VOTERS GUIDE FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT SEVEN - Republican Party of ...
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VOTERS GUIDE FOR
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT SEVEN
This guide includes important information you will
need for your congressional district convention. Print
off the last page to use during the convention as a
cheat sheet for voting.
CHAIR CANDIDATE
Craig Bishop:I attended Kansas State University and
graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor’s degree in
History and received a Master’s degree in Soviet
and Eastern European Studies from the University of
Kansas in 1991. This was the era of historic
meetings between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail
Gorbachev. Curiosity of Eastern Europe and
Communism landed Craig in West Berlin working for
the State Department at the Trade and Investment
Bureau. Traveling across the Berlin Wall and a few
years later living in Bulgaria and Estonia drove home
some hard truths about the dangers of socialism and
that America is a unique hope for freedom in our
world.
In 1993, I joined the Pilot Outreach jail ministry and have now completed 27 years of
service. In 2016, I wrote and self-published a book about evangelist Billy Sunday
entitled, Billy Sunday The Baseball Evangelist The Story of a Remarkable Life. I have
traveled many times speaking in the State of Iowa, Billy Sunday’s home state, including
one time at the Iowa Historical Society in Des Moines.
I have served in various ways in my McLeod County BPOU since 1996 including,
Secretary, Vice-Chair and BPOU Chair from 1997-2009. In 2009 I was elected Chair of
the Seventh District Republicans. Some of the great memories I have as chair are
giving the Lifetime Achievement Awards at our convention in Thief River Falls in 2017
and being involved to help get Donald Trump elected in 2016 and Michelle Fischbach in
2020. I am currently a licensed insurance agent with Gruenhagen Insurance Company
and a Casework Manager with the Michelle Fischbach Congressional office in Willmar.
I want to thank all the wonderful people I have worked with over the years. If you elect
me, I would be glad to serve another year as your District Chairman.
DEPUTY CHAIR CANDIDATE
Tiffany Lesmeister: It is an honor to be running for re-
election for the Seventh Congressional District Deputy
Chair position. My daughter and I live on a small farm
near Wabasso and have a few crops and animals that
we tend to. I have worked in the agricultural industry
for over 29 years, specifically in the dairy industry for
the last 18 years. I have served locally as a Redwood
County, New Avon Township Supervisor since 2012. In
my past and present employment opportunities, I
have been able to work in a swine veterinary practice,
clone cattle, pigs and sheep, work with dairy farmers and work with many multi-cultural co-
workers.
I am a Christian mother, prolife supporter, current conceal and carry permit holder, church
treasurer, member of the St. Anne’s school advisory board and former youth advisor.
Since 2016, I have been active at the county, district and state levels of the Republican Party. In
2020, I was elected to serve as a National Delegate to the Republican National Convention.
Besides the broad duties of the current CD7 Deputy Chair, I focus on enhancing a financial and
support path for the CD7 Congressional candidate and election integrity of CD7 and statewide.
I am currently co-chairing the Statewide Election Integrity team.
My belief in the Republican Party of Minnesota leads me to be involved and support the people
of CD7 into the future. I would be honored to be your voice and serve you as your Deputy Chair
of CD7 and I sincerely ask for your vote.
STATE EXECUTIVE OFFICER CANDIDATES
Bill Nichol: In 1962 my parents were
married out of High school and
moved to a farm my grandpa Nichol
bought during the depression. It was
located on the” King of Trails” wagon
trail near Wolverton, MN in the Red
River Valley. We raised beef cattle,
alfalfa, corn and wheat. Life on the
farm was never dull. Our cousins
loved to spend their summers with
us swimming in the gravel pit behind
our house. We worked hard, played
hard and slept well and I wouldn’t
trade it for any other life.
