C.

Wednesday, January 17, 2001

C.M. &uot;Tiny&uot; Brandt, a long-time fixture in local politics, will retire from the local Republican Party, turning over his duties to a new generation of leaders.

Brandt said he believes he is leaving the Freeborn County Republicans in good condition.

&uot;The time seems right,&uot; said Brandt. &uot;In the year 2000, our District 27A representative, Dan Dorman, won reelection. Grace Schwab won the election for our District 27 senate seat,&uot; said Brandt. &uot;First District Congressman Gil Gutknect carried Freeborn County and our nation has a Republican president.&uot;

Brandt announced Monday that he will step down as chairman of the Freeborn County Republicans. Brandt has served as chairman since 1992. His last official function will be at the annual Freeborn County Republicans Appreciation Banquet Jan. 22. Chairwoman Annie Schleck will also step down.

&uot;We have two well-qualified, able and willing people to take our places,&uot; said Brandt.

After the annual banquet, which features Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer, Brandt and Schleck will surrender their posts to Matt Benda and Jenn Brist, the new chairman and chairwoman of the party. Benda is a local attorney, and Brist is a kindergarten teacher.

&uot;We need them as young and energetic leaders for our party,&uot; said Brandt.

Brandt said he has been involved with the Republican Party in the county for so long that people assume he has always been the chairman.

&uot;When people ask me how long I have served as chairman of the Freeborn County Republicans, my usual reply is ‘about 100 years,’&uot; Brandt said.

Though no longer chairman, Brandt said he plans to maintain an active role as a supporter of the party, both locally and nationally. He said the people of Freeborn County are the best anywhere, whether they are Republicans or Democrats.

&uot;I’ve enjoyed working with the public,&uot; Brandt said. &uot;This county has a lot going for it.&uot;

Brandt made his announcement at the KATE Radio studios among family, friends and supporters including Dorman and Schwab.

&uot;I know that Tiny is not stopping,&uot; said Dorman. &uot;He will still be there to serve.&uot;

Schwab also thanked Tiny for his support during her campaign and for his vision for the party.

&uot;The Republican Party is a strong one in Freeborn County, and Tiny had an important role in that. He deserves a lot of credit,&uot; Schwab said.