Browning Jumps In To Biereland Senate Race

Timber executive to make senate bid

BROOKINGS, BIE--Biereland Conservatives now have their first official candidate for the 2010 senate race.

Robert Browning, a timber executive and businessman from Brookings, announced he will run for the seat currently held by Nationalist Michael Kreighorn. Browning's announcement comes as a relief to state CNS leaders, who struggled for months to find a viable candidate to take on the vulnerable Kreighorn, who is already facing primary competition from fellow Nationalist and former Brookings mayor Steve Pottomeaux. While the 2010 election is expected to be a bad year for the Conservative Party, which has controlled both bodies since 2000, Kreighorn's seat appears to be a possible bright spot for the CNS, who may have a shot at winning.

Browning made his candidacy announcement at the Grand Sky Regency hotel in downtown Brookings Thursday morning. Speaking to a crowd of 400 people, he criticized Congress for a "deluge of partisanship" and an excess of bureacracy and gridlock.

"Nothing's getting done in Mavocke, and the people of Biereland know it," Browning told his supporters. "It's time to put politics and partisanship aside and start working together for the people. I've done that my whole life in the timber industry, and I'll continue to do it in Mavocke."

Though he did not mention Kreighorn by name, Browning also took a swipe at "politicians who lack conviction" and "go back and forth, constantly changing their minds and their positions to appease special interests and secure their political future." Kreighorn has been criticized by many, including some in his own party, for changing his mind on key issues, including health care, economic reform, and environmental legislation.

Browning trails Kreighorn in fundraising. However, the timber tycoon has a large personal net worth, and a divisive primary election between Kreighorn and Pottomeaux will likely benefit Browning's campaign.