Iron Range State Reps. Tony Sertich (DFL-Chisholm) of District 5B and Tom Anzelc (DFL-Balsam Township) of District 3A have filed for re-election today. Here are the corresponding press releases. Sertich will face Republican John Larson, a Hibbing bar owner, in the general election. Anzelc will face Republican Marvin Ott, a former county veterans official. I don’t know of any primary challengers in either race, but I hear rumors that frequent candidate Bill Hamm might run as an Independent against Anzelc in District 3A.

I always respect the first day filers. And last day filers tick me off. What are you, too cool for school? If you’re making up your mind on the last day of filing you better have a good reason or else you’re just wasting your time.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I am the chair of Tom Anzelc’s campaign committee, was a charter member of Tony Sertich’s campaign committee and have consumed beer with these guys individually and collectively. That said, I am willing to share information submitted by other candidates (especially if that information comes with complimentary beer). Seriously, if you have a campaign press release or other information to pass along about Iron Range or Duluth area races, let me know.

Sertich to File for re-election

Representative Tony Sertich, the Minnesota House of Representatives Majority Leader, filed for re-election at the St. Louis County Courthouse today. A four-term Representative from House District 5B, and the DFL endorsed candidate, Sertich serves the Cities of Hibbing, Chisholm, Meadowlands, Floodwood and several townships in St. Louis County.

“It has been a tremendous honor to serve the people of Northeast Minnesota. This past session, by working across the isle on issues that matter to all Minnesotan’s, we demonstrated what can be accomplished by our state’s leaders. As a result, the IronRange saw increases to education funding, significant health care reform, property tax relief, and job creation in local projects such as Minnesota Steel and Mesabi Nugget. We need to continue to build on those accomplishments,” Sertich said.

As the House Majority Leader, Representative Sertich is the highest-ranking rural legislator in the state and was the youngest Majority Leader in Minnesota’s history. The fourth generation Iron-Ranger plans to campaign on the same core government issues that he worked on during his past four terms- properly funding our education system, affordable and comprehensive health care, lowering property tax rates on homeowners, and rural economic development.

“Our area faces both challenges and great opportunities. Our families are coping with higher energy expenses and rising health care costs. However, the Minnesota economy is being stabilized by the agricultural and mining sectors. Given the worldwide demand for steel, we need to capitalize on this opportunity and reinforce our communities by investing in local economic development and effectively leveraging our mining sector strengths into other sectors,” Sertich said.

Sertich serves as a member of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, is a member of the Hibbing and Chisholm Chamber’s of Commerce, and is a Ironworld Development Corporation Board member. In his personal life, Sertich is the business manager at Longyear Incorporated in Chisholm. He is engaged to be married to Tallie Nelson on July 12^th. Ms. Nelson was recently hired to be the Director of the Upward Bound Program at HibbingCommunity College.

And, over in 3A:

Anzelc to seek re-election in House District 3A

BALSAMTOWNSHIP (June 26, 2008) – State Rep. Tom Anzelc (DFL-Balsam) announces his bid for re-election in House District 3A, representing Itasca, Koochiching and Lake of the Woods counties.

“It’s been an honor to serve the people of northern Minnesota these last two years,” said Anzelc. “We got a lot done, but there’s work left and I want to finish what I started.”

Anzelc was endorsed unanimously for re-election by DFL delegates last spring. He is finishing his first term in the Minnesota House of Representatives after a career in labor advocacy, public service and teaching.

“When I first decided to run, I said I would stand up for the people of northern Minnesota and that I wouldn’t march in lockstep with anyone for political reasons,” said Anzelc. “I’ve been independent, but I’ve also been true to my progressive labor roots.”

Anzelc was the primary author of the bonding bill that funds infrastructure for Minnesota Steel near Nashwauk. The innovative mining and steel making facility is due to break ground this summer.

“I like economic development that is smart and bold,” said Anzlec. “From Minnesota Steel to the exciting new magnetization process being developed near Keewatin and the enormous expansion at Keewatin Taconite, we’ve proven that we can create jobs by supporting public infrastructure and projects that make sense.”

Anzelc said he’s running again to ensure that people in border country have a strong voice.

“We may live in a remote part of Minnesota, but we deserve to be heard and we deserve good government,” said Anzelc. “I have worked hard to be the people’s voice for border country, whether in economic development, reform for wetlands laws, tourism and resorts, or in how we care for people in need.”

Anzelc serves on the K-12 Finance committee and has fought for adequate funding for ItascaCounty school districts. In addition, he chief authored a bill that demands accountability and standards for online high school courses.

“As the son of a miner, I’ll never forget the important role public schools played in my life,” said Anzelc. “Our northern Minnesota schools must always help our kids move up in life. Lately, local schools have been struggling, but I am never going to give up on our kids and teachers.”

One of Anzelc’s priorities, highway improvements throughout District 3A, saw significant progress during his first term.

“We live in a big district with a lot of rural areas, so safe, efficient highways are very important to the people who live here,” said Anzelc. “My vote to override the governor and pass the transportation bill moved up the expansion and completion of Highway 169 by more than a decade on the MNDOT priority list.”

He’s also worked hard to protect the public by fighting to get bonding funds to mitigate and dewater the Canisteo Pit near Bovey, which has long been considered a major flood risk.

Anzelc has sought common sense policy to protect the balance between nature and the people who live here.

“I’ve advocated for public recreational land use for everyone,” said Anzelc. “At the same time I’ve looked to save our environment for future enjoyment by our kids and grandkids. And I’m proud of my support for sound forestry through the Forest Legacy Act.”

Anzelc has also maintained his support for northern Minnesota values like hunting and fishing rights, the Second Amendment and rewarding hard work.

“When I go to St. Paul, I always remember where I’m from and who I work for,” said Anzelc. “Public service is my life.”