Minnesota State Republican Jim Knoblach abruptly ended his re-election
campaign Friday Sep 21,2018 amid allegations of inappropriate touching from his
adult daughter.
Minnesota Public Radio reported the announcement came hours after the St. Cloud Republican's attorney, Susan Gaertner, denied the allegations in an interview with the station. She said the veteran lawmaker "does not want to drag his family through six weeks of hell."
Knoblach's 23-year-old daughter, Laura, told that he inappropriately touched her for most of her life, with her first memories starting when she was 9 years old and continuing until she was 21.
She said the activity included kissing, licking and biting her ears. She said she confided in close friends, family and authority figures at her school and church about his actions for more than a decade
In a written statement, Jim Knoblach called the allegations "indescribably hurtful" and said he felt he had no other choice but to drop out of the race so he could work toward healing his family.
"I love my children more than anything, and would never do anything to hurt them. Her allegations are false," Knoblach wrote. "I and other family members have made repeated attempts to reconcile with her in recent years, but she has refused."
Knoblach, 60, is chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over budget matters. The timing of his exit could make his seat, already a top target for Democrats, difficult for Republicans to hold absent some kind of court intervention or a write-in campaign by a substitute candidate. Dan Wolgamott of St. Cloud is the Democratic candidate.
Minnesota Public Radio reported the announcement came hours after the St. Cloud Republican's attorney, Susan Gaertner, denied the allegations in an interview with the station. She said the veteran lawmaker "does not want to drag his family through six weeks of hell."
Knoblach's 23-year-old daughter, Laura, told that he inappropriately touched her for most of her life, with her first memories starting when she was 9 years old and continuing until she was 21.
She said the activity included kissing, licking and biting her ears. She said she confided in close friends, family and authority figures at her school and church about his actions for more than a decade
In a written statement, Jim Knoblach called the allegations "indescribably hurtful" and said he felt he had no other choice but to drop out of the race so he could work toward healing his family.
"I love my children more than anything, and would never do anything to hurt them. Her allegations are false," Knoblach wrote. "I and other family members have made repeated attempts to reconcile with her in recent years, but she has refused."
Knoblach, 60, is chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over budget matters. The timing of his exit could make his seat, already a top target for Democrats, difficult for Republicans to hold absent some kind of court intervention or a write-in campaign by a substitute candidate. Dan Wolgamott of St. Cloud is the Democratic candidate.
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