I graduated from Oak Grove Lutheran High School in Fargo in 1985. That summer,
Reaganomics allowed me to start my excavating company that helped put me through a couple
years at North Dakota State and Moorhead State. I spent three years at the Art Institute of
Atlanta then another 2 years at the Full Sail Center for the Recording Arts in Winter Park, FL to
be a sound engineer. In the mid-90s I recorded and managed a Blues band, Bad Medicine that
became Jonny Lang’s first backup band. I also pursued an acting career. What’s remained
consistent in my life is my faith in God and to choose my own path of interest and live life fully.
I am completely at odds with the liberal progressive agenda. Everything I love is at risk!
I currently hold the position of Senate District 12 chair, which is a voting position on the
CD7 board and CD7 State Executive Officer. My responsibilities for that position are to travel to
the twin cities once a month to work with Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan and other statewide
leaders to work on plans to win Minnesota red for the Republicans in November 2022. I am
also owner and operator of William Nichol Excavating Inc. since 1985.
Joel Novak VICE PRESIDENT AND SUPERVISING ATTORNEY, NEW LONDON LAW, New London, Minnesota, February 2019 to Present. * Prepare and try criminal law, child in need of protection, and civil cases. * Supervise Office making sure bills are paid and debts are collected. * Write briefs and argue appeals and collateral attack cases before the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the Minnesota Supreme Court. DEPUTY STAFF JUDGE ADVOCATE Division West, FIRST ARMY, Fort Carson, Colorado, May 2006 to February 2008. * Managing attorney of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate. * Supervised three attorneys and five paralegals. * In charge of Criminal Law and Discipline. * Wrote a Field Manual on Evidence Collection in Iraq and legal guides on Investigations, Forensic Law in Iraq, Reserve Component Separations, Summary Courts-Martial and a Commander’s Legal Guide. * Created instruction for line and legal personnel deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. * Taught course for legal personnel deploying to Iraq. 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, Iraq, January 2005 to May 2006. * Served as Detention Review Officer. * Trained the Regiment; Iraqi General Officers, Iraqi Division Staff Officers and Judge Advocates; Special Force Operational Detachment Alpha Soldiers; Military Transition Team Soldiers, Border Transition Team Soldiers; and Border Security Team personnel on Detainee Operations. * Trained the Regiment on Rules for the Use of Force, Rules of Engagement, Law of War, and Code of Conduct. 7th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado, July 2004 to Jan 2005. * Served as a Military Magistrate * Served as Staff Judge Advocate of the Division during the train up of three Reserve Component Brigades and one Active Regiment. * Served as the Chief, International and Operational Law for Fort Carson.
SECRETARY CANDIDATE
Julie Kirchenwitz
Julie Kirchenwitz: I am candidate for CD7 secretary. I have
already happily served one term as your CD7 secretary. I have
served as secretary for several years in our local Grant County
BPOU. Over the years, our family has been involved in many
parades, literature drops and other events for our local GOP
candidates. This past summer we enjoyed proudly waving our
flags as we drove through many MN towns in Trump caravans.
I will gladly serve another term and will continue to strongly
support our conservative, Republican candidates.
TREASURER CANDIDATE
Bill Oliver-No Bio Submitted
VICE CHAIR CANDIDATES Ben Anderson: Mr. Anderson lives in Maine Township, Otter Tail County, with his family on a small farm and serves as Chair of the Otter Tail County Republican Party. This past election cycle, he was a Neighborhood Team Leader in Otter Tail County for Donald J. Trump for President, helping organize local events and volunteers for the President and other Republican candidates. He also helped staff the Otter Tail County Republican Party Victory Center and made phone calls and did door knocking across the county for President Trump, Jason Lewis, Michelle Fischbach, Bill Ingebrigtsen, Jordan Rasmusson, and Mary Franson. He has been active in the Otter Tail County Republican Party since 2018. Before moving to Otter Tail County, Ben was a member of the Clay County Republican Party, a board member of the Pennington County Republican Party, and Chair of the Marshall County Republican Party. From 2009 to 2010 he served as Secretary of the Seventh Congressional District Republican Party and as Founding Chair of the Seventh Congressional District Young Republicans. In previous election years, he has also served as an election judge, poll watcher, volunteer for various campaigns, and volunteer at the Republican National Convention. Ben currently works as District Director for U.S. Representative Michelle Fischbach. Previously he worked for President George W. Bush, U.S. Senator Norm Coleman, U.S. Representative Gil Gutknecht, University of Minnesota Extension, and the Thief River Falls Chamber of Commerce. He was raised on a farm near Stephen, Minnesota, in Marshall County and has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.
