Woodbury Republicans Map Plans for Legislature

The state Legislature begins its new session in January with a new Republican majority in the House and Senate and a big budgetary challenge that dwarfs other issues.

Woodbury saw a complete overhaul of its legislative districts, as three Republicans took over seats previously controlled by the DFL.

Rep. Andrea Kieffer, District 56B:

Kieffer said she subscribes to her party's basic tenants of balancing the budget, tax reform and helping small businesses. "That's the reason I ran."

Much of her political philosophy stems from her time abroad. She lived with her husband in Hungary and Singapore when he worked in 3M offices overseas. Kieffer said it was during her time away from the U.S. that she realized government could create strong schools and infrastructure without high taxes. She said Minnesota is an overly taxed state and could foster business growth through an improved tax code.

Problems with foreclosures and job loss aren't limited to the inner city, she said, and even an affluent area such as Woodbury has been hit by the recession.

"Don't think we're immune," Kieffer said. "If the ship sinks, we all sink with it."

As the state faces a massive budget deficit, the Woodbury resident said she doesn't want fringe issues to interfere with the issues at hand.

"Just because I have an 'R' after my name doesn't mean I fit that stereotype," Kieffer said. "I want (the public) to know who I am and what I'm about."

Rep. Kathy Lohmer, District 56A:

Lohmer once again faced Julie Bunn, DFL-Lake Elmo, in this year's election for the 56A House seat. But unlike 2008, Lohmer was able to secure the victory that eluded her last time around.

Lohmer said people with whom she spoke seemed more concerned about government spending this election cycle. Many expressed their displeasure with the state's deficit and the overall state of the economy, she said. The Republican from Lake Elmo described public sentiment as "a feeling that what's there right now isn't working for us."

While she hasn't been able to target specific areas in which the Legislature can trim its spending, Lohmer did point to efforts by state business leaders to identify ways Minnesota can attract large corporations and boost the tax base. At a recent meeting with the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, representatives from the Itasca Project—an employer-led group lobbying to make the state more hospitable for business—called Minnesota's tax rate "obscene," she said.

Lohmer, who has never previously held public office, said she got interested in running for the House while her son was serving in Iraq. As he made sacrifices for the nation, she said she asked herself: "What can I do?"

"That's where it all started," Lohmer said. "I really feel humbled and gratified for (voters) putting their trust in me. I'm excited to do some of the things I've been talking about for the past 32 months."

Sen. Ted Lillie, District 56:

Ted Lillie, who won the Senate District 56 job by unseating incumbent Kathy Saltzman, did not return repeated phone calls seeking comment.