Two announce candidacy for Gauthier's House seat
Two DFLers have announced their intention to run for the House seat currently held by state Rep. Kerry Gauthier, DFL-Duluth, who was investigated recently for a sexual encounter with a 17-year old boy at an area rest stop.
Duluth City Councilman Jay Fosle and Duluth Assistant Fire Chief Erik Simonson both say they will run as write-in candidates to replace Gauthier.
Gauthier has not said whether he will stay in the race. The head of the state GOP has called on him to resign, while DFL chair Ken Martin has asked Gauthier to not seek a second term.
Simonson said that it is tough to launch a campaign amid that backdrop.
"But we've got to keep in mind the bigger picture and we've got to move forward, we can't just sweep it under the rug and hope it goes away," Simonson said.
Republican Travis Silvers is also running to represent the heavily DFL district in west Duluth.
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