Jim Bobier: I am running for election as a CD7 vice
chair. Most importantly, my wife Diane and I are
conservative Christians who raised our 4 children in
Hutchinson. Our youngest is now a freshman at
Moorhead State University.
I have been a CD7 delegate for McLeod County since
2008. During this time, I was a member on several
CD7 committees such as Resolutions, Nominations,
and Conventions support. I was Co-Chair of
Nomination Committee in 2018 and Chair of
Nomination Committee in 2020.
Locally, I have been SD18 Chair since 2010
representing Meeker, McLeod and Sibley Counties. I
have also served as Deputy Chair of the McLeod County Republicans since 2012. My focus has
been to help elect local nonpartisan candidates using all political strategies and tools that are
available through both CD7 and MNGOP resources.
The past 2 election cycles we have successfully recommended and elected 2 city councilors,
one county commissioner and one school board candidate. Winning local races is extremely
important to build a bench of experienced individuals for future elections for higher office in
county and state positions.
I am running for vice chair for 3 reasons:
1) To offer the board the depth and breadth of my experience to help transition through
redistricting.
2) To share our McLeod knowledge on winning local elections out across CD7.
3) To provide leadership to the board to protect and uphold the endorsement decision by the
CD7 delegates.
I was an active supporter of all our convention-approved candidates for congress including Lee
Byberg, Torrey Westrom, David Hughes, and Michelle Fischbach. I am thankful that Minnesota
is a caucus state that allows grass roots supporters significant influence with selecting
candidates for office. I believe if we want to remain a caucus state, we must follow the rules
and uphold the endorsement process.
Jim Bobier
SenateDistrict18Chair@gmail.com 651-252-1412 cell Kim Chervestad: I'm Kim Chervestad. Barb and I have been married for almost 39 years. We have 5 grown children, 2 daughters, 3 sons and 6 wonderful grandchildren. I retired from Arctic Cat Inc. as a snowmobile engineer after working there 38 yrs. We currently own a beef cattle and small grain farm in Pennington County. I joined the Pennington County BPOU in 2009. I was elected in 2013 as a delegate and continue to serve as a delegate to the district and state conventions. In 2017,2019 and 2021 I was elected as the state central delegate for Pennington County. In 2017 I was elected as a vice chair for the CD7 board and re-elected in 2019. I served as the registration chair for both of those district conventions and would happily continue in that capacity once we can hold in person conventions. I have enjoyed serving as a vice chair and would appreciate your vote. Jason Kirchenwitz: I am currently a CD7 vice chair, vice chair of our Grant county BPOU, and delegate to State Central. My goals this term, since we have successfully seated a Republican in our congressional seat, would be to diligently work on our election integrity committee.
Wallace R. (Wally) Cole, D.C.: Wally has been involved
with supporting local government in Fergus Falls MN,
Otter Tail County, the 7th CD and Minnesota since 1968.
Wally moved to Fergus Falls with his Wife Marcy, 1 child
and one on the way in 1968 to be an Associate
Chiropractic Doctor with Dr. Roger Nelson.
Wally held that position for three years. In 1971 Wally
started and built his own successful Chiropractic practice
and continues to practice.
POLITICAL RESUME – MANY POSITIONS HELD
1972–Present Ward 3 Precinct 1 Chair, OTC including,
Delegate or Alternate for CD7, MNGOP and State
Central. Nominations, Rules and Constitution
Committees for OTC and CD7.
1994–2000 OTC Region 10A Co-chair
1997–2000 CD7 Vice-Chair. Special assignment in
charge of preparing and chairing the CD7 Convention in
Fergus Falls.
