Guard captain restarts campaign for Minn. House

A National Guard captain just back from Afghanistan has resumed his campaign for a seat in the Minnesota House.

Republican Mark Martin said Monday that he restarted his challenge to Democratic state Rep. Sandra Peterson on Friday, the day after his active-duty status ended.

Martin had suspended his bid in the Minneapolis suburbs of New Hope, Crystal and Plymouth last month after being ordered to stop campaigning while on active-duty status. Army regulations limit political activities by soldiers. Martin says he had permission to run from a commander who got incorrect legal advice.

Martin says he also quit his full-time federal job with the Minnesota National Guard last month because the position would have restricted his political activities. He remains a Guard captain.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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