WASHINGTON – Like many elected officials, Rep. Rick Nolan planned to split his holiday weekend between public events celebrating Independence Day and time spent with his family.
Nolan, D-Minn., has been especially focused on the balance of business and pleasure ever since his youngest daughter, Katherine, was diagnosed with stage four cancer earlier this year, and he said he will continue to make it a priority as he hits the campaign trail.
For those who thought the 71-year-old representative might walk away from trying for a third term, Nolan has an answer: Not a chance.
"I made that decision the day after the last election," Nolan said.
Disproving speculation that his daughter's health might lead to his name not being on the ticket, Nolan said he just takes time to see her whenever possible.
"I'm spending more time with her and the family," Nolan said. "I'm not as hard at it on the campaign trail as I probably would be if it weren't for that, but we're getting a lot of special time together."
Campaign efforts are well underway and Nolan's team pulled in more than $270,000 in the first quarter, he said.
Of the five people who have been hired in Minnesota for the re-election efforts, all but one also worked for Nolan in November when he defeated Mills Fleet Farm heir Stewart Mills, he said. Nolan said he's unsure if Mills will run again in 2016, but said it wouldn't surprise him either way.
