Minnesota legislator enlists in National Guard

SOURCE: WINONA DAILY

ST. PAUL - Minnesota state Rep. John Lesch has signed up with the Minnesota National Guard to be an infantryman.

The St. Paul Democrat leaves Monday for Georgia's Fort Benning to begin his training, which will run for a few months. The fourth-term lawmaker isn't commenting on the move.

In 2006, Lesch gained attention for taking an unauthorized trip to Iraq.

Maj. Patricia Baker, a Guard spokeswoman, said Lesch will finish his training and return to Minnesota in time for the 2010 legislative session, which begins in February. She said the terms duration and other terms of Lesch's enlistment aren't public.

Baker said she's not aware of any other sitting legislators in Minnesota who are active Guard members.

Lesch went AWOL during Saturday's session

Four term popular DFL State Representative John Lesch was absent from House session. I was at the Capitol during part of saturday so not only everyone noticed so I did too. Everyone was wondering where Lesch was. Only 133 House members was present but where was Lesch? Politics of Minnesota has answer.

Lesch in DFL doghouse after missing Saturday tax omnibus vote

Week Two at the Capitol

We are in second week of session at the Capitol. Only major event this week would be State of the State Address. Both House and Senate will meet on floor tomorrow to take up regular business and start working. Heard that Rep. John Lesch may introduce a bill but not sure what it is so we will have to find out.

Senate will meet at 11:00 AM and House will meet at 1:00 PM. Since I don't have TV at my new house yet (Now I know how loyal sport fans feel when the game is being blackout on TV) so if you you know what is going on, please send an email to me at senatoreggert@yahoo.com and I will be more than happy to post recap of tomorrow's floor sessions.