Special Positions held
1. Sgt-at-Arms Chair for OTC, Team member for CD7, MNGOP Conventions and State
Central Committee meetings.
2. When Lee Byberg twice ran for Congress, Craig Bishop, CD7 Chair, assigned me and
several strong Byberg supporters in OTC to accompany him in his Northern MN parades. During
these two Byberg campaigns we also campaigned for the local candidates.
Wally and Marcy raised five children. They have 14 grandchildren.
Wally has also been active the following organizations:
First Baptist Church, now Crossroads Church of Fergus Falls.
Minnesota Chiropractic Association 1968-Present
President of the Northwest District – Twice
1984-Present – Key Doctor – In that capacity Dr. Cole has had the opportunity to talk
with many Candidates, Representatives and Senators locally in Minnesota, North Dakota and at
the US. Capitol.
2011-Present – Member – Legislative Committee
2011-Present – Co-Chair – Veterans Affairs Committee
2012-Present – Member – Membership Committee,
Military 1957-60 USN, 60-69 Naval Reserve, 85-97 Naval Reserve, 97-99 MN Army National
Guard
Rotary International – Fergus Falls Rotary Club 1972-Present
VOTE WALLY FOR CD7 VICE
CHAIR
Mason Epeneter: Throughout the past month, I
have spoken to many delegates and alternates
since I have announced my candidacy for Vice-
Chairman. I have spoken to many receptive
delegates and to a few who were not. Despite all
of that, I want to work for all of the Republicans
in our district, but how can I ask you to trust me
with your vote if you do not know me?
I am the Junior Class President at Dawson-Boyd
High School. On top of that, I became the
youngest Congressional Campaign Advisor in
American history at the age of 15 for the Jayesun
Sherman for US Congress campaign. Following
our primary defeat and through the November election, I became an intern for the Republican
Party of Minnesota down at our Marshall office. I gained a lot of wisdom and GOTV experience
which I feel is critical to keeping CD7 red in 2022 and to flipping Minnesota red as well.
Following the 2020 election, I was unanimously elected as the Vice-Chairman of the Lac qui
Parle County Republican Party of Minnesota. For those who have received calls from me, they
already know that I am running on two key issues: Youth engagement and party unification. In
2020, we saw what happens when we assume the youth will not vote: We lose. In 2020, the
Democrats capitalized on the youth’s civic engagement and we failed to recognize it. It cost
Jason Lewis his election and we lost our Republican-controlled Senate because of it. We need to
activate conservative youth in the district to our party and have them recruit their friends to
our party. With that being said, I look forward to addressing you at our Convention. I urge you
to vote with your mind, heart, and conscience and I respectfully ask for your vote.Amanda Hughes- I am running for CD7 Vice Chair based on my education, hard work, and experience. My formal education includes degrees in Communication and International Studies from the University of North Dakota. I updated my education with a certification in Online Marketing. I have used this background to create huge grassroots movements in CD7, promote the Republican Platform and Conservative Ideals. I just won my re-election as the Kittson County BPOU Chair, unanimously; after leading Kittson to a 34% increased Republican turnout. I was re-elected the President of the Northwestern Minnesota Republican Women, unanimously. I am on the Minnesota Federation of Republican Women (MNFRW) Board including sitting on the MNFRW Nominating Committee. I wrote the Club’s Constitution and went through the chartering process and the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) - the largest Republican affiliate in the nation. NFRW encourages women to become active participants in politics, run for legislative office and offices within the GOP. With this encouragement and backing from MNFRW’s President Kathy Tingelstad, I am running for Vice Chair. I am also running as a National Delegate to the NFRW convention this fall in which I will gain additional training as well as hearing from our top Republican leadership. I have experience at the top levels of campaign management in 3 Congressional Campaigns. Last fall Kathy Tingelstad awarded me with a certificate recognizing over 80,000 volunteer hours in CD7. As we are preparing to lose a CD in MN, I will be a resource to make transitions easier. Redistricting will most likely happen after Precinct Caucus night, and so we will have to be well prepared to switch gears in the spring of 2022 with laser focus on winning statewide elections and majorities in both State Houses. We have work to do, due to the fraud that CD7 residents have witnessed which has left them feeling disenfranchised. I have a Can-Do attitude, ethics that represent our values, and the experience to get it done. With that, I kindly ask for your vote for Vice Chair on Saturday at the CD7 Convention. Jason Kirchenwitz: I am currently a CD7 vice chair, vice chair of our Grant county BPOU, and delegate to State Central. My goals this term, since we have successfully seated a Republican in our congressional seat, would be to diligently work on our election integrity committee.
