Republican candidate registers in Carlton/Pine Co. state House race

ST. PAUL - A Sturgeon Lake Republican plans to challenge Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL-Finlayson) in this fall's election.

"Minnesotans for Mark Ames" has registered as a campaign committee in Minnesota House District 8A.  The committee is chaired by Liz Ames, and Shannon Schaumburg serves as its treasurer.

Ames' campaign website states, "Mark is now moved to seek a seat on the Legislature out of a desire to preserve the strong foundation upon which this country was built - practical abilities born of personal experience coupled with common sense."

Ames worked as a sign language interpreter for sixteen years and has run an organic apple orchard for the past three years.  He and his wife have four sons.

District 8A covers most of Carlton County, northern Pine County, and south-central St. Louis County.