DFL contender steps forward in House 28A race

A rural Red Wing machine operator announced Friday he will seek the Democratic endorsement to run against Rep. Tim Kelly for the House District 28A seat.

Jerry Roth, 61, is the first Democratic-Farmer-Laborite to emerge in the race. In a press release, he described himself as "fiscal conservative liberal."

"I've always believed in government by the people, for the people and of the people," he said through a statement. "Now is my time to stand up for that belief. For too long we have seen politicians who are self-serving as they vote party lines."

Roth, whose wife is Goodhue County Democratic Party Chairwoman Arlene Roth, works as a multi-machine operator at Cannon Equipment. According to the release, he is a small business owner of Penury Hill Angus, a custom beef provider.

He and Arlene live just south of Vasa, where they raise beef.

Roth said he'd been toying for about six months with the idea of running for the House, but deferred while others mulled their candidacy. When they passed, Roth said he decided, "I just need to do this."

The second-shift worker admitted that campaigning might be a challenge, but that he would leave most door-knocking to supporters.

"It's going to be tougher for me to get out there and for people to know who I am," Roth said.

Roth said community members should expect to see him out at area fairs and parades.

He said he opted to make his splash in politics at the state level since it "gets me more in the limelight."

The idea to run, he said, was fueled by a desire for new representation. He said Kelly, a Red Wing Republican, has been "kind of a yes man to his party."

"We need some change in the area here," Roth said. "I know how to work with people to get a job done efficiently."

If elected, Roth said he would focus on creating jobs and enhancing the Goodhue County work force.

He said education, transportation and health care would be top priorities in achieving that goal.

Roth brings no previous experience in elected office, but said that doesn't diminish his confidence.

"What has that experience done for them?" he said.

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