Dille Uncertain About 2010

Not breaking news but still...

The McLeod County Republican Party's executive committee met Thursday evening in Glencoe and heard perhaps the first of a long list of candidates seeking the governor's position in 2010.

But they also heard that long-time District 18 State Sen. Steve Dille, R-Dassel, has not made up his mind whether to run for another term in two years.

Dille told the committee that he will likely make a decision this fall or prior to the upcoming precinct caucuses.

Dille and the more conservative executive committee, have not always seen eye-to-eye on issues, and Dille alluded to that.

Many on the executive committee "have a problem with me, because I'm not partisan enough. It's not my style to wage war against the Democrats 24/7. I don't plan on changing."

Dille said his bipartisan approach, especially after all these years as the minority party in the state Senate, is the only way to get anything done.

Also, he pointed out that he has won 11 elections in a row, most by wide margins. He said that is the kind of representation most constituents want for the district.

But Dille is under a lot of pressure to resign after the current term and allow a more conservative Republican to take his place.

"It's important to pick the right person," Dille said. "Once you get them, you're stuck with them."

Dille said 2010 is an important election because of redistricting, which usually occurs two years after the census.

Eleven elections in a row...wow!