The 4th Congressional District committee of the Minnesota Republican Party elected James Carson as its new chair at its weekend convention in Vadnais Heights.
The group also presented a new award, the "Candidates' Award," to recognize that "the countless hours of devotion, hard work and sacrifice by activists and volunteers goes largely unnoticed," said Tony Hernandez, who lost in his bid to defeat Congresswoman Betty McCollum in November.
Michelle Manke, who provided photography and graphic design work for Republican campaigns, was the first recipient of the award.
Said Hernandez:
"In the wake of a very disappointing election year for Republicans, Michelle did not quit. She picked up the ball immediately and began working and planning to find ways to win more elections for Republicans in 2014 and beyond."
In addition to Carson, the group's newly elected 2013 Executive Committee members are:
Deputy Chair — Amy Williams
State Executive — Pat Anderson
Secretary — Torleif Sorenson
Vice Chair — Mitch Berg
Vice Chair — Michelle Manke
Vice Chair — Elizabeth Roff
Vice Chair — Dallas Pierson
Vice Chair — John Krenik
Vice Chair — Arielle Taylor.