GOP Puts Up Four Challengers to Unseat District 46 Legislators

All Senate District 46 seats will be contested this year, according to filings with the Secretary of State’s Office.

The district’s senate seat is the most contested race, with two Republicans vying to unseat four-term DFL legislator Sen. Ron Latz.

Golden Valley resident Paul Scofield, who ran against Latz in 2010, is once again seeking the position. Roger Champagne, of St. Louis Park, has put his name in the hat, as well.

Both District 46 House races are two-man contests. In 46A, which includes Golden Valley and St. Louis Park, Plymouth Republican John Swanson challenged DFL Rep. Ryan Winkler.

Swanson is an information technology director who has a master’s degree in economics. His website encourages people to support voter ID and the proposed amendment that would define marriage as between a man and a woman. Winkler is a Golden Valley attorney who opposes voter ID and the marriage amendment.

In 46B, which includes Hopkins and St. Louis Park, Hopkins Republican David Arvidson will try to defeat DFL Rep. Steve Simon, a St. Louis Park lawyer who’s served in the House since 2004.

Arvidson, 53, is self-employed and works in e-commerce. It will be his first time running for office, though he has worked on campaigns before. He is currently helping Chris Fields, who is challenging incumbent Keith Ellison in Minnesota's Fifth Congressional District.

"I haven't ran for office since student council," Arvidson said jokingly.

The father of three said he aligns with Ron Paul and the libertarian political philosophy.

"If you want to take anything from me—including my money—I'm opposed to it," he said.

Arvidson said he applies this thinking to the gay marriage question, noting he is against the proposed constitutional amendment.

"What do I care (if gay people get married)?" he said.

Arvidson also said he would have voted against the Vikings stadium bill, and called the deal "incredibly awful."

Patch will have more information on the candidates when we are able to reach them.