By Adam Hammer, staff writer

George Marin is looking to make the move from politics at the local level to politics at the state level.

Marin, 38, is in his second term as Ward 3 councilor for the city of Albert Lea and is the Republican candidate for District 27 state senator.

He is a pastor at Grace Christian Church and is married to Jill Marin. They have two children. Marin moved to Albert Lea 14 years ago from California.

Marin is not a one-issue candidate, he said. There recently has been much attention put on Marin&8217;s stance supporting a gay-marriage amendment. Although that may be one reason he decided to run for Senate, there are more issues that he is concerned about, he said.

In order of importance, Marin said the main issues he has encountered during his door-knocking campaign are high taxes and government spending, illegal immigration, long-term care for seniors and education.

&8220;People are feeling the crunch of high taxes,&8221; he said.

Marin said there is no reason for new taxes, since the state has a surplus. Noting his opponent&8217;s voting record and the institution of the tobacco tax, Marin said smokers are an example of the people who are feeling the crunch from this sort of legislation.

&8220;We need to look at how we&8217;re going to save money,&8221; he said.

In regards to immigration, Marin said he opposes the Dream Act, which would allow undocumented students from Minnesota high schools who have lived in the state for at least three years to pay in-state tuition at Minnesota colleges and universities.

&8220;Our focus must be on our American citizens,&8221; Marin said.

He said this type of legislation encourages people to break the law and immigrate illegally.

Marin said he believes the government should not be a one-stop shop and that through welfare

reform, the state can help pay for long-term care for seniors.

&8220;They&8217;ve paid their dues, now this generation is going to be faced with how we are going to take care of these people,&8221; he said.

He also plans to help fund long-term care through ending taxpayer paid abortions, he said.

Minnesota, through medical assistance, is one of 17 states that funds abortions for low-income women on the same or similar terms as other pregnancy-related and general health services.

Thirty-two states pay for abortions for low-income women in cases of life-endangering circumstances, rape, or incest, as mandated by federal Medicaid law.

On education, Marin said the state needs to come up with a better, more equitable formula for

distributing funding for schools.

&8220;I believe a school board should never be faced with needing referendums for operations,&8221; he said.

Marin said he is never afraid to stand on principles and is always true to his conscience. As a City Council member, he said has remained connected to his constituents unless it has violated his conscience.

&8220;I feel that I represent the values, morals and principles of this district,&8221; he said.