Pam Myhra announces campaign for Congress

Former legislator Pam Myhra, who described herself as "a conservative Republican," announced her candidacy for Congress in Minnesota's Second Congressional District this morning in Savage.

Myhra became the third Republican candidate in the race to replace Congressman John Kline, who announced last month he would not seek re-election to Congress in 2016.

In her speech announcing her candidacy, Myhra focused on economic issues and mentioned "out of control federal government spending" and the need for "a healthy economy to make a living and support our families."

Myhra, who is a Certified Public Accountant, was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representative in 2010 and was re-elected in 2012.

In 2014, Myhra was selected by Republican candidate for governor Marty Seifert to be his candidate for lieutenant governor. Seifert and Myhra did not win the Republican Party of Minnesota's endorsement for governor and were later defeated in the Republican primary election last August.

Myhra said she would abide by the endorsement of the Republican Party of Minnesota in the Second Congressional District.

In response to a question, Myhra contrasted herself with the other Republican candidates in the race and those who may run by highlighting that she won her re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2012.

Republican David Gerson, who challenged Kline in 2012 and 2014, announced in January he was running for Congress again in 2016. Former State Senator John Howe, R-Red Wing, announced his candidacy two weeks ago.

Howe welcomed Myhra into the race for Congress, saying he looked forward "to a vigirous debate on the issues."

Former radio show host Jason Lewis told me yesterday that he will have an announcement "next week" about a possible run for Congress.

Rep. Tony Albright, R-Prior Lake, former Sen. Ted Daley, R-Eagan, and Chris Andryski, a CPA from Savage, are also considered possible Republican congressional candidates in the district.

Angie Craig and Mary Lawrence are the only two announced Democratic candidates for Congress. Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights, announced last week he would not run for Congress.

UPDATE 3:19 p.m.: David Gerson's campaign released the following statement about Pam Myhra's candidacy:

"David Gerson welcomes Pam Myhra to the race, and looks forward to discussing the problems in Washington with her, and to hearing her thoughts on how they can be solved."