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Pfeilsticker, of Wabasha, earned her party’s endorsement at a convention last week. She was the only candidate who sought the DFL nod in District 28B, which covers northern Winona County and parts of Goodhue and Wabasha counties.
The announcement likely means that Pfeilsticker will face Drazkowski for the second time in two years for the 28B seat.
She narrowly lost to Drazkowski in an August 2007 special election after the resignation of former Rep. Steve Sviggum.
Pfeilsticker said the upcoming race will be a “continuation” of last year’s battle, with many of the same issues taking priority: health care, transportation and economic development.
The state should consider expanding programs to help small businesses struggling to cover rising health care costs, she said.
Unlike Drazkowski, Pfeilsticker said she supported a measure enacted this session that increased gasoline taxes and other fees to provide
$6.6 billion for state roads.
She said Minnesota’s crumbling roads are hindering economic development in rural areas.
“There are businesses that are not coming to these small communities because the roads are not suitable,” Pfeilsticker said.
In December, Pfeilsticker was arrested for misdemeanor drunken driving in Wabasha County. She later pleaded guilty to the charge. She addressed the issue in a statement released Wednesday, thanking “all of the people who have been so supportive” following the arrest.
Pfeilsticker, a social studies teacher at Winona Senior High School, said she’s already begun campaigning throughout District 28B.
Drazkowski said that, following this year’s transportation bill, the issue won’t loom as large in this year’s election. The winner of the race will have to address the state’s flagging economy and looming budget shortfall in 2009, Drazkowski said.
“Families are struggling,” he said. “It’s time for government to step up to the plate and live within its means.”
Contact Mark Sommerhauser at (507) 453-3514 or msommerhauser@winonadailynews.com
