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Speaker Thissen statement on Rep. Benson’s service to Minnesota

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

St. Paul, Minnesota — Today, State Representative John Benson announced he will not seek re-election to the Minnesota House. Speaker Paul Thissen released the following statement:

“I want to thank Rep. John Benson for his eight years of distinguished service in the legislature. Rep. Benson was one of the pioneers in bringing a moderate, common sense political voice from the suburbs to the Minnesota Capitol. We will miss his deep understanding of history and government that provided needed light on many of the political debates we've had in the House chamber.

Rep. Benson accomplished important things for Minnesota school kids. He paid particular attention to the growing issue of families that go to bed hungry in our state and moved that discussion forward. But what I will miss most about Rep. Benson were the moments of passionate rhetoric that burst out from behind his ordinarily calm Minnesota demeanor when his sense of justice for ordinary Minnesotans was offended.

I look forward to working with Rep Benson in the 2014 session to continue making progress on the good work he started.”