Tom Merickel: I am respectfully seeking your vote for the 7th CD Vice-Chair position. I commit to further the principles of the Republican Party; Manage the affairs of the Party; Expand membership and participation within the Party; Secure the election of an endorsed Republican Congressional candidate and other endorsed Republican officials by assisting the BPOU Committees upon request, in conducting effective and coordinated financial and election campaigns. My hands-on work experience within the Party will assist me in carrying out my duties. * Otter Tail County (OTC) GOP Vice-Chair 2021 -2022 * OTC GOP State Central Delegate 2019 - 2022 * OTC GOP Precinct, County, Congressional and State Delegate 2016 - 2021 * Fischbach for Congress Finance Committee 2019 - 21 * Co-Finance Chair MN House Republican Campaign Committee 1995-2021 * Fundraiser and contributor to many MN and National GOP candidates and committees 1980 - 2021 * MN GOP Congressional and State Senate and House appointment to "Integrity Minnesota"- Minnesota Redistricting committee 2021 - raise funds for fair and equitable legal representation * Campaign advisor for Minnesota US Senate, Congressional, Gubernatorial, Minnesota State Senate and House candidates * Volunteer for OTC GOP candidates 2020 - door-knocking, distributing, and putting up signs, phoning, GOTV and fundraising * Board Member 1858 (non-profit GOP organization) to bundle major MN GOP supporting entities' financial resources including Data, Polling and Research for MN GOP candidates 2014- 2021 * Board Member and Finance Chair of Independent Expenditure group supporting MN GOP candidates 2013 - 2021 * Chief of Staff Senator Glen Taylor, MN State Senate Minority Leader GOP 1984 - 1986 * People for Boschwitz - US Senator Boschwitz campaign staff – State Political Organizational Director 1983 - 1984 * US Senate staff US Senator Rudy Boschwitz 1982 - 1983 * MN GOP State Party CD 7 Republican Field Director 1980 - 1982 * Campaign Manager MN State Senator Don Anderson 1978 - 1980 * College Republicans St. John's University 1974-1978 * Teenage Republicans Wadena County 1970 -1974
Tim Nanson was raised in Southern California. His father was a civil engineer and his mother was the family COO. Tim was raised in a fiscally conservative home and those values rubbed off at a young age. Tim spent his summers at his Great Aunt’s lake cabin on Big Cormorant Lake, where his love for Minnesota began. During high school, Tim swam competitively, enjoyed playing basketball as well as water polo. He graduated from Santa Clara High School in 1990 and went on to Loyola Marymount University in Westchester, CA. where he majored in Business Finance. At Loyola, Tim met his future wife, Ursula. They both graduated in 1994, were married in June of 1996, and were living in Plymouth, MN by September of that year. In 2001 Tim and Ursula moved to Battle Lake and took over Elmer’s Texas BBQ. Their daughter, Devin, was born in Fergus Falls in 2004 and their son, Tim, in 2005. In 2007 Tim and his family moved back to California to be close to family and enable the kids to have relationships with their (Great) Grandparents. Tim returned to his financial background resuming work as a Financial Planner. Tim earned his CFP® designation in 2008 and has made a career of providing objective, fee only, holistic financial planning to fiscally conservative families. Tim prides himself on his constant integrity and takes his Fiduciary Responsibility very seriously. Due to the onset of COVID Tim and his family moved back to MN and are proud to call Fergus Falls their home. Tim continues his work as a CFP® and is becoming actively involved with the community. Outside of work Tim has a passion for cooking and entertaining, a nice glass of bourbon, a good rack of ribs, and, most importantly, spending time celebrating his children.
