Jan 28, 2006 6:17 pm US/Central
No Re-Election For Pro-Vikings Stadium Legislator
Blaine, Minn. (AP) ―
A state lawmaker who has pushed for a proposed Minnesota Vikings stadium in Anoka County said he will not seek re-election.
But Rep. Andy Westerberg, R-Blaine, Minn., said grass-roots opposition to the stadium proposal in recent months was not a factor in his decision.
He said he decided against running for a fifth term because he always supported term limits and wanted to pursue other opportunities, including a potential run for another elective office. But he declined to be more specific on that possibility.
The Vikings want to build a $675 million stadium in Blaine, surrounded by retail shops and office buildings. The Legislature is asked to approve an exemption to state law requiring a referendum on a countywide sales tax that would generate $280 million to help build it.
Westerberg said he will continue to push hard for the stadium proposal during the 2006 session, which begins March 1.
"I really, really, really like the stadium proposal," he said.
Dan Erhart, an Anoka County Commissioner who is a stadium supporter, said Westerberg is "very important to this process." Asked if he was worried about the stadium's chances in the upcoming session, he said, "It would've been easier if he ran for office again."
Lester Bagley, vice president of public affairs and stadium development for the Vikings, said Westerberg will be missed after his term ends this fall but "this project stands tall."
Rep. Connie Bernardy, DFL-Fridley, who occupies the other House seat in the district, said DFLer Scott Kranz was preparing to challenge Westerberg. Two Republicans -- Robyn West and Brad Biers -- also had formed campaign committees.
(© 2006 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
