Rep. Kriesel, a cut above the rest.

In this era of hyper partisanship (I'm guilty of it myself), I'd like to take a moment to recognize a Minnesota state representative who seems to have risen above the political fray, and blazed his own legislative trail.

I will never agree with Representative, John Kriesel's stance on the current budget impasse, but somehow, I just can't make myself bunch him with the rest of his GOP colleges. Kriesel, who lost his legs while serving with the Minnesota National Guard, in Iraq, has quickly proven that he votes from his heart, not some pre-described party line.

Kriesel was one of a couple state reps that voted against the infamous marriage amendment, that will put the question of defining marriage to the voters in 2012. In the process, he made a heart felt speech against the measure. (Watch the full speech here) His position on this issue has drawn the ire of right wing minions, who would otherwise support his conservative views on the budget.

Representative Kriesel has drawn a pass from me on his stance on the budget. His courage on the battlefield, and in the House chamber has set him apart from others that hold this position. Keep up the good work, sir.

I would like to sit down with him over a cold one, to discuss what the GOP budget stance would do to our state's less fortunate.