Jeff Niedenthal: Mr. Niedenthal has been involved
with supporting local government since 2003. He has
served on the Chesapeake, VA, storm water control
board, church outreach committee, youth advisor for
local and district area groups. Since moving to
Minnesota in 2010 he has been serving on his local
church council, acting as the area recruiting liaison for
the US Naval Academy, and serving currently as the
local BPOU treasurer for 6 years.
In 2018 he ran for county commissioner. Although
losing the race, he learned a great deal about
campaigning and has since remained engaged with
county government. Since living in Meeker County, he
has supported Minnesota Senate and House
candidates financially, marched in parades and door
knocked. He currently serves as vice-chairman on the CD7 Executive Board.
His political philosophy is centered on a Jeffersonian focus on small government and local
control of decision making. He believes that educational decisions should be made at the
district level vice the Department of Education. Additionally, he believes the party system needs
to be strengthened to avoid decent into the politics of personality. He is a financial conservative
with intense focus on prudent spending, believes in governmental accountability and
supporting local small businesses.
Mr. Niedenthal is a Navy veteran of 26 years, having had the privilege of command at sea. He
holds a master’s degree in public administration.
JOEL NOVAK
BIO SUBMITTED EARLIER IN REPORTAnita Runck: I am running to be a Minnesota CD7 Vice Chair. I am not only a huge supporter of former President Trump but strongly believe that his work is not finished, and we desperately need him to win in 2024 if he chooses to run. I graduated from Mankato West High School and Mankato State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. I am married to Leonard Runck who is the BPOU chairman for Redwood County Republicans. We have four grown children and three grandchildren. I recently retired as the business owner of Anita’s Conservatory of Dance after 40 years in service. I am a friendly, outgoing, cheerful, and a God- loving individual. My hobbies include travel, knitting, gardening, and of course the election of GOP candidates. I am on the board of directors for the Choices Pregnancy Center in Redwood Falls and active in my church. I was elected a 2020 delegate to the Republican National Convention. I made more than 50,000 campaign calls in 2020 for Republican candidates which included Congresswoman Fischbach and was recognized as the top caller in the state. For 30 years I have done door knocking, literature drops and parades for Republican candidates. This past year I helped organize and participated in pop up events in the county. At weekly summer pop up events, we registered new voters, sold shirts and hats, handed out signs, and waved flags. I also organized caucuses in Redwood County. I recruited local people to call for GOP candidates and hosted trainings and watch events for President Trump at my home. I would be humbled and honored to have your vote to be a Vice Chair member of the CD7 executive committee.
Frederick J. Wright Resume
Personal
• Born and raised in Detroit Lakes,
MN., graduating 1960
• Worked in family businesses (hotel,
resort, real estate) in 1950s to mid
1960s
• BS Degree (History) NDSU 1965
• Law School 1966, 1967
• Taught school 1967-1968
• Real Estate since 1968, Broker
since 1972
• Married (Palma) since 1976; three adult children
Political
• First involvement with GOP in Becker County in late 1950s and early 1960s
• Worked at local level in Goldwater campaign
• Sounding-board / Advisor for Becker County Chair (Mother) in the 1980s
• Numerous committees (Nominating, Rules, Constitutional, Resolutions) at BPOU
level in
Clay County
• Deputy Chair Clay County 2004 - 2016
• Chair Clay County 2016 - 2021
• Delegate to District and State Conventions since 2002
• Seventh District Nominating Committee 2019 - 2020
• Delegate to State Central 2005 - 2021Printable Guide: Print this page off to use during the convention. Enter the “Vote Entry” code for each election into the Voting Portal when prompted. Each candidate has a unique number or you can vote No or Abstain by marking X in the Voting Portal when voting begins.
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