Looms

Sen. Ted Lillie is wading through his future political options in the wake of Tuesday’s redistricting.

Lillie, of Lake Elmo, lives in what is now Senate District 39, the same district as fellow Republican Sen. Ray Vandeveer, a longtime lawmaker from northern Washington County.

Woodbury, however, is now in District 59, which means Lillie would no longer be able to represent the city in the state Legislature.

Lillie said he has built strong connections and relationships in Woodbury and it will be a “challenge” to move forward.

“I thought that I had their general support,” Lillie said of Woodbury residents.

         What redistricting means for Woodbury

Has he considered a move to Woodbury?

“Oh sure,” Lillie said. “My wife is the medical director at Woodwinds and we’ve been active in the chamber and with the Woodbury Community Foundation.”

         Local GOP, DFL leaders weigh in on redistricting

Still, Lillie wasn’t quite ready to say what office he may run for in 2012.

Asked if he would consider vying for the 4th Congressional District seat, Lillie said it would be “an interesting discussion.”

He did chime in on the possibility of Congresswoman Betty McCollum representing Woodbury in the newly redrawn district, which includes St. Paul and stretches east into the middle of Washington County.

Lillie called McCollum a “downtown urbanist” and said her “radicalism” wouldn’t sit well with some in the new congressional district. He also noted her opposition to the St. Croix River Crossing Project.

“I think she has to answer to her constituents,” Lillie said. “I don’t think it’s a healthy option.”

In a statement issued Tuesday, McCollum said she plans to run in the 4th District. (Congresswoman Michele Bachmann lives in the new district but says she plans to run in the 6th District.)

“For the residents of Woodbury, Stillwater and all new 4th District voters, I look forward to working hard to earn your support in the upcoming months,” McCollum said in a statement. “(Tuesday), the congressional map may have changed, but my values haven’t. I will continue working for a strong economy, good jobs, quality schools, a clean environment, and smart investments in transportation infrastructure.”