Darlene Miller announces run for Congress in Second District

Darlene Miller, President and CEO of Permac Industries in Burnsville, announced today she will run for Congress in Minnesota's Second Congressional District.

In a press release announcing her campaign, Miller said "ObamaCare, taxes, over-regulation, and deficit spending are crushing our country and killing the jobs that help the middle class."

"Working families and small businesses need Washington to get out of the way and I look forward to fighting for them in Congress," said Miller.

Miller joins a crowded field of other Republican candidates, which includes David Gerson, John Howe, Jason Lewis, Pam Myhra and David Benson-Staebler.

In an interview today, Miller said she would run in the Republican primary and will not abide by the endorsement of the Republican Party for Congress.

Gerson, Lewis and Myhra have all agreed to abide by the endorsement, while Howe previously said he will make a final decision of whether to abide until the field of candidates is set in the race.

Miller has been recognized for her work with Permac Industries, as Permac Industries won the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award in 2008.

In 2011, Miller was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness. Miller has also been involved with the Clinton Global Initiative, founded by former President Bill Clinton.

In her statement, Miller contrasted her work in business with "career politicians," saying "in business I am about finding solutions to problems. The career politicians have no solutions. They are the problem."

Longtime Republican strategist Mark Drake said "Miller has an impressive track record of creating jobs and demonstrated leadership." Drake added, "She's a good fit for the district and as a top-tier candidate gives Republicans an excellent chance to retain the seat."

Angie Craig is now the only Democratic candidate running for Congress as her two opponents, Roger Kittelson and Mary Lawrence, both withdrew from the race this week.

Craig has been endorsed by numerous top Democrats from Minnesota within the last few days, solidifying her position as the presumptive nominee of the DFL Party for Congress in Minnesota's Second Congressional District.

The fight to win the seat currently held by Congressman John Kline, who announced in September that he would not seek re-election to Congress, is considered one the most competitive congressional races this election cycle.

Miller's campaign is being managed by George Damian, who most recently worked for Kline's campaign.

Picture source: Darlene Miller for Congress