Sarvi announces bid for Congress

At a news conference in St.Paul Thursday, former Watertown mayor Steve Sarvi officially announced his bid for Congress.

Sarvi, who left his mayoral post to serve in Iraq, will run as a DFL candidate in Minnesota's 2nd District. Rep. John Kline's seat is up for re-election in 2008.

"I learned in the Army that when you think you're off course, you should stop, check your compass, and change direction as needed," Sarvi told Capitol reporters.

"After five years without the kind of service and representation that 2nd District voters deserve, it's time to change course, not only in the White House, but in the people's House."

Sarvi, a graduate of Mound-Westonka High School and the University of Minnesota, spent ten years in the US Army rising to the rank of Captain. He joined the Minnesota National Guard in 1999, and served in Kosovo and Iraq. He returned in August after a 22-month deployment with Minnesota's 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division.

Sarvi and wife, Barb, have three children. He was elected mayor three times in Watertown.

"My fellow veterans answered their country's call to put themselves in harm's way," Sarvi said, "They represent the best tradition of America's greatness, of putting country above self. We must keep our promise to them to always honor their service and sacrifice."

Sarvi seeks to unseat Congressman John Kline, a Republican who has held the 2nd district seat since 2003. He's successfully defended the seat in 2004 and 2006, when former FBI agent and 9-11 whistleblower Colleen Rowley challenged him.

A close ally of President George W. Bush, Representative Kline has often cited his 25-year career in the Marines on the campaign trail and in political ads. That included stints flying helicopters in Vietnam, as well as President's chopper, Marine One.

He's often pointed out that he was responsible for carrying the "football" for Presidents Carter and Reagan, which was the briefcase that contained the nuclear war plans and optins for targets.

Kline won re-election despite the so-called "Democratic Tsunami" in November of 2006 when the Republicans lost control of Congress. Kline has maintained his values and stands are more consistent with the southern suburbs of the Twin Cities that largely comprise the district.

But Steve Sarvi today argued that Minnesota's 2nd District can't be written off as a "Republican District" based on Amy Klobuchar's strong showing there in her Senate victory in 2006. And he said DFL caucus turnout Tuesday night was also strong in the 2nd.

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