A name familiar to local sports fans has entered one of the country's most high-profile political races.
Karin Housley, whose husband Phil is head coach of the Buffalo Sabres, announced Tuesday she is running for Al Franken's Minnesota Senate seat. Franken recently announced he is stepping down following several allegations of sexual misconduct. The seat will be on the ballot next fall.
In a YouTube video, Housley, a Republican, touted some of her accomplishments in her role as a state senator since 2012.
"I've fought hard for our senior citizens, our veterans, our kids' education and for our unborn. As a small business owner myself, I work tirelessly writing, supporting and passing bills to help our small businesses," Housley said.
Housley, 53, was born and raised in South Saint Paul, Minnesota. She has been married to Phil Housley since 1985 and has been splitting her time between Buffalo and her home district in the Twin Cities metropolitan area since her husband was hired as Sabres coach earlier this year.
"You might be asking yourself, 'Why would anyone want to go to Washington, D.C. right now and be part of that dysfunction they call Congress?' Actually, I can't think of any place in this country more in need of someone like me, right now," Housley said, in the video.
The Minnesota native is the first Republican to declare a run for the seat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOzDn02HUAs
